So, we turn to the topic of Christian liberty. Before we delve into the paragraph, we need to understand that freedom is not free. Typically, this statement refers to the military in the sacrifices they must make. As Christians, the same could be said of our liberty. While our spiritual freedom is free to us, it cost Christ His life. He died on a cross to shed His blood and atone for our sins. Our freedom came at tremendous cost to someone else.
With that understood, we need to examine Christian liberty. Verse 12 tells us that "all things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful." So clearly here, we can do anything that we want; however, our desire needs to be balanced by what is helpful to us. Just because I can do something does not mean that it is the best thing for me. Jim Collins, in his seminal work Good to Great, attacks our culture for its acceptance of good when we could be great. That same principal applies in the Christian life.
Think of it this way: I really want a red Dodge Dakota 4x4 pickup and there is no Scriptural mandate against buying it. It would be good because I would have more space to take my entire family instead of only being able to take my son. Yet, is it best for me? No. The new vehicle means a car payment, higher insurance costs, an increase in fuel costs, and the fact that vehicles immediately depreciate before the ink is dry on the contract. Good and lawful but not best or helpful.
Our lives are filled with difficult and often unclear decisions. We have wants and desires but need to balance them with what is best and right. The latter part of the verse states that Paul "would not be brought under the power of any." In other words, he did not want to yield control of his life to anything other than God. That is an essential consideration in spiritual liberty -- is the "good" choice going to be one that will enslave me, thereby, taking me away from God?
Remember, we are to glorify God in everything we do. He wants what is best for us, but we need to avoid distractions by settling for good when we can have greatness provided by God. Seek Him. Love Him. Trust Him. Serve Him.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
The Court of Providential Opinion....
As we continue to move through I Corinthians, chapter 6 was a rather interesting read. The chapter opens with an explanation that Christians should not sue other Christians. While I am familiar with this passage, I saw something tonight that I had never seen before. Verse 7: "Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated?" OUCH!!
Our society is the swiftest on the draw when it comes to suing others or taking them to court for small matters. Paul here is not addressing criminal issues but civil ones that focus on where someone wronged someone else. These matters could and should be resolved in other fashions, and Paul was urging Christians -- those that love God and are considered His servants -- to ignore those slights. He does not explain why other than that others are watching our actions.
Let's go deeper here. Why do most people go to civil court? Civil court consists of compensatory damages whereby one party must "pay" the other party for a wrong that was enacted. Ultimately, this action is a legal way to prove that "my right" or "my way" was was just and to make the other person pay. In a sense, these types of cases are all about personal pride. Truthfully, that hurts.
I admit that I have a significant ego and lots of personal and professional pride; however, as a Christian, I cannot allow that to rule my personal or professional choices. Proverbs 16:18 says that "Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall." I may use my pride to prove a point, and win in the short term; however, I will eventually lose the war. Pride is the oldest of all sins and, honestly, is the root of all sins too because it is all about me and my choices.
Paul offers the solution to this when he urges Christians to accepts wrong or to give up what they perceive as "rights" for the cause of Christ. Since our major purpose is to glorify God in everything we do, then our choices must reflect what will bring Him the most glory. Will standing on personal pride to get what we want bring Him glory? Hardly. Will surrendering our wills to His, even when it stings, show others that something is different about us? Yes.
The world needs to see a difference in our lives. We may talk about being different and what Christ has done for us; but until we live our words, they have little meaning. Remember what verse 11 tells us: "but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." My opinion does not matter because He cleaned me up, set me apart for His purpose, and paid the price for my sin. If He paid a price that I cannot pay, then I owe Him my life because He has purchased me. Being owned by Him means that I enact His dictates willingly - even when it means being slighted by others.
See, it has nothing to do with me but has everything to do with Him. OUCH! I've got some changing to do. Do you?
Our society is the swiftest on the draw when it comes to suing others or taking them to court for small matters. Paul here is not addressing criminal issues but civil ones that focus on where someone wronged someone else. These matters could and should be resolved in other fashions, and Paul was urging Christians -- those that love God and are considered His servants -- to ignore those slights. He does not explain why other than that others are watching our actions.
Let's go deeper here. Why do most people go to civil court? Civil court consists of compensatory damages whereby one party must "pay" the other party for a wrong that was enacted. Ultimately, this action is a legal way to prove that "my right" or "my way" was was just and to make the other person pay. In a sense, these types of cases are all about personal pride. Truthfully, that hurts.
I admit that I have a significant ego and lots of personal and professional pride; however, as a Christian, I cannot allow that to rule my personal or professional choices. Proverbs 16:18 says that "Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall." I may use my pride to prove a point, and win in the short term; however, I will eventually lose the war. Pride is the oldest of all sins and, honestly, is the root of all sins too because it is all about me and my choices.
Paul offers the solution to this when he urges Christians to accepts wrong or to give up what they perceive as "rights" for the cause of Christ. Since our major purpose is to glorify God in everything we do, then our choices must reflect what will bring Him the most glory. Will standing on personal pride to get what we want bring Him glory? Hardly. Will surrendering our wills to His, even when it stings, show others that something is different about us? Yes.
The world needs to see a difference in our lives. We may talk about being different and what Christ has done for us; but until we live our words, they have little meaning. Remember what verse 11 tells us: "but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." My opinion does not matter because He cleaned me up, set me apart for His purpose, and paid the price for my sin. If He paid a price that I cannot pay, then I owe Him my life because He has purchased me. Being owned by Him means that I enact His dictates willingly - even when it means being slighted by others.
See, it has nothing to do with me but has everything to do with Him. OUCH! I've got some changing to do. Do you?
Sunday, October 17, 2010
You are God's Field...
In addition to the nightly reading of a Bible story with my son, I have added a short passage reading from my devotions the night before. Since I have started studying Corinthians, we are plodding through this book. I have my son say short snippets from each section (i.e. I Corinthians 1 -- "God is faithful") to help him retain much of this information. After all, God's Word, according to the Lord, "shall accomplish what I please" (Isaiah 55:11).
When we reached chapter 3, my son's short statement was from I Corinthians 3:9 -- "you are God's field." They metaphor is demonstrated in a different way later in the verse as we are told "you are God's building." Sitting in the deer stand this past weekend, I pondered those statements and the result is this blog. This short phrase opens for us because we see ownership, obligation, and opportunity.
The ownership is rather simple -- we are God's. We like to use language that indicates that life is ours to live; however, that viewpoint is faulty (see I Corinthians 6:20). If God owns the field, which we are, then He has bought us because ownership can only be claimed by a written deed. That deed was purchased as Christ shed His blood on the cross. While people may not believe they are owned by God, the written deed says otherwise. The paper record, due to a paid price, can be rejected; however, the legal standing remains.
Obligation originates because of ownership. God was to see His land blossom; so He will take steps to ensure that takes place. For a field to produce fruit, the land must be tilled, thereby, breaking up the hard soil. At times, the soil needs additional nutrients added to it; but once again, those soil additives can only be added through breaking up of the soil. So, when we are going through difficult times and wonder why, remember, we are God's field; and He, as the owner, is shaping the land to place us in a position to produce fruit. Maybe these difficult times are nothing more than God pulling weeds so that the seed gets all of the nutrients needed to produce what God intends.
Since the owner is obligated to the land and prepare it, He reveals His expectation, or opportunity, for the land. He wants fruit, and it is our responsibility to produce it. The land does not produce fruit of its own because it requires nutrients, sun, water, warmth and work. Yes, the land will grow what is planted; however, it takes a gardener to shape it. For instance, my yard can grow vegetables but that requires me to till the land, plant the seed, provide water, incorporate compost, trim the plants, pull weeds, and keep other "nutrient thieves" like grass from creeping into the garden.
In sum, God is in control. He knows what He is doing. Our role in this process is to accept His ownership, the nutrients provided to us through His obligation, and then take the opportunities, through His strength, to produce fruit. Remember, we are His field. He gets the credit for whatever is produced -- He purchased, He planted, He protected, and He produced. It is all about Him - to God be the glory!
When we reached chapter 3, my son's short statement was from I Corinthians 3:9 -- "you are God's field." They metaphor is demonstrated in a different way later in the verse as we are told "you are God's building." Sitting in the deer stand this past weekend, I pondered those statements and the result is this blog. This short phrase opens for us because we see ownership, obligation, and opportunity.
The ownership is rather simple -- we are God's. We like to use language that indicates that life is ours to live; however, that viewpoint is faulty (see I Corinthians 6:20). If God owns the field, which we are, then He has bought us because ownership can only be claimed by a written deed. That deed was purchased as Christ shed His blood on the cross. While people may not believe they are owned by God, the written deed says otherwise. The paper record, due to a paid price, can be rejected; however, the legal standing remains.
Obligation originates because of ownership. God was to see His land blossom; so He will take steps to ensure that takes place. For a field to produce fruit, the land must be tilled, thereby, breaking up the hard soil. At times, the soil needs additional nutrients added to it; but once again, those soil additives can only be added through breaking up of the soil. So, when we are going through difficult times and wonder why, remember, we are God's field; and He, as the owner, is shaping the land to place us in a position to produce fruit. Maybe these difficult times are nothing more than God pulling weeds so that the seed gets all of the nutrients needed to produce what God intends.
Since the owner is obligated to the land and prepare it, He reveals His expectation, or opportunity, for the land. He wants fruit, and it is our responsibility to produce it. The land does not produce fruit of its own because it requires nutrients, sun, water, warmth and work. Yes, the land will grow what is planted; however, it takes a gardener to shape it. For instance, my yard can grow vegetables but that requires me to till the land, plant the seed, provide water, incorporate compost, trim the plants, pull weeds, and keep other "nutrient thieves" like grass from creeping into the garden.
In sum, God is in control. He knows what He is doing. Our role in this process is to accept His ownership, the nutrients provided to us through His obligation, and then take the opportunities, through His strength, to produce fruit. Remember, we are His field. He gets the credit for whatever is produced -- He purchased, He planted, He protected, and He produced. It is all about Him - to God be the glory!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
When God Uses Children to Teach us a Lesson
Monday night, which was our first night in the new home, was a rather interesting evening in the Medley household. The house was a disaster because we could not unpack. Our children did not take much of a nap, which meant that unpacking was extremely slow. Mom and dad were really tired but chose to stick to the bedtime routine. I read Brandt his Bible story, we prayed, and I put him in bed. After a few songs, I told him that I loved him, got up, and left the room. That's when the "fun" for the evening began.
He got up so many times. Erin and I alternated dealing with him, and I was the "designated hammer" that brought discipline to the situation. I asked him if he thought this was fun (because it was killing me) and he said "No." When asked what he must do to avoid the discipline, his response was right on the money: "Stay in Brandt's bed." He knew what he needed to do but chose otherwise. This "dance" continued for nearly 3 hours and it was breaking my heart (while my wife was in the bed room crying). Finally, he went to sleep; and this issue has not recurred later in the week.
How does this story apply to the title? In the midst of the getting-out-of-bed issue, I read my Bible and started the book of Zechariah. Verse 1 contains a plea from God: "Return to me and I will return to you." The remainder of the opening section details why God was displeased with His children -- He sent prophet after prophet to get His people to change their ways, but they refused to obey. Thus, verse 7 shows us that "according to our ways and according to our deeds, so has He dealt with us."
The words of that short passage became so real through the experience I was having with my son. As I pondered the Scripture and situation, I gained an understanding of how I make God feel. Verse 1 says that the word of the Lord came to Zechariah. Just because God speaks does not mean that we listen. Our ears must be tuned to hear, which implies that we are willing to change based upon the words received. He has provided me the guide with which to live my life, yet I choose not to stand upon Sola Scriptura. Instead, I plot my own way and make a huge mess of things, which means I have to experience the correction of God.
If God can use children to teach us valuable lessons, just think how much more His Word can teach us -- if we read and heed it.
He got up so many times. Erin and I alternated dealing with him, and I was the "designated hammer" that brought discipline to the situation. I asked him if he thought this was fun (because it was killing me) and he said "No." When asked what he must do to avoid the discipline, his response was right on the money: "Stay in Brandt's bed." He knew what he needed to do but chose otherwise. This "dance" continued for nearly 3 hours and it was breaking my heart (while my wife was in the bed room crying). Finally, he went to sleep; and this issue has not recurred later in the week.
How does this story apply to the title? In the midst of the getting-out-of-bed issue, I read my Bible and started the book of Zechariah. Verse 1 contains a plea from God: "Return to me and I will return to you." The remainder of the opening section details why God was displeased with His children -- He sent prophet after prophet to get His people to change their ways, but they refused to obey. Thus, verse 7 shows us that "according to our ways and according to our deeds, so has He dealt with us."
The words of that short passage became so real through the experience I was having with my son. As I pondered the Scripture and situation, I gained an understanding of how I make God feel. Verse 1 says that the word of the Lord came to Zechariah. Just because God speaks does not mean that we listen. Our ears must be tuned to hear, which implies that we are willing to change based upon the words received. He has provided me the guide with which to live my life, yet I choose not to stand upon Sola Scriptura. Instead, I plot my own way and make a huge mess of things, which means I have to experience the correction of God.
If God can use children to teach us valuable lessons, just think how much more His Word can teach us -- if we read and heed it.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
A Nap and the Not so Nice Times....
Have you ever just had enough and wondered, whether silently or aloud, what in the world God is doing? We've all been there, and some of us are right there now (self included). I had the privilege to learn something from my son on how to handle and deal with uncertainty, and I wanted to share that with you. As part of that discussion, take a look at Psalms 23:13-14. Read over these two verses a couple of times and really think them through before following along below.
Verse 13 says "I would have lost heart," but something restrained the Psalmist from doing that. What was it? Simply, faith that the Lord would keep His promises to His children (see Romans 8:28). This verse indicates just how close the Psalmist was to giving in to his frustration. He, just like we all do, whined when not getting his way and was struggling. God knows what is best for us; so instead of "bucking" this opportunity for learning, we should embrace it. Yes, I know, that is easier said than done; but more on that later.
Verse 14 shows us the solution to this time of uncertainty: waiting and taking courage. Waiting references an eager expectation, meaning that we know God is working and that we look for His fingerprints in the situation. Taking courage is an interesting word that means being sore. Huh? Yep, you read that right; so just think exercise. We all know that it is good for us but it produces pain in our muscles that is necessary to build new ones. That strengthening is exactly what God does to us and for us during the times of uncertainty that we all dread. If you doubt me, continue reading the verse and see what it says. Yep, you read it right -- "He will strengthen your heart." Just in case we missed that first part about looking for God's handiwork, the Psalmist reminds us one more time to wait. So, do you think the Psalmist believed it was important??
Let me share you an example of how my son reaffirmed this in my heart. The whole way home from church today, he was fussing. Why? Well, he's gotten up WAY TOO early the last two mornings, and he was tired. After eating lunch and changing his diaper, it was nap time. He wanted nothing to do with it and began his whining thinking that would change the situation. When I finally got him in the bed, he continued to stay awake by playing with his toes or belly button or the wall or anything else; and he was resisting his chance at rest. Then, it happened -- he snuggled up to his daddy and got still. The longer he laid still, the more you could witness that rest coming upon him as his eyes slowly closed and then reopened only to close slowly again. He finally succumbed to sleep because he knew that his dad was right there beside him and felt secure in that knowledge.
What was the end result? See the picture below to understand what we as Christians can experience, and should be experiencing, in times of uncertainty. That picture is one of perfect peacefulness....
Lessons to be learned from my son: (1) whining doesn't change anything other than making your attitude a sour one; (2) resisting the rest provided to you by God does not harm Him but it sure does take a lot out of you; (3) getting close to your Father through the Scripture will calm you, thereby, changing your perspective because He knows best; (4) we are secure only in the Lord's will not our own; and (5) it is when you are rest, even in the most difficult of times, that you are strengthened for the next task God has for you.
Robert Murray McCheyne, a 19th century Scottish preacher, once said: “Oh, bretheren, could you and I pass this day through these heavens, and see what is going on in the sanctuary above. Could you see what the child of God now sees who died last night? Could you see the Lamb with the scars of His five deep wounds in the very midst of the throne, surrounded by all the odors? Could you see the many angels round the throne, whose number is ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, all singing, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain”? And....lo, there He is upon the throne of heaven; consider Him, look long and earnestly upon His wounds – upon His glory - and tell me, do you think it would be safe to trust Him?”
As I conclude, I have paraphrased the Scriptural passage into something that makes abundant sense to me; and I don't believe that it is outside the bounds of Scriptural intent. For me, Psalm 27:13-14 reads: "If I did not believe in the Lord's promise to show us goodness in this life, then I would have given up in frustration. Instead, that faith gave me the ability to wait on the Lord and be encouraged because He will strengthen me just like He has always done. Still, because I'm heard-headed, I need to hear this one more time -- wait on the Lord!"
Verse 13 says "I would have lost heart," but something restrained the Psalmist from doing that. What was it? Simply, faith that the Lord would keep His promises to His children (see Romans 8:28). This verse indicates just how close the Psalmist was to giving in to his frustration. He, just like we all do, whined when not getting his way and was struggling. God knows what is best for us; so instead of "bucking" this opportunity for learning, we should embrace it. Yes, I know, that is easier said than done; but more on that later.
Verse 14 shows us the solution to this time of uncertainty: waiting and taking courage. Waiting references an eager expectation, meaning that we know God is working and that we look for His fingerprints in the situation. Taking courage is an interesting word that means being sore. Huh? Yep, you read that right; so just think exercise. We all know that it is good for us but it produces pain in our muscles that is necessary to build new ones. That strengthening is exactly what God does to us and for us during the times of uncertainty that we all dread. If you doubt me, continue reading the verse and see what it says. Yep, you read it right -- "He will strengthen your heart." Just in case we missed that first part about looking for God's handiwork, the Psalmist reminds us one more time to wait. So, do you think the Psalmist believed it was important??
Let me share you an example of how my son reaffirmed this in my heart. The whole way home from church today, he was fussing. Why? Well, he's gotten up WAY TOO early the last two mornings, and he was tired. After eating lunch and changing his diaper, it was nap time. He wanted nothing to do with it and began his whining thinking that would change the situation. When I finally got him in the bed, he continued to stay awake by playing with his toes or belly button or the wall or anything else; and he was resisting his chance at rest. Then, it happened -- he snuggled up to his daddy and got still. The longer he laid still, the more you could witness that rest coming upon him as his eyes slowly closed and then reopened only to close slowly again. He finally succumbed to sleep because he knew that his dad was right there beside him and felt secure in that knowledge.
What was the end result? See the picture below to understand what we as Christians can experience, and should be experiencing, in times of uncertainty. That picture is one of perfect peacefulness....
Lessons to be learned from my son: (1) whining doesn't change anything other than making your attitude a sour one; (2) resisting the rest provided to you by God does not harm Him but it sure does take a lot out of you; (3) getting close to your Father through the Scripture will calm you, thereby, changing your perspective because He knows best; (4) we are secure only in the Lord's will not our own; and (5) it is when you are rest, even in the most difficult of times, that you are strengthened for the next task God has for you.
Robert Murray McCheyne, a 19th century Scottish preacher, once said: “Oh, bretheren, could you and I pass this day through these heavens, and see what is going on in the sanctuary above. Could you see what the child of God now sees who died last night? Could you see the Lamb with the scars of His five deep wounds in the very midst of the throne, surrounded by all the odors? Could you see the many angels round the throne, whose number is ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, all singing, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain”? And....lo, there He is upon the throne of heaven; consider Him, look long and earnestly upon His wounds – upon His glory - and tell me, do you think it would be safe to trust Him?”
As I conclude, I have paraphrased the Scriptural passage into something that makes abundant sense to me; and I don't believe that it is outside the bounds of Scriptural intent. For me, Psalm 27:13-14 reads: "If I did not believe in the Lord's promise to show us goodness in this life, then I would have given up in frustration. Instead, that faith gave me the ability to wait on the Lord and be encouraged because He will strengthen me just like He has always done. Still, because I'm heard-headed, I need to hear this one more time -- wait on the Lord!"
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Who Are We?
As I continue my reading through the New Testament, I came upon Romans 1:1 this morning -- "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the Gospel." While it is a short verse, it has two power-packed phrases.
"A Servant of Jesus Christ" -- the word servant literally means a slave; so Christians are to be slaves of Jesus. That means that we live our lives in recognition of several key elements: (1) we belong to someone else, (2) we do His bidding as explained clearly in His Word, (3) we are to work long and hard for our Master because we owe a debt that cannot be repaid, and (4) anything that we produce is for the Master's glory and not our own.
The unfortunate part is that most Christians are not living that way. We have become accustomed to the American dream; so instead of denying ourselves, we indulge and deny Jesus. No wonder, as David Kinnaman in the book unchristian found, the world views Christians as hypocritical and judgmental. If you have not read this book, get a copy. He works for the Barna Group and did a three year study on how people outside the church view Christianity. It is a sobering wake up call to those of us who claim to follow Christ.
"Separated unto the Gospel of God" -- in Christian circles, you will hear very quickly that we are to be separated from this world. Those outside the church will pick up that as "secret code" for the existence of a long list of dos and don'ts. The world knows more of what we stand AGAINST (i.e. abortion) than what we stand FOR; and that is a huge problem!!
When Christ was asked about the greatest commandment, He made two statements in Matthew 22:36-40: (1) love God with everything that you have and (2) love neighbors like you love yourself. If we do not love God with ever fiber of our being, then it is impossible for us to love others unselfishly. Getting closer to God everyday through prayer and reading His Word will give us pause as we realize how bad we really are. As His Word permeates our lives, that will produce a love for others so that we give of ourselves for their benefit. It is unconditional love to those that hate us, dislike us, or know nothing about us that will allow them to see Jesus in us. At that point, they will ponder what is different in our lives and then the conversation begins.
My youth pastor, Doug Roberts, used to always say: "People won't care how much you know until they know how much you care." I believe we, in Christianity, have missed the boat in our evangelism. We want to argue with people's heads and completely neglect touching their hearts. If we get others to see the love we have for them (because of the love Christ has for us), then we WILL have the opportunity to share the faith that we cling to. Typically, though, we express verbally the fact that we love others and will help them; however, our actions rarely meet those words.
So, in sum, you are a servant of Jesus and others MUST see Jesus in you. Without that fact, you are not truly His servant and others will continue to see a watered down version of Christianity. Remember what's at stake here -- the reputation of Jesus Christ as exhibited in your life! That, my friends, is very sobering....
"A Servant of Jesus Christ" -- the word servant literally means a slave; so Christians are to be slaves of Jesus. That means that we live our lives in recognition of several key elements: (1) we belong to someone else, (2) we do His bidding as explained clearly in His Word, (3) we are to work long and hard for our Master because we owe a debt that cannot be repaid, and (4) anything that we produce is for the Master's glory and not our own.
The unfortunate part is that most Christians are not living that way. We have become accustomed to the American dream; so instead of denying ourselves, we indulge and deny Jesus. No wonder, as David Kinnaman in the book unchristian found, the world views Christians as hypocritical and judgmental. If you have not read this book, get a copy. He works for the Barna Group and did a three year study on how people outside the church view Christianity. It is a sobering wake up call to those of us who claim to follow Christ.
"Separated unto the Gospel of God" -- in Christian circles, you will hear very quickly that we are to be separated from this world. Those outside the church will pick up that as "secret code" for the existence of a long list of dos and don'ts. The world knows more of what we stand AGAINST (i.e. abortion) than what we stand FOR; and that is a huge problem!!
When Christ was asked about the greatest commandment, He made two statements in Matthew 22:36-40: (1) love God with everything that you have and (2) love neighbors like you love yourself. If we do not love God with ever fiber of our being, then it is impossible for us to love others unselfishly. Getting closer to God everyday through prayer and reading His Word will give us pause as we realize how bad we really are. As His Word permeates our lives, that will produce a love for others so that we give of ourselves for their benefit. It is unconditional love to those that hate us, dislike us, or know nothing about us that will allow them to see Jesus in us. At that point, they will ponder what is different in our lives and then the conversation begins.
My youth pastor, Doug Roberts, used to always say: "People won't care how much you know until they know how much you care." I believe we, in Christianity, have missed the boat in our evangelism. We want to argue with people's heads and completely neglect touching their hearts. If we get others to see the love we have for them (because of the love Christ has for us), then we WILL have the opportunity to share the faith that we cling to. Typically, though, we express verbally the fact that we love others and will help them; however, our actions rarely meet those words.
So, in sum, you are a servant of Jesus and others MUST see Jesus in you. Without that fact, you are not truly His servant and others will continue to see a watered down version of Christianity. Remember what's at stake here -- the reputation of Jesus Christ as exhibited in your life! That, my friends, is very sobering....
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Ramblings about the Resurrection....
1. Why is it called "Good Friday"? Have you ever given that initial question a thought? Really, though, "Good Friday" was a pretty tough day for Jesus. He was betrayed for money by one of His disciples, convicted in a sham called a trial, mocked, spat upon, beaten, scourged, denied on three occasions by one of His closest disciples, forsaken by the rest of His followers, and, eventually, crucified. How can any day like that be called good? The answer is revealed on "the first day of the week," which is what we are celebrating today. Luke 24:5-6 record for us the comments of the angels: "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!" Yes, the awful Friday can be called good because Christ paid the penalty for our sin; and more importantly, 3 days later He conquered the power of death.
2. How much do you believe in the Resurrection? We often say that we believe that Jesus arose from the dead, but does our life evidence our belief? In Luke 24:12, Peter, who had denied Christ 3 times a few days earlier, ran to the tomb. The Scripture says that "he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened." In other words, Peter was not sure what to think; and his actions revealed it -- instead of running to tell others about the empty tomb, he just went back to fishing (where Christ found him the first time). As we celebrate the Resurrection today, let's make sure that we live like we believe it tomorrow and the next day and the next....
3. Why is the Resurrection important? Many people get hung up right here because, when sharing the Gospel, they focus on Christ's death on the cross. Omitting the Resurrection is only telling part of the story; because if Jesus is still in that tomb, then we are without hope. Think about it -- if Christ raised others from the dead but could not save Himself from its power, then what good is our faith in Him? Romans 10:9 tells us that we must believe that God raised Him from the dead for us to be saved -- trusting in the Resurrection requires faith in the unexplainable which makes it part of the Gospel. Further, Luke 24:6-8 shows us another reason for its importance -- it fulfills a prophecy that Christ gave to the disciples. He told others that He would suffer, die, and rise again; and that is exactly what He did. If Jesus words can be trusted and He conquers the power of death, then we have tremendous hope in Him alone.
4. What does the Resurrection mean to you? This question is not one that I can answer for you because you must formulate that opinion on your own. To me, the Resurrection is, as Romans 1:16 says, "the power of God unto salvation" for the Jews and the Gentiles. It is an assurance that the worst things in the world (death on a cross) can be used by an all-powerful God to accomplish His will (saving mankind). It is hope for the future in that death cannot harm me but will only help usher me into the presence of God (2 Corinthians 5:8).
I encourage you to examine your heart and see what the Resurrection of Jesus really means to you. If it has not changed your life, then I can say with certainty that you do not have a depth of knowledge about this Resurrection. I'd love to talk to you about it....
2. How much do you believe in the Resurrection? We often say that we believe that Jesus arose from the dead, but does our life evidence our belief? In Luke 24:12, Peter, who had denied Christ 3 times a few days earlier, ran to the tomb. The Scripture says that "he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened." In other words, Peter was not sure what to think; and his actions revealed it -- instead of running to tell others about the empty tomb, he just went back to fishing (where Christ found him the first time). As we celebrate the Resurrection today, let's make sure that we live like we believe it tomorrow and the next day and the next....
3. Why is the Resurrection important? Many people get hung up right here because, when sharing the Gospel, they focus on Christ's death on the cross. Omitting the Resurrection is only telling part of the story; because if Jesus is still in that tomb, then we are without hope. Think about it -- if Christ raised others from the dead but could not save Himself from its power, then what good is our faith in Him? Romans 10:9 tells us that we must believe that God raised Him from the dead for us to be saved -- trusting in the Resurrection requires faith in the unexplainable which makes it part of the Gospel. Further, Luke 24:6-8 shows us another reason for its importance -- it fulfills a prophecy that Christ gave to the disciples. He told others that He would suffer, die, and rise again; and that is exactly what He did. If Jesus words can be trusted and He conquers the power of death, then we have tremendous hope in Him alone.
4. What does the Resurrection mean to you? This question is not one that I can answer for you because you must formulate that opinion on your own. To me, the Resurrection is, as Romans 1:16 says, "the power of God unto salvation" for the Jews and the Gentiles. It is an assurance that the worst things in the world (death on a cross) can be used by an all-powerful God to accomplish His will (saving mankind). It is hope for the future in that death cannot harm me but will only help usher me into the presence of God (2 Corinthians 5:8).
I encourage you to examine your heart and see what the Resurrection of Jesus really means to you. If it has not changed your life, then I can say with certainty that you do not have a depth of knowledge about this Resurrection. I'd love to talk to you about it....
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