Friday, December 31, 2010

2 Corinthians 5:17-19 New Year, New Creature


2Corinthians 5:17-19  “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.  Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” (NASB)

As we bring in the new year, 2011 it seemed appropriate to take a look at what is “New” for us as Christians.  This passage from 2 Corinthians is a portion of a longer passage dealing with our life on earth, “In this tent” 2Corinthians 5:1 all the while knowing our permanent home is in heaven.  A key verse in the passage is, “Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him”. 2 Corinthians 5:9

So, the overall theme is a reminder to the believer about who we are and how we should live as we remain in our earthly bodies; “In this tent”.  But this reminder about right living is not a list of do’s and don’ts as was the Law.  This reminder of who we are in Christ goes further.  As believers we have something else to remember.

Today’s passage sums it up.  “…If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature”.  When we are saved by faith in Christ, something happens to us.  The old things passed away; behold, new things have come”.  God regenerates us at the point of conversion, faith in Christ.  We aren’t the same anymore; we’re, “New creature(s)”  As new creatures, we are to live like it.  The old ways have passed; we are free to live a new life in Christ.

This is possible only as a gift from God.  “Now all these things are from God”.  Specifically, “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself”.  This does that through the shedding of his own blood on the cross of Calvary.  That was his ministry to us, one of reconciliation.  The word reconciliation is translated from the Greek word katallagē which holds the meaning of, change to a restoration of favor.  So where we were previously in an unfavorable position, the ministry of reconciliation of Christ brings us back to a position of favor.

So, as favored ones, reconciled by Christ to Him we should live like it.  As “New creature(s)” in this new year let’s set our minds to live for Christ.  Paul concludes this section with the following, “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.  He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”  2Corinthians 5:20-21  AMEN!

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Hebrews 4:9-11 Sabbath Rest


Hebrews 4:9-11  “So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.  For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His.  Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience.” (NASB)

Yesterday we looked at the account of creation in Genesis and particularly the seventh day when God rested and set aside that day, sanctifying it for our rest.  Mosaic Law set up the Sabbath day, the day of rest and remembrance.  We observe Sunday in the Church era as the day of rest and remembrance, a day to worship our Lord.  This passage further develops our view of the “Sabbath rest”.

The writer of Hebrews tells the reader “There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.  This passage follows a longer section of warning that contains the following, “For we who have believed enter that rest, just as He has said, "AS I SWORE IN MY WRATH, THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST," although His works were finished from the foundation of the world.  Hebrews 4:3  Clearly then the “Sabbath rest” is sanctified (set aside) by God but not for everyone.  It is set aside for "We who have believed".  So the Sabbath day of rest is actually symbolic of THE “Sabbath rest” reserved for believers.  As is common in Scripture we are given an earthly view of the heavenly reality.  It becomes clear the “Sabbath rest” is what comes after.

Verse 10 says it is, “For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His.  Well, when is it we rest from our works?  We rest from our works when we die; when this life on earth is complete.  However, not all will enter this rest, “…He has said, ‘AS I SWORE IN MY WRATH, THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST…’" Hebrews 4:3, the "Sabbath rest" is set aside, sanctified for believers and believers only.

The bottom line then is that not only did God create the seventh day setting it aside for rest, He did this for us.  He did this for us for eternity.  When our work is done, our six days on earth complete, we look forward to our “Sabbath rest” on the seventh.  Those who believe in Jesus will enter His "Sabbath rest".  Are you a believer in Jesus today?  His “Sabbath rest” is given to all who are irresistibly called to faith in Him.  AMEN!

If you would like to know more about faith in Christ leading to the “Sabbath rest” leave a comment for me to make contact with you.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Genesis 2:1-3 Seventh Day Rest

Genesis 2:1-3  “Thus the heavens and the earth were completed, and all their hosts.  By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.   Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.” (NASB)

The Bible gives the account of creation in six days.  Some have argued that the days of Genesis are not 24 hour days.  Maybe they were, maybe they weren’t.  The key to remember is, “For nothing will be impossible with God." Luke 1:37

My observation today is on the seventh day.  God, having created everything from nothing in the six day period takes the seventh to rest.  Verse 2 says, “By the seventh day God completed His work”.  Did He finish early?  Was He such an efficient builder of the universe that He simply didn’t need all seven days to complete the project?  I don’t think that’s the point at all.  He finished right on schedule.

What about the idea of rest?  Was God tired?  Was He worn out after a week of speaking stars into existence?  Did it tire him out to think up all the genetic sequences that would differentiate each and every species yet clearly point to a common designer thousands of years later when man could finally read His code?  Did His labor contract require a day off regardless of His need?  Of course none of these are correct.  So, why rest?

God is all powerful (omnipotent); there is no end to His power.  As such, it is not possible for God to be tired.  The idea of His need for rest then is not the driving force behind the seventh day.  But because he created everything in six days but had also a seventh day there had to be a reason.

The reality then is that God created the seventh day for the purpose of rest.  He rested.  How and what does God do when He rests?  Got me!  I don’t think the point for us is to know what God does when he rests, but to know that His design for creation is that there be a seventh day set aside for rest.  “Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it”  The word translated sanctified is the Hebrew word qadash.  Used throughout Scripture it holds the meaning of setting something aside for a special purpose; to consecrate.  So in this case, God sets aside the seventh day for rest.

Exodus 20:8 tells us, "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.”  Chapter 20 goes on to call us to work six days but to rest on the seventh just as God had modeled at creation.  In today’s Church era we are to continue this idea setting aside Sunday, the day Jesus was raised.  God calls us to a day of rest from our labor but more importantly He calls us to a day of remembrance.  So let’s remember the seventh day, the day of God’s rest, our rest and a day to worship Him.  AMEN!

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Jeremiah 17:13-14 Healing

Jeremiah 17:13-14  “O LORD, the hope of Israel, All who forsake You will be put to shame. Those who turn away on earth will be written down, Because they have forsaken the fountain of living water, even the LORD.  (14)  Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; Save me and I will be saved, For You are my praise.” (NASB)

Today my dad is having surgery and I’m sitting in the waiting room with my mother and brother anticipating a good outcome.  As we wait I decided to search through Scripture on healing and find many references.  It is clear Jesus and the Apostles performed miraculous healing during their ministries.  But what about today?

The first Scripture I’d like to share is this passage from Jeremiah.  I think the attitude shown here is the key and a lesson for us to remember today.  First, the prophet acknowledges God, “The Hope of Israel” and the stark reality that all will not accept Him.  He says, “All who forsake You will be put to shame.  Those who turn away on earth will be written down”.  That is remembered but not in a good way.  The truth of who God is and our relationship to Him is the foundation for what comes next.

The prophet yields to God as he writes, “Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; Save me and I will be saved, For You are my praise”.  This yielding to God’s will is the attitude we are to have with regard to His healing and His saving us.  In other words, the position is one of faith in the Lord and acceptance of His will; “Your will be done” Matthew 6:10.  So with regard to our reliance on God’s healing it is to be from a position of reliance, hope, faith and submission.  “Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed”.

In the New Testament, James 5:14-16 addresses the topic.  It begins by giving instruction to call on the elders to offer prayers for the sick.  I have been involved in that process several times and there is something special in both praying for and being prayed over in this situation.  The key remains praying for God’s will to be done.  This passage goes on, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” James 5:16 (NASB)

The first step again is getting right with God through confession.  Then, it says to “Pray for one another so that you may be healed”.  This means that when we get right with God and come to Him with our prayers, yielding to His will, He hears our prayers and will accomplish healing in our bodies.  Please don’t misunderstand, it is when we pray according to His will that healing is accomplished.  “Heal me. O LORD, and I will be healed”.

All this to say, when we offer to pray for one another we are following the instructions provided in Scripture.  It is a good thing we do.  So today, as you read the BLOG please pray for my dad, Ken Nicol.  “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much”.  AMEN!

Monday, December 27, 2010

Proverbs 12:4 The Excellent Wife

Proverbs 12:4  “An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who shames him is like rottenness in his bones.” (NASB)

I have to admit I chose this Proverb quite randomly but it is solid truth and worthy of discussion.

The Proverb speaks about the impact a wife has on her husband either for good or for evil.  I am happy to say that my wife is my crown, I am very blessed. 

Let’s examine the Proverb a little deeper.  The excellent wife is the crown.  That is to say, she is the special adornment to him.  A crown on his head is an indication also of who he is, one worthy of wearing the crown.  The one who is worthy of the crown get’s the crown so the adornment of the excellent wife is not just a one way deal.  The husband with that excellent wife must be worthy of her.  I’ll come back to the excellent wife in a minute.

The contrast to the excellent wife is the one who shames her husband.  There are many ways a wife might shame her husband.  The simple sense is that the wife reflects the behavior and attitude of her husband.  If she behaves badly it not only says something about her but also about her husband.  He after all, must approve or condone the behavior.  So the wife that shames her husband with bad behavior is like a rotting in his bones.  Her behavior brings him down.

I don’t think it’s fair to leave this Proverb at the surface of the marriage between man and woman.  Scripture uses the relationship of husband and wife to explain the relationship of Christ to the Church.  (See Ephesians 5:22-33)  In this context we, the Church should take heed to this Proverb.  Are we, the local church, an excellent wife or do we shame Jesus.  I think it is fair to say as in our marriages we all have our moments.  Even in a good healthy marriage, from time to time we shame our spouse.  This then is also true of local churches.  From time to time we shame Christ – and that is a shame.

So, wives take heed of the Proverb; be an excellent wife and the crown on your husband’s head.  Men, rise up to the challenge, be worthy of your excellent wife, your crown.  Church – do the same; be that “Excellent wife” made perfect by Jesus and bring glory to Christ the King, worthy of His crown, the Church.  AMEN!

Friday, December 24, 2010

Luke 1:26-37 Christmas part 5: Mary, Did You Know?

Luke 1:26-37  “Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.  And coming in, he said to her, ‘Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.’  But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was.  The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.  ‘And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.  ‘He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.’  Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’  The angel answered and said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.  ‘And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month.  ‘For nothing will be impossible with God.’” (NASB)

Today’s passage, longer than normal, is the story of Mary being approached by the angel Gabriel who told her all that was about to happen to her.  It is from Mary’s perspective then that I’d like to consider this news.

The passage tells us Mary was engaged or betrothed to Joseph when this happens.  Nelson’s Manners and Customs discusses the normal situation leading to marriage in that day.  It says normally a betrothal took place when a girl was twelve years old.  This period of betrothal would last up to a year so even stretching things Mary would have been a very young girl.  Perhaps she was a teenager but maybe younger.  That alone is worth a WOW!

Can you imagine?  This young girl is approached by one of the most powerful of God’s angels, Gabriel.  Although Gabriel says, “Do not be afraid, Mary”.  The only recorded reaction of Mary is her perplexity.  What Gabriel was telling her didn’t make sense, why should she be greeted as, “Favored one”!   Why would he say, “The Lord is with you”?

Gabriel goes on to share with Mary various significant attributes and accomplishments this Child will accomplish.  “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High”.  He will be given, “The throne of His father David”“He will reign over the house of Jacob”, of Israel and the term of his reign will be, “Forever”.  “His kingdom will have no end”.  What? How?  That’s a lot of powerful stuff Gabriel just dumped on little Mary.  Now she has to really be wondering “What’s going on”?

The clarification of those early mysteries was answered by an explanation that still baffles us today.  Gabriel tells Mary, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God”.  WOW!

So not only will the virgin be with Child, that Child will be the Son of God?  Can you imagine?

It is my opinion that some make too much of a deal about Mary, elevating her to something beyond human I think.  None-the-less, Mary was special.  This woman, a child herself would be pregnant with not just any child, but the Child, the Son of God, Jesus.  And what did Mary do when she learned of this news?  She obediently followed the instructions given to her as did Joseph.

Jesus was born to this humble family in little Bethlehem, the Son of God.  This gift of the Christ Child, Savior, and King we celebrate at Christmas was delivered by a young scared teen mom in a strange town.  What a gift she gave us!  AMEN!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Colossians 2:8-10 Christmas part 4: Completely God

Colossians 2:8-10  “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.  For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority;” (NASB)

Charlie Brown asks a valid question, “What is the true meaning of Christmas”?  If you give it a thought you can understand the validity of his inquiry.  Christmas in the year 2010 is full of traditions, adornments, activities and yes, beliefs that may blur the true meaning of Christmas.  Christmas is not about trees and decorations.  Christmas is not about shopping and gift giving.  Christmas is not even about gathering family together for that big dinner.  Scripture in fact, never uses the word Christmas.  The word Christmas is actually two words, Christ and mass and indicates the worship of Christ, the Son of God as part of a religious service.  It is of particular importance to Christians as we celebrate the coming of Christ to the earth; as we celebrate his birthday.

What does Scripture say?  Our passage today, written by Paul to the church in Colossai, the letter to the Colossians refers to the significance of Christmas.  “For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form”.  When you think of baby Jesus in the manger do you remember, “The fullness of Deity”?  Yes, although Jesus came to earth having emptied himself (Philippians 2:7), he remains fully God.  He took the form of that helpless baby but He was and is fully God.

The passage goes on to remind us of the work of Jesus, “In Him you have been made complete”.  This refers to the work of salvation and redemption and sanctification of the believer.  It is through the work of the Deity that became flesh, Jesus, that we are completed.  We believe that each believer is on a growth path, a spiritual growth path.  Growing up then is a result of the work of Christ in us, completing us.  All that made possible by His time with us, Immanuel.

Finally, the passage reminds us of just who Jesus is.  “He is the head over all rule and authority”.  In other words, nothing happens without Jesus knowing about it and agreeing that it should happen.  Jesus is sovereign.   Jesus, “… upholds all things by the word of His power…”. Hebrews 1:3  The buck stops with Jesus.

This Christmas as we celebrate the birth of baby Jesus, as we decorate, give gifts and fulfill our traditions, let’s remember that little helpless child in the manger is completely God”.  AMEN!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Philippians 2:5-7 Christmas part 3: Emptied

Philippians 2:5-7  “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.” (NASB)

Have you considered the pre-thinking of the birth of Jesus?  You know, what was it He thought of the whole idea?  Scripture gives us some insight into what was considered and perhaps more importantly what was NOT considered prior to the incarnation of Christ.

This passage in Philippians explores what is known as the “Kenosis”.  This concept comes from the Greek word kenoō translated here, “Emptied”.  The doctrine of Kenosis is this idea that Jesus the eternal second person of the triune God came to earth in the form of man.  He did this having “Emptied Himself” of some aspects of his deity in order to make it possible.  The nature and extent of this emptying is fodder for debate and discussion but several things are clear. 

First, Jesus made the decision.  Jesus, “Emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant …”  So whether it was in obedience to the Father it was Jesus that did the deed.  He did the emptying.

Second, although Jesus became a man during this incarnation, He remained God.  We say that He is fully God and fully man at the same time.  His life demonstrated that both his divinity and his humanity were at work.  As a man he was tempted, he became hungry and ate, he became tired and needed sleep and etc.  At the same time he was fully God maintaining control over his creation, casting out demons, healing the sick and even raising the dead.

But the key thing I’d like to point out about his decision or thinking comes from the phrase, “Although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped”.  Jesus gave Himself up to this emptying even though He didn’t have to.  He, “Did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped”.  That is He didn’t hold on to it, He let it go.  His choice; let go.

Jesus coming to earth in the form of man as the baby Jesus born of Mary in an animal stall was His choice. It was His gift to us. He gave up His cushy place in heaven to put on flesh and walk among us for 33 years enduring all we endure. But, He endured even more, He not only surrendered when he became a man but he surrendered to the crucifixion though he had not sinned. His life and His death are the ultimate Christmas gifts to us. AMEN!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Luke 2:8-11 Christmas part 2: As Shepherds Watched

Luke 2:8-11  “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”. (NASB)

In Luke’s gospel he recounts the Christmas story and immediately following the birth of Jesus in the narrative he shares the announcement of His birth.  There are several interesting aspects of that announcement to consider.

First, notice the audience of the announcement.  The passage says there were some shepherds out doing their job at night watching over their flock.  It is this group of shepherds to whom the Lord directs the announcement.  Why these guys?  Although herding sheep was and is an honorable profession this was not the upper crust of society.  God chose a lowly group of shepherds out in the country to first announce the birth of the Messiah.  I think the significance is great; God’s deliverer was sent for “All” men not just a slice of the important aristocracy or religious leadership of the day.  That is still true, position bears no influence on His call to believe.

Second, notice the way the announcement is made.  God sends one of his messengers, “An angel of the Lord” to share this revelation.  And this angelic display wasn’t like the Clarence figure from “It’s a Good Life”.  This angel appeared in full splendor, “And the glory of the Lord shone around them”.  It was such a display that it scared the Bejeebers out of them.  The angel had to calm them down saying, “Do not be afraid”.

Finally, comes the meat of the message.  The angel proclaims the birth of Jesus saying, “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”.  The message to these lowly shepherds is that it is “Good news”.  Many times in the history of divine revelation the news was not good, many times the news was of judgment against a stubborn and stiff necked people.  This news though is positive.  The message is also said to be one of “Great joy”.  Not only is this a positive thing but the result is going to produce much joy.  Looking back we can clearly say it is true.  It is a very joyful thing to realize that Jesus came that night to the earth with his ministry and ultimate sacrifice in mind.  His coming is a source indeed of great joy for many many people.  The reason for that great joy is also revealed.  The angel says this baby Jesus is “Born for you” and is a “Savior, who is Christ the Lord”.

Obviously the story didn’t stop there.  Scripture says they went immediately into town to find Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus just as the angel had said.  Once there they shared all that had been told to them.  To what degree others paid attention to this lot of lowly shepherds we do not know but one response is recorded.  “But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.” Luke 2:19 

Monday, December 20, 2010

Isaiah 7:14 Christmas part 1: O Come, O Come Emanuel

Isaiah 7:14  "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.”  (NASB)

Emmanuel is what we sing in various Christmas carols; O come, O come Emmanuel etc.  Although we get the idea as we sing that this “Emmanuel” is Jesus, what gives us that idea?

The first clue is within the prophesy of Isaiah concerning a son born of a virgin.  Looking back we can say, “That’s only happened once” so it is absolutely a reference to Jesus.  When the prophesy says, “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign…” we know that He made good on that promise.  We know it speaks of Jesus because of the virgin birth.

Why Emmanuel?  Someone else can better explain why we sing Emmanel when the Scripture uses Immanuel.  Maybe a Biblical scholar can clear that up for us with a comment below, but the meaning of the name is where I’d like to go next.  Immanuel is a compound name which has the meaning, “God with us”.  In Barnes’ commentary to which I referred it says that it was not unusual to combine a name of God with another word in Hebrew names.  Isaiah means “Salvation of Yahweh”.  Eliab means, “God my father”.  In the name Elijah the two names of God are combined meaning, “God the Yahweh”.

So Immanuel, “God with us” is the name credited to this child of the virgin.  It is the meaning of the name then not the actual name itself that holds significance.  Jesus is Immanuel, “God with us”.  It was true when He came into this world as the baby Jesus whose birth we are all preparing to celebrate.  Imagine!  God, the author of creation, with us.  The birth of Jesus was that point in time when God put on flesh and became fully man while remaining fully God and lived 33 years on this earth.  He grew up, worked, ate, prayed and had friends and family as we do.

Romans 8:3 says Jesus took on, “the likeness of sinful flesh”.  Hebrews goes on to reveal what Immanuel did or more correctly what He didn’t do, “… One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin”. Hebrews 4:15  Jesus has been there and done that, He understands our struggles because He has literally walked among us.

When we celebrate this Christmas let’s remember Immanuel, "God with us”.  AMEN!

Friday, December 17, 2010

2 Timothy 3:16-17 Inspired

2Timothy 3:16-17  “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (NASB)

Have you ever wondered why it is the Bible we turn to when we want to get our bearings?  Why is it that so much attention is paid to an ancient collection of hard words translated from foreign languages?

The Bible comments on itself and gives us insight as to how reliable it is and to what purpose it may be used.  This brief passage from 2 Timothy is one example rich in its insight.

The passage first references, “All Scripture”.  All Scripture includes the Old and New Testaments of our Bible.  Without going into detail and getting into a discussion of which I have only limited knowledge let me just say that godly men have worked through the writings included in our Bible to be certain they belong.  The “Canon” or complete collection is what we refer to as the Bible or Holy Bible.  This complete collection it is agreed meets the standard, “Inspired by God”.  Men wrote the Bible under the influence of the Holy Spirit.

The use of the phrase, “Inspired by God” comes from the Greek theopneustos.  (Theo = God, Pneustos = Breath)  It is interesting in that it could be translated, “God breathed”.  The truth shared here is that Scripture is God’s Word, what He says.

The passage goes on to talk about some of the benefits or uses of Scripture.  These include teaching, reproof, correction and training in righteousness.  The only hard word here is reproof which is a cousin of rebuke, convict, expose or reprimand.  The idea is a bit stronger than correction; it is the idea of proving the truth.

All this is for a purpose though.  The Bible isn’t here for us to beat people up with rather its purpose is shared in verse 17.  ”So that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”

So the purpose of all that teaching, reproving, correcting and training that Scripture enables is so that those who follow Christ will be useable.  Being useable makes us ready for the work we are called to accomplish.  We’ll look more at that later.

For now, are you equipped?  Time in the Word and under Biblical teaching promises that result.  AMEN!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Romans 6:3-4 Identified with Christ

Romans 6:3-4  “Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?  Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.” (NASB)

This section of scripture follows Paul’s narrative where he debates whether to continue in sin because more sin liberates more grace.  Paul argues that we should not behave in that way.  Next he writes this section in support of good behavior by reminding us of the transforming work already done in us as believers.

First he refers to baptism into Christ Jesus.  By the phrase, “All of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus” he means those who have believed by faith in the saving work of Jesus Christ in their lives.  This is not a reference to the water baptism of John or the believer’s baptism we are called to by obedience.  This baptism is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit upon conversion.  John the Baptist is quoted in the gospel accounts, "I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." Mark 1:8 

Paul writes this to identify the believer with Christ.  Why is that significant?  Being identified with the death of Christ is what saves us from our sin.  Christ died in our place.  But Paul goes on to say not only are we identified with His death we are also identified with His burial.  So we believers are linked to His death and His burial.  Having been linked to them we are in a position to be tied to the third aspect of Him which is His resurrection.  Believers are linked to the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

The passage says, “So that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life”.  We who believed are linked to Christ raised from the dead.  That means our old life is passed away and our new life in Christ is now ours.  In other words, those who believe in Christ aren’t waiting for eternal life; we have it! 

So as those identified with Christ through all He has done for us and possessors of eternal life now, we should live in accordance with this new identification. 

We’ve seen folks with the WWJD bracelet that refers to What Would Jesus Do.  That’s actually the thought we should have throughout each and every day as we, “Walk in newness of life.  We shouldn’t be asking whether sinful behavior is okay since our fire insurance policy is paid up.  Paul writes in Ephesians, “And put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.”  Ephesians 4:24  We are believers in Christ identified for eternity with Him so let us do as He would do.  AMEN!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Revelation 19:19 War on God

Revelation 19:19  “And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies assembled to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army.” (NASB)

Revelation foretells the end times of the earth with imagery and stories that are both riveting and scary.  I was reminded of one particular portion of Revelation when having a bit of a debate on Facebook the other evening.  After going round and round I was struck by what others were writing.

It all started when a friend posted an article on legislation being proposed by an openly gay legislator from San Francisco in which he would revise history books to include milestones and contributions of gays.  The story has been all over the news.

When I saw the post I replied with the following:  “Here's all the history you need, Romans 1:26-27 ‘For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.’”

So I simply quoted scripture regarding the “History” of homosexuality.  Actually, I was just agreeing with my friend but with backup from scripture.  The passage says, “God gave them over to …”.  In other words, it is not God’s design but he gave those in rebellion against Him over to those passions, no longer restraining their desires.  Boy did that stir things up!  I had a couple of folks I didn’t know jump all over me for being intolerant and attacking gays and being a hypocrite.

Referring now to today’s scripture, how do you imagine man could make war on God?  My mind immediately went to mankind declaring or creating his own truth.  By defying God with what is false being declared as being right, man makes war on God.  Jesus is THE truth, “Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”  John 14:6  When you attack THE truth with a lie you attack Jesus; you attack God. 

Why is what this guy says an attack on the truth, on Jesus?  First, he is denying the truth that homosexual behavior is a sin, “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals,  nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.” 1Corinthians 6:9-10  Second, he is glorifying the sin of homosexual behavior by parading it, endorsing it and proposing it be placed in history books.

Just in case you are uncomfortable let me share briefly that I believe we are all sinners in need of a Savior.  The sin of homosexual behavior is no worse than lying, cheating, drunkenness etc.  All are sinful and separate us from God.  The distinction is advocating the sin or championing a group of unrepentant sinners.  It would be just as wrong for a pro drunk and disorderly crowd to rise up and tout their behavior as right and true.

War on God in this case is making your own truth and selling it to others when it is counter to THE Truth.  Making war on God, I am certain I don’t want to be a part of that.  AMEN!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Psalm 1:3 Planted and Watered

Psalm 1:3  “He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.” (NASB)

The first Psalm has only six verses but is rich in truth.  Verse one says we should stay away from bad influence in the form of wicked men, sinners and scoffers.

Verse two gives the counterpoint which is in fact to spend time with the LORD through continuous meditation on His Word.

Verse three gives the result.  When we stay away from bad influences but draw close to God through his Word something wonderful happens.  It says we, “Will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water”. 

Sharon and I were given a number of trees left over from a non-profit project.  We received both fig and pomegranate trees, just babies.  I dutifully planted them all but I had an extra fig tree.  I gave that to my folks and they were happy to add it to their collection.  The pomegranates I put all in a row and set up a hose to deliver water regularly on a timer.  They grew amazingly well and in just their second year produced lots of fruit.

My fig trees didn’t fare as well.  It wasn’t convenient to set up an irrigation system on the figs so I was watering them by hand with a garden hose when I thought about it.  Needless to say, I got busy and was not real regular in watering the figs.  All but one of those trees died but the last one rewarded us this year with a few figs which we enjoyed.  A few weeks back I was over at my dad’s house and saw the “Sister” tree.  Wow!  My dad’s tree was about twice the size of mine and had more fruit than I could count.  Dad had diligently provided water to his fig tree and it produced loads of fruit.

So we’re like trees in relationship to water when it comes to our spiritual life.  Spending time with God through his Word is essential to life.  With it we become rooted and grow strong in our faith and produce spiritual fruit.

Verse six sums it up, “For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked will perish.”  Psalm 1:6 

Open your Bible – draw close to God – sink those roots down deep.  AMEN!