Leviticus 5:15
“If anyone commits a breach of faith and sins unintentionally in any of the holy things of the Lord, he shall bring to the Lord as his compensation, a ram without blemish out of the flock, valued in silver shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, for a guilt offering."
Leviticus 16:30
"For on this day shall atonement be made for you to cleanse you. You shall be clean before the Lord from all your sins."
1 John 1:9
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
When reading Old Testament law, it is easy to get caught up in all the specifics of it and wonder why it matters to us, today. Most know that Old Testament law can be broken down into three categories, that can be very helpful in our reading of it. The first category is Civil. These laws governed how the Israelite people were meant to deal with each other day to day, and also how to handle various disputes such as if a cow is stolen. The second category is Ceremonial. These laws governed how the Israelite people were to conduct their temple worship. In some ways, Civil and Ceremonial laws overlapped, such as after the restitution of the cow, there needed to be an atoning sacrifice for the sin. The last category is Moral. The Moral laws are the ones that Jesus and New Testament writers re-established and even re-emphasized in the New Testament. For instance, Jesus took the law "do not murder" and explained that it was more about hatred in the heart and less about the action. These categories are very helpful, mostly because scoffers would argue that we are not bound by the moral laws of God by stating that we as Christians do not abide by the Civil or Ceremonial laws--as if we were meant to continue in all the Old Testament laws altogether. We are by no means meant to carry out the Civil laws given to Israel. We can use them as an example (and we do) when creating our own laws, but we are not bound by them. Nor are we meant to continue in Ceremonial laws of sacrifice. Christ is the fulfillment of all the sacrificial laws. In the above verses we find this connection very clearly shown. In Leviticus we find that if someone sinned unintentionally and then it was made known to them, they would bring, "a ram without blemish out of the flock." In another case, each year the high priest would bring the atoning sacrifice for all the peoples' sin. In both cases, this was a physical sacrifice of an animal to make the Israelites clean in the eyes of God, so that they could continue to have relationship with Him. We know that Christ's crucifixion was in such a way that He fulfilled all the Old Testament conditions for an atoning sacrifice--which is the significance that His legs were not broken. We by faith lay our hand on Him, and He takes our sin upon Himself and dies for it. In 1 John 1:9 we find that when we confess our sin, we are not only forgiven for the sin that we have committed and confessed but also of all the things that we have not even remembered (all unrighteousness). In this way, we see that Jesus is both the atoning sacrifice and also the unintentional sin offering. We cling to Him as the fulfillment of all Levitical Law.
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
What Is My Calling?
Matthew 28:19-20
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Colossians 3:23-24
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Many Christians struggle with what God is calling them to do. They pray earnestly that God would reveal a great plan to them, with details, involving His idea for their life. This is not wrong, because God tells us in His word that He has a purpose for our lives. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesian 2:10 God does have a plan for our lives, and it is not wrong to think about and pray for direction as to what it is; however, what if part of that plan has already been revealed? In these two scriptures we find that God has given each follower a general calling. We are to do everything for His glory, and we are to make disciples. We are told in 1 Peter 3:15 that we should "always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you." This suggests that we are living a life that begs people to ask about why we have hope? In our work, we are committed and do everything without complaining. In our studies, we are diligent. With our words and actions, we are kind. We do not get involved in gossip or backbiting. All of these things make us stand out as believers and followers of Christ, and will eventually lead others to take notice. When they ask us why we are the way we are, we introduce them to our Savior and Lord who leads us day by day through His word. As far as making disciples, some would suggest that there are only a few who are called to make disciples, that this commandment was only for the Apostles, or for modern day Elders and Teachers of the Bible--of which we are told not to strive to become, because those that teach the Bible are held accountable for what they have taught on the final day of Judgement. We think this, because we are afraid of what it means in our personal walk with God. We are too timid to teach others about the Bible. We are not well versed enough in the Scripture, or we simply are not good at speaking or teaching, but making disciples is a call to everyone. We are called to help others grow closer to God. Even if we know very little about the Word of God, we still know more than the person we are teaching, even if it is simply the basics of salvation and sanctification. The truth is, not knowing the Bible well should spur us on to a deeper understanding of God's word, not lead us to apathetically disregarding our role in discipleship. If we do not know the answer to a question or have a lack of understanding about something related to eternity, should not we be seeking the answer? And when we have found it, and it is exciting, should not we share it with others? In conclusion, if we ever wonder what our calling from God is, let us recall that God has already made the call: "Make disciples and do everything you do for My glory!" Amen.
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Colossians 3:23-24
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Many Christians struggle with what God is calling them to do. They pray earnestly that God would reveal a great plan to them, with details, involving His idea for their life. This is not wrong, because God tells us in His word that He has a purpose for our lives. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesian 2:10 God does have a plan for our lives, and it is not wrong to think about and pray for direction as to what it is; however, what if part of that plan has already been revealed? In these two scriptures we find that God has given each follower a general calling. We are to do everything for His glory, and we are to make disciples. We are told in 1 Peter 3:15 that we should "always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you." This suggests that we are living a life that begs people to ask about why we have hope? In our work, we are committed and do everything without complaining. In our studies, we are diligent. With our words and actions, we are kind. We do not get involved in gossip or backbiting. All of these things make us stand out as believers and followers of Christ, and will eventually lead others to take notice. When they ask us why we are the way we are, we introduce them to our Savior and Lord who leads us day by day through His word. As far as making disciples, some would suggest that there are only a few who are called to make disciples, that this commandment was only for the Apostles, or for modern day Elders and Teachers of the Bible--of which we are told not to strive to become, because those that teach the Bible are held accountable for what they have taught on the final day of Judgement. We think this, because we are afraid of what it means in our personal walk with God. We are too timid to teach others about the Bible. We are not well versed enough in the Scripture, or we simply are not good at speaking or teaching, but making disciples is a call to everyone. We are called to help others grow closer to God. Even if we know very little about the Word of God, we still know more than the person we are teaching, even if it is simply the basics of salvation and sanctification. The truth is, not knowing the Bible well should spur us on to a deeper understanding of God's word, not lead us to apathetically disregarding our role in discipleship. If we do not know the answer to a question or have a lack of understanding about something related to eternity, should not we be seeking the answer? And when we have found it, and it is exciting, should not we share it with others? In conclusion, if we ever wonder what our calling from God is, let us recall that God has already made the call: "Make disciples and do everything you do for My glory!" Amen.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Soldiers, Athletes, and Farmers
2 Timothy 2:4-7
"No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything."
When we think of following Christ as a disciple, these three pictures may guide us on what that entails. A soldier does not get distracted with anything that is not his mission. What is our mission on earth? We are called to make disciples and claim victory over death and the enemy. We so easily are taken off of this objective, mostly because we do not see our enemy, but his tricks and schemes are vicious and subtle. We must be ever on our gaurd to combat him and his sinful forces. We can not become entangled with earthly things, but must keep our eyes heaven focused. Not that we are escapist, but rather that we are careful to remember that eternity is what matters most. In another way, following Jesus is like being an athlete. We can not jump into the field or court and do whatever we want. Following Jesus is not determined by our guidelines or emotions. We do not dictate what things we are willing to do and what things we are unwilling to do. Those that practice this, will not and cannot obtain the prize set before us (eternal life). No, Jesus said to follow Him, and He gave us a guide to lead us in His ways. Only the righteous may enter the Kingdom, and those who are righteous practice righteousness. We are saved by grace, of course, but the proof of the genuineness of that grace comes through our earnest pursuit of obedience to Christ. We can not say that we love Him and then ignore what He has said. Those who hear His words and do not do them are like fools building their houses on sand. Finally, the farmer who tends to the crops should be the first to taste of their fruit. The reward will come. Those that do not tend to the field given to them, will not reap the reward. God has given us each talents and gifts. He has given us work to accomplish. We are saved by grace, but for good works. We are promised eternal rest, but only after the work is finished. Stay true and steadfast in the work that the Master has placed you, and you will reap, if you do not lose heart. So three admonishing pictures: Keep focused, Obey God's calling, Remain steadfast. I encourage you, dear Christian to do the same.
Saturday, May 24, 2014
A Picture of Salvation in Sodom
In Genesis chapter nineteen, we find the story of Sodom. Most when teaching on this story use it to describe God's merciful destruction of this city overcome by sin. However, let us look at this story under a new light. Jesus spoke of Sodom on multiple occassion in the Gospels, and I think that His style of teaching may be of benefit to us with this story: or parable. In a parable, we see that the characters and objects in the story have a deeper meaning. In the story of Sodom, I believe there are many similarities to the way in which we are saved (and not saved) from destruction. In this parable, all those who live within the city are to be destroyed. Much in the same way, all of us have sinned and are under the consequence of sin: destruction and separation from God. If we remain in this sin, we will ultimately be destroyed both by our sin and the judgement of God.
Genesis 19:4-11 "struck with blindness"
The first of the characters that we find in this parable are the men of the city (young and old, great and small) all of which are so overcome with sin that they can not even sleep before they have done it. They seek sin and pursue it like an unquenchable thirst. Those who pursue sin with such lust will innevitably be blinded from ever seeing the light. They can not come to a knowledge of the truth of salvation from sin, because they are too occupied with the sin. They have become blinded, and therefore can not escape from destruction. This blindness is self inflicted, due to their hardness of heart and rebelion against God.
The first of the characters that we find in this parable are the men of the city (young and old, great and small) all of which are so overcome with sin that they can not even sleep before they have done it. They seek sin and pursue it like an unquenchable thirst. Those who pursue sin with such lust will innevitably be blinded from ever seeing the light. They can not come to a knowledge of the truth of salvation from sin, because they are too occupied with the sin. They have become blinded, and therefore can not escape from destruction. This blindness is self inflicted, due to their hardness of heart and rebelion against God.
Genesis 19:12-14 "but he seemed . . . to be jesting"
Next we find those who upon hearing of God's wrath and destruction scoff at it. They think that God is not serious with His commandments and flipently disregard them. This is the deception that was from the beginning when the serpent told Eve that she would not really die: God will not really do what He said He would do. These are carried away with destruction, merely because they do not listen to the warnings. Many today are in this category. They have heard of the consequences of sin, but do not care. They have been told that being a true disciple means persevearing sanctification, and they chose instead a cheap grace that can not save them. They disregard God's command to be holy as He is holy, or they simply do not really believe that He will punish those who disobey.
Next we find those who upon hearing of God's wrath and destruction scoff at it. They think that God is not serious with His commandments and flipently disregard them. This is the deception that was from the beginning when the serpent told Eve that she would not really die: God will not really do what He said He would do. These are carried away with destruction, merely because they do not listen to the warnings. Many today are in this category. They have heard of the consequences of sin, but do not care. They have been told that being a true disciple means persevearing sanctification, and they chose instead a cheap grace that can not save them. They disregard God's command to be holy as He is holy, or they simply do not really believe that He will punish those who disobey.
Genesis 19:15-22 "he lingered... the Lord being merciful to him... brought him out."
With all believers, we linger in our sin. It is only because of the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and His enabling of our ears and eyes, that we obtain salvation. It is not of our own accord that we are saved. God reaches out in His mercy and pulls us out. Once we are saved from the imminent destruction, we must journey on toward the city of refuge. God pulls us out, but then we must make the journey onward. Our savlation is not initiated or sustained through us, but we must walk in accordance to the command of God to obtain it. The city of Sodom was not destroyed until Lot reached the city of refuge. God preserved him and saved Him from the destruction, much in the same way that He saves us from our sin. We are pulled out and told, "walk in this way to the end" and when we continue on that narrow path to the finish line, then we are rewarded with eternal life and escape from destruction.
With all believers, we linger in our sin. It is only because of the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and His enabling of our ears and eyes, that we obtain salvation. It is not of our own accord that we are saved. God reaches out in His mercy and pulls us out. Once we are saved from the imminent destruction, we must journey on toward the city of refuge. God pulls us out, but then we must make the journey onward. Our savlation is not initiated or sustained through us, but we must walk in accordance to the command of God to obtain it. The city of Sodom was not destroyed until Lot reached the city of refuge. God preserved him and saved Him from the destruction, much in the same way that He saves us from our sin. We are pulled out and told, "walk in this way to the end" and when we continue on that narrow path to the finish line, then we are rewarded with eternal life and escape from destruction.
Genesis 19:23-26 "looked back"
There are some who having been pulled out of the destruction, before reaching the city of refuge, look back upon their sin and longingly seek to go back to it. Those who are to be saved can not turn back to sin and long for it. It must be turned from and never returned to. This is not a stumbling or a slip, but rather a longing for: that is why Lot's wife was destroyed. We too will be consumed by our sin, if after leaving it behind, we turn again to it. We must not look back and allow ourselves to be overcome by the destruction as if we had never left the city.
There are some who having been pulled out of the destruction, before reaching the city of refuge, look back upon their sin and longingly seek to go back to it. Those who are to be saved can not turn back to sin and long for it. It must be turned from and never returned to. This is not a stumbling or a slip, but rather a longing for: that is why Lot's wife was destroyed. We too will be consumed by our sin, if after leaving it behind, we turn again to it. We must not look back and allow ourselves to be overcome by the destruction as if we had never left the city.
Thursday, May 8, 2014
A Double Standard
2 Thessalonians 3:6-12
"Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living."
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
"and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one."
Matthew 5:42
"Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you."
In our society today, we have an epidemic. Ours is the Entitlement generation. We believe that we should get whatever our heart's desire is, and we should get it now, and we should get it for free. It is a plague that has even found it's way into our churches. It is always interesting to me how the Bible has two sides of the coin, and we always find ourselves on the side that loses our "rights." The Bible says that if someone wants to take us to court and take our shirt, that we should give them our coat also (Matthew 5:40), but also says that we should not take others to court, as we know that God is the ultimate Judge (1 Corinthians 6:1-8). It tells us that we should forgive those who speak ill of us behind our backs, but also that we are not to be those who gossip (Ecclesiastes 10:20, Ephesians 4:29). Finally, the Bible says, give to anyone who asks of you freely, but also tells us to work hard, as to not find ourselves in need. We know that all things are from God, and that He uses everything in our lives to transform us into His son's image, if we trust in Him. This means that in times of poverty, we are not to be ashamed, for God has placed us in need, maybe to humble us, or maybe to bring us to a dependency on Him. However, this situation could also be self-inflicted. God does not shield us from the consequences of our choices, so if I handle my money poorly (buying things that I do not need), and do not work, I will find myself in a desperate situation. We must work hard, and be frugal with our spending, and in doing so honor God and obey this commandment. When we find that we have an abundance, we know exactly what it is for: to give to those in need. It is not a blessing to be wealthy nor a sign of God's favor, but rather a grave responsibility to bear the load of wealth. Those that have much are in a difficult place of seeking Kingdom matters, because as Jesus said, it is impossible to serve two masters. Those that have wealth, tend to make the business of making money their master, which is why Jesus said it was easier for a camel to fit through the eye of a needle than for a wealthy person to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. So the double standard, not in the traditional sense of the analogy, but rather in the sense that we have two standards for both situations, and in both, we are the ones responsible: give to any who asks of you, but work hard with your hands, so that you are not dependent on anyone--except God, of course. For when I am wealthy, it is because God has made it so, and when I am in poverty, it is because God has made it so. In both cases, he supplies all that we need, if we trust in Him and seek after His Kingdom first. Dear brothers and sister, do not make your life about the accumulation of earthly pleasures that will one day decay and that you are unable to bring with you to eternity. However, let us work hard, as if we are working for the Lord, and always be ready to open our hands to those in need.
"Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living."
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
"and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one."
Matthew 5:42
"Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you."
In our society today, we have an epidemic. Ours is the Entitlement generation. We believe that we should get whatever our heart's desire is, and we should get it now, and we should get it for free. It is a plague that has even found it's way into our churches. It is always interesting to me how the Bible has two sides of the coin, and we always find ourselves on the side that loses our "rights." The Bible says that if someone wants to take us to court and take our shirt, that we should give them our coat also (Matthew 5:40), but also says that we should not take others to court, as we know that God is the ultimate Judge (1 Corinthians 6:1-8). It tells us that we should forgive those who speak ill of us behind our backs, but also that we are not to be those who gossip (Ecclesiastes 10:20, Ephesians 4:29). Finally, the Bible says, give to anyone who asks of you freely, but also tells us to work hard, as to not find ourselves in need. We know that all things are from God, and that He uses everything in our lives to transform us into His son's image, if we trust in Him. This means that in times of poverty, we are not to be ashamed, for God has placed us in need, maybe to humble us, or maybe to bring us to a dependency on Him. However, this situation could also be self-inflicted. God does not shield us from the consequences of our choices, so if I handle my money poorly (buying things that I do not need), and do not work, I will find myself in a desperate situation. We must work hard, and be frugal with our spending, and in doing so honor God and obey this commandment. When we find that we have an abundance, we know exactly what it is for: to give to those in need. It is not a blessing to be wealthy nor a sign of God's favor, but rather a grave responsibility to bear the load of wealth. Those that have much are in a difficult place of seeking Kingdom matters, because as Jesus said, it is impossible to serve two masters. Those that have wealth, tend to make the business of making money their master, which is why Jesus said it was easier for a camel to fit through the eye of a needle than for a wealthy person to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. So the double standard, not in the traditional sense of the analogy, but rather in the sense that we have two standards for both situations, and in both, we are the ones responsible: give to any who asks of you, but work hard with your hands, so that you are not dependent on anyone--except God, of course. For when I am wealthy, it is because God has made it so, and when I am in poverty, it is because God has made it so. In both cases, he supplies all that we need, if we trust in Him and seek after His Kingdom first. Dear brothers and sister, do not make your life about the accumulation of earthly pleasures that will one day decay and that you are unable to bring with you to eternity. However, let us work hard, as if we are working for the Lord, and always be ready to open our hands to those in need.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Making a Name for Ourselves: Babel
Genesis 11:4
"Then they said, 'Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.'"
Genesis 1:28
"And God blessed them (Adam and Eve). And God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it..."
The people in Babel were much like us today. If you are much like me, you might read the story of the Tower of Babel, and wonder why God is against the people making this tower. It says in the following verse that God said, "And nothing they do will be impossible for them." Why is this such a bad thing? When we were in Sunday School as children, this story was told as if the tower itself was the people's way of trying to reach God, and so that is why God was against it. As adults, a quick survey of the text does not show this as the moral of the story at all. No, the people of Babel fell into the same trap that we do: making a name for themselves instead of God. Their purpose in building the tower was not to reach Heaven, but rather so that people would look on and ask, "Wow! Who built that!?" As the people of Babel would proudly say, "That was us!" The motive in their heart was to bring glory to themselves. We find in Jesus' teaching that all things that we do should bring glory to God. The people of Babel were not interested in bring glory to their Creator; they were too preoccupied with making a name for themselves. I wonder, dear Christian, if we spend our time making God's name great, or if we are simply going about making sure people know us. Are we always pointing to God for the good things in our lives, or are we quick to point out that we were the ones who did it? Back to Babel, on top of these selfish motives, the people of Babel were in direct disobedience to God's purpose for them: to disperse and fill the earth. Those that have read Job know well that God's purposes will be brought to pass. We may spend years building/wasting our lives the way we want them, but in the end, God will confuse our plans and we will be left only to follow after His purposes. My prayer is that this happens quickly; although, we know that all the years that are wasted, God is able to make up, if only we turn back to Him and quit pursuing our own desires and fixating on making ourselves a great name.
Monday, May 5, 2014
What Is Hell?
2 Thessalonians 1:9
"They [those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus] will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might..."
In today's culture, there are many who do not believe in a physical hell. Some say that we have hell on earth, when we have difficult times, and others say that there is no such place, because God is too loving to have created it. In these two statements, we find a fundamental misunderstanding of hell. The first is based on a wrong definition of hell. Those that say we have hell on earth are defining hell as a place of tormenting and punishment. They see hell as only God's punishment on those that disobey Him. However, this is not the sole purpose of hell. The others have the complete wrong view of what loving means. Their view of love is warped and twisted. We find the other purpose of hell, by having a true definition of love. Although hell is a place of punishment for the wicked (which we cry out for, when we see injustice and evil), it is also a place of choice. See, dear brothers and sisters, without choice, there can be no love. This is why, in the garden of Eden, there had to be the tree of knowledge of good and evil, and the commandment to not eat of it. Adam and Eve were given the choice to either love God and stay in His presence, or disobey God (which is to not love Him) and not be in His presence, and we have the same choice. Forced love is rape. God will not force anyone to spend eternity with Him, and since we are created as eternal beings (Genesis 2:7), we must have eternal dwelling. The fundamental misunderstanding of hell is the answer to this question: why is hell so terrible? It is not the worms or the gnashing of teeth, or the fire. It is being away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His might. This is why it is folly to claim that hell could be on earth, because as dark and terrible as the earth is, the presence of God is here: within those in the body of Christ dwells the Spirit of God. Because of this presence, earth could never be hell. The thought then is in my mind, if earth is this bad, with the presence of God (even on a minuet scale), how terrible would a place devoid of His working presence be? How wonderful would a place completely filled with His presence be? Those that spend eternity separated from God, do so after coming face to face with Him in judgement. They face Him and see that everything about Him is true: His beauty and majesty, His love and power, and all that is our Lord, and they are faced with the fact that they chose to be separated from Him. This is why hell is so terrible. Some may say that God is unfair to force us to make a decision of eternal consequence this side of eternity with no proof, but if it were not by faith, then the blessing would be lessened. When Jesus appears, every knee will bow, but not out of love. We were created for relationship, not for mindless praise. This is why it must be now. It can not wait. Do not put off any longer, because the reality is this: the choice is to spend eternity with God or without God, and it must be made this side of eternity.
"They [those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus] will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might..."
In today's culture, there are many who do not believe in a physical hell. Some say that we have hell on earth, when we have difficult times, and others say that there is no such place, because God is too loving to have created it. In these two statements, we find a fundamental misunderstanding of hell. The first is based on a wrong definition of hell. Those that say we have hell on earth are defining hell as a place of tormenting and punishment. They see hell as only God's punishment on those that disobey Him. However, this is not the sole purpose of hell. The others have the complete wrong view of what loving means. Their view of love is warped and twisted. We find the other purpose of hell, by having a true definition of love. Although hell is a place of punishment for the wicked (which we cry out for, when we see injustice and evil), it is also a place of choice. See, dear brothers and sisters, without choice, there can be no love. This is why, in the garden of Eden, there had to be the tree of knowledge of good and evil, and the commandment to not eat of it. Adam and Eve were given the choice to either love God and stay in His presence, or disobey God (which is to not love Him) and not be in His presence, and we have the same choice. Forced love is rape. God will not force anyone to spend eternity with Him, and since we are created as eternal beings (Genesis 2:7), we must have eternal dwelling. The fundamental misunderstanding of hell is the answer to this question: why is hell so terrible? It is not the worms or the gnashing of teeth, or the fire. It is being away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His might. This is why it is folly to claim that hell could be on earth, because as dark and terrible as the earth is, the presence of God is here: within those in the body of Christ dwells the Spirit of God. Because of this presence, earth could never be hell. The thought then is in my mind, if earth is this bad, with the presence of God (even on a minuet scale), how terrible would a place devoid of His working presence be? How wonderful would a place completely filled with His presence be? Those that spend eternity separated from God, do so after coming face to face with Him in judgement. They face Him and see that everything about Him is true: His beauty and majesty, His love and power, and all that is our Lord, and they are faced with the fact that they chose to be separated from Him. This is why hell is so terrible. Some may say that God is unfair to force us to make a decision of eternal consequence this side of eternity with no proof, but if it were not by faith, then the blessing would be lessened. When Jesus appears, every knee will bow, but not out of love. We were created for relationship, not for mindless praise. This is why it must be now. It can not wait. Do not put off any longer, because the reality is this: the choice is to spend eternity with God or without God, and it must be made this side of eternity.
Leviathan and Pride
Job 41:1-10
“Can you draw out Leviathan with a fishhook or press down his tongue with a cord? Can you put a rope in his nose or pierce his jaw with a hook?3 Will he make many pleas to you? Will he speak to you soft words? Will he make a covenant with you to take him for your servant forever? Will you play with him as with a bird, or will you put him on a leash for your girls? Will traders bargain over him? Will they divide him up among the merchants? Can you fill his skin with harpoons or his head with fishing spears? Lay your hands on him; remember the battle—you will not do it again! Behold, the hope of a man is false; he is laid low even at the sight of him. No one is so fierce that he dares to stir him up. Who then is he who can stand before me?"
Brothers and sisters, may we stay away from pride. It was pride that led Job and his three friends to think that they had a complete understanding of God. Not one of them was able to explain to Job why these terrible things had happened to him. His "friends" scoffed him, and said that he must be wicked--they knew how God worked. They knew the formula exactly: wicked people are punished and good people are rewarded. How short sighted they were to ignore the eternity that follows this brief time on earth. We in the same way think that we have great knowledge of God. We speak on His behalf on many matters. We console others in the faith with explanations for why things happened in such and such a way. I would give a warning to those who always have advice: shut up and let God speak. We are too quick to give an answer without prayer. We open our mouths before we open our hearts and ears to hear what God might have us say. We have such pride in that we think we understand God. Job's pride was in that he thought he could stand before almighty God. However, if we are unable to stand in the presence of one of God's creations, how could we ever stand before Him? If we are unable to harness and grasp the creation, how dare we state that we have grasped the knowledge of God completely. In all reality, we shall never meet the end of God's knowledge. He is so far outside of our understanding. We explore His creation, and cannot find an end to it. We have split the atom, and found even smaller pieces. We have built a larger telescope, and have still not found the end of His universe. How could we ever understand God, when we can not even understand His creation? Let us humble ourselves and come to God as Job does:
Job 42:1-6
“Can you draw out Leviathan with a fishhook or press down his tongue with a cord? Can you put a rope in his nose or pierce his jaw with a hook?3 Will he make many pleas to you? Will he speak to you soft words? Will he make a covenant with you to take him for your servant forever? Will you play with him as with a bird, or will you put him on a leash for your girls? Will traders bargain over him? Will they divide him up among the merchants? Can you fill his skin with harpoons or his head with fishing spears? Lay your hands on him; remember the battle—you will not do it again! Behold, the hope of a man is false; he is laid low even at the sight of him. No one is so fierce that he dares to stir him up. Who then is he who can stand before me?"
Brothers and sisters, may we stay away from pride. It was pride that led Job and his three friends to think that they had a complete understanding of God. Not one of them was able to explain to Job why these terrible things had happened to him. His "friends" scoffed him, and said that he must be wicked--they knew how God worked. They knew the formula exactly: wicked people are punished and good people are rewarded. How short sighted they were to ignore the eternity that follows this brief time on earth. We in the same way think that we have great knowledge of God. We speak on His behalf on many matters. We console others in the faith with explanations for why things happened in such and such a way. I would give a warning to those who always have advice: shut up and let God speak. We are too quick to give an answer without prayer. We open our mouths before we open our hearts and ears to hear what God might have us say. We have such pride in that we think we understand God. Job's pride was in that he thought he could stand before almighty God. However, if we are unable to stand in the presence of one of God's creations, how could we ever stand before Him? If we are unable to harness and grasp the creation, how dare we state that we have grasped the knowledge of God completely. In all reality, we shall never meet the end of God's knowledge. He is so far outside of our understanding. We explore His creation, and cannot find an end to it. We have split the atom, and found even smaller pieces. We have built a larger telescope, and have still not found the end of His universe. How could we ever understand God, when we can not even understand His creation? Let us humble ourselves and come to God as Job does:
Job 42:1-6
"Then Job answered the Lord and said:
'I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. "Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?" Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. "Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me." I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.'”
Confess that God is almighty, and we are nothing, ask for forgiveness for our careless words, repent and turn from our pride to the all knowing, all powerful living God.
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Thief in the Night
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
"Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'There is peace and security,' then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 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. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
Beware of those who claim to know when Jesus will return. I have had many conversations in which the person with whom I was speaking has stated, "I think Jesus is coming back soon." They cite scripture on earthquakes and rumors of war and point out what is happening in the world. Although I pray that they are right, it has been my own observation that in every decade there have been these things, especially if we get out of the ethnocentric mindset, for I do not think that Jesus was referring to wars with the United States, when he spoke on the subject in 30 A.D. Have not the conditions for Christ's return been in full force since the age in which he left? Why else would the Apostles warn in their letters that the time was short? I believe that God, in His infinite wisdom, has set up events in such a way that we always have rumors of war and natural disasters. The reason, some might ask... because only God knows the time of Christ's return, and He wants to keep it that way. Jesus says in the parable of the thief that if we knew when the thief was coming we would be ready and also in another parable He speaks of a servant who was left in charge of other servants and decided since his master was not returning to begin to mistreat the other servants. These parables illustrate to us that if we want to be ready when Christ returns, we must be ready at all times. Like the watchful servants, in the parable of the wedding party, we need to be ready to greet our master as he returns. And in the parable of the groomsmen, we need to have our oil in our lamps. "Be prepared" is the warning, not "Predict the date."
I liken Jesus' second coming to His first. There were many in that time (the Pharisees) who thought they knew how the Messiah would come. They thought they had everything figured out, and then God threw them through a loop, when He sent a baby instead. And not only a baby, a baby who's mission on earth was to die innocently. Not even the disciples, whom Jesus told, understood God's plan of salvation, until after Jesus rose from the dead and taught them. In the same way, I believe that no one will understand how the events of Jesus' second coming will unfold, until after it has happened. And we will look on the scriptures, and Jesus will so graciously say to us (as He did to those on the Emmaus road), "Oh you fools, did you not understand the scriptures that this was the only way it could have happened." And we will see how it was plain in our faces the entire time, and yet we did not see it. One thing is for certain, brothers and sisters, Jesus will return. And when He does, those that He has chosen will not be caught up in wrath, but in salvation. And those that Jesus has chosen will be busy about His work now, until he returns. Only those that continue to the end will have the reward. Only those who run the race to the finish line will have the reward. What is the reward, one may ask? Eternal life. So be ready, friends. Stand firm in the faith, and know for certainty that our King will come back for us, and even if we have fallen asleep, He will awaken us. Be prepared.
"Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'There is peace and security,' then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 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. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
Beware of those who claim to know when Jesus will return. I have had many conversations in which the person with whom I was speaking has stated, "I think Jesus is coming back soon." They cite scripture on earthquakes and rumors of war and point out what is happening in the world. Although I pray that they are right, it has been my own observation that in every decade there have been these things, especially if we get out of the ethnocentric mindset, for I do not think that Jesus was referring to wars with the United States, when he spoke on the subject in 30 A.D. Have not the conditions for Christ's return been in full force since the age in which he left? Why else would the Apostles warn in their letters that the time was short? I believe that God, in His infinite wisdom, has set up events in such a way that we always have rumors of war and natural disasters. The reason, some might ask... because only God knows the time of Christ's return, and He wants to keep it that way. Jesus says in the parable of the thief that if we knew when the thief was coming we would be ready and also in another parable He speaks of a servant who was left in charge of other servants and decided since his master was not returning to begin to mistreat the other servants. These parables illustrate to us that if we want to be ready when Christ returns, we must be ready at all times. Like the watchful servants, in the parable of the wedding party, we need to be ready to greet our master as he returns. And in the parable of the groomsmen, we need to have our oil in our lamps. "Be prepared" is the warning, not "Predict the date."
I liken Jesus' second coming to His first. There were many in that time (the Pharisees) who thought they knew how the Messiah would come. They thought they had everything figured out, and then God threw them through a loop, when He sent a baby instead. And not only a baby, a baby who's mission on earth was to die innocently. Not even the disciples, whom Jesus told, understood God's plan of salvation, until after Jesus rose from the dead and taught them. In the same way, I believe that no one will understand how the events of Jesus' second coming will unfold, until after it has happened. And we will look on the scriptures, and Jesus will so graciously say to us (as He did to those on the Emmaus road), "Oh you fools, did you not understand the scriptures that this was the only way it could have happened." And we will see how it was plain in our faces the entire time, and yet we did not see it. One thing is for certain, brothers and sisters, Jesus will return. And when He does, those that He has chosen will not be caught up in wrath, but in salvation. And those that Jesus has chosen will be busy about His work now, until he returns. Only those that continue to the end will have the reward. Only those who run the race to the finish line will have the reward. What is the reward, one may ask? Eternal life. So be ready, friends. Stand firm in the faith, and know for certainty that our King will come back for us, and even if we have fallen asleep, He will awaken us. Be prepared.
Useful Scripture
2 Timothy 3:12-17
"Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
1 Timothy 4:8
"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."
The word value and profitable in these two passages of scripture come from the same Greek word meaning to have value. To have value, something must be useful or rare. There are many alive today, who value scripture, but only because of the "rareness" of it. By this I mean that they value scripture as being like a nice painting to be placed over their mantel. To take the words and put them in nice picture frames, because the words are a "rare" find. However, to be valuable means much more than just rarity. I believe in these two verses, we see that the value of Scripture comes from its usefulness in training us in righteousness and godliness. If we limit Scripture to only being nice words of encouragement to us, then we misuse it. The same scripture spoken of here, is also the one that cuts us deep. The same scripture spoken of here, is what the Holy Spirit uses to reveal sin in our lives. This scripture is useful! We read it far too often to get good feelings deep inside, but this is idol worship. The scripture has a purpose, and it is to a) reveal sin in our life and b) teach us how to live. Of course it is also the story of God's love and a sacrificing Savior, I am not trying to demean this. But the Savior was sacrificed, so that we could have the grace to practice righteousness--the righteousness that we learn from studying the Scriptures, which are the Word of God, Himself. Also, this Jesus said that anyone who listened or read the Word of God and did not do what it said is like a man who built his house on sand, and in the verses that precede this parable we find the illustration explained. There are two types of "Christians" that approach the throne of Judgement. There will be many who approach proud of what they have done, and Jesus will look upon them and say "I never knew you. Away with you, you workers of lawlessness." Lawlessness means to have no law, meaning to not do what Scripture says to do. To know it and not obey it. We have many today who find security in the fact that they go to church, read their Bibles everyday, serve at the soup kitchen, and this or that. A person can read their Bible everyday, and not do a single thing it says to do. A person can go to church every Sunday, and the words from the preacher have no effect on their life. There is no change. Even serving at the soup kitchen could be done only with the poor motives that someone will look on and think "how holy he/she must be." Jesus says that we have our reward, if we do things to be seen by men. Scripture is useful. We must read it, and be changed by it. We must study it, and apply it. We must be quick to quote it, in times of temptation, as Jesus our example did. To leave it on the shelf in our bedroom, or in the shelf of our heart and not use it, is a disgrace. Let us instead, spend daily time in it, and not only look for nice comforting words, but ask the Holy Spirit to cut and break us, by it, if necessary. Here is a prayer that I pray, every time I approach the word of God. I shouldn't say every time, but when I was a little boy, I did pray it every time.
Father God,
As I read your word today, please give me understanding. Show me the places in which I fall short. Speak to me through Your word, today. Help me to read it, not selfishly or with poor motives, but to genuinely seek You in it. Change me by Your word, today, and give me the grace to do what it says.
Amen.
May God's Word be useful and valuable in our lives!
"Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
1 Timothy 4:8
"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."
The word value and profitable in these two passages of scripture come from the same Greek word meaning to have value. To have value, something must be useful or rare. There are many alive today, who value scripture, but only because of the "rareness" of it. By this I mean that they value scripture as being like a nice painting to be placed over their mantel. To take the words and put them in nice picture frames, because the words are a "rare" find. However, to be valuable means much more than just rarity. I believe in these two verses, we see that the value of Scripture comes from its usefulness in training us in righteousness and godliness. If we limit Scripture to only being nice words of encouragement to us, then we misuse it. The same scripture spoken of here, is also the one that cuts us deep. The same scripture spoken of here, is what the Holy Spirit uses to reveal sin in our lives. This scripture is useful! We read it far too often to get good feelings deep inside, but this is idol worship. The scripture has a purpose, and it is to a) reveal sin in our life and b) teach us how to live. Of course it is also the story of God's love and a sacrificing Savior, I am not trying to demean this. But the Savior was sacrificed, so that we could have the grace to practice righteousness--the righteousness that we learn from studying the Scriptures, which are the Word of God, Himself. Also, this Jesus said that anyone who listened or read the Word of God and did not do what it said is like a man who built his house on sand, and in the verses that precede this parable we find the illustration explained. There are two types of "Christians" that approach the throne of Judgement. There will be many who approach proud of what they have done, and Jesus will look upon them and say "I never knew you. Away with you, you workers of lawlessness." Lawlessness means to have no law, meaning to not do what Scripture says to do. To know it and not obey it. We have many today who find security in the fact that they go to church, read their Bibles everyday, serve at the soup kitchen, and this or that. A person can read their Bible everyday, and not do a single thing it says to do. A person can go to church every Sunday, and the words from the preacher have no effect on their life. There is no change. Even serving at the soup kitchen could be done only with the poor motives that someone will look on and think "how holy he/she must be." Jesus says that we have our reward, if we do things to be seen by men. Scripture is useful. We must read it, and be changed by it. We must study it, and apply it. We must be quick to quote it, in times of temptation, as Jesus our example did. To leave it on the shelf in our bedroom, or in the shelf of our heart and not use it, is a disgrace. Let us instead, spend daily time in it, and not only look for nice comforting words, but ask the Holy Spirit to cut and break us, by it, if necessary. Here is a prayer that I pray, every time I approach the word of God. I shouldn't say every time, but when I was a little boy, I did pray it every time.
Father God,
As I read your word today, please give me understanding. Show me the places in which I fall short. Speak to me through Your word, today. Help me to read it, not selfishly or with poor motives, but to genuinely seek You in it. Change me by Your word, today, and give me the grace to do what it says.
Amen.
May God's Word be useful and valuable in our lives!
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
The Right Kind of Discontentment
1 Thessalonians 4:1
"As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more."
1 Thessalonians 4:9-10
"Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more,"
There is a form of discontentment that is acceptable in the eyes of God. Those who have studied the scriptures know and understand that we are called by God to be content with all that he has given us. It is the devil's work to drag us along to "better things." Although there are times when it is difficult to tell the difference between God calling us to something new (a new season) and our flesh saying that we are ready for something different and no longer want to do _________, in most cases, being content with what God has given us is the best approach. Whether it is a ministry that God has given us, a financial situation that God has given us, or any other situation, we should be content, and stay there until God has completed His work in us. We are very ready to move on to something new. We have the attention span of children, but God wants to mature us, and that takes time (for instance, forty years in the desert).
That being said, there is a form of discontentment that is acceptable and even encouraged by Scripture. This discontent comes when we look upon our face in the mirror, as James says. When we look to God's word and see how desperately short we fall in our personal holiness and holy disciplines. I do not claim in any way that our salvation is born of the works that we do, do not misunderstand. Some might say that since we are saved by grace, that we have no need to pursue righteousness and holy lives. They scoff at any words spoken on obedience to God's word, as salvation based on works. However, it is great folly to walk in darkness and assume that it will lead to the light of eternity. 1 John is clear on this point, and James echos the sentiments that a genuine disciple of Christ has a changed heart that leads to a changed attitude, action, and words. At what point can we say that we have obtained complete holiness and no longer need to strive for it "more and more"? This question is addressed in two manners: for one thing, we are made perfectly holy the moment in which we accept Christ as the propitiation for our sin. God no longer sees us as unholy and sinful, but rather in the robes of Christ and His righteousness. However, most would agree that we continue to sin, still on earth. So there is yet another holiness for which we must strive. This holiness is one in which Christ calls us to, when he says that we must pick up our cross daily and follow Him. Putting to death our flesh and allowing the Holy Spirit to do His work of sanctification in our hearts. Sanctification is the act of setting something apart as holy. Why is it that we have this holiness from Christ, and yet we still spend our days on earth pursuing the same? Because the sign of genuine faith in someone is that they walk in the light. To truly accept Christ is to take Him as Lord and Master. This means obedience. Not obedience for the sake of obedience (as we obey earthly masters even though their rules sometimes are not in our best interest), but obedience out of trust. We trust that God's laws are in place to show us how to live life to the fullest. That His way is the only way to find true life. Any other way will lead us to death and destruction. And so, this is where we find the discontentment. When we look at our face in the mirror of God's word and see how desperately we fall short of its calling for our lives, we feel this urgency to make changes. We must put to death this sin, and when it is subdued, there is yet another that must be dealt with, and on and on, until one glorious day, we will be face to face with our Creator, and He will take all our imperfection away, through the cross of Christ, and place on us robes of pure white righteousness and holiness.
I wonder if we find ourselves discontent, today. If we ever find ourselves believing that we have accomplished "enough" holiness, or that we have made "enough" progress, we are in grave danger, for there is no hope of perfection this side of eternity--if we think that we have accomplished it, there is a deep root of pride and arrogance in our hearts that will one day separate us from God, for those that are not ill have no need of a physician. If we claim that we have no sin, we are liars and the truth is not in us. Let us not get comfortable in the lies of the enemy that we have everything sorted and we can sit back until Jesus returns (remember the parable of the servants). Let us pray that the Holy Spirit would do His work in our hearts and speak into our hearts the conviction that we felt all those years ago, when He first revealed our depravity. Then, we will have the kind of discontentment that is acceptable to God--the kind that spurs us on toward holiness.
"As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more."
1 Thessalonians 4:9-10
"Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more,"
There is a form of discontentment that is acceptable in the eyes of God. Those who have studied the scriptures know and understand that we are called by God to be content with all that he has given us. It is the devil's work to drag us along to "better things." Although there are times when it is difficult to tell the difference between God calling us to something new (a new season) and our flesh saying that we are ready for something different and no longer want to do _________, in most cases, being content with what God has given us is the best approach. Whether it is a ministry that God has given us, a financial situation that God has given us, or any other situation, we should be content, and stay there until God has completed His work in us. We are very ready to move on to something new. We have the attention span of children, but God wants to mature us, and that takes time (for instance, forty years in the desert).
That being said, there is a form of discontentment that is acceptable and even encouraged by Scripture. This discontent comes when we look upon our face in the mirror, as James says. When we look to God's word and see how desperately short we fall in our personal holiness and holy disciplines. I do not claim in any way that our salvation is born of the works that we do, do not misunderstand. Some might say that since we are saved by grace, that we have no need to pursue righteousness and holy lives. They scoff at any words spoken on obedience to God's word, as salvation based on works. However, it is great folly to walk in darkness and assume that it will lead to the light of eternity. 1 John is clear on this point, and James echos the sentiments that a genuine disciple of Christ has a changed heart that leads to a changed attitude, action, and words. At what point can we say that we have obtained complete holiness and no longer need to strive for it "more and more"? This question is addressed in two manners: for one thing, we are made perfectly holy the moment in which we accept Christ as the propitiation for our sin. God no longer sees us as unholy and sinful, but rather in the robes of Christ and His righteousness. However, most would agree that we continue to sin, still on earth. So there is yet another holiness for which we must strive. This holiness is one in which Christ calls us to, when he says that we must pick up our cross daily and follow Him. Putting to death our flesh and allowing the Holy Spirit to do His work of sanctification in our hearts. Sanctification is the act of setting something apart as holy. Why is it that we have this holiness from Christ, and yet we still spend our days on earth pursuing the same? Because the sign of genuine faith in someone is that they walk in the light. To truly accept Christ is to take Him as Lord and Master. This means obedience. Not obedience for the sake of obedience (as we obey earthly masters even though their rules sometimes are not in our best interest), but obedience out of trust. We trust that God's laws are in place to show us how to live life to the fullest. That His way is the only way to find true life. Any other way will lead us to death and destruction. And so, this is where we find the discontentment. When we look at our face in the mirror of God's word and see how desperately we fall short of its calling for our lives, we feel this urgency to make changes. We must put to death this sin, and when it is subdued, there is yet another that must be dealt with, and on and on, until one glorious day, we will be face to face with our Creator, and He will take all our imperfection away, through the cross of Christ, and place on us robes of pure white righteousness and holiness.
I wonder if we find ourselves discontent, today. If we ever find ourselves believing that we have accomplished "enough" holiness, or that we have made "enough" progress, we are in grave danger, for there is no hope of perfection this side of eternity--if we think that we have accomplished it, there is a deep root of pride and arrogance in our hearts that will one day separate us from God, for those that are not ill have no need of a physician. If we claim that we have no sin, we are liars and the truth is not in us. Let us not get comfortable in the lies of the enemy that we have everything sorted and we can sit back until Jesus returns (remember the parable of the servants). Let us pray that the Holy Spirit would do His work in our hearts and speak into our hearts the conviction that we felt all those years ago, when He first revealed our depravity. Then, we will have the kind of discontentment that is acceptable to God--the kind that spurs us on toward holiness.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Taking the Name
Exodus 20:7
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain."
Colossians 3:17a
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus..."
Dear Christian, have you ever thought of the third of the ten commandments? Do not take the name of the Lord in vain. In my younger years, I was taught that the meaning of this was to not use God's name as a curse word, but is it not much more than that? Yes, we should regard the Lord's name as sacred. We should not so flippantly use it, as we so do in this generation. I think that the deeper meaning of this commandment is found in something that my mother used to say to me, "When you behave badly, it reflects on me." Why does it? Because I have the family name. People see my behavior and say, "Oh that is one of those Bergen boys!" In the same way, brother and sister, we have a family name. The term Christian was first heard in Antioch (Acts 11:26b), and even though the believers did not take the name on themselves (it was given to them), they took on the name of Christ. In Colossians, Paul writes that we should do everything in the name of Jesus. He is merely echoing what Jesus explained to do, "Give a glass of water in my name..." (Matthew 10:42, Mark 9:41). As followers of Christ, everything that we do and say should be on behalf of Jesus. We are told in 2 Corinthians 5:20 that we are ambassadors for Christ, meaning we represent Him on earth. In this, we take on the family name. God's commandment in Exodus was applied to the people of Israel, because they were to be a light to the gentiles and example to everyone of what it meant to follow the One, true, living God. In their travels, the name of the Lord became magnified as they were victorious in battles and nations began to fear them, merely because of the name that they carried with them. This commandment is as true today as it was for them. Do not take the name of the Lord in vain. Do not take on the title of Christian without first understanding what it means to be a follower of Christ. Do not take the name of the Lord carelessly. The commandment comes with a warning, "the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain." It is said that many on the day of Judgement will cry out, "Lord, Lord!" And Jesus will reply, "I never knew you. Depart from me you workers of lawlessness" (Matthew 7:23, Luke 13:27). Those that take on the name of Christ but do not plan on doing what His word says are taking His name in vain. We say that we have a love for God, but remember that love for God is obedience to His commandments (John 14:15). In everything we do, we must understand that we are representing the Lord Jesus, and we should not take that lightly. Spend every day asking the Holy Spirit to change your heart, and allow this truth to change your thoughts, attitudes, actions, and words. But also be comforted to know that we take the name of the Lord through adoption, and we are His children, and He loves us.
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain."
Colossians 3:17a
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus..."
Dear Christian, have you ever thought of the third of the ten commandments? Do not take the name of the Lord in vain. In my younger years, I was taught that the meaning of this was to not use God's name as a curse word, but is it not much more than that? Yes, we should regard the Lord's name as sacred. We should not so flippantly use it, as we so do in this generation. I think that the deeper meaning of this commandment is found in something that my mother used to say to me, "When you behave badly, it reflects on me." Why does it? Because I have the family name. People see my behavior and say, "Oh that is one of those Bergen boys!" In the same way, brother and sister, we have a family name. The term Christian was first heard in Antioch (Acts 11:26b), and even though the believers did not take the name on themselves (it was given to them), they took on the name of Christ. In Colossians, Paul writes that we should do everything in the name of Jesus. He is merely echoing what Jesus explained to do, "Give a glass of water in my name..." (Matthew 10:42, Mark 9:41). As followers of Christ, everything that we do and say should be on behalf of Jesus. We are told in 2 Corinthians 5:20 that we are ambassadors for Christ, meaning we represent Him on earth. In this, we take on the family name. God's commandment in Exodus was applied to the people of Israel, because they were to be a light to the gentiles and example to everyone of what it meant to follow the One, true, living God. In their travels, the name of the Lord became magnified as they were victorious in battles and nations began to fear them, merely because of the name that they carried with them. This commandment is as true today as it was for them. Do not take the name of the Lord in vain. Do not take on the title of Christian without first understanding what it means to be a follower of Christ. Do not take the name of the Lord carelessly. The commandment comes with a warning, "the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain." It is said that many on the day of Judgement will cry out, "Lord, Lord!" And Jesus will reply, "I never knew you. Depart from me you workers of lawlessness" (Matthew 7:23, Luke 13:27). Those that take on the name of Christ but do not plan on doing what His word says are taking His name in vain. We say that we have a love for God, but remember that love for God is obedience to His commandments (John 14:15). In everything we do, we must understand that we are representing the Lord Jesus, and we should not take that lightly. Spend every day asking the Holy Spirit to change your heart, and allow this truth to change your thoughts, attitudes, actions, and words. But also be comforted to know that we take the name of the Lord through adoption, and we are His children, and He loves us.
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Examine Yourselves
2 Corinthains 13:5
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!"
Does this verse bring perplexity? Should we not be confident in our salvation? We are told to have faith and do away with doubt, in other passages of Scripture, and the work of bringing doubt of our security in Christ is usually the enemy's work. But this passage tells us to examine ourselves and test ourselves, to see what? Whether we are in the faith. I find that there is a fragile balance that each believer must keep. It is the balance of humility and confidence. It is the same reason we are told that the fear of God is the beginning of understanding, but also that love casts out that fear. God can be all powerful Judge. The object of our fear and awe, but he can also be at the exact same time merciful, loving Father. Jesus told us to approach Him as a father, and when Jesus died on the cross, the veil that kept us from approaching boldly was torn in half. We need to understand that being bold and being humble can happen at the same time. Our assumption is that if someone is bold, they are not humble. It brings to mind the story of Esther. She was told to enter in before the king. She did so boldy, but also humbly. She did not do it because she thought herself so important as to be above the rules, but rather because she loved her people. She did not enter with an attitude of "I deserve to be here" but rather with the attitude of "If only by the grace of the king, I will approach." Therefore, Christian, we must enter into God's presence boldly, covered in blood of Christ and right in God's eyes, but also humbly, understanding that it is only by the grace of God that we stand.
How are we to test our faith, one may ask. God brings testing upon us, as James writes, through trials. When a tempest rises, the way in which we react can both qualify us and also disqualify us as genuinely Christ's. I believe that we test our own faith not on our own, but by the reading and devotion to God's Word. We are told in Hebrews that the Word of God is like a physician's knife that cuts us deep. I believe that this is the work of the Holy Spirit. As we read God's word, we find sin in our lives, because through the Word of God is the knowledge of sin, and the Holy Spirit begins his delicate work on our hearts. We are told that the Holy Spirit is the seal on us that marks us as His. So, when the Holy Spirit comes and convicts us of sin, we can be sure that we are His. When, as we read His Word, God reveals to us the sin and bleak state of our hearts, we can be certain that He disciplines those that are His children. We must look upon our situation both with confidence and humility. The enemy would love to have us paralyzed in fear that we are not His. We can be certain that we are, as long as we are in pursuit of those things to which He has called us to in His Word.
Some warnings: the Bible says that the Word can fall upon weedy ground. These weeds grow with the faith and eventually choke it out. When we are told to examine our faith, we need to seriously think about the sin that we allow to rule in our lives. Although many struggle with sin, we must be sure that we are taking drastic measures to cut the weeds out. A sign of one who is not in the faith is one who allows sin to rule in their life, and this does not always appear as the one living in open sin, but sometimes in the one who plays the victim and has yet to take the measure that Christ has told to cut sin out of his life. Test yourselves.
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!"
Does this verse bring perplexity? Should we not be confident in our salvation? We are told to have faith and do away with doubt, in other passages of Scripture, and the work of bringing doubt of our security in Christ is usually the enemy's work. But this passage tells us to examine ourselves and test ourselves, to see what? Whether we are in the faith. I find that there is a fragile balance that each believer must keep. It is the balance of humility and confidence. It is the same reason we are told that the fear of God is the beginning of understanding, but also that love casts out that fear. God can be all powerful Judge. The object of our fear and awe, but he can also be at the exact same time merciful, loving Father. Jesus told us to approach Him as a father, and when Jesus died on the cross, the veil that kept us from approaching boldly was torn in half. We need to understand that being bold and being humble can happen at the same time. Our assumption is that if someone is bold, they are not humble. It brings to mind the story of Esther. She was told to enter in before the king. She did so boldy, but also humbly. She did not do it because she thought herself so important as to be above the rules, but rather because she loved her people. She did not enter with an attitude of "I deserve to be here" but rather with the attitude of "If only by the grace of the king, I will approach." Therefore, Christian, we must enter into God's presence boldly, covered in blood of Christ and right in God's eyes, but also humbly, understanding that it is only by the grace of God that we stand.
How are we to test our faith, one may ask. God brings testing upon us, as James writes, through trials. When a tempest rises, the way in which we react can both qualify us and also disqualify us as genuinely Christ's. I believe that we test our own faith not on our own, but by the reading and devotion to God's Word. We are told in Hebrews that the Word of God is like a physician's knife that cuts us deep. I believe that this is the work of the Holy Spirit. As we read God's word, we find sin in our lives, because through the Word of God is the knowledge of sin, and the Holy Spirit begins his delicate work on our hearts. We are told that the Holy Spirit is the seal on us that marks us as His. So, when the Holy Spirit comes and convicts us of sin, we can be sure that we are His. When, as we read His Word, God reveals to us the sin and bleak state of our hearts, we can be certain that He disciplines those that are His children. We must look upon our situation both with confidence and humility. The enemy would love to have us paralyzed in fear that we are not His. We can be certain that we are, as long as we are in pursuit of those things to which He has called us to in His Word.
Some warnings: the Bible says that the Word can fall upon weedy ground. These weeds grow with the faith and eventually choke it out. When we are told to examine our faith, we need to seriously think about the sin that we allow to rule in our lives. Although many struggle with sin, we must be sure that we are taking drastic measures to cut the weeds out. A sign of one who is not in the faith is one who allows sin to rule in their life, and this does not always appear as the one living in open sin, but sometimes in the one who plays the victim and has yet to take the measure that Christ has told to cut sin out of his life. Test yourselves.
Monday, March 17, 2014
Godly Sorrow and Repentance
2 Corinthians 7:10
"For godly sorrow produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death."
Are you grieving, dear Christian? Has some sin in your life caused you much pain? Rejoice in the fact that this type of grief leads to salvation. If the Holy Spirit had not come and shown us our depravity, we would have never turned to the Savior. The work of the Holy Spirit in our lives is both the comforter and also the helper. We assume that to help someone is to always encourage their behavior, but to truly help someone does not mean to approve of everything that they do. To allow someone to continue in sin is to allow them to continue on a path towards death... that is not helpful in the least. Therefore, our Helper is more than one who brings us encouraging words. He is also the one who points out those areas in our lives that are still clinging to the decaying flesh of our evil nature, so that we can put it to death. This is a painful process. Somethings we are not so easily willing to give up, but it must be done. Godly grief is spurred on by a humble heart. Someone who is full of pride may not see the sin that needs to be done away with, but the one with a humble heart knows all too well the sin in his own life. This sin leads to grief, which leads to repentance, which leads to salvation. And this Salvation is not only a salvation, but one without regret! We have no need to look on past sins and continue to grieve over them. No, they are done away, through repentance and the salvation of Christ. This is one thing that Christians need to grasp a hold of, also. After repentance, the grief is over. Some feel that, after sin and repentance, there must be a mourning period. How long is this period of mourning supposed to last? One week? One day? One hour? One minute? The grief is prior to the repentance. Upon repentance, we are free from regret. Take a hold of this promise, friends.
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Renewed for Eternity
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
We find ourselves in a place. A place in which we will one day be perfected in the light of God's glory. Most would use this as an excuse to sit back and relax. I know that I will never be perfect on earth, and I know that God will make me new one day, so why bother at all with holiness and sanctification? The answer lies in the parables of Jesus. Do we not remember the parable of the groomsmen's oil? Or the servants left to their work? Do we not remember that there is preparation made. We tread so arrogantly in grace, sometimes. We have tried so fervently to make grace without works, that we have made Christianity about being saved from our sin bondage to live freely in it. We forget that grace is given, so that we may get up and try again. Grace is a gift, yes, but we must use it not to sin all the more! We have grace, so that we do not lose heart along the way. When I find myself so deep in sin that I feel God would not want anything to do with me, I know that I am secure in His hand, because of grace. I do not stay in the sin, however. This flesh that calls me to disobey God is fading, and it calls me to take pleasure in things that are passing away. I try so hard to avoid tribulation, but this tribulation that is momentary is preparing me for an eternity of glory. When I find that I will one day be perfected by God, this does not lead me to give up today; rather, it leads me into an eager anticipation that says, let us begin now. Like a child eager to begin work on the new swing set can not wait until Saturday morning to begin the work, but cries out to the father, "Let us build it now, even if we can not finish it before dark. We can at least start." Even if the work in me can not be finished before I die, please! May we begin it now? The heart of one truly filled with the Holy Spirit has this desire. Not the desire of things transient, but of things eternal. Our mind is set to be ready, when our Master returns, and when our bridegroom is ready. We will not be caught off gaurd or asleep. This is a process of renewal day by day. A process that only the Holy Spirit can do in us. It is a process that takes daily portions of grace to complete. May we set our minds on the things of eternal importance and allow the Holy Spirit to do His renewing work in our lives, daily.
Monday, March 10, 2014
Temptation
1 Corinthians 10:12-13
"Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."
James 1:13-15
"Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death."
I have defined in past blogs what the true nature of sin is - to disobey God's command. Temptation is what leads us to sin. It is the dialogoue that occurs just before we decide to indulge in the flesh and turn from God's way. Most people assume that the enemy is always behind this temptation, but they forget the all important fact that before Christ, we were at war with God of our own accord, and "following the desires of our flesh, and following the prince of the power of the air." Our own evil heart is enough to lead us into sinful rebelion against God. I used to teach on 1 Corinthians 10:12 and say that it was talking about being careful to understand that you are never beyond being tempted. We always need to be on our guard; however, after a carfeul reading of it in context--focussing on the "therefore" and looking back a few verses--we find that this is referring to those who assume that they are secure, even though they are living in sin. It is saying that we must not put Christ to the test. Sin is serious. As James writes, temptation tells us that it won't hurt that bad, the sin tells us that we won't be punished, and inevitably it leads to death and separation from God. We must therefore remind ourselves of this fact, when we allow our desires to go unchecked. When we allow a fleeting thought to turn into a gaze--as David did with Bathsheeba. Temptation is our own desires unchecked. We can not play innocent and say, "The devil made me do it." Nor can we throw a pity party when we have sinned, as if we were tricked. The truth is that we must battle sin in our lives with the same ferocious ruthlessness that it uses to try to kill us. If we allow it to continue, it will lead to death, if not in this world, in the world to come. When we do sin, and rebel against God, we need to take responsibility for our actions. We are told to confess our sin, not blame the enemy for it--just as Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the serpant. I wish that I knew the secret weapon for battle against temptation, but as 1 Corinthians 10 tells us, it is a way of escape, and I am not certain that it is a formula for each circumstance. I know that when Jesus was tempted, He turned to Scripture that he had memorized. I think that many could do well against the war against their flesh, if they spent more time memorizing helpful Scripture and reading God's word more. David wrote that he made a covenant with his eyes not to look where he ought not to look. If the struggle is with lust, the temptation is that one look is ok, but it is a lie. If the temptation is greed, whether with money or with food, we must train ourselves in contentedness and selfcontrol. Whatever the temptation may be, God has made a way of escape. There is never "no way out."
Friday, March 7, 2014
Judging Others
1 Corinthians 5:12-13
"For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. 'Purge the evil person from among you.'"
Matthew 7:1-6
"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you."
1 Corinthians 4:3-5
"But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God."
I believe many believers have heard the phrase, "Do not judge, lest you be judged" about a hundred times in their time as a follower of Christ. Usually from someone who has begun a discussion on holy things, but then feels uncomfortable when the topic of sin and accountability is brought up. There has always been a big misunderstanding with the word judge. Jesus did tell us not to judge, but did He mean that we are to completely separate ourselves from others help in our walk with God? This is where it is important to note that there are two scenariso for judging and also two types of judging. Firstly, the two types of judgment. We have judging someones rightness with God and we have judging a brothers walk with God. When Jesus tells us not to judge, we sometimes assume he means that we are not to look on someone else's life and find things in it that do not line up with Scripture and nudge them closer to God. This is not the type of judging that He is refering to, however. The judging that Jesus is referring to is the first type of judging. I can never look into someone's heart and know that they are right with God. To be honest, I can not even look into my own. I am not the Judge of my rightness with God. I can have confidence in my rightness through my reassurance in the promises of God's word, but I am not the Judge. This is the type of condemning judgment that we are forbidden to make. We can not look upon someone and state that they are right or not right in the eyes of God. This is what Paul wrote abput in 1 Corinthians 4:3-5. The second type of judgment, Jesus actually teaches us how to do directly- following the infamous phrase, "Do not Judge lest you be judged!" He goes on to tell the story of these two guys with a plank and a speck, and the one guy has to pull the plank or the speck out the other guys eye.... And then there is this bit about throwing jewelry at pigs... Nobody really cares to read into this because they are stuck on the do not judge and assume that the story just goes with that. However, these two parables after the "Do not judge" phrase actaully clarify the appropriate way in which we are to judge. If we find that a brother has sin in their life (the speck), and we in love want to remove it, because we know that sin separates from God, we must first deal with the sin in our own life (the pile of fire wood). We must lay it down, and then we are better able to help our sinning brother. In reality this would look like if I had a gaming addiction and my friend had movie watching addiction. I go up to him and say, "I think that you watch too many movies, and it takes time away from your relationshipp with God, and may even take the place of it. The Bible says that we should not allow anything to lord over us, and I think that this does over you." And he simply remarks, "Who are you to judge me? You play video games all day long. You even missed your final exam, because you stayed up all night playing that new game and slept through your alarm!" When we have sin so prevalent in our own lives, no matter how lovingly we come to our brother or sister in Christ, they will not accept it. The pearls before swine is discussing the judgment (or discernment as it is better known) of where and when and with whom we share the gospel. We assume that we are supposed to just tell every single person we meet about Jesus. But there were many people with whom Jesus even refused to discuss holy things. When the Pharisees would ask Him a question, simply to trick Him, he would not answer it directly. When they would ask for a sign, He would send them away empty handed. There are certain people who are our enemies, who only ask questions because they want to waste our time. And we are told to use our judgement and not share with them the pearls of God's great wisdom. These are the two types of judgments that Jesus said were acceptable. Now for the two scenarios of judgment. As stated in 1 Corinthians 5:12-13, we do not judge those who are outside of the faith (this being the judgment of the logs and speck). How could we come to them and explain about sin in their life, that we would like to help them extract with the word of God, if they have never experienced Jesus as their ultimate Savior from all their sin? We should never expect a person who does not have the Holy Spirit to behave as if they do. This is an old thought that basically means, before someone can change they need Jesus. We should not tell the drunkard to stop drinking and come to church; we should tell the drunkard come to church, and then the Holy Spirit will deal with his soul. After this, he is able to stop drinking. In the passage in 1 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the fact that a brother in Christ has committed a gross sexual sin, and must be dealt with accordingly; however, there is sexual sin happening all around us. But we only deal with it inside the body of Christ. If I walked up to a man looking at a dirty magazine and said, you should not look at that. He would obviously ask why, and I would explain that God states that it is adultery to even look upon a woman with lust, and we are to be pure. He would laugh in my face. He knows not the Scripture or the urge to follow God's commandments that lead to life. No, this type of judgment, the type that sees a brother or sister in sin and longs to help them in love and with the Word of God, is reserved for those inside the church.
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