Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Christmas Thoughts 2012
Yesterday we celebrated the incarnation of the Son of God. Christmas is the wondrous story of the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us, the union of manhood and Deity. Following the birth of a child, parents begin to focus on those "milestones" in life. Some of them might include the first time their baby turns over, the first time they crawl, their first words spoken, their first steps taken, etc. From that first day forward, the thing that parents fear most is often the injury, ill health or death of their child.
God has chosen to reveal to us certain truths related to the birth, life and death of His Son Jesus. It appears that what we are privileged to have in Scripture about Him is that which is necessary to know Him, know the reason for His coming and to grow in our knowledge of Him. We know little of His "developmental" years. We have no information on when He first crawled, what words He first spoke or when He took His first steps.
But although I know nothing about the first words that He spoke, I know some of His last. They are certainly among the most profound words ever spoken. Words like, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing". "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOUR FORSAKEN ME?" And, "It is finished!" The truth and significance of these words are of such depth that they may be pondered by the believer for a lifetime and never be exhausted.
And although I know nothing about the first steps that Jesus took, I know something of His last. They were steps taken out of love, in anguish and fatigue, as He was led to Calvary. His very last steps were taken just before He was nailed to a wooden cross by Roman soldiers. No, we do not know when they occurred, but His first steps ever taken were also leading Him to this very place. Calvary's cross was His destiny. Calvary had been His destination from the first day He lay in a manger.
The final steps that He took and the final words which He spoke were to accomplish all that Jesus had been born for. His journey from the manger bed in Bethlehem to the cross on Calvary was indeed the sovereign will of God and His indescribable gift to men. Bearing the sins of the world would forever be the greatest of all "milestones" and one that only Jesus could accomplish. Yes, His final steps and His final words resulted in forgiveness of sin and eternal life for you and me. Glory to God in the Highest. Praise God for Jesus.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Broken Hearts in a Broken Nation
Hearts were broken across our country this past Friday as the news of the shooting at the elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut unfolded. After all of the initial news reports provided various and sometimes conflicting information, it was established that 12 little girls and 8 little boys, ages 6 and 7, had been murdered in the unthinkable rampage. The killer, who also took his own life, was a 20 year-old man who, in addition to the 20 children, had killed his own mother prior to coming to the school and killed an additional 6 adult women at the school.
My heart broke for the parents and families of each of those whose lives had been so untimely and violently taken that Friday morning. My heart ached even more as the day progressed and I realized that the mom's and dad's of those little children would not even be able to go into the school to see, touch or hold their babies. Undoubtedly family members of the adult victims would have had similar feelings. The depth of their grief could only have been described as beyond comprehension. Believing that God is the God of all comfort and trusting that He is able to do exceeding, abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, Christians around the world prayed for these families. We knew that He was their only answer and prayed that He would minister to their hearts and use His people to reach out to the families.
Before all of the details were known the questions began to be asked. What were the killer's motives? What caused him to do something so horrendous? Is more gun control necessary to prevent such incidents? How can we make our schools a safer place? And that often asked question in the midst of tragedy, why did God allow such a thing to happen?
These can be difficult questions to contemplate and provide answers for. As my pastor recently reminded our congregation, we will either approach matters, including questions like posed above, from a biblical world view or from a worldly or fleshly world view. This compounds the difficulty of having a public discussion of the matter and answering these questions because the two world views are quite different from one another. A biblical examination of the matter will lead one to focus on the issue of sin, the depraved nature of mankind and the need to be born again through faith in Christ and to be dependent on Him to live God honoring lives. The biblical world view will see God as the answer. A worldly examination of the matter will lead people to focus on what outside influences contributed to what they would suggest is an otherwise inherently good person who acted out in an evil fashion. They will look to themselves for the answers and consider the things that they might do to correct the problems.
As deep as the depth of heartache that the parents of these 20 children are experiencing is the depth of the problem our country is facing and most appear to be completely unaware of this. I could not begin to write of all of the things that have contributed to the decline of our country's culture and moral character. If one wishes to read of these matters specifically, you need only look to the Bible, God's Holy word. It is here that He has addressed each and every matter that concerns us. A summary statement of our problem would be that we have forgotten God and that we have purposed to remove His influence in all aspects of our culture.
It is sad that on Wednesday, just two days before this horrific event in Newtown, Connecticut, that 75 miles away in downtown Manhattan, New York, an atheist group had put up a billboard mocking God. The billboard was composed of a large picture of Santa Clause with the words "Keep the MERRY". Under the large picture of Santa Clause was a large picture portraying Christ being crucified with the words, "Dump the MYTH". I am convinced that none of the parents, families or friends of those murdered on Friday are looking to Santa Clause for understanding and comfort. They will be looking to the One who was being mocked and He will offer them grace. Praise our God!
I feel compelled to share some final thoughts regarding the matter of evil and the state of our country's moral decline. Although He sovereignly allows it, it is not God who is to be blamed for evil. Men commit evil acts because of sin and scripture teaches, that in sin and rebellion against God, men are even inventors of evil. Following the horrific events of this past Friday and for the weeks and months ahead, making schools a safer place for children will be the topic of much discussion and planning.
As I thought about "safe places" for children, I couldn't seem to help think about a very special place that God had designed to be the safest of all places; and then I cringed. Men, "inventors of evil", had turned this safest of all places into the most dangerous place for a child to be in America. It is with great sadness that I say that this most dangerous of all places is in the womb of a woman in our country. It is indicative of our country's grave problem. The Center for Disease Control's latest statistics report that there were 825,564 abortions in 2008. That is an average of 2,262 children aborted every day of the year.
The latest national vital statistics were published in October 2012 and are for the year 2009. In these statistics, "children" are those between the ages of 1 and 19 years of age. In 2009 there was a total of 21,621 deaths recorded. In each age category (1-4, 5-9, 10-14, and 15-19) the number one cause of death was accidents. Abortions in 2008 occurred 38 times the number of all recorded deaths of children 1-19 years of age in 2009. They are not considered accidental but intentional. May God have mercy on us. By His grace and through His Son Jesus Christ, may He help us to become a nation that truly chooses to honor the value of human life.
Greg
My heart broke for the parents and families of each of those whose lives had been so untimely and violently taken that Friday morning. My heart ached even more as the day progressed and I realized that the mom's and dad's of those little children would not even be able to go into the school to see, touch or hold their babies. Undoubtedly family members of the adult victims would have had similar feelings. The depth of their grief could only have been described as beyond comprehension. Believing that God is the God of all comfort and trusting that He is able to do exceeding, abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, Christians around the world prayed for these families. We knew that He was their only answer and prayed that He would minister to their hearts and use His people to reach out to the families.
Before all of the details were known the questions began to be asked. What were the killer's motives? What caused him to do something so horrendous? Is more gun control necessary to prevent such incidents? How can we make our schools a safer place? And that often asked question in the midst of tragedy, why did God allow such a thing to happen?
These can be difficult questions to contemplate and provide answers for. As my pastor recently reminded our congregation, we will either approach matters, including questions like posed above, from a biblical world view or from a worldly or fleshly world view. This compounds the difficulty of having a public discussion of the matter and answering these questions because the two world views are quite different from one another. A biblical examination of the matter will lead one to focus on the issue of sin, the depraved nature of mankind and the need to be born again through faith in Christ and to be dependent on Him to live God honoring lives. The biblical world view will see God as the answer. A worldly examination of the matter will lead people to focus on what outside influences contributed to what they would suggest is an otherwise inherently good person who acted out in an evil fashion. They will look to themselves for the answers and consider the things that they might do to correct the problems.
As deep as the depth of heartache that the parents of these 20 children are experiencing is the depth of the problem our country is facing and most appear to be completely unaware of this. I could not begin to write of all of the things that have contributed to the decline of our country's culture and moral character. If one wishes to read of these matters specifically, you need only look to the Bible, God's Holy word. It is here that He has addressed each and every matter that concerns us. A summary statement of our problem would be that we have forgotten God and that we have purposed to remove His influence in all aspects of our culture.
It is sad that on Wednesday, just two days before this horrific event in Newtown, Connecticut, that 75 miles away in downtown Manhattan, New York, an atheist group had put up a billboard mocking God. The billboard was composed of a large picture of Santa Clause with the words "Keep the MERRY". Under the large picture of Santa Clause was a large picture portraying Christ being crucified with the words, "Dump the MYTH". I am convinced that none of the parents, families or friends of those murdered on Friday are looking to Santa Clause for understanding and comfort. They will be looking to the One who was being mocked and He will offer them grace. Praise our God!
I feel compelled to share some final thoughts regarding the matter of evil and the state of our country's moral decline. Although He sovereignly allows it, it is not God who is to be blamed for evil. Men commit evil acts because of sin and scripture teaches, that in sin and rebellion against God, men are even inventors of evil. Following the horrific events of this past Friday and for the weeks and months ahead, making schools a safer place for children will be the topic of much discussion and planning.
As I thought about "safe places" for children, I couldn't seem to help think about a very special place that God had designed to be the safest of all places; and then I cringed. Men, "inventors of evil", had turned this safest of all places into the most dangerous place for a child to be in America. It is with great sadness that I say that this most dangerous of all places is in the womb of a woman in our country. It is indicative of our country's grave problem. The Center for Disease Control's latest statistics report that there were 825,564 abortions in 2008. That is an average of 2,262 children aborted every day of the year.
The latest national vital statistics were published in October 2012 and are for the year 2009. In these statistics, "children" are those between the ages of 1 and 19 years of age. In 2009 there was a total of 21,621 deaths recorded. In each age category (1-4, 5-9, 10-14, and 15-19) the number one cause of death was accidents. Abortions in 2008 occurred 38 times the number of all recorded deaths of children 1-19 years of age in 2009. They are not considered accidental but intentional. May God have mercy on us. By His grace and through His Son Jesus Christ, may He help us to become a nation that truly chooses to honor the value of human life.
Greg
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Each on Display in Times Square; Ignorance and Grace
Under the large picture of Santa Clause were the words "Keep the MERRY". Positioned under the Santa Clause picture was another large picture, this one of Jesus being crucified. Under the picture of Jesus were the words, "Dump the MYTH". These pictures were on display today on a large billboard in New York City's Times Square. The billboard was reportedly put up by a New Jersey based atheist group.
The billboard reminded me of how men continue to act ignorantly in unbelief. As I look at the display on the billboard I cannot help hut hear the words of Christ as He said, "Father forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." The life, death, burial and resurrection of Christ is a truth that has been under attack for centuries. It is not a myth. Praise the Lord that no amount of billboards, no matter what their size, can turn this truth into a myth.
The billboard also reminded me of the mercy and grace of God. I would even suggest that the billboard is evidence of God's grace in the fact that those responsible for mocking His Son are still breathing His air tonight. Scripture tells us that God is patient and out of His deep love demonstrated on the cross they mock, desires that the mockers come to saving faith in His Son. He died for the sins of those who mocked Him then and those who still mock Him today.
A last thought that I have about this billboard that was on display in Times Square today is this. The mockers are unaware of the powerful message they inadvertently share when they depict Christ crucified. I am convinced that God will use the image which they have falsely label a myth and reveal the truth of Christ to some who may gaze upon it. Some, for the first time in their lives, will come to know the true meaning of Christmas. Praise the Lord.
Greg
The billboard reminded me of how men continue to act ignorantly in unbelief. As I look at the display on the billboard I cannot help hut hear the words of Christ as He said, "Father forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." The life, death, burial and resurrection of Christ is a truth that has been under attack for centuries. It is not a myth. Praise the Lord that no amount of billboards, no matter what their size, can turn this truth into a myth.
The billboard also reminded me of the mercy and grace of God. I would even suggest that the billboard is evidence of God's grace in the fact that those responsible for mocking His Son are still breathing His air tonight. Scripture tells us that God is patient and out of His deep love demonstrated on the cross they mock, desires that the mockers come to saving faith in His Son. He died for the sins of those who mocked Him then and those who still mock Him today.
A last thought that I have about this billboard that was on display in Times Square today is this. The mockers are unaware of the powerful message they inadvertently share when they depict Christ crucified. I am convinced that God will use the image which they have falsely label a myth and reveal the truth of Christ to some who may gaze upon it. Some, for the first time in their lives, will come to know the true meaning of Christmas. Praise the Lord.
Greg
Friday, November 30, 2012
He is no Idol, He is Alive!
Over the past couple of years my pastor has been leading our mid-week Bible study time through the Book of Psalms. This week we were in Psalm 115. Contrasting the God of Israel with the idols of the nations, in verses 4-7 the Psalmist writes; "Their idols are silver and gold, the work of man's hands. They have mouths, but they cannot speak; They have eyes, but they cannot see; They have ears, but they cannot hear; They have noses, but they cannot smell; They have hands, but they cannot feel; They have feet, but they cannot walk; They cannot make a sound with their throat. "
Reading through the passage brought to mind the accusation made against the Apostle Paul, recorded in Acts 19:26 where the author wrote, "You see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of
Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away a considerable number of people, saying that gods made with hands are no gods at all."
The Psalmist's words also reminded me that ours is a living God and that unlike the idols of the nations, our Savior partook of flesh and blood. "The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us" scripture says. "Meekness and majesty, manhood and deity, in perfect harmony the man who is God" the Christian song goes. As I considered the wonder of this truth it seemed so apparent that Christ is all that the idols of the nations were not.
The idols of the nations were gold and silver while He was flesh and blood.
They could not speak, but of Christ it was said that "never has a man spoken the way this man speaks."
The idols had eyes, but could not see. Christ had eyes that could see Zaccheus up in a tree, see a demon possessed man and even see the demons that possessed the man.
The idols had ears, but could not hear. Christ had ears that would listen to the voices of men, while able also to hear the thoughts and intentions of their heart.
The idols had noses, but could not smell. Christ had a nose that smelled the fragrance that filled the house when Mary had anointed His feet with a "very costly perfume".
The idols had hands, but they could not feel. Christ had hands that could hold a child in His arms, cleanse the leper, make the blind man see and feel the nails that were driven through his hands.
The idols had feet, but they could not walk. Christ had feet that could walk the road to Golgotha and walk on the sea of Galilee.
The idols could not make a sound with their throat. Christ, while suffering great cruelty uttered words that would change the lives of men forever, "Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" and "It is finished"!
Ours is a living God. Praise the Lord!
Greg
Reading through the passage brought to mind the accusation made against the Apostle Paul, recorded in Acts 19:26 where the author wrote, "You see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of
Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away a considerable number of people, saying that gods made with hands are no gods at all."
The Psalmist's words also reminded me that ours is a living God and that unlike the idols of the nations, our Savior partook of flesh and blood. "The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us" scripture says. "Meekness and majesty, manhood and deity, in perfect harmony the man who is God" the Christian song goes. As I considered the wonder of this truth it seemed so apparent that Christ is all that the idols of the nations were not.
The idols of the nations were gold and silver while He was flesh and blood.
They could not speak, but of Christ it was said that "never has a man spoken the way this man speaks."
The idols had eyes, but could not see. Christ had eyes that could see Zaccheus up in a tree, see a demon possessed man and even see the demons that possessed the man.
The idols had ears, but could not hear. Christ had ears that would listen to the voices of men, while able also to hear the thoughts and intentions of their heart.
The idols had noses, but could not smell. Christ had a nose that smelled the fragrance that filled the house when Mary had anointed His feet with a "very costly perfume".
The idols had hands, but they could not feel. Christ had hands that could hold a child in His arms, cleanse the leper, make the blind man see and feel the nails that were driven through his hands.
The idols had feet, but they could not walk. Christ had feet that could walk the road to Golgotha and walk on the sea of Galilee.
The idols could not make a sound with their throat. Christ, while suffering great cruelty uttered words that would change the lives of men forever, "Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" and "It is finished"!
Ours is a living God. Praise the Lord!
Greg
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Not What I Have but Who I Know
I have so much to be thankful for! My wife, my daughter and son, their spouses, my two beautiful granddaughters, my church and my job would be the beginning of a lengthy list if I attempted to compose one. As I considered the many things that I have to be thankful for this past "Thanksgiving" day, it occurred to me that what I was most thankful for was not what I had but who I knew. I am most thankful that I have been privileged by God to know Him and His Son Jesus! It is only because I know Him that I can begin to fully appreciate and enjoy everything else that He has blessed me with and that I am thankful for. As recipients of God's grace, believers in the Lord Jesus Christ should be the most thankful of all men. Knowing God and His Son Jesus Christ should never be taken for granted. We are of all men most blessed with this divinely given knowledge.
In the following passage of scripture found in Ephesians 1:3-14, the Apostle Paul was inspired to summarize much of what God has done on behalf of the believer in Christ:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will,according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory."
Praise and thanks be to God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit!
In the following passage of scripture found in Ephesians 1:3-14, the Apostle Paul was inspired to summarize much of what God has done on behalf of the believer in Christ:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will,according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory."
Praise and thanks be to God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit!
Friday, April 27, 2012
More Than I Asked For
During a recent Sunday morning message, my pastor was speaking on Colossians
3:12 and referenced the account in Matthew 18:23-27 as an illustration of the
"heart of compassion" Paul was writing about in the Colossian
passage. In the Matthew account Jesus speaks of the "king who wished to
settle accounts with his slaves". One of the slaves was said to have
"owed him ten thousand talents", an amount that "he did not have
the means to repay". We are not told how or why the slave's debt had
become so great and I suppose that it doesn't matter. That his debt was great
and his ability to repay impossible appear to be the picture presented for us
to see.
As the Matthew passage continues, we see that all that the slave possesses is to be used as a debt payment to his master. He is to be sold, along with his wife and children, and all that he has, and the sum of all is to be given to the king. We are not told that this will actually satisfy the entire debt that he owes but that it will be what is required of him. Burdened by this debt he could not pay, the slave falls prostrate before his lord and asks him to have patience with him while he repays him everything. The king's response to the slave was nothing short of incredible and I believe one that the slave would not have imagined or anticipated. He released the slave and forgave him the entire debt owed!
As my pastor continued with the message, I found myself drawn to pondered this parable that the Lord had spoken to His disciples in response to a question posed by Peter. I was struck by what had happened in the account. The slave had received so much more than he had asked for! He had asked for patience but had received mercy. He had asked for the opportunity to pay his debt over time but the debt was forgiven in a moment. It seemed as if I had much in common with this slave. Many years ago the Lord had graciously spoken to my heart and had lovingly made me aware of the debt and burden of sin that was mine. And as He revealed to me that Jesus had died for my sins and that I could find forgiveness in Him, by grace and through faith I believed. A slave to sin, I had asked the King of Kings to forgive me.
As I look back I am convinced, that like that slave, I to have received much more than I had asked for. I had asked the Lord to forgive me of my sins but I received forgiveness on a grander scale than I ever could have imagined. Past, present and future; they were all forgiven. When I had asked for the forgiveness of sin I was made a new creature in Christ, receiving new life and life more abundant. When I had asked for forgiveness of sin I received victory over sin. When I had asked for forgiveness of sin I received peace, hope, joy, the Father's love and all that pertains to life and godliness. When I had asked for forgiveness of sin I received a multitude of promises, for this life and for life eternal. After almost 30 years I am still growing to understand them all. When I had asked for forgiveness I received the ability to have a wonderful relationship with my wife and the ability to experience the true joys that would follow will children and grandchildren. Yes, like the slave in Matthew 18, I received so much more than I had asked for. Praise God! May the Lord Jesus Christ be glorified as we rejoice with thankfulness in all that He provides.
As the Matthew passage continues, we see that all that the slave possesses is to be used as a debt payment to his master. He is to be sold, along with his wife and children, and all that he has, and the sum of all is to be given to the king. We are not told that this will actually satisfy the entire debt that he owes but that it will be what is required of him. Burdened by this debt he could not pay, the slave falls prostrate before his lord and asks him to have patience with him while he repays him everything. The king's response to the slave was nothing short of incredible and I believe one that the slave would not have imagined or anticipated. He released the slave and forgave him the entire debt owed!
As my pastor continued with the message, I found myself drawn to pondered this parable that the Lord had spoken to His disciples in response to a question posed by Peter. I was struck by what had happened in the account. The slave had received so much more than he had asked for! He had asked for patience but had received mercy. He had asked for the opportunity to pay his debt over time but the debt was forgiven in a moment. It seemed as if I had much in common with this slave. Many years ago the Lord had graciously spoken to my heart and had lovingly made me aware of the debt and burden of sin that was mine. And as He revealed to me that Jesus had died for my sins and that I could find forgiveness in Him, by grace and through faith I believed. A slave to sin, I had asked the King of Kings to forgive me.
As I look back I am convinced, that like that slave, I to have received much more than I had asked for. I had asked the Lord to forgive me of my sins but I received forgiveness on a grander scale than I ever could have imagined. Past, present and future; they were all forgiven. When I had asked for the forgiveness of sin I was made a new creature in Christ, receiving new life and life more abundant. When I had asked for forgiveness of sin I received victory over sin. When I had asked for forgiveness of sin I received peace, hope, joy, the Father's love and all that pertains to life and godliness. When I had asked for forgiveness of sin I received a multitude of promises, for this life and for life eternal. After almost 30 years I am still growing to understand them all. When I had asked for forgiveness I received the ability to have a wonderful relationship with my wife and the ability to experience the true joys that would follow will children and grandchildren. Yes, like the slave in Matthew 18, I received so much more than I had asked for. Praise God! May the Lord Jesus Christ be glorified as we rejoice with thankfulness in all that He provides.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
"Vantage Point"
I remember watching a movie several years ago that was called "Vantage Point". The movie was unique in that after a period of time it would start over from the beginning but show the events from another "vantage point" of a different character in the movie. I didn't understand what they were doing at first but it became evident as this scenario repeated itself. I'm reminded of that movie when I read the various Gospel accounts of the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As you read and consider the accounts presented by the different authors, you get a sense of the "vantage points" that the writers had, as well as those that would have been had by a multitude of different persons. The movie "Vantage Point" was just that, a movie with fictional characters. The Resurrection Story that is remembered and retold year after year at Easter is a grand recollection of a most wondrous real life event that occurred two thousand years ago. Although I would like to attempt it someday, I could not begin to speak to each of the "character's" vantage point in this short article. But I would like to take an abbreviated look at just a few of them.
I would like to begin with the vantage point of Pilate. As governor, Pilate had found himself caught up in a matter that he wanted little to do with. He understood Christ's accusers to have handed Him over to the governor out of envy (ill will, jealousy, strife). But his actions demonstrate that he did not comprehend the depth and capacity of the envy and hatred for Christ that was in the hearts of the people. The governor had proclaimed to the people, that after inquiry, he had found no guilt in Jesus. This was no great feat for the governor. He had found none because there was none to be found. We read in John's Gospel that Pilate "made efforts to release" Jesus and it is in these "efforts" that we find his miscalculation into the hearts of men. Simply proclaiming to the people that Jesus was an innocent man was not sufficient to affect His release.
We find in Matthew's Gospel, that Pilate looked to what one might consider a political practice as a means of securing Christ's release. Apparently a tradition had evolved, most likely to appease relationships between the Romans and the Jews, whereby the governor would pardon a Jewish prisoner during the Passover festival. I suppose that in Pilate's mind the choice would be simple. I have often thought that he may have even considered himself clever for proposing the option. Release Jesus or Barabbas?
The contrast between these two men was quite vivid and clear. One had been found innocent of the charges brought against Him; a man declared to have no guilt in Him. We are told the other was a "notorious prisoner"; one who had been imprisoned for robbery, insurrection and murder. But it only took some persuasion from the chief priests and elders for the crowd of people to cry out for Barabbas' release and Jesus' crucifixion. Pilate went on to declare himself innocent of "this Man's blood" as he carried out the wishes of the people, the crucifixion of Christ.
How about the vantage point of this man whose name was Barabbas? The choices he had made in his life, including his involvement in the insurrection and his acts of robbery and murder had caught up with him. I believe it is quite probable that he was scheduled to be crucified on the day of Christ's crucifixion and there is little doubt in my mind that absent the divine will of God, it would have been Barabbas crucified between the two other thieves that day. He had been held in prison and the time had come for him to pay the penalty for his crimes.
I suppose, as any man would have, he had thought much about the approaching day. Perhaps he had reflected on his life, his family and the choices that had brought him to this place. I have no doubt that he was aware of the cruel means by which his life would end in crucifixion. In as much as it was possible for any man to do, apart from reliance on the Divine One, he had attempted to prepare himself for this end. Given his crimes, I can only assume that the thought of a pardon from the Roman governor had not crossed his mind.
In fact, Barabbas may have considered it somewhat of a cruel joke that he would be drug into the debate regarding the release of this man named Jesus. Perhaps it even seemed like further punishment that he would be given some false sense of hope for his freedom. But when he heard the crowd crying out for his freedom and for the crucifixion of Jesus, any false sense of hope must have quickly transitioned to something that was quite real and possible. And then the unexpected happened. Though found to be a robber, murderer and insurrectionist, Pilate ordered Barabbas' release from prison to satisfy the people.
The third person I would like to consider is the Roman Centurion. He would oversee the crucifixion of Jesus and the other two criminals on that most memorable day. It seems most likely that the centurion had presided over other crucifixions before this day. He would carry out the directive to crucify Christ despite any apprehension he may have had to do so. Perhaps there had been other innocent men wrongly condemned to die this death but never one as innocent as Jesus.
It seems that one of the centurion’s duties in this process was to observe the crucifixion and to make a declaration of death of the one crucified upon their death. In Mark 15:39 we read that, “When the centurion, who was standing right in front of Him, saw the way He breathed His last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” Again, it appears evident that the centurion overseeing Jesus’ crucifixion had observed other men, perhaps many men, breath their last breath. But it was the way Jesus “breathed His last” that caught his attention and prompted him to proclaim that He was truly the Son of God.
As you read and consider the accounts presented by the different authors, you get a sense of the "vantage points" that the writers had, as well as those that would have been had by a multitude of different persons. The movie "Vantage Point" was just that, a movie with fictional characters. The Resurrection Story that is remembered and retold year after year at Easter is a grand recollection of a most wondrous real life event that occurred two thousand years ago. Although I would like to attempt it someday, I could not begin to speak to each of the "character's" vantage point in this short article. But I would like to take an abbreviated look at just a few of them.
I would like to begin with the vantage point of Pilate. As governor, Pilate had found himself caught up in a matter that he wanted little to do with. He understood Christ's accusers to have handed Him over to the governor out of envy (ill will, jealousy, strife). But his actions demonstrate that he did not comprehend the depth and capacity of the envy and hatred for Christ that was in the hearts of the people. The governor had proclaimed to the people, that after inquiry, he had found no guilt in Jesus. This was no great feat for the governor. He had found none because there was none to be found. We read in John's Gospel that Pilate "made efforts to release" Jesus and it is in these "efforts" that we find his miscalculation into the hearts of men. Simply proclaiming to the people that Jesus was an innocent man was not sufficient to affect His release.
We find in Matthew's Gospel, that Pilate looked to what one might consider a political practice as a means of securing Christ's release. Apparently a tradition had evolved, most likely to appease relationships between the Romans and the Jews, whereby the governor would pardon a Jewish prisoner during the Passover festival. I suppose that in Pilate's mind the choice would be simple. I have often thought that he may have even considered himself clever for proposing the option. Release Jesus or Barabbas?
The contrast between these two men was quite vivid and clear. One had been found innocent of the charges brought against Him; a man declared to have no guilt in Him. We are told the other was a "notorious prisoner"; one who had been imprisoned for robbery, insurrection and murder. But it only took some persuasion from the chief priests and elders for the crowd of people to cry out for Barabbas' release and Jesus' crucifixion. Pilate went on to declare himself innocent of "this Man's blood" as he carried out the wishes of the people, the crucifixion of Christ.
How about the vantage point of this man whose name was Barabbas? The choices he had made in his life, including his involvement in the insurrection and his acts of robbery and murder had caught up with him. I believe it is quite probable that he was scheduled to be crucified on the day of Christ's crucifixion and there is little doubt in my mind that absent the divine will of God, it would have been Barabbas crucified between the two other thieves that day. He had been held in prison and the time had come for him to pay the penalty for his crimes.
I suppose, as any man would have, he had thought much about the approaching day. Perhaps he had reflected on his life, his family and the choices that had brought him to this place. I have no doubt that he was aware of the cruel means by which his life would end in crucifixion. In as much as it was possible for any man to do, apart from reliance on the Divine One, he had attempted to prepare himself for this end. Given his crimes, I can only assume that the thought of a pardon from the Roman governor had not crossed his mind.
In fact, Barabbas may have considered it somewhat of a cruel joke that he would be drug into the debate regarding the release of this man named Jesus. Perhaps it even seemed like further punishment that he would be given some false sense of hope for his freedom. But when he heard the crowd crying out for his freedom and for the crucifixion of Jesus, any false sense of hope must have quickly transitioned to something that was quite real and possible. And then the unexpected happened. Though found to be a robber, murderer and insurrectionist, Pilate ordered Barabbas' release from prison to satisfy the people.
The third person I would like to consider is the Roman Centurion. He would oversee the crucifixion of Jesus and the other two criminals on that most memorable day. It seems most likely that the centurion had presided over other crucifixions before this day. He would carry out the directive to crucify Christ despite any apprehension he may have had to do so. Perhaps there had been other innocent men wrongly condemned to die this death but never one as innocent as Jesus.
It seems that one of the centurion’s duties in this process was to observe the crucifixion and to make a declaration of death of the one crucified upon their death. In Mark 15:39 we read that, “When the centurion, who was standing right in front of Him, saw the way He breathed His last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” Again, it appears evident that the centurion overseeing Jesus’ crucifixion had observed other men, perhaps many men, breath their last breath. But it was the way Jesus “breathed His last” that caught his attention and prompted him to proclaim that He was truly the Son of God.
What was so remarkably different from the way Jesus had breathed His last breath compared to the other men the centurion had witnessed doing the same? To answer this question, I believe all one needs to do is consider just what or who it was that the centurion was observing first hand. All other men who had breathed their last before him had been sinners at best. Jesus had never committed a single act of sin. All others had died bearing their own sins while Jesus died bearing the sins of the world. And if there is such a thing as the most profound difference, perhaps is was that all other men crucified before the centurion had had their lives taken from them while Jesus had freely given His. I believe it was these profound differences that made Jesus’ last breath unlike any other the centurion had witnessed.
As I conclude this article I would like to look briefly at the vantage point of one other. Mine. My vantage point and that of all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ is one of Divine revelation. It is a gift from God. It is by His doing that I have the vantage point of knowing the truth of the Gospel of grace, the truth regarding Christ’s death, His burial and His resurrection. As the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian believers in 1 Corinthians 15:3, “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”. Praise the Lord for the vantage point of knowing that which is of first importance!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
He Knows us Well
Scripture, like that found in Luke 14, often reminds me of how well God knows us and hence how well He knows how to work in us. Prone to judge even the good deeds of others. Prone to pick out the "good seat" or seek the place of honor. Prone to do good unto those who might return the favor. Prone to make excuses for not being obedient to the ways of the Lord. Prone to not give Him preeminence in our lives. And prone to bristle at and then quicky forget those words, "So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions". Praise the Lord that by His doing we are new creatures in Christ. Praise the Lord for His ability to carry out the work of sanctification in the lives of His children. Praise the Lord for saving and effectual grace!
Friday, March 16, 2012
A Launderer From Heaven
My wife has long had a knack for getting difficult stains out of clothing. She does a great job but on occasion is unable to remove the most stubborn of them. My son works for a tire company that uses a professional laundry service to clean their uniform's. Due to the type of work they perform, and despite the professional service they utilize, no one has a uniform free of stains.
For as long as I can remember there have been products like "Clorox", "Spray 'n Wash", "Shout", "Zout", "OxiClean" and a host of others, all touting their stain removing qualities. In addition to those commercially produced stain removers, there has been an endless supply of "home remedies" for the same. Most will work with some degree of efficacy but none are able to remove all stains.
Many from my home church are reading through the New Testament and we recently finished reading the Gospel of Mark. While reading the 9th chapter of Mark, verses 2-3 had caught my attention in a way I had not previously considered. In these two verses Mark wrote, "Six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John, and brought them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; and His garments became radiant and exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them."
It seemed that in a moment the Lord was reminding me that in Christ, I had been washed clean as no launderer earth could do. The stain of sin had been washed clean. Like the stubborn stains that ruin some fabrics, my sin stain was seated deep into the very fibers of my being, begging the question posed and in that great hymn, "Nothing but the Blood", "what can wash away my sin?". "Nothing but the Blood of Jesus" the songwriter and scripture proclaims. And nothing means just that, nothing.
Men may attempt to deny the sin problem, look to the commercially produced stain fighting power of their many religions or develop their own individual remedies to battle the stain of sin. But it is only the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from all sin. As we read in Jeremiah 2:22, "Although you wash yourself with lye and use much soap, the stain of your iniquity is before Me," declares the Lord God." Man's attempts to cleanse the stain of his iniquity are futile. Praise the Lord that I have been washed, that I have been sanctified and that I have been justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Launderer from heaven!
For as long as I can remember there have been products like "Clorox", "Spray 'n Wash", "Shout", "Zout", "OxiClean" and a host of others, all touting their stain removing qualities. In addition to those commercially produced stain removers, there has been an endless supply of "home remedies" for the same. Most will work with some degree of efficacy but none are able to remove all stains.
Many from my home church are reading through the New Testament and we recently finished reading the Gospel of Mark. While reading the 9th chapter of Mark, verses 2-3 had caught my attention in a way I had not previously considered. In these two verses Mark wrote, "Six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John, and brought them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; and His garments became radiant and exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them."
It seemed that in a moment the Lord was reminding me that in Christ, I had been washed clean as no launderer earth could do. The stain of sin had been washed clean. Like the stubborn stains that ruin some fabrics, my sin stain was seated deep into the very fibers of my being, begging the question posed and in that great hymn, "Nothing but the Blood", "what can wash away my sin?". "Nothing but the Blood of Jesus" the songwriter and scripture proclaims. And nothing means just that, nothing.
Men may attempt to deny the sin problem, look to the commercially produced stain fighting power of their many religions or develop their own individual remedies to battle the stain of sin. But it is only the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from all sin. As we read in Jeremiah 2:22, "Although you wash yourself with lye and use much soap, the stain of your iniquity is before Me," declares the Lord God." Man's attempts to cleanse the stain of his iniquity are futile. Praise the Lord that I have been washed, that I have been sanctified and that I have been justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Launderer from heaven!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
What Drew Me?
I found myself being asked a question today that sort of caught me by surprise. It was being asked of me by a person who professes to be a Christian. The person wanted to know the aspects of Christianity that had drawn me to it. The person suggested answers such as "justice" or other Christian teachings that may have caught my interest and drew me. I felt compelled to tell him the truth. It was not the teachings of Christianity that had drawn me. No such thing had ever entered my mind. There had not been some time in my life that I was considering the various religions of the world and weighing the teachings of one over the other. I had not studied the teachings of Christianity and found that I had taken an interest in them or that they (the teachings) had somehow compelled me to choose Christianity as my religion.
My answer was that I had been powerfully drawn to Christ and made aware of my need for Him and the forgiveness of sin . That I had been the recipient of His calling by grace. That the Father had drawn me to His Son and revealed Him to me. "Christianity" had followed Christ coming into my life. It did not precede Him and apart from the gospel message, it's teachings did not draw me to Him. I will forever glory in and be thankful that I was drawn to Christ by the Father and that I have come to Him through His Son!
My answer was that I had been powerfully drawn to Christ and made aware of my need for Him and the forgiveness of sin . That I had been the recipient of His calling by grace. That the Father had drawn me to His Son and revealed Him to me. "Christianity" had followed Christ coming into my life. It did not precede Him and apart from the gospel message, it's teachings did not draw me to Him. I will forever glory in and be thankful that I was drawn to Christ by the Father and that I have come to Him through His Son!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
The Irrelevancy of the Relevancy Seekers
It was not the first time I had heard of it. Christians making statements regarding their percieved need to make Christ's Church relevant for the day in which they live. To make Christianity relevant for their generation. When they make their self centerd ascertians, they often (I pray unwittingly) make light of those who have been serving faithfully for many years. They fail to recognize the abundant evidence of the Spirit's work in the walk of those whose relevancy they question. And their eyes appear closed to the wealth of ministry that has been accomplished by and through the Holy One in the "irrelevant" churches they make reference to.
I believe the "relevancy seekers" prove themselves irrelevant in their pursuits. You cannot seek to make Christ, His Word or His Church relevant. You cannot make something become that which it already is. Nothing is more relevant today, or any other day, than the Lord Jesus Christ. The Word of God is relevant. Christ's Church is relevant. The relevancy that I refer to is not based on what man determines it to be, but on God who is relevant!
I believe the "relevancy seekers" prove themselves irrelevant in their pursuits. You cannot seek to make Christ, His Word or His Church relevant. You cannot make something become that which it already is. Nothing is more relevant today, or any other day, than the Lord Jesus Christ. The Word of God is relevant. Christ's Church is relevant. The relevancy that I refer to is not based on what man determines it to be, but on God who is relevant!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
And Such We Are!
One of my favorite verses of scripture has grown to be 1 John 3:1, where the beloved Apostle John wrote, "See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not now Him." Every time I read this passage I am reminded that we are not just "called" children of God, we really are His children, sons through adoption! These are not just wonderful sounding words but wonderful and forever truths. In his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul wrote that "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God". Praise God for this confirmation of truth that He has worked within us.
As His children, scripture reminds us that we are the children of promise; the promise of righteousness by faith. We are called to be imitators of God as beloved children. As His children we are called to be above reproach and to appear as lights in the world as we live in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.
As His children, scripture reminds us that we are the children of promise; the promise of righteousness by faith. We are called to be imitators of God as beloved children. As His children we are called to be above reproach and to appear as lights in the world as we live in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.
And as His children we possess a most glorious hope. In 1 John 3:2 we read, "Now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is." John is speaking of that which Paul said was "very much better", being with Christ. It is the culmination of our faith. It is the hope of His children. His promised appearance and the awesome privilege to "see Him just as He is". The power of His presence and glory, seeing Him just as He is, will cause us to be like Him. May Jesus Christ be praised for being all sufficient in making us children of God!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Hope-A Gift From God
This is the message I shared this morning as I was blessed with the privilege of speaking at my home church.
Several weeks ago we were looking at the 1st Chapter of 1st Peter during our Wednesday night bible study and it really caused me to consider the hope that God has given the believer in Christ and to just recognize God’s intimate knowledge of our need of it.
Ephesians 2:12 “Remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.”
Being separate from Christ is to have no hope. ("He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life" 1 John 5:12). Eternal AND abundant.
But in 1 Timothy 1:1 we read the following words of the Apostle Paul in his letter to Timothy:
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus, who is our hope”.
The word translated “hope” here means “expectation of good” (certainly Jesus is that), For the Christian it has the meaning of “joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation”, Speaking of Christ, it tells of “the author of hope” or “He who is the foundation of hope” or “the thing (or the One) hoped for.”
In this passage our hope is given a name. It is the name above all names, the name of Jesus. Jesus is our hope.
Knowing Christ Jesus as Savior is by grace and through faith and hope is part of this “grace” package.
In 2nd Thessalonians 2:16-17, Paul wrote, “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.”
This “good hope” is given to us by grace. It is unmerited but is ours as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and recipients of God’s grace and goodness. “Good hope” means a useful, joyful, excellent, distinguished hope. These words help describe the hope that we have in Christ.
By virtue of God’s grace, God’s promises, Christ’s all sufficient work on Calvary and His everlasting priesthood on our behalf, the Christian possesses hope. But hope possessed is not always hope realized.
God desires that we realize or lay hold of the hope He has given.
In Ephesians 1:18 Paul wrote;
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints”.
“For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us”.
I believe that Paul is saying, at least in part, that they purposed to set their hope on God and I believe, as we see elsewhere in scripture, that this is a matter of focus and needs to be tended to on a regular basis. We see this principle (that of an on-going and continuous activity) time and again in God’s word.
Some examples are as follows: “Fixing our eyes on Jesus”, “Looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus”, “Keep seeking the things above, where Christ is”, “Set your mind on things above” , “Grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”
This hope possessed can become hope realized as we purpose to avail ourselves to all that God has provided us for life and Godliness. His word, the privilege of prayer, the fellowship of believers and the indwelling presence of the Spirit of God. As we grow in Christ, mature in our faith and as we are transformed by the renewing of our minds, hope can be realized.
I appreciate what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonian believers in 1st Thessalonians 1:2-3. He commended them regarding this matter of hope when he said,
“We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope”
Perhaps we don’t like to, but we must acknowledge the other side to this truth”. If we choose to neglect the gracious provisions that God has given us, hope will remain ours as a positional truth in Christ but it will not necessarily be realized and enjoyed in our daily lives by the power of the Holy Spirit.
And this leads me to the third point that I shared earlier and is where I want to focus the remainder of our time this morning.
3) The hope that God has graced us with is not just the glorious hope of heaven one day, but hope that He gives for living day after day; everyday, until that day.
There is no doubt; in Christ we have the hope and promise of heaven! The hope of being in His presence is the culmination of our faith. Whether by death or by rapture, we look forward to one day being face to face with our Savior. We anticipate the glory and wonder of that which Paul described as “very much better”. We try to describe the indescribable that awaits the believer in Christ. How it is that His glory will satisfy, not for a day, or for thousands of days but for eternity.
HOPE – A GIFT FROM GOD
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 6:16-18
“16 For men swear by one greater than themselves, and with them an oath given as confirmation is an end of every dispute. 17In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, 18 so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us.”
The title of my message this morning is: Hope – A Gift from God.
We need hope and God has provided it.Several weeks ago we were looking at the 1st Chapter of 1st Peter during our Wednesday night bible study and it really caused me to consider the hope that God has given the believer in Christ and to just recognize God’s intimate knowledge of our need of it.
I pray that God might use me to convey truths about this Hope that He gives.
This morning I would like to consider three specific aspects regarding this hope that is a gift from God and I pray that God would be glorified as we consider these matters. The three are as follows:1. There is no hope apart from Christ.
2. Hope possessed is not always hope realized.
3. The hope that God has graced us with is not just the glorious hope of heaven one day, but hope that He gives for living day after day; until that day.
1) There is no hope apart from knowing Christ.Ephesians 2:12 “Remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.”
Being separate from Christ is to have no hope. ("He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life" 1 John 5:12). Eternal AND abundant.
But in 1 Timothy 1:1 we read the following words of the Apostle Paul in his letter to Timothy:
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus, who is our hope”.
The word translated “hope” here means “expectation of good” (certainly Jesus is that), For the Christian it has the meaning of “joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation”, Speaking of Christ, it tells of “the author of hope” or “He who is the foundation of hope” or “the thing (or the One) hoped for.”
In this passage our hope is given a name. It is the name above all names, the name of Jesus. Jesus is our hope.
Knowing Christ Jesus as Savior is by grace and through faith and hope is part of this “grace” package.
In 2nd Thessalonians 2:16-17, Paul wrote, “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.”
This “good hope” is given to us by grace. It is unmerited but is ours as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and recipients of God’s grace and goodness. “Good hope” means a useful, joyful, excellent, distinguished hope. These words help describe the hope that we have in Christ.
The gospel (there is only one according to the scriptures) is the message of hope. Colossians 1:15 says, “because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel.” The gospel of Christ is the gospel of hope. They are one in the same.
2) Hope Possessed is not always hope realized. (or hope “laid hold of” as we read in the Hebrews 6 passage)By virtue of God’s grace, God’s promises, Christ’s all sufficient work on Calvary and His everlasting priesthood on our behalf, the Christian possesses hope. But hope possessed is not always hope realized.
God desires that we realize or lay hold of the hope He has given.
In Ephesians 1:18 Paul wrote;
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints”.
As Paul prayed for the Ephesians, each one of us should have a desire to know the hope of our calling. And to submit to all that God has provided for us to do so.
In 2nd Corinthians 1:8-10, we read the following account from the Apostle Paul’s life.“For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us”.
I believe that Paul is saying, at least in part, that they purposed to set their hope on God and I believe, as we see elsewhere in scripture, that this is a matter of focus and needs to be tended to on a regular basis. We see this principle (that of an on-going and continuous activity) time and again in God’s word.
Some examples are as follows: “Fixing our eyes on Jesus”, “Looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus”, “Keep seeking the things above, where Christ is”, “Set your mind on things above” , “Grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”
This hope possessed can become hope realized as we purpose to avail ourselves to all that God has provided us for life and Godliness. His word, the privilege of prayer, the fellowship of believers and the indwelling presence of the Spirit of God. As we grow in Christ, mature in our faith and as we are transformed by the renewing of our minds, hope can be realized.
I appreciate what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonian believers in 1st Thessalonians 1:2-3. He commended them regarding this matter of hope when he said,
“We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope”
Paul said he was thankful to God for the Thessalonian believers and made a point to say that their “steadfastness of hope” was one of the things he considered often when he thought of them. In Romans 15:13 we read “Now may the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
I suspect that this was the case with the Thessalonians. The God of hope had filled them with joy and peace and they were abounding in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. So it can be for you and I.Perhaps we don’t like to, but we must acknowledge the other side to this truth”. If we choose to neglect the gracious provisions that God has given us, hope will remain ours as a positional truth in Christ but it will not necessarily be realized and enjoyed in our daily lives by the power of the Holy Spirit.
And this leads me to the third point that I shared earlier and is where I want to focus the remainder of our time this morning.
3) The hope that God has graced us with is not just the glorious hope of heaven one day, but hope that He gives for living day after day; everyday, until that day.
There is no doubt; in Christ we have the hope and promise of heaven! The hope of being in His presence is the culmination of our faith. Whether by death or by rapture, we look forward to one day being face to face with our Savior. We anticipate the glory and wonder of that which Paul described as “very much better”. We try to describe the indescribable that awaits the believer in Christ. How it is that His glory will satisfy, not for a day, or for thousands of days but for eternity.
But, how about today? How about last week? How about this past year? Has the hope that God gives His children been effectual in your life? Will it be so in the days and years ahead?
We live in a world that offers little hope but much despair. As believers we know there is no hope in the world save the hope that is found in Christ Jesus and the grace of God. In fact, we know that hopelessness rules the day in the lives of many. Sure, there are times when it might appear that those who have no hope seem to have some. But apart from God’s grace they really have none.
I’m fortunate to have an office in Astoria that provides me with a view of the Columbia River. It’s about 3 blocks away from the river but it’s a couple of stories up, so I have a pretty good view of at least a portion of the river. Having lived here for many years I have also spent countless hours out on the river.There are days when the river is so calm and quiet and even though there are currents and tides, it appears unmoving. There are days when there is a little wind causing a small ripple on the surface of the water. There are days when the wind is blowing, sometimes contrary to the flow of the river and white caps can be seen everywhere. And there are days when the current and tide are running hard and the wind is blowing strongly and the river is frothing with rolling waves and white caps. There are some days when these very different conditions occur all in the same day.
Like the river I describe, so life can be in this world in which we live. There are those times when things are quiet and calm and it’s then when hope is not our foremost concern. And there are times when the winds and the tides are raging contrary to us. At these times we often struggle to find hope. At these times we often get our eyes and focus off of Jesus, the One who is our hope. Sometimes we find ourselves looking elsewhere. Paul wrote to Timothy, telling him to “Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God”. Whether you are rich or poor our hope is to be fixed on the only thing that is certain and that is God.
During these difficult times, when the currents of life are against us, God would have our hope to grow. Let me read Romans 5:1-5
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”Shortly after Carol and I started attending Lewis and Clark Bible Church I gave Pastor Jerry a photograph I had framed of the very large anchor that many of you have seen on display at the Maritime Museum. For me it represented a quick visual reminder of the hope that we have in Christ and the text in Hebrews 6:19. It is here that the Hebrew author wrote, “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil”.
There is no surer or more steadfast anchor of the soul than our Lord Jesus Christ. Oh, how God knew the necessity that we would have for such an anchor as is Christ. Returning back to the river for a moment. Over the last many years of fishing on the Columbia River I have witnessed many a fisherman anchoring in the river to fish for sturgeon. Every once in a while you see someone drop their anchor and prepare to come tight on their anchor rope only to find themselves continuing to drift along with the current. Their anchor was not adequate and it was not able to hold them. So will be any other “anchor” you look to other than Christ.
I recall the story in the Book of Acts where just prior to Paul being shipwrecked, they had cast out four anchors off the stern to keep the ship from running aground on the rocks.We don’t need four anchors. We only need the One that God has given us. He will hold in the biggest of storms. In the most howling of winds. Andy in the strongest of currents and the greatest surges of tides that run against us.
Let me close with the first verse and chorus from a great hymn written 177 years ago. Wow, 177 years ago. What a privilege to be used by God to minister in the lives of people for so many years. My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteouness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ Name. On Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.
Father, we thank you for the hope that you have given us in your Son Jesus Christ. Indeed, He is the anchor of our souls. We praise you for the glorious hope of heaven that we rest in, and live in anticipation of. By your grace and mercy, may you cause us to be people of hope each day. May Jesus Christ be praised. Amen Wednesday, January 25, 2012
The Sinfulness and Depravity of Men - And Women
Scripture is clear when it proclaims the sinfulness of man. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” the Apostle Paul was inspired to write in Romans 3:23. In Romans 5:12 Paul wrote, “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned”.
In Romans 3:12 we read “ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.” And in Romans 3:10 we find that “THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE”.
The sinfulness and utter depravity of man is on display each and every day in the world in which we live. The news headlines seldom, if ever, lack a news story that depicts the depraved acts of men. Each one contributes to the ever growing mountain of evidence and eye witness testimony in support of the sin indictment against man that is declared in scripture.
As I was recently reading the 14th chapter of the Book of Matthew, I was reminded that depravity knows no gender boundaries. I don’t mean to suggest that this truth had previously escaped me or that I had discovered some hidden truth. It just caused me to pause and consider the depravity of men – and women.
In this chapter we read Matthew’s account of the death of John the Baptist. Most are familiar with the story. John had been telling Herod that it was not lawful for him to have his brother’s wife. This (the truth) had angered Herod and Herodias, his brother’s wife and had resulted in John being jailed.
At a birthday celebration for Herod, the daughter of Herodias had pleased Herod with her dancing. As a reward for pleasing him, Herod promised with an oath to give the girl whatever she asked. The passage tells us that Herodias prompted her daughter to ask Herod to give her the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Mark's gospel account of this says that after speaking with her mother "she came in a hurry to the king" to make this request. In fulfillment of his promise, Herod had John beheaded and his head was brought and given to the girl on a platter. The girl then gave it to her mother.
I’m convinced that seeing the head of a man who had been beheaded, sitting on a platter would be grotesque and repulsive to most all people. But nothing in the text seems to suggest that there was anything but glee in the hearts of these two women. They could have asked for wealth and fortune, as Herod had said to the girl that she could ask for up to half of his kingdom. But it was the beheading of a man and his head being delivered on a platter that was the request of a depraved woman and her daughter.
Praise God for the cross of Christ. Praise God for the gospel of grace. Praise God for His ability to save. And praise God for His power to change lives and renew minds. Praise God for His Son, Jesus!
In Romans 3:12 we read “ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.” And in Romans 3:10 we find that “THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE”.
The sinfulness and utter depravity of man is on display each and every day in the world in which we live. The news headlines seldom, if ever, lack a news story that depicts the depraved acts of men. Each one contributes to the ever growing mountain of evidence and eye witness testimony in support of the sin indictment against man that is declared in scripture.
As I was recently reading the 14th chapter of the Book of Matthew, I was reminded that depravity knows no gender boundaries. I don’t mean to suggest that this truth had previously escaped me or that I had discovered some hidden truth. It just caused me to pause and consider the depravity of men – and women.
In this chapter we read Matthew’s account of the death of John the Baptist. Most are familiar with the story. John had been telling Herod that it was not lawful for him to have his brother’s wife. This (the truth) had angered Herod and Herodias, his brother’s wife and had resulted in John being jailed.
At a birthday celebration for Herod, the daughter of Herodias had pleased Herod with her dancing. As a reward for pleasing him, Herod promised with an oath to give the girl whatever she asked. The passage tells us that Herodias prompted her daughter to ask Herod to give her the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Mark's gospel account of this says that after speaking with her mother "she came in a hurry to the king" to make this request. In fulfillment of his promise, Herod had John beheaded and his head was brought and given to the girl on a platter. The girl then gave it to her mother.
I’m convinced that seeing the head of a man who had been beheaded, sitting on a platter would be grotesque and repulsive to most all people. But nothing in the text seems to suggest that there was anything but glee in the hearts of these two women. They could have asked for wealth and fortune, as Herod had said to the girl that she could ask for up to half of his kingdom. But it was the beheading of a man and his head being delivered on a platter that was the request of a depraved woman and her daughter.
Praise God for the cross of Christ. Praise God for the gospel of grace. Praise God for His ability to save. And praise God for His power to change lives and renew minds. Praise God for His Son, Jesus!
Monday, January 2, 2012
Portions of Scripture to Ponder for 2012
As we enter this new year I thought I would suggest 12 portions of scripture and encourage you to ponder them during the months of 2012. May the Lord bless you and may you know Him better and have a more intimate relationship with Him at the end of the year. Lord willing, I hope to pause, ponder and write some thoughts related to each of these portions of scripture during the coming months. God bless!
1 John 3:1 "See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him."
Ephesians 4:1 "Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called."
Colossians 3:1-2 " 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."
1 Peter 1:13 " 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."
Romans 12:2 "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."
Philippians 4:8 "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."
Philippians 3:8-10 "More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death".
Hebrews 12:1-2 "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
1 Timothy 6:12 "Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses."
Romans 8:28 "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
2 Peter 1:2-3 "Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence."
2 Peter 3:17-18 "You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."
1 John 3:1 "See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him."
Ephesians 4:1 "Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called."
Colossians 3:1-2 " 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."
1 Peter 1:13 " 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."
Romans 12:2 "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."
Philippians 4:8 "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."
Philippians 3:8-10 "More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death".
Hebrews 12:1-2 "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
1 Timothy 6:12 "Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses."
Romans 8:28 "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
2 Peter 1:2-3 "Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence."
2 Peter 3:17-18 "You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."
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