In the first chapter of Luke's gospel, in verses 8-11, we read the following words regarding the announcement of the birth of Jesus. In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
For good reason, this was a grand and glorious announcement that was accompanied by "the glory of the Lord" shining about. We are not given an exact number of the persons who first heard these wondrous words; only that the angelic proclamation was made to "some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night." The significance of the announcement was not found in the number of persons that it was made to, but in the content of the announcement itself and the number of persons that needed a savior. The Savior of men had been born! Oh, how great was our need of a savior.
In Matthew 1:21 we read that our Savior's name would be Jesus and that He would "save His people from their sins." The multitude of our sins is staggering to consider. Surely, using the descriptive words found elsewhere in scripture, our sins are greater in number than the sands of the seashores! It is difficult for me to find the words that are sufficient to fully describe how desperate our need of a savior was.
As I consider the great news of our Savior's birth, I can't help but recall the many stories that have been in the news this past year that proclaim the depravity of men and his desperate need of a savior. I know that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" but there are certain sinful acts that men commit that seem to affirm the truth of total depravity. Fathers and mothers murdering their children. Children abducted from their homes and murdered by strangers. Earlier this month the body of a 7 year old girl was found in a dumpster where her killer had left her. As most of us know, these are just a few of the many stories one could find if he chose to look for them all. And these are only but a small number of the countless acts of depravity amongst men that are fueled by sin. Our hearts should break that these horrific stories have become all to common, so much so that their shock is waning. Yes indeed, out of great necessity and the love of God, a Savior has been born for us.
Sin's impact on humanity rejects the notion of boundaries and you can not find a place where it is not present and wrecking havoc. Following my pastor's recent return from ministering in Uganda, I was considering this sober truth. In so many ways, life for the people in a small village in Uganda is so drastically different than life for those who live here in America. Some of these differences are stark. But sin is a different matter. Sin is very much present no matter where one may find themselves dwelling upon this earth. Sin is present in New York City (New York), Astoria (Oregon), Kampala (Uganda) or Muge Village (Uganda). For all who dwell in these different places around the world, no matter what their differences may be, we rejoice in knowing that a Savior was born for us on that first Christmas day.
What a privilege it is to know the Savior. To know His name. To be forgiven of one's sin. On this Christmas day I would ask that you to pray for those who know not the Lord Jesus. And praise God that the Holy Spirit continues His ministry in the world. Join with me in praising God on this Christmas day, knowing that in different locations around the world, the Spirit will reveal the truth of Jesus to men, women and children. All of which are in need of a Savior. Praise the Lord.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Pastor Ray Persson and That Which is Very Much Better
The body of Christ experienced the loss of one of its steadfast members this past Friday evening. Pastor Ray Persson was 93 years old when he passed into glory last week. Praise the Lord, that as brothers and sisters in Christ we can rejoice amidst sorrow. We know that many years ago Pastor Ray trusted in the finished work of Christ on Calvary for salvation and he became a possessor of eternal life in Christ. He had believed in the One who is able to save to the uttermost!
We “need not grieve as do the rest who have no hope” wrote the Apostle Paul, but sorrow is OK and is not a sign that our faith is lacking. The Apostle Paul, a man who loved the Lord and lived a life that was marked by faith wrote these words in Philippians 2:25-27; “But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need; because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. For indeed he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow.”
Although he knew of the victory and hope possessed by the believer in Christ, Paul acknowledged that sorrow was still something that was real in the life of the Christian. But he rejoiced in the “God of all comfort” and the “Father of Mercies”.
I had the privilege of meeting and becoming acquainted with Pastor Ray as he attended the Lewis and Clark Bible Church these past few years with his daughter her family. I had the privilege of having him in my Sunday School Class on many occasions. His presence was edifying to the class and to our church.
In the few years that I had the privilege to know him, I saw Pastor Ray, first and foremost, as a man who loved the Lord Jesus. He loved his family, he loved his brothers and sisters in Christ and he had a heart for the lost. He was kind, gentle and humble. He was an encouragement to others. He was one of those rare men that I have known that you could sense the presence of Christ in him.
As I read Pastor Ray’s obituary earlier in the week I noted these words that were written; “He served in the U.S. Army, Merchant Marine and Navy for five years, and received the World War II Victory Medal. He was a machinist's mate on the battleship USS Iowa.”
I’m reminded of another battle that Pastor Ray served in. A struggle that the Apostle Paul said “is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” As a soldier in this struggle Pastor Ray served faithfully for many years and for that I am thankful. He served as a preacher of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. He served as a husband, a father, a grandfather. He served as a fellow worker with others in the ministry. He served as a neighbor, a friend, a prayer warrior. And in his later years, to me and to many others, he continued to serve as an example of faithfulness.
As a soldier in this service, there was no retirement or inactive duty for Pastor Ray. He served until he could serve no more while “in the body”. Until his death this past Friday evening, Pastor Ray’s desire was to please the One who had enlisted him as a soldier in this service. He was a fighter of the good fight of faith. He finished his course. He kept the faith. In this life he received the World War II Victory Medal; the Lord will now award him the crown of righteousness.
In 1st Corinthians 15:58 the Apostle Paul was inspired to call believers to a standard of Christian living. Pastor Ray Persson heeded that call. In that passage, Paul wrote these words, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” Pastor Ray understood that his enlistment into the Lord’s service was not for a tour of duty of his own choosing. Not for 4 years or 8, or even 25. But for decades he was steadfast, immovable and abounding in the work of the Lord. Like the Apostle Paul, if Pastor Ray was here today he would tell you that these things were true in his life by the grace of God and the indwelling presence of Christ in his life. As I had seen him do before, He would give Christ the glory.
Pastor Ray has come to know quite well that his toil was not in vain in the Lord. Scripture tells the believer that to be absent from the body is to be at home with the Lord. Pastor Ray is present with the Lord today. In Philippians 1:23, Paul spoke of the conflict of feelings that he had about serving Christ in this life and being with Christ. He said that “to depart and be with Christ”, was “very much better;” Service was necessary and rewarding, but nothing could compare with being in the presence of his savior. Pastor Ray now knows that which Paul said was “very much better”. Praise God!
Let me repeat those last few words. “Though he is dead, he still speaks.” Today, Pastor Ray is absent from the body and present with the Lord. His service “in the body” is over. But make no mistake, ask members his family, ask anyone who knew him, and they will tell you that he still speaks today. And I am convinced that he will continue to speak for many years to come. He speaks now by the life of faith that he lived for those many years. May Pastor Ray’s life be an example and a reminder to each of us, that the opportunity that God gives us to continue to speak of Christ and faithfulness after our death is determined by the life that we live now.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
What Does the Word of God Say?
It is quite common for believers to ask other believers what they think about a host of matters related to God's word. It's not uncommon for Christians to quote what others have said or written about various bible passages or issues of doctrine. Unfortunately, it may be less common for believers to search the scriptures themselves with a desire to find what God's word says about any given matter.
When I was a young believer I had many questions about various aspects of the Christian faith and doctrine. During the time of my life I'm referring to, which was in the early 1980's, Pastor Richard Casad was shepherding a small community church in Jewell, Oregon. On many occasions I felt compelled to ask him what he believed about these matters of doctrine that I would find myself considering.
I won't say that he never shared his personal thoughts on a passage of scripture or on a particular topic, but more often than not, Pastor Casad would encourage me to prayerfully read the Bible and see what the word of God had to say. Regarding matters of faith and doctrine, he stressed the importance of scripture and the significance of having God Himself reveal truths to the believer through His word.
I have often thanked God for having used Pastor Casad to advise me as he did. As I look back, I feel there were three particularly important lessons that I learned, or began to learn, during that time. The first was how much more meaningful it was (and is) to come to know something that God has revealed to you in His word than to simply believe something that someone else has taught or told you of. The second was how significant it was (and is) to read God's word and find that it speaks to various matters of doctrine on its own. To me this was much different and more powerful than when I would start with a particular doctrine and look for scripture verses to support it or disprove it.
I'm not suggesting for a moment that teaching the word of God to others is not important and that believers should not submit themselves to the teaching of others whom God is using for their growth and edification. And I'm not saying that there is never an appropriate time to search for various scripture texts as they relate to a specific topic. But what I am saying is this. Whatever you have learned through God's provision of a gifted Bible teacher or preacher, and whatever biblical doctrine you have gathered proof texts for; they will become the things you are assured of and convinced of when you see for yourself God's word speaking to them. Praise the Lord!
Well, I said there were three lessons that I began to learn back in those earlier days and the two that I have mentioned are directly related to the third. In harmony with the exercise of gifts that He has given His church, when we prayerfully read the word of God and allow Him to speak to us through it, He reveals His Son to us. We will not grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ apart from His word. The wonders of Jesus are found in the word of God. Do not put knowing biblical truths and doctrine ahead of knowing the Savior better. Seek to know Him and as the Spirit reveals Him through His word, the Spirit will use the word to speak to the matters of truth and doctrine. "In Him all things hold together" and this includes biblical truth and doctrine.
Approximately 28 years have passed since those early words of advice from Pastor Casad. God has again blessed me during these last several years with my current pastor at Lewis and Clark Bible Church, Jerry Conklin. Pastor Jerry offers the same advice and regularly asks and holds up as the deciding factor in all matters of faith and practice, "What does the word of God say?"
I felt compelled to write this short article after recently receiving notice that Pastor Casad had experienced the wonder of being absent from the body and present with the Lord. The one who had advised me many years ago to always look to the word is now himself in the presence of The Word. Praise the Lord.
When I was a young believer I had many questions about various aspects of the Christian faith and doctrine. During the time of my life I'm referring to, which was in the early 1980's, Pastor Richard Casad was shepherding a small community church in Jewell, Oregon. On many occasions I felt compelled to ask him what he believed about these matters of doctrine that I would find myself considering.
I won't say that he never shared his personal thoughts on a passage of scripture or on a particular topic, but more often than not, Pastor Casad would encourage me to prayerfully read the Bible and see what the word of God had to say. Regarding matters of faith and doctrine, he stressed the importance of scripture and the significance of having God Himself reveal truths to the believer through His word.
I have often thanked God for having used Pastor Casad to advise me as he did. As I look back, I feel there were three particularly important lessons that I learned, or began to learn, during that time. The first was how much more meaningful it was (and is) to come to know something that God has revealed to you in His word than to simply believe something that someone else has taught or told you of. The second was how significant it was (and is) to read God's word and find that it speaks to various matters of doctrine on its own. To me this was much different and more powerful than when I would start with a particular doctrine and look for scripture verses to support it or disprove it.
I'm not suggesting for a moment that teaching the word of God to others is not important and that believers should not submit themselves to the teaching of others whom God is using for their growth and edification. And I'm not saying that there is never an appropriate time to search for various scripture texts as they relate to a specific topic. But what I am saying is this. Whatever you have learned through God's provision of a gifted Bible teacher or preacher, and whatever biblical doctrine you have gathered proof texts for; they will become the things you are assured of and convinced of when you see for yourself God's word speaking to them. Praise the Lord!
Well, I said there were three lessons that I began to learn back in those earlier days and the two that I have mentioned are directly related to the third. In harmony with the exercise of gifts that He has given His church, when we prayerfully read the word of God and allow Him to speak to us through it, He reveals His Son to us. We will not grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ apart from His word. The wonders of Jesus are found in the word of God. Do not put knowing biblical truths and doctrine ahead of knowing the Savior better. Seek to know Him and as the Spirit reveals Him through His word, the Spirit will use the word to speak to the matters of truth and doctrine. "In Him all things hold together" and this includes biblical truth and doctrine.
Approximately 28 years have passed since those early words of advice from Pastor Casad. God has again blessed me during these last several years with my current pastor at Lewis and Clark Bible Church, Jerry Conklin. Pastor Jerry offers the same advice and regularly asks and holds up as the deciding factor in all matters of faith and practice, "What does the word of God say?"
I felt compelled to write this short article after recently receiving notice that Pastor Casad had experienced the wonder of being absent from the body and present with the Lord. The one who had advised me many years ago to always look to the word is now himself in the presence of The Word. Praise the Lord.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Prepared Minds
I had the privilege to speak at my home church this past Sunday. Since I have not taken the time to post on my blog for some time, I thought I would post my notes from my message. I pray that they might be edifying to you.
Message from August 28, 2011
By His grace and power may we individually and as a church family, together have our minds prepared for action. Amen.
Message from August 28, 2011
As we have already read this morning, the text for this morning’s message is found in 1st Peter 1:13. In this passage, the Apostle Peter was inspired by God to write these words.
“Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Consider these three questions if you will.
Is your mind prepared for action? As a church family, are our minds prepared for action?
Are you, are we sober in spirit?
And is your hope, is our hope, fixed completely, let me repeat that, fixed completely on the grace to be brought to you (to us) at the revelation of Jesus Christ?
I believe these are three very important questions for us to consider.
It is the first one that we will address this morning; that matter of our minds being prepared for action.
I want to start by looking at a verse of scripture that I believe captures the significance of what the Lord has laid on my heart regarding this matter.
It is found in Paul’s second letter to the Corinthian church, where in chapter 11 verse 3 we read, “But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.”
Make no mistake, whether we acknowledge it or not, there is a battle being waged for our minds. There is a battle being waged against you and I and against all who have been born again. Against all who have believed the witness God has borne concerning His Son Jesus. Against all who have believed that Jesus died for our sins according to the scriptures. That He was buried and that He was raised on the third day according to the scriptures.
There is a battle for our mind. In part anyway, this battle is “the action” our minds need to be prepared for. The world, the flesh and the devil have a desire for our minds. What we think about. What our minds are filled with. What our minds dwell on. What our minds are set on.
Individually and together they desire to lead us astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. I believe this is a reference to everything that is “Christian”. The “simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ” is the summation of all that is God’s will for the believer in Christ. It includes walking by faith, Christian love, proclaiming the gospel, growing in Christ and so on.
Recently I found myself considering how it was that the world, the flesh and the devil seemed to work together with an uncanny harmony. Working as well together as any championship sports team. But as I thought about it further I concluded that it wasn’t that they necessarily worked together, they just shared a common opposition to Christ. And it was their common opposition to Christ that brought about this sense of harmony.
And in their opposition to Christ they find their opposition to you and I and their desire to lead us astray from devotion to Him. So this is an important matter to consider and one that we must take notice of.
So, how do we “prepare our minds for action”? As I have already mentioned, I think the first step is to acknowledge God’s admonition to do so and understand its importance. We are given other instructions in scripture for preparing our minds for action.
To be prepared for action our minds need renewing.
In Ephesians 4:22-23 the Apostle Paul wrote these words to the Ephesian believers, “that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind,” The flesh is corrupt and being corrupted. It is ongoing. It is not getting better. We need to be renewed in the spirit of our minds.
In Romans 12:2, Paul wrote, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Our minds need renewed “so that we may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” For us, I believe “That which is good and acceptable and perfect” is again the “simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.”
We are challenged in this passage of scripture with an unavoidable truth. Transformation, through the renewing of our minds is our antidote or remedy against conformity to the world. If, by the Spirit of God and all that He has provided us, we are not engaged in the process of our minds being renewed, there should be no doubt that the result will be (to differing degrees I suppose) conformity to the world. Conformity of both thought and action.
We must not neglect His precious word. We must not neglect the privilege of prayer. We must not neglect the exercise of the spiritual gifts He has given. We must not harden our hearts against the Spirit’s work in our lives. We must not neglect the gift of Christian fellowship. (Regarding Christian fellowship-I feel compelled to say this: While we are yet unhindered from it, let us not neglect it. In Hebrews 10:25 the author wrote, “not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”) If it has been your habit to forsake the assembling together with other believers, endeavor to break that habit and establish a better one.
A favorite passage of scripture of Pastor Jerry’s is 2 Peter 1:3 where we are reminded that God has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness. We can be sure that He has granted to us that which is necessary for the renewing of the mind. And we must avail ourselves to what He has provided.
Earlier I said that there was a battle going on for our minds; for the things we think about. The things our minds are filled with. The things we set our minds to dwell on.
In Philippians 4:8 the Apostle Paul was inspired by God to direct our minds rightly. He wrote, “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”
He says “whatever is ….” True, Honorable, Right, Pure, Lovely, of good repute (favorable or esteemed), Any excellence, Anything worthy of praise.
As we honestly, prayerfully, and Spirit lead consider “whatever is” (?) I believe the Spirit we will direct us to the better things of God and specifically to Christ. It is God that defines and Christ that exemplifies what is true, what is honorable, what is right, what is pure, what is lovely, what is of good repute (favorable or esteemed), He is what excellence is and there is nothing and no one more worthy of praise than Him.
And so the writer says “dwell on these things”. “Dwell” or keep your attention directed upon Him. In our efforts to help others get their minds off of negative things we often tell them to quit dwelling on them. To stop keeping their attention directed that way. It is the complete opposite here. We want our minds to be focused on Christ. We don’t want them wandering elsewhere. May God help us to daily dwell on the Lord Jesus Christ.
As we acknowledge that there is a battle going on for our minds. As we understand that our enemy, the flesh, the world and the devil, are working in opposition to God’s desire for each one of us to have a simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. As our minds our being renewed by His Spirit, through His word, prayer, fellowship, the exercise of spiritual gifts and all that He has provided for life and godliness. And as we dwell on the things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent and worthy of praise, we will see our minds being prepared for action.
A good indicator of how well our mind is prepared for action is where it is set. In Colossians 3:1-2 we read, “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”
All who know Christ have been raise up with Him. All who know Him are admonished to “keep seeking the things above”. Again, I don’t think I can overemphasize this; there is a battle for our affections; for our heart and for our minds. For the things we seek after. We must seek the things above and we must do so today and again tomorrow. We must KEEP seeking. And again, the author is inspired to give us the reason we are called to seek the things above. Because it is Christ who is seated there.
Will you acknowledge today that there is a battle going on for your mind and for the mind of your brothers and sisters in Christ? Will you acknowledge that our enemy wishes to lead us astray from “simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ”? Will you acknowledge that we need to prepare our minds for action? Will you pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ in this endeavor? We cannot do it in the energy of the flesh.
But we must and we can, by the Spirit of God and His provisions have our minds prepared for action.
We can, by His power and grace, not be lead astray. We must surrender to the Spirit for the renewal of our minds. We must dwell on the things that are true, the things that are right, the things that are pure, the things that are lovely, the things of good repute, the things that are excellent and the things that are worthy of praise. We must dwell on Christ. And we must get our minds off of the things of earth and keep, day after day, setting them on the things above – where Christ sits at the right hand of God.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Busyness of Life
June was quite a month for my family and I. Much time was spent preparing for my daughter's wedding that occurred on the 25th of the month. The Lord blessed us with a beautiful day and a most wonderful wedding ceremony and reception. Oh, what a lovely bride!
Earlier in the month I found myself in the hospital after being diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in my lung). This was quite a shock for myself and my family. I am following through with treatment recommendations and also in the process of trying to determine the origin of the blood clot.
With the exception of the Sunday I was in the hospital, my wife and I have continued to travel to Oretown Bible Church (near Pacific City, Oregon) each week where I have been teaching Sunday School and preaching the morning message for about 18 weeks now. I hope to resume writing more on my blog soon. Please pray for my family and I as we go through the steps to address my health matters and do continue to pray for the Lord's will for Oretown Bible Church and the people there. They have become very dear to us.
What a gracious and loving Lord we have. May He be glorified in our lives. Thanks for your prayers.
Earlier in the month I found myself in the hospital after being diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in my lung). This was quite a shock for myself and my family. I am following through with treatment recommendations and also in the process of trying to determine the origin of the blood clot.
With the exception of the Sunday I was in the hospital, my wife and I have continued to travel to Oretown Bible Church (near Pacific City, Oregon) each week where I have been teaching Sunday School and preaching the morning message for about 18 weeks now. I hope to resume writing more on my blog soon. Please pray for my family and I as we go through the steps to address my health matters and do continue to pray for the Lord's will for Oretown Bible Church and the people there. They have become very dear to us.
What a gracious and loving Lord we have. May He be glorified in our lives. Thanks for your prayers.
Friday, June 3, 2011
The Hyperbole that Wasn't
I know that the title I have chosen for this article does not have the appearance of being very spiritual, edifying or profitable for the believer in Christ and His church. I pray that you might read it through anyway.
You may or may not know what a hyperbole is. But even if you don't, I'm sure that you are likely to have heard and/or used them. They are common in our everyday conversations. Webster's defines hyperbole as an "extravagant exaggeration". Another definition says that a hyperbole "is any rhetorical device or figure of speech that employs exaggeration. It may be used to evoke strong feelings or to create a strong impression, but is not meant to be taken literally." As you look at the following examples of hyperbole's you will see more clearly what they are, and undoubtedly recognize their usage.
Examples of hyperbole's:
"I'm so hungry that I could eat a horse."
"She cooked enough food to feed an entire army."
"That part of the country is as flat as a pancake."
"My brother is as big as a barn."
"His jokes were so funny that we almost died laughing."
"He's as strong as an ox."
"That hamburger was piled mile high with toppings."
The list could go on and on, but I hope I've help make it clear what a hyperbole is. I never thought I would find myself writing about a figure of speech or any other matter related to the use of the English language. I will now endeavor to explain why I have done so.
Some time ago, in my adult Sunday school class, while I was teaching out of the book of Galatians, I used what many would consider to have been a hyperbole. I used it in reference to Galatians 2:21, where the Apostle Paul wrote, "I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died needlessly." As you may recall, Paul had been addressing the matter of "another gospel" that had been spreading throughout the churches of Galatia. He went on to teach that it was not "another gospel" at all, as there was only one true gospel, the gospel of grace. The gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. But there were those who were teaching that righteousness came through Christ AND observance of the Law. This was, of course, a perversion of the true gospel message.
This passage in Galatians 2:21 suggests a most tragic conclusion by asserting that Christ had died needlessly "if righteousness comes through the law". Of course, we would not just be speaking of his physical death but the entire matter of His death. If He died needlessly, we must conclude that He bore our sins needlessly if He bore them at all. If He died needlessly, His agonizing separation from His father was needless as well. If He died needlessly, He tasted death for no purpose. His agony in the garden, the thorns on his brow, the nails in his hands and feet. All would have been needless. If He died needlessly, He was needlessly born of a virgin.
But what I said during that Sunday School class was that nothing could be farther from the truth. Some might have described my statement as having been a hyperbole. But was it? Was it an extravagant exaggeration? No. Had I used it as an exaggeration to evoke strong feelings or to create a strong impression without intending it to be taken literally? Absolutely not!
It was no exaggeration at all. It was meant to be taken as entirely literal. With no doubt in my mind, I absolutely meant that nothing could have been further from the truth than the notion that Christ had died needlessly. The exact opposite is true. The need for His substitutionary death is proclaimed throughout scripture. Christ's death was not needless, but altogether necessary.
All of our efforts to obtain "righteousness" or to rectify our sin problem, "fall short of the glory of God". It is an error to believe and/or teach that we must add something to our faith in Christ to obtain righteousness. God reckons Christ's righteousness to us through faith. We are complete in Him! Praise God for the all sufficient sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ.
You may or may not know what a hyperbole is. But even if you don't, I'm sure that you are likely to have heard and/or used them. They are common in our everyday conversations. Webster's defines hyperbole as an "extravagant exaggeration". Another definition says that a hyperbole "is any rhetorical device or figure of speech that employs exaggeration. It may be used to evoke strong feelings or to create a strong impression, but is not meant to be taken literally." As you look at the following examples of hyperbole's you will see more clearly what they are, and undoubtedly recognize their usage.
Examples of hyperbole's:
"I'm so hungry that I could eat a horse."
"She cooked enough food to feed an entire army."
"That part of the country is as flat as a pancake."
"My brother is as big as a barn."
"His jokes were so funny that we almost died laughing."
"He's as strong as an ox."
"That hamburger was piled mile high with toppings."
The list could go on and on, but I hope I've help make it clear what a hyperbole is. I never thought I would find myself writing about a figure of speech or any other matter related to the use of the English language. I will now endeavor to explain why I have done so.
Some time ago, in my adult Sunday school class, while I was teaching out of the book of Galatians, I used what many would consider to have been a hyperbole. I used it in reference to Galatians 2:21, where the Apostle Paul wrote, "I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died needlessly." As you may recall, Paul had been addressing the matter of "another gospel" that had been spreading throughout the churches of Galatia. He went on to teach that it was not "another gospel" at all, as there was only one true gospel, the gospel of grace. The gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. But there were those who were teaching that righteousness came through Christ AND observance of the Law. This was, of course, a perversion of the true gospel message.
This passage in Galatians 2:21 suggests a most tragic conclusion by asserting that Christ had died needlessly "if righteousness comes through the law". Of course, we would not just be speaking of his physical death but the entire matter of His death. If He died needlessly, we must conclude that He bore our sins needlessly if He bore them at all. If He died needlessly, His agonizing separation from His father was needless as well. If He died needlessly, He tasted death for no purpose. His agony in the garden, the thorns on his brow, the nails in his hands and feet. All would have been needless. If He died needlessly, He was needlessly born of a virgin.
But what I said during that Sunday School class was that nothing could be farther from the truth. Some might have described my statement as having been a hyperbole. But was it? Was it an extravagant exaggeration? No. Had I used it as an exaggeration to evoke strong feelings or to create a strong impression without intending it to be taken literally? Absolutely not!
It was no exaggeration at all. It was meant to be taken as entirely literal. With no doubt in my mind, I absolutely meant that nothing could have been further from the truth than the notion that Christ had died needlessly. The exact opposite is true. The need for His substitutionary death is proclaimed throughout scripture. Christ's death was not needless, but altogether necessary.
All of our efforts to obtain "righteousness" or to rectify our sin problem, "fall short of the glory of God". It is an error to believe and/or teach that we must add something to our faith in Christ to obtain righteousness. God reckons Christ's righteousness to us through faith. We are complete in Him! Praise God for the all sufficient sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
A Prayer Request - To Fully Carry Out the Preaching of God's Word
In Colossians 1:25, the Apostle Paul was inspired to write, "Of this church, I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed upon me for your benefit, that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God". As I prepared to speak on this passage of scripture last week, I focused on three main points. That God had sovereignly made Paul a minister, or a servant of His church and that He had bestowed on Paul a stewardship that was for the benefit of His church, with a charge to fully carry out the preaching of the word of God.
One thing I continually thought about, was that fully carrying out the preaching of the word of God was directly related to that which "benefited" His church. Even as I shared the message I felt burdened as I considered that many who were speaking in churches all over the country were not preaching the word of God. The very thing, the only thing, that would truly "benefit" His church, the preaching of His word, was not being fully carried out.
Watering down God's word does not benefit His church, preaching Jesus does. Preaching that which is contrary to, or inconsistent with God's word does not benefit the body of Christ, unashamedly preaching the the whole counsel of God's word does. Preaching human wisdom or intellect does not benefit His church, preaching the gospel of grace, Christ and Him crucified does!
The more I considered this matter, I felt as if God was asking me if I had been praying about it. Had I dared ask the One who is able to do "exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think" to intervene and make a difference in this matter? Had I asked Him to work mightily in the hearts of those men, who perhaps had started off well, but had strayed from fully carrying out the preaching of God's word? Had I beseeched Him to change the hearts of men and to draw His "ministers" back to His precious word?
I know that we are in the last days and that some of what we see in the church is prophetic. I suspect that many will continue to preach those things which are not beneficial to Christ's church, even if many were to pray daily for His intervention. But what if we do pray? What if God does change the heart of one or of two who minister in His church? How might that affect His church? How might that benefit the members of His body? I guess it is for that reason that I feel compelled to pray about this matter. It concerns His church, those for whom Christ died.
Would you join with me in praying that God might raise up men who will fully carry out the preaching of God's word? Would you ask God to work in the lives of those who will step into the pulpits of our churches this Sunday and in the weeks to follow, that they might be compelled to preach Jesus? Would you ask God to confirm in the hearts of these men that Jesus Christ remains a rock of offense and a stumbling stone to a lost world, and to preach Him anyway? We need not try to "dress Him up" and make Him more acceptable. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation and the preaching of His word is necessary for our edification. May God help us and may His name be glorified.
One thing I continually thought about, was that fully carrying out the preaching of the word of God was directly related to that which "benefited" His church. Even as I shared the message I felt burdened as I considered that many who were speaking in churches all over the country were not preaching the word of God. The very thing, the only thing, that would truly "benefit" His church, the preaching of His word, was not being fully carried out.
Watering down God's word does not benefit His church, preaching Jesus does. Preaching that which is contrary to, or inconsistent with God's word does not benefit the body of Christ, unashamedly preaching the the whole counsel of God's word does. Preaching human wisdom or intellect does not benefit His church, preaching the gospel of grace, Christ and Him crucified does!
The more I considered this matter, I felt as if God was asking me if I had been praying about it. Had I dared ask the One who is able to do "exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think" to intervene and make a difference in this matter? Had I asked Him to work mightily in the hearts of those men, who perhaps had started off well, but had strayed from fully carrying out the preaching of God's word? Had I beseeched Him to change the hearts of men and to draw His "ministers" back to His precious word?
I know that we are in the last days and that some of what we see in the church is prophetic. I suspect that many will continue to preach those things which are not beneficial to Christ's church, even if many were to pray daily for His intervention. But what if we do pray? What if God does change the heart of one or of two who minister in His church? How might that affect His church? How might that benefit the members of His body? I guess it is for that reason that I feel compelled to pray about this matter. It concerns His church, those for whom Christ died.
Would you join with me in praying that God might raise up men who will fully carry out the preaching of God's word? Would you ask God to work in the lives of those who will step into the pulpits of our churches this Sunday and in the weeks to follow, that they might be compelled to preach Jesus? Would you ask God to confirm in the hearts of these men that Jesus Christ remains a rock of offense and a stumbling stone to a lost world, and to preach Him anyway? We need not try to "dress Him up" and make Him more acceptable. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation and the preaching of His word is necessary for our edification. May God help us and may His name be glorified.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Just as He Said
What a wonderful celbration of the gospel is Easter! The resurrection of Christ and the events preceding it are perhaps the most important events in human history. All of man kind finds themselves either looking forward or backward to this glorious resurrection day. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, the Apostle Paul was inspired to write the following words regarding these events; “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures”. That Christ died for our sins, that He was buried, and that on the third day He was raised from the dead, are said to be "of first importance". Without these truths, as revealed "according to the Scriptures", there can be no gospel message, no good news.
Jesus emphasized these truths when He repeatedly told His disciples of there coming occurrence. We read the following accounts
(Matthew 17:22-23) “and while they were gathering together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men; and they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day." And they were deeply grieved."
(Matthew 20:17-19) “As Jesus was about to go up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and on the way He said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, and will hand Him over to the Gentiles to mock and scourge and crucify Him, and on the third day He will be raised up."
(Mark 8:31) “And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.”
(Mark 9:30-32) “From there they went out and began to go through Galilee, and He did not want anyone to know about it. For He was teaching His disciples and telling them, "The Son of Man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and when He has been killed, He will rise three days later." But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask Him.”
(Mark 10:32-34) “They were on the road going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking on ahead of them; and they were amazed, and those who followed were fearful. And again He took the twelve aside and began to tell them what was going to happen to Him, saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles. "They will mock Him and spit on Him, and scourge Him and kill Him, and three days later He will rise again."
(Luke 9:22) "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised up on the third day."
(Luke 9:43-44) “And they were all amazed at the greatness of God But while everyone was marveling at all that He was doing, He said to His disciples, "Let these words sink into your ears; for the Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men."
There is no question that His repetition of these truths stressed their importance and significance. I appreciate the last reference where Jesus told His disciples to "Let these words sink into your ears". He was as sure of these events as He was of anything. Not simply because He knew the sinfulness of men and what they were capable of doing, but because He knew the perfect plan of God. The plan, the authority, to “deliver Him into the hands of men” had not been made by men, but by God.And praise God, He rose on the third day!
Jesus emphasized these truths when He repeatedly told His disciples of there coming occurrence. We read the following accounts
(Matthew 17:22-23) “and while they were gathering together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men; and they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day." And they were deeply grieved."
(Matthew 20:17-19) “As Jesus was about to go up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and on the way He said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, and will hand Him over to the Gentiles to mock and scourge and crucify Him, and on the third day He will be raised up."
(Mark 8:31) “And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.”
(Mark 9:30-32) “From there they went out and began to go through Galilee, and He did not want anyone to know about it. For He was teaching His disciples and telling them, "The Son of Man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and when He has been killed, He will rise three days later." But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask Him.”
(Mark 10:32-34) “They were on the road going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking on ahead of them; and they were amazed, and those who followed were fearful. And again He took the twelve aside and began to tell them what was going to happen to Him, saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles. "They will mock Him and spit on Him, and scourge Him and kill Him, and three days later He will rise again."
(Luke 9:22) "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised up on the third day."
(Luke 9:43-44) “And they were all amazed at the greatness of God But while everyone was marveling at all that He was doing, He said to His disciples, "Let these words sink into your ears; for the Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men."
There is no question that His repetition of these truths stressed their importance and significance. I appreciate the last reference where Jesus told His disciples to "Let these words sink into your ears". He was as sure of these events as He was of anything. Not simply because He knew the sinfulness of men and what they were capable of doing, but because He knew the perfect plan of God. The plan, the authority, to “deliver Him into the hands of men” had not been made by men, but by God.And praise God, He rose on the third day!
This was the purpose for His coming to dwell amongst men. This was God’s will being done. He was simply using the sinful hearts of men to accomplish His perfect will. May we never forget and may we never allow someone to persuade us to believe otherwise, that the manger He laid in at His birth, lie already, in the shadow of His cross.
The proclamation made that resurrection morning was grand; "He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying." (Matthew 28:6)
He was condemned to death.
He was mocked. He was spat upon. He was scourged.
He was crucified.
He was buried.
He rose the third day!
What a wondrous day is Easter!
Yes, just as He said! Today we celebrate the fulfillment of His word. He is faithful and true. So, just as He had said:
He was delivered into the hands of men.He was condemned to death.
He was mocked. He was spat upon. He was scourged.
He was crucified.
He was buried.
He rose the third day!
What a wondrous day is Easter!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Epaphrus, A Faithful Servant
In his letter to the church at Colossae, the Apostle Paul was inspired to commend Epaphrus, a man who had been involved in Christian service to the Colossians, as being a "faithful servant of Christ". Throughout Paul's letters one would see that Paul did not make such statements lightly. He was a man much about proven character and not just words.
There is not a lot of scripture concerning this man Epaphrus, but it seems that what we have is quite telling. In Colossians 1:3-8, Paul wrote, "We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth; just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit." And in Colossians 4:12-13 we read, "Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis."
From these verses and their context, we gain some insight as to why the Apostle Paul would refer to Epaphrus as a "faithful servant of Christ". Consider these three points. First of all, he had been God's vessel or instrument in the sharing of the gospel of Christ with the people in Colossae. Having been a good steward of the gospel, He had declared unto them the "word of truth". Secondly, it appears that he had been a defender of the gospel of grace. Seemingly aware of it's importance and led by the Spirit, he taught the Colossions in a manner which they "understood the grace of God in truth". And thirdly, though imprisoned for his faith in Christ, out of a God inspired "deep concern" for others, he continued to serve the Colossian believers by "laboring earnestly" for them in his prayers.
Although it is not intented to be a complete list of qualities that might be seen in a faithful servant, in Epaphrus we can learn the following. That a "faithful servant of Christ" is one who lives and shares the gospel of Christ, defends and teaches the gospel of grace, serves in whatever situations they find themselves in and is a person of earnest prayer. The place of service and specifics of it may change but the heart of the faithful servant remains the same. May God so work in our lives that we might be found to be faithful servants of Christ. To God be the glory!
There is not a lot of scripture concerning this man Epaphrus, but it seems that what we have is quite telling. In Colossians 1:3-8, Paul wrote, "We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth; just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit." And in Colossians 4:12-13 we read, "Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis."
From these verses and their context, we gain some insight as to why the Apostle Paul would refer to Epaphrus as a "faithful servant of Christ". Consider these three points. First of all, he had been God's vessel or instrument in the sharing of the gospel of Christ with the people in Colossae. Having been a good steward of the gospel, He had declared unto them the "word of truth". Secondly, it appears that he had been a defender of the gospel of grace. Seemingly aware of it's importance and led by the Spirit, he taught the Colossions in a manner which they "understood the grace of God in truth". And thirdly, though imprisoned for his faith in Christ, out of a God inspired "deep concern" for others, he continued to serve the Colossian believers by "laboring earnestly" for them in his prayers.
Although it is not intented to be a complete list of qualities that might be seen in a faithful servant, in Epaphrus we can learn the following. That a "faithful servant of Christ" is one who lives and shares the gospel of Christ, defends and teaches the gospel of grace, serves in whatever situations they find themselves in and is a person of earnest prayer. The place of service and specifics of it may change but the heart of the faithful servant remains the same. May God so work in our lives that we might be found to be faithful servants of Christ. To God be the glory!
Monday, March 14, 2011
The Local Church
My home church recently became aware of a small congregation on the Oregon coast that finds themselves without a pastor, following their pastor's retirement after 25 years. As an outreach of our church, God has given me the privilege to go and minister to these brothers and sisters in Christ. I have been graced with the opportunity to teach their adult Sunday School class and preach their morning message. As the Lord allows, the current plan is for my wife and I to travel there each Sunday for the next several weeks. God has already blessed us in this ministry and travel time together.
As I shared with them for the first time last week, I felt compelled to remind them of an important truth. God cares for the local church. He cares for their church, those who fellowship there and for the people that live in the communities surrounding it. Their congregation is not large in number but their love for the Savior is evident. I was reminded of Acts 17:17, where speaking of the Apostle Paul, the author wrote, "So he was reasoning in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and in the market place every day with those who happened to be present." I so much appreciate what it says here. Paul was not moved by the Spirit to speak only to a certain number of people but he shared God's truth "with those who happened to be present."
Paul was concerned for the church that met in Prisca and Aquila's house. He was inspired to write to the church in Rome, the church in Corinth, the churches of Galatia, the church of Ephesus, of Philippi, of Colossae and of Thessalonica. He wrote to Titus regarding the churches on the island of Crete. God is building His Church, the body of Christ. But He cares for the local church. As only God could do, He inspired various letters to be written to believers located in different places and then preserved them for His use in speaking to all members of the body of Christ who have gathered through the centuries at various churches around the world. Praise the Lord for such a miraculous work as that.
May God give direction to this group of believers that He has privileged me to work with and may He give me the words to share each week with those who happen to be present.
As I shared with them for the first time last week, I felt compelled to remind them of an important truth. God cares for the local church. He cares for their church, those who fellowship there and for the people that live in the communities surrounding it. Their congregation is not large in number but their love for the Savior is evident. I was reminded of Acts 17:17, where speaking of the Apostle Paul, the author wrote, "So he was reasoning in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and in the market place every day with those who happened to be present." I so much appreciate what it says here. Paul was not moved by the Spirit to speak only to a certain number of people but he shared God's truth "with those who happened to be present."
Paul was concerned for the church that met in Prisca and Aquila's house. He was inspired to write to the church in Rome, the church in Corinth, the churches of Galatia, the church of Ephesus, of Philippi, of Colossae and of Thessalonica. He wrote to Titus regarding the churches on the island of Crete. God is building His Church, the body of Christ. But He cares for the local church. As only God could do, He inspired various letters to be written to believers located in different places and then preserved them for His use in speaking to all members of the body of Christ who have gathered through the centuries at various churches around the world. Praise the Lord for such a miraculous work as that.
May God give direction to this group of believers that He has privileged me to work with and may He give me the words to share each week with those who happen to be present.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
The Time is Now
Some readers may remember a passage of scripture I have commented on from the eleventh chapter of the Book of Hebrews. In this great chapter of faith, in the fourth verse, the writer tells us that by faith, though Abel is dead, he still speaks. As is the case for Abel, I see God reminding us of a couple of undeniable truths for us to consider. We will all "speak" after we are dead and the life that we live now will determine the sort of things we "speak" after we are gone.
Through the death of my father in-law and through His holy word, God has spoken to my heart recently about the importance of "the now". My father in-law left behind many memories and the life that he lived will dictate how he continues to speak to his family and friends as time goes on. But the dead are not afforded another opportunity to speak something new. They may only speak what they previously lived. I pray that this truth may instill in me a sober mindedness that will draw me to a closer walk with Christ through His word and promised Helper.
In a portion of Isaiah chapter 38, Isaiah was inspired to include "a writing of Hezekiah king of Judah". In the 19th verse we find in Hezekiah's writing, these words; "It is the living who give thanks to Thee, as I do today; A father tells his sons about Thy faithfulness." It is while we are living that we can give thanks to God. It is while we are living that we can love and serve one another. It is while we are living that we can "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ". It is while we are living that we can "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God". It is while we are living that we can write in the hearts and minds of others the things that we will later speak when we are gone.
Fathers, while we are living and breathing, let us tell our sons and daughters about His faithfulness today! And may our life in Christ, while we walk this earth now, be such that we will continue to speak to them and others of faith; faith unto salvation and faith for living, when we are gone. May He be praised!
Through the death of my father in-law and through His holy word, God has spoken to my heart recently about the importance of "the now". My father in-law left behind many memories and the life that he lived will dictate how he continues to speak to his family and friends as time goes on. But the dead are not afforded another opportunity to speak something new. They may only speak what they previously lived. I pray that this truth may instill in me a sober mindedness that will draw me to a closer walk with Christ through His word and promised Helper.
In a portion of Isaiah chapter 38, Isaiah was inspired to include "a writing of Hezekiah king of Judah". In the 19th verse we find in Hezekiah's writing, these words; "It is the living who give thanks to Thee, as I do today; A father tells his sons about Thy faithfulness." It is while we are living that we can give thanks to God. It is while we are living that we can love and serve one another. It is while we are living that we can "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ". It is while we are living that we can "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God". It is while we are living that we can write in the hearts and minds of others the things that we will later speak when we are gone.
Fathers, while we are living and breathing, let us tell our sons and daughters about His faithfulness today! And may our life in Christ, while we walk this earth now, be such that we will continue to speak to them and others of faith; faith unto salvation and faith for living, when we are gone. May He be praised!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Thoughts and Memories
My father in-law passed away on Monday, February 7, 2011. He was a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. He has left me with a multitude of memories that are two many to put into words. On behalf of his family I shared the following at his memorial service.
Bernard's family has been experiencing all of these emotions since Monday afternoon when he passed away peacefully at his and Donna's home just a few miles from here. Bernard was graced with an unusual opportunity Monday; to pass into the presence of his Savior while resting in his favorite chair. Although Monday was a very difficult day for our family, it marked the end of all difficulties for Bernard and for that we are thankful.
Many years ago Bernard had already passed from death unto life when God had revealed to him the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Bernard had trusted in the saving work of Christ on Calvary's cross, believing that Jesus had died for his sins. By faith Bernard believed the gospel and believed Jesus' words recorded in John 11:25-26 where He said, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die."
Bernard was many things to many different people. He was Donna's constant companion and husband of 56 years. He was a father to their five children; four daughters and a son. He was a father in-law, a grandfather, a great grandfather, a brother, an uncle, a cousin, a nephew, a church member, a brother in Christ, a friend, a teacher, a principal, a superintendent, a boss, a fishing partner, a hunting partner and the list goes on.
Bernard was an extraordinary man with many and varied experiences and interests. He could quickly engage in a conversation with nearly anyone. He served his country in the Air Force. He was a lifelong educator as a teacher and school administrator. He had a love for golf when he was younger. He liked to cook a variety of foods, make homemade apple cider, and smoke fish. He enjoyed reading books and magazines. He enjoyed sports. He collected pocket knives. He had a thing for tooth picks. He enjoyed a variety of outdoor activities including farming, gardening, picking mushrooms, smelt dipping, clam digging, crabbing, hunting and fishing.
He was a kind and generous man with a good sense of humor. He treated people with respect unless you were the operator of a boat that was causing him to veer from his desired trolling path while fishing. He was a man of faith, not a perfect man, but a man who believed in the perfect One. He loved his family and although he might call his grandkids "mug wamps" or "magpies" or similar such names, they were just terms of endearment or he had forgotten their names for a moment. Following a heart attack he experienced a couple of years ago he was advised that only half of his heart was functioning. And although this was medically true, he continued to live life with all of his heart. Even after his 80th birthday last May he continued to drive into Warrenton early in the morning on several occasions to go sturgeon and salmon fishing this past summer.
Although his family will miss him dearly, we rejoice in our shared faith that he rests in the presence of Jesus now. We find assurance in God's word, that for the believer in Christ, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. We are thankful for the bountiful memories that we have and that we can share them with each other in the days and years to come.
We want to thank each one of you for your words of encouragement, your hugs, your cards, the food, your thoughts, your love and your prayers. We thank you for being a part of Bernard's life and pray that you might enjoy the memories he has left with you also.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
I'm Sticking with Jesus!
Late last week the headlines were everywhere. Local, national and international news agencies all covered the story. The headlines read that Pope John Paul II was to be "beatified" in May of this year. This announcement followed the decision made by Vatican officials, attributing a miracle to John Paul II. The story indicated that a panel of doctors, theologians, cardinals and bishops, appointed by the Vatican, had determined that a French nun's miraculous recovery from Parkinson's disease was due to the intercession of John Paul II. This step in the "canonization" process apparently acknowledges John Paul's entrance into heaven and his capacity to intercede on behalf of individuals who pray in his name. It will give him the title of "blessed" and give authority for him to be publicly "venerated". Another "Vatican approved miracle" and John Paul II may even become a saint some day.
I do not normally comment on matters like this but felt compelled to do so now. Let me first say, that unequivocally, the Apostle Paul's words to Timothy proclaim an everlasting truth; there is "one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus"! "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me" Jesus declared. He alone "always lives to make intercession" for "those who draw near to God through Him" stated the Hebrew author. His miracles were countless and no panel of men, appointed by men, has or ever will be required for validation.
He is the "blessed God", "the blessed and only Sovereign", the One "who is blessed forever" and there is none other like Him! Men have been the recipients of His countless blessings but He alone is the Blessed One. In Christ, all who have believed the gospel message are saints. They are saints, not by virtue of a progression of man made ordinances and requirements, but by the grace of God. I am a saint because of the kind intention of His will, where He purposed to reveal Christ in me, the hope of glory. Soon millions will publicly "venerate" John Paul II, giving him reverential adoration and respect not due any man, save the man Christ Jesus. It is the Lord Jesus Christ who has been exalted by God and given "the name which is above every name".
Yes, I suppose millions welcomed the news of John Paul's anticipated "beatification" and that many will be praying in his name. Sadly, there is no power in his name. But there is power in the name of Jesus! May God open the hearts and minds of men, women and children all over the world to the gospel of grace, the gospel of Jesus. As the words of the great hymn remind us, "Jesus paid it all. All to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain. He washed it white as snow."
Man may deny the truth and supremacy of Christ and continue to exalt other men to positions that He alone is worthy of. And I suppose men, in their own estimation, will continue to determine the time of "beatification", when and to whom to ascribe the title "blessed" and maintain a list of criteria for becoming a "saint". But along "with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours", I'm sticking with Jesus!
I do not normally comment on matters like this but felt compelled to do so now. Let me first say, that unequivocally, the Apostle Paul's words to Timothy proclaim an everlasting truth; there is "one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus"! "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me" Jesus declared. He alone "always lives to make intercession" for "those who draw near to God through Him" stated the Hebrew author. His miracles were countless and no panel of men, appointed by men, has or ever will be required for validation.
He is the "blessed God", "the blessed and only Sovereign", the One "who is blessed forever" and there is none other like Him! Men have been the recipients of His countless blessings but He alone is the Blessed One. In Christ, all who have believed the gospel message are saints. They are saints, not by virtue of a progression of man made ordinances and requirements, but by the grace of God. I am a saint because of the kind intention of His will, where He purposed to reveal Christ in me, the hope of glory. Soon millions will publicly "venerate" John Paul II, giving him reverential adoration and respect not due any man, save the man Christ Jesus. It is the Lord Jesus Christ who has been exalted by God and given "the name which is above every name".
Yes, I suppose millions welcomed the news of John Paul's anticipated "beatification" and that many will be praying in his name. Sadly, there is no power in his name. But there is power in the name of Jesus! May God open the hearts and minds of men, women and children all over the world to the gospel of grace, the gospel of Jesus. As the words of the great hymn remind us, "Jesus paid it all. All to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain. He washed it white as snow."
Man may deny the truth and supremacy of Christ and continue to exalt other men to positions that He alone is worthy of. And I suppose men, in their own estimation, will continue to determine the time of "beatification", when and to whom to ascribe the title "blessed" and maintain a list of criteria for becoming a "saint". But along "with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours", I'm sticking with Jesus!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Resolved to Turn Away, Resolved to Pray
Believers and non-believers alike often make New Year's resolutions at or near the beginning of each new year. Resolutions most commonly made are those related to losing weight, discontinuing bad habits or developing more positive ones. A comprehensive list of specific ones would be quite long. The leadership of my home church has put forth a bible reading program that encourages our members to read through the Bible this year. This has already been a blessing for me. God has reminded me of a couple of important truths that I thought I would share.
The first one is spoken of in Isaiah 5:20 where we read, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness: who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!" Oh, how accurately this describes the times in which we live. May God help us to be aware and yet not disheartened by this truth. In a world where evil is called good, darkness is substituted for light and bitter is substituted for sweet, how much do we need the everlasting truth of God's word to light our ways.
The other passage of scripture I wanted to mention is found in the book of Job. In the beginning of the first chapter we are given some insight into the man that Job was. First, in Job 1:1 we read, "There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil." And then in Job 1:5, in reference to Job's concern for his children, we read, "When the days of feasting had completed their cycle, Job would send and consecrate them, rising up early in the morning and offering burnt offerings according to the number of them all; for Job said, "Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts." Thus Job did continually."
Oh, that like Job, we also would turn away from evil! Paul wrote of abhorring that which is evil and clinging to that which is good. Peter wrote of the importance of turning away from evil and doing good. We will not turn away from that which we do not see. By His Spirit and through the study of His holy word, may we have the mind of Christ to recognize evil when it is before us. As the Hebrew author was inspired to write about the importance of maturity, he said that "solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil." Oh, how important that we avail ourselves to all that God has provided for spiritual maturity!
And oh, that like Job, we would have a heart for our children in regards to spiritual matters. No, we are not called to offer burnt offerings for our children's sins and we cannot live their life in Christ for them. But I'm talking about the heart of Job. The relationship that his children had with the Lord was a deep concern of his heart continually. When did you last, with great humility of heart, pray earnestly for your sons or daughters? Or perhaps for your grandchildren. If it has been some time, please do so today. May we be serious minded regarding the impact that our life in Christ can have on those close to us.
I cannot help but think of the effect that would be upon the Church, the body of Christ, if God's people resolved to turn away from evil and to cling to what is good. And one can only imagine the impact of believing parents being resolved to be concerned for their children in spiritual matters, continually. Perhaps we will not see the impact of such on the entire body of Christ. But how about an individual life or perhaps a family or a local church? Oh, that Christ may work in our lives, in accordance with His glorious might, to accomplish His will in us. May Christ be glorified in and through our lives this and every other year He grants us.
The first one is spoken of in Isaiah 5:20 where we read, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness: who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!" Oh, how accurately this describes the times in which we live. May God help us to be aware and yet not disheartened by this truth. In a world where evil is called good, darkness is substituted for light and bitter is substituted for sweet, how much do we need the everlasting truth of God's word to light our ways.
The other passage of scripture I wanted to mention is found in the book of Job. In the beginning of the first chapter we are given some insight into the man that Job was. First, in Job 1:1 we read, "There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil." And then in Job 1:5, in reference to Job's concern for his children, we read, "When the days of feasting had completed their cycle, Job would send and consecrate them, rising up early in the morning and offering burnt offerings according to the number of them all; for Job said, "Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts." Thus Job did continually."
Oh, that like Job, we also would turn away from evil! Paul wrote of abhorring that which is evil and clinging to that which is good. Peter wrote of the importance of turning away from evil and doing good. We will not turn away from that which we do not see. By His Spirit and through the study of His holy word, may we have the mind of Christ to recognize evil when it is before us. As the Hebrew author was inspired to write about the importance of maturity, he said that "solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil." Oh, how important that we avail ourselves to all that God has provided for spiritual maturity!
And oh, that like Job, we would have a heart for our children in regards to spiritual matters. No, we are not called to offer burnt offerings for our children's sins and we cannot live their life in Christ for them. But I'm talking about the heart of Job. The relationship that his children had with the Lord was a deep concern of his heart continually. When did you last, with great humility of heart, pray earnestly for your sons or daughters? Or perhaps for your grandchildren. If it has been some time, please do so today. May we be serious minded regarding the impact that our life in Christ can have on those close to us.
I cannot help but think of the effect that would be upon the Church, the body of Christ, if God's people resolved to turn away from evil and to cling to what is good. And one can only imagine the impact of believing parents being resolved to be concerned for their children in spiritual matters, continually. Perhaps we will not see the impact of such on the entire body of Christ. But how about an individual life or perhaps a family or a local church? Oh, that Christ may work in our lives, in accordance with His glorious might, to accomplish His will in us. May Christ be glorified in and through our lives this and every other year He grants us.
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