God cannot be contained in temples (2 Chron. 6:18), however, His temple in Jerusalem is where he chose to manifest His presence, His glory, and his Name to mankind. Though the temple was built in Jerusalem, it ultimately belonged to God.
When Jesus entered the temple in Luke 19, He came as Prophet, Priest, and King. He cleansed the temple, proclaimed the truth, and reminded the Jewish leaders that the temple was not their own to do with as they saw fit, but it was “His Father’s house,” existing for His Father’s purposes.
The Jerusalem temple ceased to exist long ago, but let us, who claim the Lord Jesus as savior, be reminded of this truth: "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, NKJV)
Jesus Christ has cleansed us, proclaimed the truth, and taken ownership of us as His temple. We are not our own to do as we see fit, but each one of us is a temple of the Holy Spirit existing for the Father’s purposes. "I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting;" (1 Timothy 2:8, NKJV) A house of God’s Word, a house of prayer, a house of love, a house of welcome, a house of God-glorifying ministry. Peter put it like this: "But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 4:7-11, NKJV)
It’s a question of ownership: to whom do you belong?
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Digging Deep
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. As God works in us both to will and to do according to His good pleasure we are to work that transformation out in newness of life. In Luke 6, Jesus taught that as His disciples set their mind on things above, they will understand their present circumstances from and eternal perspective. He also taught if their hearts are sourced in heavenly love, it will be manifest in word, intent, and deed even to those who hate them. There are to be no Christian Pharisees, but rather disciplers who are forgiving, not condemning; constantly discerning and humbly dealing with their own faults in the presence of a holy God, before they may be used by God to help remove the specks of fault in their brothers. Only as our hearts and minds are transformed by Christ will we have any treasure to share with those around us. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5, NKJV) The religious person who is not willing to go deep with Jesus, to the heart of every matter, will only build a life of superficialities that will not withstand the trials of life. If our relationship with Christ is digging deep into our “willing” and our “doing”, He is founding our lives upon His bedrock and we shall not be moved when trial come. “For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13, NKJV)
Faith and Obedience
In Luke Chapter 17, Jesus commanded “Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.” The response of the apostles is interesting. When faced with the daunting command to be constant forgivers, they asked the Lord to “increase our faith”. Without a faith that believes that God exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him, it is impossible to please God. Jesus described the power of just a little faith, Luke 17:6, and then focused their attention on the real issue. When forgiveness of another is called for, are they WILLING to forgive and forgive again? From God’s perspective forgiving one another is our duty as His servant. Forgiveness is the one aspect of the model prayer that Jesus chose to expound upon, Matthew 6:12,14-15 “And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.” “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Forgiving one another is the subject of an entire parable that Jesus told Peter, Matt. 18:21-35, which ends, “Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” The disciple certainly has faith enough, but the question of forgiving is not about rewards but duty Luke 17:7-10 “And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’? Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’ ” Forgiving a repentant person is not requested, but commanded. It is not an extraordinary service of the super faith-filled, it is rather a basic daily duty that God expects of all who are called by His name. Colossians 3:12-13 “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”(NKJV)
Coming Home
Psalm 32:1-5 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones grew old Through my groaning all the day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” And You forgave the iniquity of my sin.” Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven. Sweet forgiveness, like a rushing wind blowing the dirt and grime out of our souls, relief from the bone deep decay and groaning that haunts us when we cover, minimize, justify, or deny our own sin. Such was the psalmist David’s state--his ‘vitality was turned into the drought of summer.’ The drought was only broken when he acknowledged his sin to God, confessing not hiding his transgressions. In Luke 15 the prodigal finds himself in a similar situation. After sinning against God and his father, ‘wasting his possessions in prodigal living,’ he came to his senses in a pigsty. Luke 15:17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! He recognized that his father was good and generous. Romans 2:4 says...’the goodness of God leads us to repentance. With a humble and contrite heart he determines to go and confess his sin to his father and to ask for help. Luke 15:18-19 “I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.’ The son takes action and turns his back on the far country and comes home to his father, where he is embraced, welcomed, and restored. When we first come to Christ and whenever we sin, we come to repentance in much the same way as did the prodigal son and David. Recognizing the Father’s goodness and generosity, with humble and contrite hearts, we turn our backs on the far country and head home to be embraced by our heavenly Father through Jesus, our Lord. Admitting that we can’t do anything about our sin, we seek His grace, His help in our time of need. Trusting Jesus’ promise that the one who comes to Him, He will by no means cast out. (John 6:37) And then...like a rushing wind... sweet cleansing. (1 John 1:9)
Beware of Covetousness!
When God laid down the Law at Mt. Sinai, His purpose was that His people would understand how to love one another and to love Him.
(1 Tim. 1:5, Luke 10:25-28) God’s top ten list begins "‘You shall have no other gods before Me. " (Deuteronomy 5:7) and ends "‘You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife; and you shall not desire your neighbor’s house, his field, his male servant, his female servant, his ox, his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.’" (Deuteronomy 5:21)
Covetousness is an unquenchable thirst for more and more in a search for true satisfaction. Deuteronomy includes the idea of jealously eyeing the things that fill my neighbor’s life. If our hearts were not covetous the commandments against stealing and adultery would become almost unneeded. Colossians groups covetousness with such sins as fornication and evil desire, even calling it idolatry, a violation of commandment number one. (Deut. 5:7) "Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry." (Colossians 3:5) Ephesians 5 instructs "But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints...” "For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God." (Ephesians 5:3,5) Though we often think that having riches would be a nice addition to our godly lives and God does bless some in that way, however, the bible does not teach that godliness with great gain equals contentment, instead 1 Tim. 6:6ff says "Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (1 Timothy 6:6-10) Though God does sometimes bless with abundant finances, we must take our Lord’s admonition seriously “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”" (Luke 12:15) 1 Tim. 6 gives instruction to those who may be considering a bigger barn because God has blessed them. "Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." (1 Timothy 6:17-19, NKJV)
Yes! The real riches are eternal riches, so let us live looking to the end of the book!
(Rev. 22:20-21)
(1 Tim. 1:5, Luke 10:25-28) God’s top ten list begins "‘You shall have no other gods before Me. " (Deuteronomy 5:7) and ends "‘You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife; and you shall not desire your neighbor’s house, his field, his male servant, his female servant, his ox, his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.’" (Deuteronomy 5:21)
Covetousness is an unquenchable thirst for more and more in a search for true satisfaction. Deuteronomy includes the idea of jealously eyeing the things that fill my neighbor’s life. If our hearts were not covetous the commandments against stealing and adultery would become almost unneeded. Colossians groups covetousness with such sins as fornication and evil desire, even calling it idolatry, a violation of commandment number one. (Deut. 5:7) "Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry." (Colossians 3:5) Ephesians 5 instructs "But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints...” "For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God." (Ephesians 5:3,5) Though we often think that having riches would be a nice addition to our godly lives and God does bless some in that way, however, the bible does not teach that godliness with great gain equals contentment, instead 1 Tim. 6:6ff says "Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (1 Timothy 6:6-10) Though God does sometimes bless with abundant finances, we must take our Lord’s admonition seriously “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”" (Luke 12:15) 1 Tim. 6 gives instruction to those who may be considering a bigger barn because God has blessed them. "Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." (1 Timothy 6:17-19, NKJV)
Yes! The real riches are eternal riches, so let us live looking to the end of the book!
(Rev. 22:20-21)
But First...
“Jesus, I will follow you, but first...”
Luke chapter 9 recounts the words of three would-be followers of Christ. They intend to follow as long as certain circumstances in their lives have been resolved. These “obstacles” to answering Christ’s call include: a desire for a reasonable standard of living (Luke 9:58), a desire to wait for a more appropriate time (Luke 9:59), and a desire to avoid relational offense (Luke 9:61).
None of these desires were unreasonable in themselves, and we must not mistreat others, but Christ’s call was urgent and emphatic. He had set His face to go to Jerusalem and offer Himself for the sin of the world saying, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.” (Luke 9:23-24) When Christ calls us to Himself or to some task there can be nothing more important than that call. “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.” and “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:60, 62) Not all are called to pastorates or mission fields. Some calls are as simple as loving your spouse, raising godly children, and being a trustworthy neighbor as you share Christ where God has placed you. The question for us all is: are we completely available for God’s calling with no ifs, ands, or buts? Are we willing to follow even when the timing or circumstances are less than ideal? Jesus said, “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.” (Matthew 10:37-38, NKJV)
Luke chapter 9 recounts the words of three would-be followers of Christ. They intend to follow as long as certain circumstances in their lives have been resolved. These “obstacles” to answering Christ’s call include: a desire for a reasonable standard of living (Luke 9:58), a desire to wait for a more appropriate time (Luke 9:59), and a desire to avoid relational offense (Luke 9:61).
None of these desires were unreasonable in themselves, and we must not mistreat others, but Christ’s call was urgent and emphatic. He had set His face to go to Jerusalem and offer Himself for the sin of the world saying, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.” (Luke 9:23-24) When Christ calls us to Himself or to some task there can be nothing more important than that call. “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.” and “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:60, 62) Not all are called to pastorates or mission fields. Some calls are as simple as loving your spouse, raising godly children, and being a trustworthy neighbor as you share Christ where God has placed you. The question for us all is: are we completely available for God’s calling with no ifs, ands, or buts? Are we willing to follow even when the timing or circumstances are less than ideal? Jesus said, “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.” (Matthew 10:37-38, NKJV)
Recognizing Jesus
Recognizing Jesus for who He is...
“Who do the crowds say that I am?” Jesus asked this question in Luke 9:18. The answer to His question illustrates the fact that most people did not understand who Jesus Christ was. Even the apostles did not understand who Jesus was. Though Peter confessed Him as the Christ, when Jesus spoke of His own suffering and death, Peter was not willing to hear Him and began rebuking Jesus for His words. In all that they had come to understand about their Lord who healed the sick, cast out demons, walked on waves, silenced storms, and raised the dead, the first declaration of Jesus identity, “Behold the Lamb of God,” had been lost to them. Though Jesus spoke of His death repeatedly, their ears were closed to His message. Jesus is a friend that sticks closer than a brother, and He is the awesome God, the Ancient of Days, who dwells in unapproachable light, He is the only sacrifice for sin, and the righteous judge of the world. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, the Bread of Life, the Exalted Head and the one who touches us and says, “don’t be afraid,” “love one another as I have loved you,” “Father, forgive,” “go and sin no more.” When Jesus took James, John, and Peter up on a mountain “and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.” (Matthew 17:2, NKJV) Peter responded with His self-made action plan, but Peter’s ideas were not what was needed. Only one response was required by God who spoke from the cloud, “This is my beloved Son, HEAR HIM!”
When we recognize Jesus Christ, the Son the Living God, for who He is, what must our response be? HEAR HIM!
Now, where is my Bible?
“Who do the crowds say that I am?” Jesus asked this question in Luke 9:18. The answer to His question illustrates the fact that most people did not understand who Jesus Christ was. Even the apostles did not understand who Jesus was. Though Peter confessed Him as the Christ, when Jesus spoke of His own suffering and death, Peter was not willing to hear Him and began rebuking Jesus for His words. In all that they had come to understand about their Lord who healed the sick, cast out demons, walked on waves, silenced storms, and raised the dead, the first declaration of Jesus identity, “Behold the Lamb of God,” had been lost to them. Though Jesus spoke of His death repeatedly, their ears were closed to His message. Jesus is a friend that sticks closer than a brother, and He is the awesome God, the Ancient of Days, who dwells in unapproachable light, He is the only sacrifice for sin, and the righteous judge of the world. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, the Bread of Life, the Exalted Head and the one who touches us and says, “don’t be afraid,” “love one another as I have loved you,” “Father, forgive,” “go and sin no more.” When Jesus took James, John, and Peter up on a mountain “and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.” (Matthew 17:2, NKJV) Peter responded with His self-made action plan, but Peter’s ideas were not what was needed. Only one response was required by God who spoke from the cloud, “This is my beloved Son, HEAR HIM!”
When we recognize Jesus Christ, the Son the Living God, for who He is, what must our response be? HEAR HIM!
Now, where is my Bible?
Baptism
Commanded "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," (Matthew 28:19)
An element of invitation "Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)
A response of believers "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." (Mark 16:16)
"Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them." (Acts 2:41)
"Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”" (Acts 8:36-37)
A picture of our union with Christ "buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead." (Colossians 2:12)
A physical declaration of a spiritual reality "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body— whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:13)
" What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin." (Romans 6:1-6, NKJV)
An element of invitation "Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)
A response of believers "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." (Mark 16:16)
"Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them." (Acts 2:41)
"Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”" (Acts 8:36-37)
A picture of our union with Christ "buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead." (Colossians 2:12)
A physical declaration of a spiritual reality "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body— whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:13)
" What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin." (Romans 6:1-6, NKJV)
Spiritual Disciplines
Spiritual disciplines. Are you still reading? For many of us the quickest way to sap our enthusiasm for an activity, to drain it of its potential joy and excitement, is to call it something like a “discipline.” It makes it sound like a boring chore, like hand sanding a floor or cleaning out closets. This is often the attitude we bring to Bible study and prayer, and of course, with such an attitude, we miss the thrilling reality in which we are involved, a conversation with the Almighty, grace and love filled Creator of the universe. Perhaps a more apt term is in order. Instead of “spiritual disciplines,” maybe we should call them “thrill rides” or “spirit invigorators.” Maybe “high-definition, super-charged, multi-colored, fantasticoes!” Okay, maybe that’s going a bit far! But when you consider what God is doing through these simple “disciplines,” conforming us to Christ, renewing our minds, hearing us and speaking to us personally... WOW!
Here is a verse to meditate on, “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”( Luke 10:20, NKJV) What a beautiful truth! It was last week’s memory verse in the bulletin. This week’s is great too! Matthew 25:40 “And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” Committing God’s word to memory is a wonderful spiritual discipline. It can lead us into a wonderful working knowledge of God’s word so that when we need to remember what the Bible says about something (eg. sin, God’s love, repentance, grace, Christ, works, wives, husbands, heaven, hope, faith, comfort, even taxes, etc.) the answers will be there, in our minds and hearts. I encourage you this week to embark on this wonderful (thrill ride) spiritual discipline and you will be nourished by its fruits for years to come!
Here is a verse to meditate on, “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”( Luke 10:20, NKJV) What a beautiful truth! It was last week’s memory verse in the bulletin. This week’s is great too! Matthew 25:40 “And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” Committing God’s word to memory is a wonderful spiritual discipline. It can lead us into a wonderful working knowledge of God’s word so that when we need to remember what the Bible says about something (eg. sin, God’s love, repentance, grace, Christ, works, wives, husbands, heaven, hope, faith, comfort, even taxes, etc.) the answers will be there, in our minds and hearts. I encourage you this week to embark on this wonderful (thrill ride) spiritual discipline and you will be nourished by its fruits for years to come!
Spiritual Disciplines
Spiritual disciplines. Are you still reading? For many of us the quickest way to sap our enthusiasm for an activity, to drain it of its potential joy and excitement, is to call it something like a “discipline.” It makes it sound like a boring chore, like hand sanding a floor or cleaning out closets. This is often the attitude we bring to Bible study and prayer, and of course, with such an attitude, we miss the thrilling reality in which we are involved, a conversation with the Almighty, grace and love filled Creator of the universe. Perhaps a more apt term is in order. Instead of “spiritual disciplines,” maybe we should call them “thrill rides” or “spirit invigorators.” Maybe “high-definition, super-charged, multi-colored, fantasticoes!” Okay, maybe that’s going a bit far! But when you consider what God is doing through these simple “disciplines,” conforming us to Christ, renewing our minds, hearing us and speaking to us personally... WOW!
Here is a verse to meditate on, “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”( Luke 10:20, NKJV) What a beautiful truth! It was last week’s memory verse in the bulletin. This week’s is great too! Matthew 25:40 “And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” Committing God’s word to memory is a wonderful spiritual discipline. It can lead us into a wonderful working knowledge of God’s word so that when we need to remember what the Bible says about something (eg. sin, God’s love, repentance, grace, Christ, works, wives, husbands, heaven, hope, faith, comfort, even taxes, etc.) the answers will be there, in our minds and hearts. I encourage you this week to embark on this wonderful (thrill ride) spiritual discipline and you will be nourished by its fruits for years to come!
Here is a verse to meditate on, “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”( Luke 10:20, NKJV) What a beautiful truth! It was last week’s memory verse in the bulletin. This week’s is great too! Matthew 25:40 “And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” Committing God’s word to memory is a wonderful spiritual discipline. It can lead us into a wonderful working knowledge of God’s word so that when we need to remember what the Bible says about something (eg. sin, God’s love, repentance, grace, Christ, works, wives, husbands, heaven, hope, faith, comfort, even taxes, etc.) the answers will be there, in our minds and hearts. I encourage you this week to embark on this wonderful (thrill ride) spiritual discipline and you will be nourished by its fruits for years to come!
Mayflower Compact
THE MAYFLOWER COMPACT 1620
In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread sovereigne Lord, King James, by the grace of God, of Great Britaine, France, and Ireland king, defender of the faith, etc., having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and honour of our king and country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the Northerne parts of Virginia, doe, by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the presence of God, and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civill body politick, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid;...
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV
In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread sovereigne Lord, King James, by the grace of God, of Great Britaine, France, and Ireland king, defender of the faith, etc., having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and honour of our king and country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the Northerne parts of Virginia, doe, by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the presence of God, and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civill body politick, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid;...
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV
Wednesday Prayer
In Chapter 8 of Luke’s gospel, we read the accounts of Jesus: silencing a storm for His frightened disciples, driving out a legion of demons from a hopeless gentile, healing a hopeful woman, and restoring a daughter to life for the joy of her parents. He authenticates His claim as Lord of all creation, demonstrating His absolute power over the natural and supernatural realms. Jesus commands, “Peace, be still, come out, arise,” and all obey His authority.
In Matthew 7, Jesus instructs his followers, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”(NKJV) Jesus tells us to ask; He, the Lord of all creation, is able to deliver. When we struggle to pray as we ought, He helps us “...in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”(Romans 8:26, NKJV) Jesus even understands our struggles. Hebrews 4:15-16 “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”(NKJV)
The needs around us and within us are insurmountable and innumerable. The times grow more perilous. The enemy is not idle, the battle is hot, the storms are raging, and the casualties mounting. What shall we do? “I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.”(Psalm 121:1-2, NASB95) Brothers and sisters, this coming Wednesday night, let us come together and look to the Lord of all creation to find grace to help in this time of need!
In Matthew 7, Jesus instructs his followers, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”(NKJV) Jesus tells us to ask; He, the Lord of all creation, is able to deliver. When we struggle to pray as we ought, He helps us “...in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”(Romans 8:26, NKJV) Jesus even understands our struggles. Hebrews 4:15-16 “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”(NKJV)
The needs around us and within us are insurmountable and innumerable. The times grow more perilous. The enemy is not idle, the battle is hot, the storms are raging, and the casualties mounting. What shall we do? “I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.”(Psalm 121:1-2, NASB95) Brothers and sisters, this coming Wednesday night, let us come together and look to the Lord of all creation to find grace to help in this time of need!
Fathers
Proverbs 17:6 (NKJV) “Children’s children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their father.” Matthew 7:11 implies that even a fallen father knows how to give good gifts to his children. How does a holy and righteous father deal with his children? Colossians 3:21 “Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” Ephesians 6:4 “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” A righteous father loves the Lord with heart, soul, and strength. (Deut. 6:5) God’s Words are on his heart (Deut. 6:6) and he will ‘teach them diligently to his children, and shall talk of them when he sits in his house, when he walks by the way, when he lies down, and when he rises up.’ Deut. 6:7 A father does this through encouragement, comforting, and urging his children to live lives worthy of God. 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12 “You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.”(NIV) Our enemy, the devil, seeks to interrupt God’s process of raising godly children. We must obey Proverbs 4:23 “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” We fathers must abide in Christ; else in our flesh we will become exasperating, embittering, stumbling blocks to our children. It is God’s calling that we ‘bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord’. If we are to persevere in this calling, our relationship with Christ must remain strong. Fathers, let us take this exhortation to heart--Deuteronomy 4:9 “...be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”(NIV)
And may our children’s children be a crown to us for the glory of God!
And may our children’s children be a crown to us for the glory of God!
How Can They Hear without a Preacher?
The mission of the Church is to make disciples. Together we are to reach every nation on the earth for Jesus Christ. As we share the Gospel with the lost we often use verses from the book of Romans such as Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, and Romans 5:8. Some of my favorites are in Romans, chapter 10 such as verses 9 and 10 “...if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”, verse 13 “...whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”, and verse 17 “...faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” In the midst of this collection of wonderful salvation verses these compelling questions are raised: “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?” Romans 10:14-15 If the Church is to accomplish its God-given mission it must produce preachers of God’s Word and it must send those preachers out to preach. Both of these essential components of missions work come from God’s own hand. (Eph. 4:11; 1 Chron. 29:12-14) Therefore we must begin with prayer. “...The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Luke 10:2 (NKJV) The mission of reaching the lost world is so great, what can WE do? We can pray, we can give, and we can go!
Greatest Lovers
Galatians 5:6 says, “...The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”(NIV) Romans 5:5 assures us that, “...the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit...” Looking out for the interests of others, not just my own interests, (Phil. 2:4) requires a willingness to love sacrificially, but we are not always willing. In stories of the old west, we celebrate as the hero is making his escape...
Then one of the bad guys says with a sneer, “I’ll just head em off at the pass!” In the same way, our love for others is sometimes headed off at the pass. Any sin can function as a love-stopper as it refocuses my concern from your needs and desires to my needs and desires. Lust turns love from caring about someone to objectifying them as a source of meeting my desires. Envy does the same... James 3:16 “For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.”(NKJV) The King of the love-stoppers has to be pride. Pride puffs me up and de-values you. 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 proclaims that “love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked...” Love is in harmony with Philippians 2:3s instruction “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” Love remembers the humility of Christ, who, “being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:8. Since Jesus said in John 15:12, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you,” is it any wonder that if we are to love like Jesus loves, we must humble ourselves as He humbled Himself?
1 Peter 5:6 “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,” We have the love of God. Let us therefore be humble and express our faith through love. 1 Peter 4:8 “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”(NKJV)
Then one of the bad guys says with a sneer, “I’ll just head em off at the pass!” In the same way, our love for others is sometimes headed off at the pass. Any sin can function as a love-stopper as it refocuses my concern from your needs and desires to my needs and desires. Lust turns love from caring about someone to objectifying them as a source of meeting my desires. Envy does the same... James 3:16 “For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.”(NKJV) The King of the love-stoppers has to be pride. Pride puffs me up and de-values you. 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 proclaims that “love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked...” Love is in harmony with Philippians 2:3s instruction “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” Love remembers the humility of Christ, who, “being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:8. Since Jesus said in John 15:12, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you,” is it any wonder that if we are to love like Jesus loves, we must humble ourselves as He humbled Himself?
1 Peter 5:6 “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,” We have the love of God. Let us therefore be humble and express our faith through love. 1 Peter 4:8 “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”(NKJV)
Do Not Condemn
Meeting life with an eternal perspective requires viewing life from God’s perspective. Blessed are you poor, hungry, weeping, hated, excluded, reviled for the sake of Christ. In heaven you will enjoy the kingdom, fullness, joyful laughter, and the loving acceptance and reward of the Father Himself. Anybody can love those who love them. God loves, with kindness, the unthankful and evil; He is merciful. (Luke 6:2-35) Eph. 2:4-5 reveals, “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).” Eph. 2:13 reminds us, “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”(NKJV) God has come from heaven to earth to the grave and back to show us His abundant grace and mercy, to pay our debt, and to give us a place with Him in eternity. From God’s perspective, how should we respond to being forgiven so much, to being loved so much, to being released from so much debt? Luke 6:36 “Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” Be merciful, treat others as you would hope to be treated, letting others fail without suffering your condemnation, remembering your own deep need for God’s patience and mercy. Jesus made this abundantly clear in Matt. 6:15, “But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Lord, clear the blindness from our eyes that we might give to others as you have so graciously given to us. Amen.
Lord, clear the blindness from our eyes that we might give to others as you have so graciously given to us. Amen.
Love Beyond Limits
Matthew 16:24 “...If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”(NKJV)
Sometimes the call of Christ is daunting even in something as simple as loving others! Luke 6:32-34 “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back.”
What is this Christian love? Why does God call us to such heights? These questions come to mind whenever Jesus talks of love. “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” or in the epistles “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:18) “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” (1 John 3:16) I can muster up plenty of love for those who love me, but this laying down my life, kind of love really pushes the limits. But then our Lord blows those limits away, “love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” (Luke 6:35-36)
O Lord, I see my inadequacy and need. Lord, pour out your love into our hearts, that we may love with your heavenly love. (Romans 5:5) O, how we need to be transformed by your Spirit! (2 Cor. 3:18, Romans 12:2) We pray this “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in us will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” to the praise of His glory! LET US LOVE UNLIMITED!
Sometimes the call of Christ is daunting even in something as simple as loving others! Luke 6:32-34 “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back.”
What is this Christian love? Why does God call us to such heights? These questions come to mind whenever Jesus talks of love. “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” or in the epistles “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:18) “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” (1 John 3:16) I can muster up plenty of love for those who love me, but this laying down my life, kind of love really pushes the limits. But then our Lord blows those limits away, “love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” (Luke 6:35-36)
O Lord, I see my inadequacy and need. Lord, pour out your love into our hearts, that we may love with your heavenly love. (Romans 5:5) O, how we need to be transformed by your Spirit! (2 Cor. 3:18, Romans 12:2) We pray this “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in us will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” to the praise of His glory! LET US LOVE UNLIMITED!
Intercession
Isn’t it great to find out that someone has been praying for you? Imagine receiving a letter from the Apostle Paul saying he always remembered you in his prayers. In the book of Revelation, the prayers of the saints are portrayed as an offering with sweet incense ascending before the throne of God. (Rev. 5:8, 8:3-4) In John 17:20 Jesus Himself prayed for us! “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word.” Rom. 8:34 tells us that Christ, seated at the right hand of God, makes intercession for us! Rom. 8:26 says that the Spirit even makes intercession for us. 1 John 3:1 declares that Jesus Christ, the Righteous, is our Advocate with the Father.
HALLELUIAH!!! How wonderful it is that the Holy Spirit and even Jesus Christ Himself are personally interceding on our behalf. Even so, what a privilege God has given us to come boldly before His throne to find grace to help in time of need. Jesus taught in John 16:23 and following, “...Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you...Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God.” Is it any wonder that Paul enjoins believers to ‘pray without ceasing’ (1 Thess. 5:17)? James says, “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray,” (James 5:13) and “pray for one another” (James 5:16) Brothers and sisters, how shall we answer before our Lord if it is found that we neglected so great a privilege, such expression of care, so high a calling to intercede for one another as our very Lord Jesus lives to do. (Heb. 7:25)
The effective prayer of a righteous man avails much, so LET US PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER!
HALLELUIAH!!! How wonderful it is that the Holy Spirit and even Jesus Christ Himself are personally interceding on our behalf. Even so, what a privilege God has given us to come boldly before His throne to find grace to help in time of need. Jesus taught in John 16:23 and following, “...Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you...Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God.” Is it any wonder that Paul enjoins believers to ‘pray without ceasing’ (1 Thess. 5:17)? James says, “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray,” (James 5:13) and “pray for one another” (James 5:16) Brothers and sisters, how shall we answer before our Lord if it is found that we neglected so great a privilege, such expression of care, so high a calling to intercede for one another as our very Lord Jesus lives to do. (Heb. 7:25)
The effective prayer of a righteous man avails much, so LET US PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER!
Seeing the Camel
Don’t tell my children, but a couple weeks ago, I found a ladybug swimming in the soup pot. We ate the soup, but not before I liberated the ladybug. In Matt. 12:1-14 we are given more examples of the Pharisees straining out gnats and swallowing camels. (Matt. 23:24) Now, no one I know wants to eat bugs, but it could happen accidentally. But imagine accidentally choking down a whole camel (not a ‘clean food’ either)! How often we do just that in our own Christian walks: focusing only on the details and missing the grand themes in our practice. D. Martyn Lloyd Jones wrote, “We have somehow got hold of the idea that error is only that which is outrageously wrong; and we do not seem to understand that the most dangerous person of all is the one who does not emphasize the right things.” This is the Pharisaical problem in a nutshell: Matthew 23:23-24 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!”(NKJV) So as I contemplate my own responsibility, before God, to stand for the truth (1 Tim. 3:15, 4:16, 2 Tim. 4:2, Titus 1:9, 2:1, etc.) I must ask myself, “Am I living God’s priorities of mercy over sacrifice (1 Cor. 13:1-3, 13) and love over all?” Lord, help us to discern the camels! “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-11(NKJV)
The Rocks Cry out
This Wednesday night we were confronted by several compelling questions concerning truth. What is truth? What is reality? Do you believe that what you believe is really real? This filters down into how we think (Prov. 23:7, Rom. 8:5), how we feel (Phil. 4:6), and what we do(Luke 6:46, Rom. 6:12, James 2:26 and all the rest of the Epistles).
As the Passion Week began, Jesus came as King, riding upon a donkey. The leaders of Israel were so blind to the truth of who Jesus was that upon hearing Jesus’ disciples praising God and hailing Jesus as King, they demanded that Jesus rebuke His disciples. But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.” Luke 19:40 (NKJV) Even the lifeless hard stones were more aware of the truth than those devout men of religious learning. With all their study they had missed the truth! It is then no wonder that Jesus’ next words as He saw the city and wept over it were, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” Luke 19:42-44 (NKJV) Though we spend much time studying the scriptures we must not be dumber than a stone and miss the essential truth--Jesus the King of kings and Lord of lords is coming again! In light of that reality, what are you going to do tomorrow?
As the Passion Week began, Jesus came as King, riding upon a donkey. The leaders of Israel were so blind to the truth of who Jesus was that upon hearing Jesus’ disciples praising God and hailing Jesus as King, they demanded that Jesus rebuke His disciples. But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.” Luke 19:40 (NKJV) Even the lifeless hard stones were more aware of the truth than those devout men of religious learning. With all their study they had missed the truth! It is then no wonder that Jesus’ next words as He saw the city and wept over it were, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” Luke 19:42-44 (NKJV) Though we spend much time studying the scriptures we must not be dumber than a stone and miss the essential truth--Jesus the King of kings and Lord of lords is coming again! In light of that reality, what are you going to do tomorrow?
Calling all Sinners!
Christianity takes a lot of flack! Some claim that Christianity is a crutch. To others it demands too much sacrifice. But the Christian life is not primarily about our sacrifice. There is no sacrifice we can make that will add to the sacrifice God has already made in His great mercy. Christianity is about God’s mercy, and the Christian life is about the character of our Lord being formed in us. He is just (Deut. 32:4) so we seek to do justly. He loves to show mercy (Ps. 86:15, Ezek. 33:11) so we must be merciful. He is humble (Phil. 2:5-8) so our attitude is to be humble.
At Matthew’s feast, the Pharisees complained that Jesus associated with sinners. Matthew 9:12-13 When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”(NKJV) Jesus refers them to Hosea 6:6 which is at the heart of a prophecy where God is complaining against the unrepentant brutality in the land of Israel and Judah. It was clearly declared in Hosea 4:1 “There is no truth or mercy or knowledge of God in the land.” The great tragedy in the land was they believed that as long as they were making sacrifices, their relationship with their fellow man did not matter to God. They were sick but did not recognize their sickness, and they, like the Pharisees, saw no need to repent. But God’s word boldly proclaims, “If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?” (1 John 4:20)
How shall we walk in justice, mercy, and humility (Micah 6:6-8) crippled as we are by a self-seeking, unforgiving pride? We don’t need crutches; we need the healing touch of Jesus Christ who came to call us to repentance and say, “Arise and walk.” We need His touch! Praise God that He says, “I am willing, be cleansed.”
At Matthew’s feast, the Pharisees complained that Jesus associated with sinners. Matthew 9:12-13 When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”(NKJV) Jesus refers them to Hosea 6:6 which is at the heart of a prophecy where God is complaining against the unrepentant brutality in the land of Israel and Judah. It was clearly declared in Hosea 4:1 “There is no truth or mercy or knowledge of God in the land.” The great tragedy in the land was they believed that as long as they were making sacrifices, their relationship with their fellow man did not matter to God. They were sick but did not recognize their sickness, and they, like the Pharisees, saw no need to repent. But God’s word boldly proclaims, “If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?” (1 John 4:20)
How shall we walk in justice, mercy, and humility (Micah 6:6-8) crippled as we are by a self-seeking, unforgiving pride? We don’t need crutches; we need the healing touch of Jesus Christ who came to call us to repentance and say, “Arise and walk.” We need His touch! Praise God that He says, “I am willing, be cleansed.”
Welcome Here
God’s hand is against the proud, but He gives grace to the humble. In Luke 4:14-30, when Jesus read Isaiah 61:1-2 in His hometown synagogue, He made it clear that the prophesy was fulfilled in Himself. He had been sent to the poor, the brokenhearted, the captives, the blinded, and the oppressed. He was sent to people who, aware of their neediness, were grateful that He had come with good news, healing, and liberation. But on this day, when Jesus’ teaching caused conviction, His invitation to come to Him and be made whole was rejected as Jesus had predicted, “No prophet is accepted in his own country.”
Perhaps they would not recognize their need.
Perhaps they would not humble themselves to believe. Most certainly they considered Jesus too ordinary and familiar to be extraordinarily honored and used by God among them. Isn’t this Joseph’s son; aren’t His brothers and sisters here with us?
God is working in extraordinary ways in places like China, Pakistan, India, and Cambodia, but in the United States, Christianity has become ordinary and mundane. Our faith has become small, the all too familiar stories of God’s mighty acts in His word fail to move us, and the idea of spending an hour in prayer bores us. Yet we wonder at the strength of believers in foreign lands, and we wonder why God does not often do His mighty acts here, where for so long Christianity has found a home.
Perhaps we don’t recognize our need.
Perhaps we need to humble ourselves to be captivated by the awesome wonder of God revealed to us through His word, the privilege of prayer, and His constant presence among us. When Jesus’ teaching causes conviction, perhaps we should just ask this question: “What does my daily life say?”
May it say in every way, “Jesus, You are welcome here.”
Perhaps they would not recognize their need.
Perhaps they would not humble themselves to believe. Most certainly they considered Jesus too ordinary and familiar to be extraordinarily honored and used by God among them. Isn’t this Joseph’s son; aren’t His brothers and sisters here with us?
God is working in extraordinary ways in places like China, Pakistan, India, and Cambodia, but in the United States, Christianity has become ordinary and mundane. Our faith has become small, the all too familiar stories of God’s mighty acts in His word fail to move us, and the idea of spending an hour in prayer bores us. Yet we wonder at the strength of believers in foreign lands, and we wonder why God does not often do His mighty acts here, where for so long Christianity has found a home.
Perhaps we don’t recognize our need.
Perhaps we need to humble ourselves to be captivated by the awesome wonder of God revealed to us through His word, the privilege of prayer, and His constant presence among us. When Jesus’ teaching causes conviction, perhaps we should just ask this question: “What does my daily life say?”
May it say in every way, “Jesus, You are welcome here.”
Persistent Prayer
John 4:47 “When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death.”(NKJV) Prayer, imploring the Lord. Of all the areas in which believers struggle, prayer is perhaps the most common. Prayer is one of the most awesome privileges we are given during our earthly pilgrimage, yet it is frequently neglected and treated as a chore to be avoided. Prayer can become relegated to the desperate option of last resort. God will bring us to desperation if He must, but He desires, rather, that His children relate to Him through faith.
In Mark 11:24 Jesus said, “...whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”
In James 1:6 we are instructed, “...let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.”
Sometimes the prayer of faith may be a single, confident prayer. At other times, because of God’s own purposes, the prayer of faith must take the form of a persistent, ongoing prayer as in the parables of the persistent friend (Luke 11:5-10) and the widow and the judge (Luke 18:1-8). The father in John chapter 4 implored Jesus to come and heal his son. When Jesus answered with a statement about lack of faith, the man implored Jesus yet again, thereby confessing confidence that Jesus could save his son. Jesus then called him to greater faith, “go your way, your son lives.” If the man was to show faith at this point, he must believe Jesus’ answer and show his faith by heading home.
When we pray, let us pray with faith, both in God’s good supply and His desire that we persist in prayer until He answers. Then we can rest in that answer as we wait to see the work He will surely do. But before we can see that, we must PRAY!
In Mark 11:24 Jesus said, “...whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”
In James 1:6 we are instructed, “...let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.”
Sometimes the prayer of faith may be a single, confident prayer. At other times, because of God’s own purposes, the prayer of faith must take the form of a persistent, ongoing prayer as in the parables of the persistent friend (Luke 11:5-10) and the widow and the judge (Luke 18:1-8). The father in John chapter 4 implored Jesus to come and heal his son. When Jesus answered with a statement about lack of faith, the man implored Jesus yet again, thereby confessing confidence that Jesus could save his son. Jesus then called him to greater faith, “go your way, your son lives.” If the man was to show faith at this point, he must believe Jesus’ answer and show his faith by heading home.
When we pray, let us pray with faith, both in God’s good supply and His desire that we persist in prayer until He answers. Then we can rest in that answer as we wait to see the work He will surely do. But before we can see that, we must PRAY!
John 3:16
John 3:16
God…………...... The greatest Being (Is. 6:3, 40:25)
so loved………… The highest motive (1 Jn. 4:8-10)
the world.............. The largest mission field (Mark 16:15)
that He gave......... The greatest gift (Rom 5:8)
His only................ The hardest sacrifice (Matt. 3:17)
begotten Son “…this is my beloved Son…”
that whoever........ The very broadest invitation
believes in Him (2 Pet. 3:9, John 1:12)
should not perish.. The most essential salvation
(Rev. 20:15, Heb. 10:31)
but have................ The most glorious destination
everlasting life (Rev. 21:6-7, Jn. 10:10)
1 Corinthians 2:9
But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (NKJV)
Romans 8:31-34
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” (NKJV)
God…………...... The greatest Being (Is. 6:3, 40:25)
so loved………… The highest motive (1 Jn. 4:8-10)
the world.............. The largest mission field (Mark 16:15)
that He gave......... The greatest gift (Rom 5:8)
His only................ The hardest sacrifice (Matt. 3:17)
begotten Son “…this is my beloved Son…”
that whoever........ The very broadest invitation
believes in Him (2 Pet. 3:9, John 1:12)
should not perish.. The most essential salvation
(Rev. 20:15, Heb. 10:31)
but have................ The most glorious destination
everlasting life (Rev. 21:6-7, Jn. 10:10)
1 Corinthians 2:9
But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (NKJV)
Romans 8:31-34
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” (NKJV)
Come and See!
Most church bulletins are used in some way to remind readers of upcoming church activities and ministry opportunities. For multiple weeks I have enjoyed writing this short column to remind us not of the activities of our fellowship, but rather to remind us of the wondrous and challenging Biblical truths that must drive and under gird all of the activities and ministries of our lives. The title and concept for this column is based on Peter’s words in 2 Peter 1:12-13 “For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you.” (NKJV) This week I again want to remind us of something we already know, simply stated: Jesus loves you! As we meditate on the Lamb of God’s invitation to His first followers:
“Come and see,” (John 1:39),
I am reminded of the wondrous day when I first looked to the Lamb of God and He said to me, “Come and see.” He opened my blind eyes, forgave my sin, washed me clean and made me His disciple, His brother, His friend. We are invited with every communion meal to pause and remember that blessed day, to behold the Lamb of God, and to remember how much Jesus loves us! 1 John 3:16 “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”
Where will the Lord lead us next?
COME AND SEE!
“Come and see,” (John 1:39),
I am reminded of the wondrous day when I first looked to the Lamb of God and He said to me, “Come and see.” He opened my blind eyes, forgave my sin, washed me clean and made me His disciple, His brother, His friend. We are invited with every communion meal to pause and remember that blessed day, to behold the Lamb of God, and to remember how much Jesus loves us! 1 John 3:16 “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”
Where will the Lord lead us next?
COME AND SEE!
Who Was John the Baptist?
Malachi 4:5 “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.”(NKJV) Who was John the Baptist? Jesus asked the religious leaders, “The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men?” (Luke 20:4) They did not know. John 1:6-7 says “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.” During John’s imprisonment, Jesus said to the multitudes, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.’ “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” (Matthew 11:7-11) The gospel begins at John’s baptism of repentance. As Jesus stated it, “Repent, and believe the gospel.” (Mark 1:15) John’s baptism of repentance prepared the way for the good news that people can be saved through faith in Christ. Was John’s baptism from heaven or from men? Matthew 11:14-15 states, “And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who is to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
Vanity or Significance?
Harod the Great and Joseph of Nazareth.
Both men were entrusted with positions of influence in their world. 1 Cor. 4:2 states “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” Each man had the potential to be used of God in a rewarding and significant way.
Which one lived a life of significance?
Joseph was involved in the construction of several buildings. Herod directed the building of entire cities, fortresses, and even a magnificent temple of God in Jerusalem. Herod was also full of self-seeking, envy, pride, and injustice. He is remembered for many heinous acts including his attempted murder of Jesus and the mass slaughter of Bethlehem children. Joseph was called a just man (Matt. 1:19), and obeyed God’s direction. Joseph is remembered as the man entrusted with the protection and nurture of the child, Jesus Christ.
All that Herod achieved lies in ruins. Joseph’s sacrificial obedience in service to God will be remembered forever.
God has entrusted gifts, abilities, influence, and resources to each of us. Let us seek His kingdom and His righteousness before all else in the use of all that He gives, so that our potential may be used by God in rewarding and significant ways! (2 Tim. 2:20-21)
Ecclesiastes 12:13 “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.”(NKJV)
All else is vanity!
Both men were entrusted with positions of influence in their world. 1 Cor. 4:2 states “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” Each man had the potential to be used of God in a rewarding and significant way.
Which one lived a life of significance?
Joseph was involved in the construction of several buildings. Herod directed the building of entire cities, fortresses, and even a magnificent temple of God in Jerusalem. Herod was also full of self-seeking, envy, pride, and injustice. He is remembered for many heinous acts including his attempted murder of Jesus and the mass slaughter of Bethlehem children. Joseph was called a just man (Matt. 1:19), and obeyed God’s direction. Joseph is remembered as the man entrusted with the protection and nurture of the child, Jesus Christ.
All that Herod achieved lies in ruins. Joseph’s sacrificial obedience in service to God will be remembered forever.
God has entrusted gifts, abilities, influence, and resources to each of us. Let us seek His kingdom and His righteousness before all else in the use of all that He gives, so that our potential may be used by God in rewarding and significant ways! (2 Tim. 2:20-21)
Ecclesiastes 12:13 “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.”(NKJV)
All else is vanity!
Love
Christmas is about giving because Christmas is about love!
What’s love got to do with it? Jesus commanded that we love others! John 15:12 “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”(NKJV)
Love is an essential ingredient in Christian living. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.”(NKJV)
In this passage, we learn that without love:
1. Our greatest speech is just noise
2. Our greatest faith is empty
3. Our greatest giving is worthless (Mark 12:33)
With love:
1. Our speech leads to maturity (Eph. 4:15)
2. Our faith avails much (Gal. 5:6)
3. Our sacrifice expresses Christ-likeness (John 15:13)
What’s love got to do with it? Loving others shows love to Jesus Christ. 1 John 3:16 “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”(NKJV) John 14:15 “‘If you love Me, keep My commandments.’”(NKJV)
In all our giving, speaking, and living, let us love others as a thanksgiving for God’s indescribable gift! (2 Cor. 9:15)
What’s love got to do with it? Jesus commanded that we love others! John 15:12 “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”(NKJV)
Love is an essential ingredient in Christian living. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.”(NKJV)
In this passage, we learn that without love:
1. Our greatest speech is just noise
2. Our greatest faith is empty
3. Our greatest giving is worthless (Mark 12:33)
With love:
1. Our speech leads to maturity (Eph. 4:15)
2. Our faith avails much (Gal. 5:6)
3. Our sacrifice expresses Christ-likeness (John 15:13)
What’s love got to do with it? Loving others shows love to Jesus Christ. 1 John 3:16 “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”(NKJV) John 14:15 “‘If you love Me, keep My commandments.’”(NKJV)
In all our giving, speaking, and living, let us love others as a thanksgiving for God’s indescribable gift! (2 Cor. 9:15)
Joy
During this Advent season, we have celebrated Christ’s gifts of hope, faith, and now joy. Webster’s defines joy: “the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires.” What really brings you joy? Jesus taught in John 3:3 that we have no hope of seeing the kingdom of God unless we are born again. In 1 Peter 1:3, the apostle joyfully praises God for the hope He has brought in the new birth: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:8 continues, “whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,” When faith, the assurance of things hoped for, is combined with hope, an expectant anticipation of good to come, the resulting experience is JOY! In 1 Thess. 4, Paul explains the rapture because he does not want them to sorrow over death “as those who have no hope.” The hope we enjoy in Christ is so extraordinary that, through faith, we can have joy even when persecuted. (Matt. 5:11-12) Imagine the impact God could have through His people if we were to rejoice in the Lord always! Neh. 8:10 says, Nehemiah 8:10 “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Romans 15:13 “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
I Believe
I Believe! John 6:28-29 “Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”(NKJV)
Jesus asked two blind men who desired healing, “‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’ They said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord.’ Then He touched their eyes, saying, ‘According to your faith let it be to you.’”
I believe God is able to do it!
I believe God is good and loving!
I believe God is faithful and true!
I believe God’s ways are right!
We say we believe… does our life agree?
When tempted, the issue is always obedient trust or sinful unbelief. Every temptation is a crisis of faith.
Is God really able?
Is God really good and loving?
Is God really faithful and true?
Are God’s ways really right?
When life doesn’t make sense, are we willing to endure inconvenience, shame, or even pain, because we believe God is working all things together for good? Do we want God’s way even when we don’t understand? Do we truly believe?
When Jesus came to His hometown, He did not do many mighty works because of their unbelief! (Matt. 13:58)
As Jesus looks upon our town, does He see lives that proclaim belief in Him? Where is faith in Jesus Christ tested in your life? Believe Him, trust and obey Him, walk by faith, and discover His mighty works, grace upon grace and a greater knowledge of Him. Let us ascribe to God the glory due His name by living out our confession of trust in Him!
Jesus asked two blind men who desired healing, “‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’ They said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord.’ Then He touched their eyes, saying, ‘According to your faith let it be to you.’”
I believe God is able to do it!
I believe God is good and loving!
I believe God is faithful and true!
I believe God’s ways are right!
We say we believe… does our life agree?
When tempted, the issue is always obedient trust or sinful unbelief. Every temptation is a crisis of faith.
Is God really able?
Is God really good and loving?
Is God really faithful and true?
Are God’s ways really right?
When life doesn’t make sense, are we willing to endure inconvenience, shame, or even pain, because we believe God is working all things together for good? Do we want God’s way even when we don’t understand? Do we truly believe?
When Jesus came to His hometown, He did not do many mighty works because of their unbelief! (Matt. 13:58)
As Jesus looks upon our town, does He see lives that proclaim belief in Him? Where is faith in Jesus Christ tested in your life? Believe Him, trust and obey Him, walk by faith, and discover His mighty works, grace upon grace and a greater knowledge of Him. Let us ascribe to God the glory due His name by living out our confession of trust in Him!
Advent
What is Advent?
The word Advent means “coming” and refers to the four weeks before Christmas.
John 1:14 “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (NKJV) Christ came in the flesh! Advent is a time of preparation and contemplation. It is a time to prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth, and a time to remember when, how, where, and why Christ came among His people.
John 14:23 “Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” (NKJV) Christ came to each of us! Advent is a time of preparation and contemplation, a time to remember when, how, where, and why Christ came to each one of us.
Acts 1:11b “…‘This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.’” (NKJV) Christ will come again! Advent is a time of preparation and anticipation, a time to refocus on His imminent return for His beloved. The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!”
During this season of anticipation, the Advent celebration seeks to focus our hearts on the Christ of Christmas through a remembrance of the hope, faith, joy, and love that God has given through His gift of Jesus Christ.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (NKJV)
The word Advent means “coming” and refers to the four weeks before Christmas.
John 1:14 “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (NKJV) Christ came in the flesh! Advent is a time of preparation and contemplation. It is a time to prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth, and a time to remember when, how, where, and why Christ came among His people.
John 14:23 “Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” (NKJV) Christ came to each of us! Advent is a time of preparation and contemplation, a time to remember when, how, where, and why Christ came to each one of us.
Acts 1:11b “…‘This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.’” (NKJV) Christ will come again! Advent is a time of preparation and anticipation, a time to refocus on His imminent return for His beloved. The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!”
During this season of anticipation, the Advent celebration seeks to focus our hearts on the Christ of Christmas through a remembrance of the hope, faith, joy, and love that God has given through His gift of Jesus Christ.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (NKJV)
In the Beginning Was the Word
Holy, holy, holy…
A.W. Tozer said, “What we believe about God is the most important thing about us.”
John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The WORD (Gk. logos) is God, above and beyond His creation, exalted (transcendent), present, and powerful in His entire creation (immanent), having all power (omnipotent): totally good. 1 John 1:5 states, “This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.” (James 1:17, Heb. 6:18) God is eternal, infinite, and unchangeable. (Isaiah 57:15) God is personal, all wise, truthful, loving, just, all-knowing, and merciful. All of His glorious attributes summed up… God is HOLY, HOLY, HOLY.
John 1:14 declares, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” The WORD is Jesus Christ. (1 John 1:1, Rev. 19:13) Hebrews 1:3 calls Jesus, “…the brightness of His [God’s] glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” He is distinct as the Son, yet one in substance with the Father and Spirit, Very God of Very God. All praise to Him! 2 Corinthians 13:14 “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.”
A.W. Tozer said, “What we believe about God is the most important thing about us.”
John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The WORD (Gk. logos) is God, above and beyond His creation, exalted (transcendent), present, and powerful in His entire creation (immanent), having all power (omnipotent): totally good. 1 John 1:5 states, “This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.” (James 1:17, Heb. 6:18) God is eternal, infinite, and unchangeable. (Isaiah 57:15) God is personal, all wise, truthful, loving, just, all-knowing, and merciful. All of His glorious attributes summed up… God is HOLY, HOLY, HOLY.
John 1:14 declares, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” The WORD is Jesus Christ. (1 John 1:1, Rev. 19:13) Hebrews 1:3 calls Jesus, “…the brightness of His [God’s] glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” He is distinct as the Son, yet one in substance with the Father and Spirit, Very God of Very God. All praise to Him! 2 Corinthians 13:14 “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.”
When the Fullness of Time Had Come
When the Fullness of the Time Had Come, God Sent Forth His Son
In the first year of Darius the Mede, during the Babylonian captivity of the Jews (Daniel ch. 9), Daniel was praying, confessing his sin and the sin of his people Israel, when the angel Gabriel was sent to give Daniel “skill to understand.” Gabriel then related the prophecy of the “seventy weeks” (Daniel 9:24-27). At the heart of the prophecy is the revelation of the time until God would send Messiah. Daniel 9:25a “Know therefore and understand, That from the going forth of the command To restore and build Jerusalem Until Messiah the Prince, There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks.” (NKJV)
In Ezra ch. 1, King Cyrus commands the restoration of Jerusalem and its temple. From that time forward, the time of Messiah’s coming could be calculated. Galatians 4:4-5 “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” (NKJV)
When the time was full, right on time, Jesus, Messiah, came. In the fullness of time, He will come again. Luke 12:37a “Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching.” (NKJV)
In the last two verses of Revelation, our Lord says, “‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” (Revelation 22:20-21 NKJV)
In the first year of Darius the Mede, during the Babylonian captivity of the Jews (Daniel ch. 9), Daniel was praying, confessing his sin and the sin of his people Israel, when the angel Gabriel was sent to give Daniel “skill to understand.” Gabriel then related the prophecy of the “seventy weeks” (Daniel 9:24-27). At the heart of the prophecy is the revelation of the time until God would send Messiah. Daniel 9:25a “Know therefore and understand, That from the going forth of the command To restore and build Jerusalem Until Messiah the Prince, There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks.” (NKJV)
In Ezra ch. 1, King Cyrus commands the restoration of Jerusalem and its temple. From that time forward, the time of Messiah’s coming could be calculated. Galatians 4:4-5 “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” (NKJV)
When the time was full, right on time, Jesus, Messiah, came. In the fullness of time, He will come again. Luke 12:37a “Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching.” (NKJV)
In the last two verses of Revelation, our Lord says, “‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” (Revelation 22:20-21 NKJV)
Law
Matthew 22:37-40 “Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”(NKJV)
The Ten Commandments summarize the Mosaic Law (Ex. 20:1-17). The two great commandments to love God and love your neighbor distill those commandments even further: love God with heart and soul and mind (commandments 1-4), love your neighbor as yourself (commandments 4-10). 1 Timothy 1:5 says, “Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith,”(NKJV) Gal. 3:24-25 describes the law as a tutor to bring us to Christ. Galatians also clearly teaches that we are not under law nor justified by the works of the law, but under grace through Jesus Christ. Romans 3:31 asks “Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.”(NKJV) On upcoming Wednesday nights as we study Galatians, I invite you to search the scriptures and be ready to discuss this important question: how does the law relate to the Christian life?
The Ten Commandments summarize the Mosaic Law (Ex. 20:1-17). The two great commandments to love God and love your neighbor distill those commandments even further: love God with heart and soul and mind (commandments 1-4), love your neighbor as yourself (commandments 4-10). 1 Timothy 1:5 says, “Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith,”(NKJV) Gal. 3:24-25 describes the law as a tutor to bring us to Christ. Galatians also clearly teaches that we are not under law nor justified by the works of the law, but under grace through Jesus Christ. Romans 3:31 asks “Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.”(NKJV) On upcoming Wednesday nights as we study Galatians, I invite you to search the scriptures and be ready to discuss this important question: how does the law relate to the Christian life?
I AM
Exodus 3:13-14 “Then Moses said to God, “Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?” And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Jesus Christ is the brightness of God’s glory and the express image of His person. (Hebrews 1:3) In Exodus God revealed to Moses His sacred name, “I AM”, by which He was to be known, YAHWE. When Jesus Christ, the Eternal God in the flesh, used “I AM”, referring to Himself, it was with complete authority. During His arrest, at His simple answer identifying Himself, “I AM” (John 18:6), the soldiers “drew back and fell to the ground.” As Christ Jesus revealed the nature of God throughout the gospel of John He made seven explicit, “I AM” statements.
I AM the bread of life… (John 6:35)
I AM the light of the world… (John 8:12)
…before Abraham was, I AM… (John 8:58)
I AM the good shepherd… (John 10:11)
I AM the resurrection and the life… (John 11:25)
I AM the way, the truth, and the life… (John 14:6)
I AM the true vine… (John 15:1)
Jesus Christ, the great “I AM.” He is the brightness of God’s glory, the express image of His person. All praise and glory to Him!
I AM the bread of life… (John 6:35)
I AM the light of the world… (John 8:12)
…before Abraham was, I AM… (John 8:58)
I AM the good shepherd… (John 10:11)
I AM the resurrection and the life… (John 11:25)
I AM the way, the truth, and the life… (John 14:6)
I AM the true vine… (John 15:1)
Jesus Christ, the great “I AM.” He is the brightness of God’s glory, the express image of His person. All praise and glory to Him!
Fruits Worthy of Repentance
Fruitfulness and Repentance. In John 15:5, Jesus says, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” The great prophet John, son of Zacharias, was sent to ‘prepare the way of the Lord’ by preaching a baptism of repentance (Luke 3:3ff). In Luke 3:8 he tells the multitudes “Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.” 2 Cor. 7:10 “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” Repentance is more than just sorrow for sin, it’s an action of rejecting sinful patterns, attitudes, actions, etc. (2 Cor. 7:11) Fruitfulness is a work of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) in the hearts of those who have faith in Jesus Christ (John 15:5). They believe God enough to act on His word, repenting of the works of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21) and walking in the Spirit. (Gal. 5:25) Let us walk in the Spirit and so abide in Christ. Gal. 6:7-8 “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.”
God is with Us
Last week we were reminded godliness + contentment=great gain. Hebrews 13 picks up that theme when it says in verse 5, "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” The exhortation to contentment is premised upon God's promise "I will never leave you nor forsake you." If you have God, you have all you could ever need! Time after time in the Bible God expressed His desire to have a very intimate, genuine relationship with His people-- to dwell in their very midst! Jesus' prophetic name 'Emmanuel' means 'God with us'. God's presence among us is what makes the church THE CHURCH. We are so much more than just another organization--His presence makes us His Body. In John 14:15-18 our Lord says, "If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you." God is with us and will not leave us nor forsake us. May we never live like orphans, but always remember He IS in our midst.
No One Can Serve Two Masters
Even with such strong exhortations as 1 John 2:15-16, "Do not love the world..." Christians continue to be challenged by MATERIALISM.
1 Timothy 5:8 says, "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."
1 Timothy 6:10 says, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. "
When does 'providing for one's own', cross the line into the 'love of money'?
Some symptoms of that line being crossed are:
1. An obsession with earning--Prov. 23:4
2. Compulsive saving--the parable of the bigger barn farmer
3. Covetousness--Col. 3:5
4. A lack of generosity--James 2:15-16
Materialism grows in the soil of discontent. Hebrews 13:5 says, "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
1 Timothy 5:8 says, "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."
1 Timothy 6:10 says, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. "
When does 'providing for one's own', cross the line into the 'love of money'?
Some symptoms of that line being crossed are:
1. An obsession with earning--Prov. 23:4
2. Compulsive saving--the parable of the bigger barn farmer
3. Covetousness--Col. 3:5
4. A lack of generosity--James 2:15-16
Materialism grows in the soil of discontent. Hebrews 13:5 says, "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Free Indeed
I remember my father who died as a result of cancer and systemic arterial disease. He always said he could quite smoking whenever he wanted. When his health was failing he really tried to quit and found he couldn't. How often the addict has said, "I was just gonna try a little, I never intended to become addicted." John 8:34 says whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. As in the first fall, Genesis 3, that road to slavery is paved with one or more lies (i.e. Has God really said...? or You will not surely die!) that help to ready us for a fall when we are enticed by our own lusts. Jesus Christ came to save us from the judgment and hell which we in our sin deserve. He also came to set us free from the power of sin. "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." John 8:36 One way our Lord liberates us from the power of sin is by displacing the demonic lies we believe with the truth of God's Word. "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:31-32
Consider: If Satan wanted to hook you into committing a sin, with what lie would he bait you? Instead of believing that lie, forsake it and consider God's truth on the matter, and abide in that truth and the Lord will crush the serpent's influence over you and break the chains of slavery.
Consider: If Satan wanted to hook you into committing a sin, with what lie would he bait you? Instead of believing that lie, forsake it and consider God's truth on the matter, and abide in that truth and the Lord will crush the serpent's influence over you and break the chains of slavery.
Everything Belongs to God
In James 3:16 God reveals that, “where envy and self- seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.” Every advertiser knows how to use the envy and self-seeking that are at the heart of our discontent, covetous, materialistic world. We live immersed in a culture that is driven by a desire to own more and more. In contrast the Christian’s attitude should be characterized by contentment, generosity and thanksgiving toward God rather than envy and self-seeking. Through our relationship with Jesus Christ our hearts and minds are renewed. In the area of our attitude toward material things, this renewal begins with the acknowledgement ‘God owns everything.’
Every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the mountains, and the wild beasts of the field are Mine. Psalm 50:10-12
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and You are exalted as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; in Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. “Now therefore, our God, we thank You and praise Your glorious name. But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come from You, and of Your own we have given You. 1 Chronicles 29:11-14
Every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the mountains, and the wild beasts of the field are Mine. Psalm 50:10-12
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and You are exalted as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; in Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. “Now therefore, our God, we thank You and praise Your glorious name. But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come from You, and of Your own we have given You. 1 Chronicles 29:11-14
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