Psalm 73:24-26 Eternal Perspective

Psalm 73:24-26  “With Your counsel You will guide me, And afterward receive me to glory.  Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.  My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever”. (NASB)

This Psalm begins with a decree of what we see day in and day out.  It begins with the observation that evil people seem to be getting away with it.  Asaph the author confesses that he almost slipped into this envy of the evil man that we discussed a few days ago.  He observes that the wicked man was wealthy and admits he was envious.

But as he comes to his senses he declares all the calamity that is in store for the evil man.  He in essence says that although it appears they are getting away with it that he knows the truth.  He knows the evil man will receive judgment; it won’t be pretty.

And then he confesses he also knows that although for a time it seems the reward is going to the evil man that the table will turn.  He knows the truth.  He knows his reward is in heaven.  This brings us to the passage we’ve shared today.

He says that, “With your counsel You will guide me”.  So Asaph is relying on God as counselor.  That is for guidance through this life he is looking to God.  He is yielding to the Lord’s leading not following his natural tendencies which were in fact to envy the evil man.  He says that once his life is complete, having followed the Lord’s counsel, he would go to heaven; “And afterward receive me to glory”.  And the Psalm goes on to reveal what would be found there.  “Whom have I in heaven but You”?  This is an acknowledgement that God is in heaven.  Don’t be confused that the verse is saying God and God alone will greet Asaph in heaven.  What it is saying is that in comparison to God’s presence and relationship in heaven, none other can compare.  I believe Scriptures clearly pictures us together in heaven in worship of the Lord together.  So this passage is stating the significance of the relationship with the Lord in comparison to all others.  None other counts in comparison.

Asaph comes back to earth and this present life as he makes a similar declaration.  He declares, “And besides You, I desire nothing on earth”.  The supremecy of Asaph’s relationship with the Lord renders anything else insignificant.  Again, by comparison he has no other wants.  Only his relationship with God is his desire.

Then he wraps it all up with a proper perspective.  He compares the temporal with the eternal.  “My flesh and my heart may fail”.  He admits this life will end with death.  The body will eventually give out and his heart will stop.  He will die.  But he continues with the eternal view.  “But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever”.  Eternally, God will provide strength to his heart and his reward will be forever, not temporary. 

So what does this mean for us?  It is a fair challenge for us to keep this life in perspective.  We’re not to get caught up in seeking after the things of this earth.  Our investment should be in eternity and for that we need to rely on God.  We shouldn’t be envious of those that seem to have it all on earth whether through legitimate or evil means.  Regardless, God’s plan is an eternal one and our relationship with Him in heaven will put everything else to shame.  Everything else!

Scripture says it; I’ll try to live it.  Do you believe it?  AMEN!

Romans 2:9-11 Perfect and Impartial Judge

(Rom 2:9-11)  “There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek, but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God”. (NASB)

As honest and pure as a judge in a U.S. court of law can be, he is still subject to his human nature and prone to be less than perfect at meeting out justice.  The rest of us probably fall short of that as we evaluate various circumstances that come our way.  Our natural temptation is to play the role of judge and render our verdict on people and their behavior.  Scripture is clear, that’s a big no no because we are far too imperfect to pass perfect judgment.  Let’s see what the Bible has to say.

After Paul lays out the fact that men having observed nature are responsible to know there is a creator; to know God exists.  Those who fail to acknowledge Him are the objects of His wrath.  He goes on in this discussion of those worthy of His wrath to discuss those who got a big charge out of pointing a finger at those in Chapter 1.  Romans 1 said “They” are without excuse but Chapter 2 goes on to say, “You” are without excuse.  Why?

The essence of Chapter 2 is to say that we’re guilty of judging each other and that in so doing we are both overlooking our own sin but we’re also taking on God’s job.  God is the one and only qualified judge.  Well upon what then will God make his judgment?

Paul makes the case that those who do good will earn a reward but those that do evil will incur God’s wrath.  That sounds fair.  Right?

Well it does actually sound fair but if you take a moment to consider, what you’ve just agreed to as fair means you are also guilty and worthy of God’s wrath.  You see, Paul has just laid out that those who do evil are worthy of wrath and conversely those who do good are not only no longer the object of judgment but they are also in line for a reward.  We naturally think, “I’m good, where’s my reward”.  Unfortunately, we have this idea of good and evil that says that if I’m a little more good than I am bad then I should get counted as good.  WRONG!  The standard God uses is complete holiness; complete perfection.  One little slip and you’re not good.  One little sin and you’re not holy.  So how do you measure up?  I can tell you.  Not judging you I might point out, just relaying the facts here.  “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”,

(Rom 3:23)  “as it is written, ‘THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE’”; (Rom 3:10)

So what’s this guilt trip all about?  It is foundational to our faith to understand that we’re not the judge and that as objects of the judgment of God we’ve missed the mark.  We’re all guilty and when I say all I mean all.  Jew, Greek, Gentile, Muslim, Hindu, Arab, Anglo, Hispanic, White man, Black man – We’re all guilty!  We’re guilty because we don’t measure up to God’s standard of holiness.

Why do we need to know this?  Because if we don’t know our own guilt how will we know we are in need of a Savior?  Jesus paid the price for our sins.  He made the perfect sacrifice to appease God’s wrath.  When we understand our guilt before God and accept the work of Jesus Christ on the cross dying in our place by faith we find ourselves guiltless.  We find ourselves righteous.  We find ourselves forgiven.  We find ourselves holy.  Not because of anything we have done but completely because of Jesus.  AMEN!

Ecclesiastes 8:16-17 Unknowable Works of God

Ecclesiastes 8:16-17  “When I gave my heart to know wisdom and to see the task which has been done on the earth (even though one should never sleep day or night), and I saw every work of God, I concluded that man cannot discover the work which has been done under the sun. Even though man should seek laboriously, he will not discover; and though the wise man should say, "I know," he cannot discover”. (NASB)

In addition to Proverbs Solomon also wrote Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon.  Today’s passage comes from Ecclesiastes which Solomon wrote as a result of his search for wisdom, “Under the Sun”.  “Under the Sun” is his way of saying on earth.  So the book is his pursuit of wisdom on this earth and to a large degree in the final analysis he says it is all in vain.  We’ll save that for another day.

The passage I’ve chosen for today deals with Solomon’s search of the completeness of God’s creation.  The wisdom he writes in this passage penned by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit thousands of years ago now still stands true.  This thought in and of itself is remarkable.  But let’s take a look and what Solomon has to say about creation.

First let’s consider the effort Solomon gave to this endeavor.  He says, “When I gave my heart to know wisdom and see the task which has been done on earth”.  So we can say that Solomon put everything into this task.  He poured himself into this pursuit of knowledge.  We know that Solomon was very wise as we have shared previously.  (See my BLOG - A Good Night’s Sleep)  So Solomon put all his wisdom to work in this project.

Well what is it he’s trying to understand?  It says, “To see the task which has been done on the earth.”  Although one might suspect this has to do with God’s creation it is absolutely confirmed with the next verse which says, “I saw every work of God”. So it is confirmed that Solomon’s study is of “The task done on the earth”, specifically “Every work of God”.

What then does Solomon find?  After this exhaustive study by one of if not the wisest men ever to live he concludes, ”Man cannot discover the work which has been done under the sun”.  Not only that but Solomon actually predicts what all other men will find.  “Even though man should seek laboriously, he will not discover”.  So Solomon says that not only has he been unsuccessful at completely understanding or knowing all of God’s work under the sun but all future men will come to the same end.  That is, all the work of God on earth cannot be known my men.

Now here’s the real interesting part.  Solomon says some will actually claim to know it all.  “Though the wise man should say, ‘I know’".  Isn’t that what we are seeing today?  Men professing to “Know” all there is to know?  Men claiming to have figured it out? But Solomon says of this self professing knows everything, “He cannot discover”.  The wisest of men then is unable to know all there is to know about God’s work on earth.

Two final observations:  1) I believe this inability to fully know the work of God on earth extends to the collective effort of all men not just one man.  So my belief is that mankind cannot fully know the complete works of God on earth.  2) What we’re confined to in Solomon’s thoughts are things on earth, “Under the sun”.  How much more has and is God doing in all of creation.  Earth after all is just a tiny speck in relation to the known universe. 

In the words of the song, “Our God is an Awesome God”!  AMEN!

John 11:35 Jesus Wept

John 11:35  “Jesus wept”. (NASB)

Quoted here is the shortest verse in the Bible.  “Jesus Wept” often the delight of children challenged with Bible verse memorization, this one isn’t so tough.  It’s also the answer to the odd Bible trivia and etc. but there’s more here than just a novelty.

Let’s begin by putting the verse in context.

The verse is a part of chapter 11 of John’s gospel.  This verse deals with the death of Lazarus.  Lazarus and his two sisters Martha and Mary were close friends of Jesus.  There are several recorded interactions between them.  Jesus was a guest in their home at times during his ministry.  “It was the Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick”. John 11:2   Yes, Lazarus was sick and the sisters believed Jesus could heal him.  They had seen and heard of Jesus healing others so they thought now is the time to call on Jesus on behalf of our brother.  “So the sisters sent word to Him, saying, ‘Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.’" John 11:3  Recording that Jesus loved Lazarus further reveals the close relationship he had with this family.

Well, Jesus doesn’t just drop everything and run right over to their house.  He actually delayed his visit saying, "This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it." John 11:4  So here he begins to reveal His motivation in this event.  We have to consider why it was that Jesus conducted a healing ministry in the first place.  If we give it some thought we realize that all sickness and death is the result of God’s judgment coming from the original sin in the garden.  Is it logical then that Jesus would come with a healing ministry that essentially reverses the curse one individual and one malady at a time?  No, that’s not what’s going on here.  Jesus’ ministry of healing was all about bringing glory to God, “So that the Son of God may be glorified by it”.  So this healing was all about the healer not the healed.  It was so that Jesus might be seen for who He really was, the Son of God.

So, as Lazarus lies sick at home, Jesus intentionally delays his visit and actually says, “This sickness is not to end in death”.  Jesus knew what he was trying to accomplish and He know what the outcome would be.  There were and are no surprises for Jesus.

As the story proceeds Lazarus actually does die.  Jesus even tells his disciples that Lazarus has “Fallen asleep” but they didn’t understand Him.  “So Jesus then said to them plainly, ‘Lazarus is dead’”, John 11:14  It is only then that Jesus sets out to go to Lazarus, Martha and Mary.  Some time elapses along the way because it is recorded that “So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days”. John 11:17

Scripture tells the story, “Martha then said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.  Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.’  Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."  Martha said to Him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?’" John 11:21-26

Next, Mary encounters Jesus and she plainly says that if you had been here Lazarus would not have died.  What Mary says is true but it wasn’t what Jesus had in mind.  He allowed Lazarus to die and lie dead for four days.  Mary was upset as she speaks to Him.  “When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and was troubled”, John 11:33  After asking where Lazarus has been lain, we come to our verse for today, “Jesus wept”.  Was Jesus surprised by any of this?  No, He knew what was happening all along the way.  He knew Lazarus was sick, He knew Lazarus would die, He knew He would not arrive until Lazarus was dead four days and He knew he was about to be raised from the dead.  He knew.  And yet, “Jesus Wept”.

Was He putting on a show?  Was He teaching them somehow?  I don’t believe so; I believe “Jesus wept” when He observed the hurt in this family as they suffered this loss.  I believe Jesus hurt because they were hurting and he wept.  Jesus does go on to raise Lazarus from the dead and in that He fulfills the purpose of the whole episode.  He brings glory to God as He brings glory to the Son of God.

But today’s thought is about that short little verse, “Jesus wept”.  Jesus felt the hurt when loss is suffered and He hasn’t forgotten what that hurt is like.  Jesus our Savior knows the pain we suffer when loved ones die because He lived it too.  It’s not a theory to Him, it’s just as real as it is for us.  When we are hurting, when we have suffered loss of any kind we can turn in prayer to Jesus who is compassionate having hurt as we hurt and so much more.  AMEN!

Colossians 3:12-13 Be Patient

Colossians 3:12-13  “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you”. (NASB)

I spent the afternoon driving home from northern California.  It’s a long drive in good weather but today I started out in the snow, yes it was snowing and ended up in heavy rain.  There were few moments along the way when I could shift the wipers off or to the low intermittent setting.  With that preamble I’ll just tell you that the usual bad drivers on I5 were horrific drivers in the weather.  What goes through their minds is beyond me.  With all candor I think some of them should just stay home unless the road is dry and clear and even then they should have a warning printed on their trunk; “Watch Out! Bad Driver on Board”.

With that preamble I’ll confess to you I had moments of frustration when these folks just parked themselves in the fast lane doing 60 mph holding up lines of cars behind them.  Now that I’m home and reflecting on the day it is obvious to me that I need to dig in and write about this experience.  The obvious topic then is PATIENCE.

Patience is referred to several times in the New Testament.  Today I’d like to hone in on this passage from Colossians.  Paul writes, “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved” to first identify those he is addressing.  It is clear then that he is speaking of Christians.  This is significant because as we’ve learned before Christians have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Galatians reveals the fruit of the Spirit, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law”. Galatians5:22-23 (NASB)  Notice that word buried in Paul’s list.  Patience! 

So, in the Christian, all of whom have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit, the fruit or result of the Holy Spirit working in them includes patience.  In our passage for today when Paul reminds believers to "Put on" these various attributes including patience, he is actually telling them to “Put on” what the Holy Spirit already wants to produce in them.  So what is Paul actually saying then?  With regard to this list of attributes, “heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” he is telling us to put on these attributes.  These attributes are the results of the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer yet Paul tells us to “Put on” these attributes.  There must be something for us to consider. 

I think the answer is clear.  Although patience and the other attributes are the work of the Holy Spirit it is up to the believer to put them on.  That is the Holy Spirit wants to influence us toward being this kind of a person but we have to yield to it.  When we yield to the Holy Spirit working in us we can put on “Patience” and the rest.  We can’t just sit back and say, “I’m a Christian and if I behave badly it is the fault of the Holy Spirit because He hasn’t changed me”.  Rather, if we behave badly, contrary to the fruit of the Spirit and we are truly a Christian it is because we are failing to yield to the Holy Spirit.

I should be clear here.  Christians aren’t perfect; none of them are perfect.  You say, “Duh”!  Well, many people call Christians hypocrites when they behave badly.  Harsh as the criticism may be it is deserved to a degree because as the vessel of the Holy Spirit the Christian has the opportunity not to sin.  But we all do sin.  Put it this way.  The Holy Spirit is perfecting us but it is a process that will never be complete in this lifetime.  Meanwhile when we do yield to the Holy Spirit and He bears fruit in our lives we can “Put on” attributes of “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control”

So where does that leave me and my frustration with the drivers on I5.  I can tell you that although I was frustrated from time to time considering the adverse conditions I wasn’t too bad.  Clearly the Holy Spirit has gotten a hold of me and taught me a thing or two.  No road rage today and the frustration was mild by comparison to moments in the past.  I’m not perfect but I am being perfected.  AMEN!

Proverbs 24:1-2 Don't Envy Evil

Proverbs 24:1-2  “Do not be envious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them;  For their minds devise violence, And their lips talk of trouble”. (NASB)

Have you ever driven through that high dollar neighborhood and wondered how anyone or perhaps how that many could have so much?  Have you also learned over the years that some of those living the “Golden” life were less than noble in the accumulation of their wealth?  Solomon continues sharing wisdom with regard to those we associate with in this proverb.

He starts, “Do not be envious of evil men”.  Now there could be several reasons one might envy evil men.  My mind immediately went to ill gotten gain; to the rich man that cheated others or the government to get that way.  Before we go myopic on wealth though there might be other things.  Maybe the evil man has a position of power that one might envy.  Perhaps they have relationships that on initial inspection seem appealing.  It could even be possible that this person is famous with adoring fans.  There could be several reasons then that one person might be envious of another. 

It is important to be clear that being wealthy, famous or powerful is not in and of itself evil.  This proverb isn’t focusing on all those people and the source of the envy.  The proverb is focusing on the one do does the envying of the evil doer.  So the warning is not to want to be like or have what this evil person has.  So the initial thought of the proverb is about envy which could be defined as a desire.

The second thought is also about desire.  This time he says, “Nor desire to be with them”.  So Solomon goes on to warn that one should not want even to be with such a person that might elicit envy through evil means.  We are not to want to be associated with this type of person.  It is easy to imagine.  There might be some crumbs from the table of the wealthy, famous or powerful coming our way after all if we hang close enough.  So Solomon says stay away.  Don’t even think about getting close to that evil in hopes of getting some for yourself.

Solomon goes on in verse 2 to explain that they are plotters.  They are devisers of violence.  The evil then is not just benign cheating and etc.  This evil plotter also devises violence.  Sure it might be well hidden but there is violence none-the-less.  Solomon then is sharing that this evil person who has gain through evil means is even more sinister than the obvious wrong.  This is good to know and a warning to all of us that if there is a little evil we can see, there is even more and dare we say worse evil that is hidden.

Finally Solomon reveals a tell tale to keep in mind.  Bear in mind this may not be immediately evident but upon building a relationship with this evil schemer this trait will show itself.  Solomon says, “And their lips talk of trouble” as he closes this thought.  So this evil person speaks of trouble as he recruits or conspires.  Perhaps he is recounting his evil conquests but perhaps he speaks of what evil lies ahead.  Regardless, he wants to and does talk about it; he speaks of the trouble.

So the take home message is stay away from the evil man.  Beyond that, we should be on guard with those we don’t really know that well with those objects of envy.  Why?  Because until we know how someone acquired their wealth, power or fame we don’t know much.  Clearly some, not all, have achieved this position worthy of envy by evil means.  Without being a cynic, proceed with caution into a relationship with this kind of person.  Surely the wisest among us can be fooled from time to time but we should be on guard.

Maybe the best advice of all – don’t be envious in the first place.  AMEN!

Matthew 5:36-37 No Fakes

Matthew 5:36-37  "Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.  "But let your statement be, 'Yes, yes' or 'No, no'; anything beyond these is of evil”. (NASB)

My boys this weekend each in their own soft spoken way (sarcasm intended) reminded me how they “Hate” fake people.

Now I had to correct them on a few points along the way no doubt.  The essence of what they were perturbed about was people that were not genuine.

Jesus in His teaching addressed this.  The gospel of Matthew records the instruction with regard to making an oath.  You’ve heard them from people and maybe you’ve said them yourselves – unaware of the problem.  Examples might be as simple as, “I swear thus and such is true” or extend to swearing on a dead relative’s grave or bringing the Lord’s name into it; even a bigger no no.

The teaching here is not that swearing an oath is necessarily bad rather the oath calling on some point or person of validation is bad.  Instead Jesus simply says, “But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’”.  In other words just say it; say the truth and nothing else.  Jesus goes on to teach that going beyond a simple yes or a simple no, “Is of evil”.  So saying, “I swear to XXX this is a true story” as a preamble to what you’re about to share is wrong. 

Why?

Well, do you go through all that swearing something is true every time you say anything?  If not are we to assume you’re lying the rest of the time?  Why is it that on this particular occasion you feel like you must swear that what you are saying is true?

Well, what has this got to do with my boys and their distaste for disingenuous people?  Well I think while the swearing of oaths is one form of violating this teaching, I think there are other ways as well.  When you behave toward other people in a way that is counterfeit to the truth, you’re lying.  Just as if you spoke a un-truth, your behavior is a lie unto itself.  “Fake” people they said were the ones that irritate them so much.  I agree that I am much more comfortable with people that shoot straight with me with their words as well as their behavior.  So why wouldn’t they?

I think there are at least a couple of reasons for that.  First, they may be actually deceitful.  These people may actually want you to believe something other than the truth and they have calculated this method to bring you to that false belief.  Second, they could be too timid, shy or insecure to let out the actual truth.  It is to this second group of folks that we need to offer some encouragement and some grace.  Especially in the Church we need to provide a safe place for folks that have a hard time just saying it like it is to do so.  Practicing saying, “Yes, yes or no, no” in that environment may make it easier OUT THERE!

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 The Gift of Love

1Corinthians 12:4-7  “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.  And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord.  There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.  But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good”. (NASB)

Being Valentine’s Day today many have quoted or thought about 1Corinthians 13 commonly referred to as the “Love” chapter.  You know the one, “Love is patient, love is kind …”.  While there is deep truth about the nature of love revealed it is helpful to look at that chapter in context.

The context of 1Corinthians 13 is a discussion of spiritual gifts.  Scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit comes to live in every believer and in addition there are spiritual gifts that are given to each believer by the Holy Spirit.  There are several lists of gifts in Scripture and much debate about which gifts are or are not active today.  Likewise there is conjecture that the lists given are not exhaustive; that there are more gifts than the specific ones listed in Scripture.

The key is that there are spiritual gifts given to each believer by the Holy Spirit and that they are given for a purpose.  Today’s passage reveals the purpose; “But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good”.  So, the gifts are for the building up of the body of Christ, the Church.  That building up of the body of Christ brings glory to God.  That is the goal if everything, the glorification of God.

But let’s back up the truck.  Why am I referencing the “Love” chapter and also speaking about spiritual gifts.  As stated earlier this puts 1Corinthians 13 in context.  You see the discussion of the spiritual gifts and their proper use in building up the body of Christ brackets the “Love” chapter.  Unfortunately, the first three verses of the “Love” chapter are routinely left off when they are shared or discussed.  In the context of the spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit for the building up of the body and the glorification of God let’s read those first three verses.

1Corinthians 13:1-3  ”If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.  If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.  And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing”.

It is clear then that any of the spiritual gifts used in a context without love are pointless.  Worse, they are an irritation; “A noisy gong or a clanging cymbal”.  It is love that is the foundational to proper use, utilization and effectiveness of the spiritual gifts.  For love to have its effect it needs to be genuine.  Genuine love is what the remainder of 1Corinthians 13 reveals.  So, here is what genuine love which under-girds the spiritual gifts and ultimately the glorification of God looks like:

1Corinthians 13:4-13  “Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away.  For we know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away.  When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.  For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.  But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love”.

AMEN!

Romans 16:17 Watch Out for Trouble Makers

Romans 16:17 “Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them”. (NASB)

Have you been in a group that has that noisy trouble maker among them?  Have you been a part of a group that has a member that goes around behind the backs of others stirring up trouble?  This has and does happen in the local church as well.  Paul, as he wraps up his letter to the Romans addresses this problem.

We have to remember that Paul’s audience is the church members in Rome.  As he refers to them as, “Brethren” or brothers in Christ he addresses the group.  As “Brethren” they are to behave as a family of believers with unity.  A breach of this unity is what is risked if Paul’s words are not heeded.  Paul’s letter to the Romans is a very thorough treatise on the Christian faith sent because no Apostle established the church in Rome.  Rather, they came into existence as Christians migrated into Rome having learned of and accepting Christ elsewhere.

This verse is Paul’s warning then for the purpose of maintaining unity within the Church.  There is no direct indication this situation has occurred in Rome but Paul’s warning seems to be based on experience.  We know from Paul’s other writing that false teachers had risen up elsewhere so Paul feels compelled to issue this warning to those in Rome. 

He says to, “Keep your eye on…”.  By this means to watch them, scrutinize how they behave, what they say and the influence they wield.  He goes on to reveal what they are doing; “…Cause dissensions and hindrances”. 

So Paul says that the effect these people have is to cause two things.  First, “Dissensions” could be stirred up.  This would indicate that they may cause people to question the leadership of the church.  The Greek word used is dichostasia which means literally dis-union.  It can also be rendered division and sedition.  So this effect is the opposite of building unity among believers.

The second effect is referred to as “Hindrances” and these are, “Contrary to the teaching which you learned”.  The word used here is skandalon which as it sounds means scandal.  It also can be interpreted a trap, an offense, a thing that offends or a stumbling-block.  The idea then is that these people have the effect of stirring up scandals or setting up false rules that are then broken.  The key in Paul’s description is that these hindrances would be, “Contrary to the teaching which you learned”.  So Paul is saying you know the Truth – follow it rather than any new ideas from potential trouble makers. 

Paul completes his thought with, “Turn away from them”.  Clearly, these men would stir up trouble breaking down the unity of the believers and introduce false teaching contrary to what they had properly learned.

So what does all this mean to us?  As believers we each have a responsibility to read, study and learn God’s Word.  We are warned here and elsewhere that false teachers, those with an un-biblical twist will arise and in some cases infiltrate the Church itself.  We are to be on guard for these bearing a false gospel by being fully aware of the truth with the help of the Holy Spirit.  When these trouble makers are identified they are to be challenged, corrected if possible or run off.  So study God’s Word and be on guard.  AMEN!

John 1:14 The Word became Flesh

John 1:14  “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth”. (NASB)

John starts his gospel speaking of the Word.  We’ve discussed this before – see (In the Beginning was the Word from December 2, 2010)  One of the keys to that was the identification of Christ as, “The Word”.  A few short verses later John reveals more about, “The Word” in our verse today.

John writes that, “The Word became flesh”.  This speaks of the incarnation of Christ.  In the previous discussion we saw that Jesus exists eternally, “In the beginning was”.  Now this eternal Word comes to earth as a man, “The Word became flesh”.  Now there was a purpose for this as the passage next says that He, “Dwelt among us”.

While the passage itself reveals more about the impact of this dwelling among us, there is more to it.  Because Jesus dwelt among us He experienced life on earth as a man.  Because He did this Scripture tells us, He was tempted in every way we are yet was without sin.  This perfect life made Him the perfect sacrifice acceptable to God to pay the price for our sin.  Now in heaven His experience continues to pay dividends for us.  “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin”. Hebrews 4:15  Jesus accepts our prayers as one who understands what we go through; the Creator understands His creation because He has walked in our shoes.

This passage though goes on to reveal another impact of His time among us.  ”And we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father”.  This means that we were able to witness God as the life of Jesus was observed.  Jesus, the Word, revealed the “Glory as of the only begotten”.  In addition is revealed the source of that Glory, “From the Father”.  So God’s glory is revealed to us through the Word which is Jesus Christ.  Hebrews puts it this way, “And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature…” Hebrews 1:3

So our whole faith hinges on the truth of this passage.  If it were not true that the Word came to dwell among us the gospel wouldn’t exist.  Thankfully it is true and John does us the favor of revealing its significance.  Jesus did walk among us living a perfect sin free life which He gave up as the only acceptable sacrafice for our sins.  Thank you Jesus! AMEN!

1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 Imitators

1Thessalonians 1:6-7  “You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia”. (NASB)

In Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians he gives them commendation on the way they have lived out their faith in the midst of their troubles.  It is this way of living that I’d like to discuss today.

This passage occurs in the preliminary section of the letter just after Paul’s greeting and as we’ve seen before the finding joy in the midst of trouble is discussed.

It is first interesting to note that the commendation is for becoming imitators.  That is they have fallen into a pattern of behavior that they have seen modeled for them.  First they were imitators of Paul himself.  When you think about it, as new believers, Paul or other Christian leaders were the first of the faith they had encountered.  It is then expected that having adopted the faith of Paul in Christ they should also adopt the behavior Paul exhibits.

It then is sobering to those of us as Christians with some maturity under our belts to think that new believers would be looking to us to see how they should live.  That is exactly what they should do and so we need to be worthy of their study and imitation.

It is only after first imitating Paul and by extension other Christians that they are able to imitate Christ.  I believe that this refers to spiritual growth and understanding of God’s Word that comes with maturity.  As one’s faith matures through understanding the imitation becomes more of Christ Himself than a fellow imitator.  So the order revealed by Paul is important.

Next it is important to see that this imitation of Paul and then Christ took place in the midst of trouble.  Maybe a way to look at it is this.  Anyone can behave well when things are all going their way.  It isn’t so easy to be cheery and gracious when the circumstances of life seem to be dumping on you.  Paul seems to be pointing out that these believers have been tested with trouble and have responded well as imitators of Christ.

Next Paul’s argument comes full circle as he shares that because they have behaved well under these difficult circumstances, while others have been watching, they have been a good, “Example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia”. This shows that a good example has an effect on more than just new believers.  A good example of Christian conduct does show new believers how to behave but it encourages all believers as well.

We cannot move from here with going back and seeing how all this good behavior is made possible.  This is a principle many Christians fail to grasp so listen up!  We believe we are saved by grace alone through faith in Christ alone.  The problem is that some believers think that living out our faith reverts back to personal effort or works.  That is frankly a miserable way to live out your faith.  It was grace that saved us and it is grace that makes it possible for us to live out our lives in accordance with God’s will.  This passage shares that principle with reference to, “The joy of the Holy Spirit”.  Only the Holy Spirit at work in the believer can produce joy in the midst of trouble.  It isn’t in us to just be happy when life dumps on us.

Praise be to God that He calls me to be an example to others but then equips me by the work of the Holy Spirit within me to accomplish what He asks.  AMEN!

Proverbs - The Consequences of Lazy

Proverbs 10:26  "Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, So is the lazy one to those who send him".

Proverbs 12:27  "A lazy man does not roast his prey, But the precious possession of a man is diligence".

Proverbs 15:19  "The way of the lazy is as a hedge of thorns, But the path of the upright is a highway". (NASB)

Today – rather than one passage or verse I’m going to share three proverbs all linked to the common theme of laziness. I’ll refrain from sharing why laziness comes to mind today but it did and so I thought I’d look it up.

Solomon touches on laziness three times in his proverbs and I’d like to share what he says.

In 10:26 Solomon shares the effect lazy people have on those who want them to do something. It speaks of the one who sends him. That could be a parent asking a son or daughter to help or it could be an employee asking a worker to work. It could also be a project organizer asking a volunteer to do something. Regardless, the lazy person has a particular affect on the one who “Sends” them.

The effect is referred to as, “Vinegar to the teeth”. Think about that or better yet try it. Fill your mouth up with vinegar and then rub your teeth together. It’s a little bit like chalk on the chalk board scraping and grinding. The other effect is similar, “Smoke to the eyes”. You know what that’s like; tearing, blinking, rubbing and etc. Overall it’s just plain irritating. And I guess that’s the best word for what Solomon is describing. Lazy people are irritating to those who are trying to get them to do something.

In 12:27 Solomon uses a comparison. This time he compares the lazy person to one who is diligent. “The lazy man does not roast his prey”. Now I’m all for sashimi and once in awhile I like beef carpacio but come on. Let’s cook something here. The lazy man whom I’m surprised has actually hunted and killed something in the first place won’t follow through and cook what he’s hunted. Although not stated, there could be consequences to eating uncooked food. Illness from all sorts of micro organisms or parasites could come to the lazy man from eating that uncooked prey. In contrast the diligent man follows through cooking his prey. One who follows through this way has a “Precious possession”. So it is much better for the diligent than the lazy.

In 15:19 Solomon talks about the way ahead for the lazy man. Here the lazy man is compared to the “Upright”. There could be a double meaning here since a lazy man lays down and the active man is, “Upright”. More likely this “Upright” man is a righteous man or one who does what is right. The comparison then is how things go for the two. The path forward for the lazy man is like a, “Hedge of thorns”. Imagine making your way forward through a thick hedge full of thorns. Not only is the path difficult but it is painful and can actually cause injury and infection. Making a path through thorns isn’t at all pleasant and is at the least inefficient. By comparison the path of the upright is like a highway; it’s clear sailing with no interruptions.

So in these three Proverbs we find clearly that it is much better not to be lazy. You won’t irritate others, you won’t bring potential harm to yourself and you won’t be prevented from making progress. I’d say Solomon makes it pretty clear; lazy ain’t the way. AMEN!

Deuteronomy 18:10-12 The Evil of the Occult

Deuteronomy 18:10-12  "There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer,  or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.  For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD; and because of these detestable things the LORD your God will drive them out before you.” (NASB)

I see it every time I drive to Fresno – the little house with the big neon sign that says, “Palm Reader”.  Although it is kind of unsightly it seems harmless enough.  Or is it?

What may seem harmless enough is actually something God hates.  How do we know?  Scripture tells us in Deuteronomy that He does.  My initial observation is that these things are nothing new.  The list includes witchcraft, sorcery, those who speak to the dead and etc.  Why would God hate these things?  Simply put, it is because they are a path into the spiritual realm that are apart from Him.  These are pathways into the spiritual realm provided by Satan.  They are evil.

You may say, “That was a long time ago” or “That was the Law and things have changed”.  Yes, God revealed a long time ago His hatred for this kind of evil.  That has not changed.  When you challenge that these taboos were done away with under the freedom of the believer in Christ I’d have to say – hold on a minute.  While it is true that some of the strict behavioral requirements of the Law were done away with in the Church era, those changes are articulated in Scripture.

When Peter was confused about the acceptance of the gentile’s diet he received a vision from the Lord telling him it was okay.    “A voice came to him, ‘Get up, Peter, kill and eat!’  But Peter said, ‘By no means, Lord, for I have never eaten anything unholy and unclean.’  Again a voice came to him a second time, ‘What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.’" Act 10:13-15 Now had God done something similar with these spiritualist activities there might be an argument.  But no such adjustment in what is acceptable is given regarding these occult activities.

Why does this matter?

Scripture tells us, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places”. Ephesians 6:12  My friends, the spiritual realm is real and it is the primary place where the forces of holiness and evil are at war.  That war spills over into the physical realm, our realm, often enough.  When Satan rebelled against God Scripture says one third of the heavenly host (angels) went with him. (see Rev. 12-4)  Satan and His demons are at work today with strong influence in human behavior.

But some say, real evil is obvious; Hitler was evil.  Witches practicing their Wicca are harmless.  Poppycock!  Palm Readers at the carnival or in their neon lit little house on the highway are harmless too.  Double Poppycock!  These and others actively engaged in the occult are in direct violation of God’s instructions and they’re engaging evil directly.  Maybe they don’t know this but that’s what is going on.  It’s not the only place Satan is at work but it is one place.  If you think it seems harmless Satan is happy; his plan is working.  Although this form of evil is thinly veiled, it isn’t Satan’s plan to be up front with his nature.  Satan is all about the counterfeit and will deceive in any way possible.  “No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light”.  2Corinthians 11:14 

So what does all this mean to the believer?  It is important for the believer to know that Satan and his ways are real and to be able to recognize evil for what it is.  Why?  Because we are to avoid evil.  We are called to live decent and holy lives so it is completely inappropriate for a Christian to dabble in the occult.  “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world”.   1Peter 5:8-9  AMEN!

Romans 1:20 God Revealed in Creation

Romans 1:20  “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse”. (NASB)

We’re studying Romans on Friday nights at our house shadowing the preaching of our pastor from the Sunday prior.  This week we are looking at one of my favorite passages from Romans.  I have several so you may see some more on Romans before we finish up but today we’re looking at God’s wrath.  Specifically we’re looking at the foundation from which God’s wrath is justified.  Frankly, it is God’s wrath, His intolerance of sin that drives our need for a savior.  The passage today lays the groundwork by which a just God is intolerant of sin.  The passage talks about the revealing of God by God.  That is, how is it that God let’s us, His created beings know He exists.

Romans 1:20 shares what is referred to as “General” revelation.  That is, one way God has used from the beginning until today to reveal Himself to all men.  So what is general revelation?  Simply put, it is the revelation of the Creator through the creation.

God says, “Since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature …”.  So this idea isn’t something new; since the beginning it has been true.  What is revealed?  It is two of God’s invisible attributes that are revealed.  One commentary called this an oxymoron; what is invisible is made visible.  What are those attributes? 

First, His eternal power is revealed.  This is true because the design of creation is expansive and it has incredible detail.  Only the awesome power of God can solve the question, “How did this come into being”.  So, on this attribute, nature is yelling and screaming, “God exists, He created all of this”.

Second, God’s divine nature is revealed.  That is His divinity.  Divinity means “Of God” or “Proceeding from God”.  The idea is then that not only is there a Creator responsible for the design of creation, there is a Creator responsible for producing it from Himself. 

The passage says man from the beginning has had and does have the ability to “Clearly see” the Creator through what he has made; through creation.  And those invisible attributes, His Divinity and His Omnipotence, can be known by this observation; not only known but “Understood”.  Think about it for a minute.  Examine the detail of a flower with all the reproductive parts built perfectly and uniquely for the species.  Examine the intricacies of a human eyeball, not even medically; just what you can see and understand.  It’s phenomenal to think this body part takes in a picture of our world and feeds an image to our brain that we can understand.  From that image we can navigate, feed ourselves, interact with one another and etc. etc.  The examples are endless even before going into the detail modern science allows.  Our modern tools allow knowledge of the structure of DNA or organelles within a cell or the expanse and design of the universe.

The importance of general revelation however is not knowing God in the sense of a relationship.  General revelation only produces a convicting knowledge of God.  That is, because of the general revelation of God to all men in all times through the creation that demands a Creator they “Know” God exists.  Knowing this, all men are “Without excuse” when they do not acknowledge and pursue God.  So when someone says, the poor tribesman in the undiscovered village has not heard about God they’re incorrect.  The tribesman can know God exists by general revelation.  All men fall under this conviction so all are without excuse if they deny God.

It’s odd to leave our discussion here but today that’s what we’ll just have to do.  Praise be to God the Creator and Sustainer of life.  Praise to Him for revealing Himself to all through the creation itself.  AMEN!

For a glimpse into this scripture in action follow this link: Although  taking the evolutionary stance throughout the fingerprint of God is unmistakeable in this film.

John 20:3-6 Useful As You Are

John 20:3-6  “So Peter and the other disciple went forth, and they were going to the tomb.  The two were running together; and the other disciple ran ahead faster than Peter and came to the tomb first; and stooping and looking in, he *saw the linen wrappings lying there; but he did not go in.  And so Simon Peter also *came, following him, and entered the tomb; and he *saw the linen wrappings lying there”, (NASB)

I’ve told you before that I identify with Peter most often of the direct disciples of Christ.  Today’s passage will begin to give insight as to why.

The scene today follows the crucifixion.  The followers of Christ were gathered and mourning the loss of their beloved teacher and friend.  Although several had confessed that He was the Messiah, they always managed to forget stuff like that when it was most needed.  So they gathered and mourned and didn’t really know what to do.  Several of the women went to the grave early Sunday morning and when they found the stone rolled away they ran back to tell the disciples.

John and Peter took off running to the tomb.  It isn’t clear from Scripture how far away they were gathered.  Scripture does tell us that the two ran there however.  Now I picture Peter as a strong and loud fisherman; a guy that was let’s just say, rough around the edges.  Big guys aren't usually the quickest fellows even if they are in shape.  John, was perhaps the more athletic of the two as Scripture records that John out ran Peter.  “The other disciple ran ahead faster than Peter and came to the tomb first”.

John also had a little more self control.  Although John got there first he stopped and took in the situation.  He records that although he arrived ahead of Peter that he stopped at the entrance.  He was, “stooping and looking in” and in doing so, “he *saw the linen wrappings lying there; but he did not go in”.  Having seen and observed all this before Peter’s arrival he was clearly a good ways ahead.

Now here’s where I identify with Peter.  When Peter finally catches up to John at the tomb he doesn’t just saunter up beside John with hands on his knees to catch his breath.  No, he just blasts right past John into the tomb to take a better look.  I'm sure, once inside, hands on his hips huffing an puffing he took it all in.  That’s Peter.

Why share this with you.  Several reasons come to mind.  First, it is important to me and I hope to you to see that even among two of Christ’s inner circle there was great diversity.  John was more measured in his approach and Peter was way out there sometimes.  Remember, Jesus had to rebuke him a time or two.  This is important to know because when it comes to serving Jesus he’s not looking for cookie cutter servants.  He wants us to serve Him as we are while growing up into Christ likeness.

Second, it helps me knowing that Christ used a guy like Peter in such a powerful way.  Peter just days earlier had denied Christ not once but three times just as Jesus had said he would.  When he did and realized what had happened Peter broke down and wept bitterly at the reality of his weakness.  But God had big plans for Peter, weak and impetuous as he was.  Peter is widely recognized as the leader of the early Church.  It gives me great hope that I can be useful to the Lord when I see a guy like Peter used in such a powerful way.  Again, Christ wants you to serve Him just as you are now while you are still in growth mode. 

Why?  Because our spiritual growth never ends during this life time.  If we wait for perfect maturity to begin serving no one will be serving at all.  Take a deep breath, look at some of the wacky things Peter did and then look at some of the great things the Lord did through him.  If he can use Peter, he can use you and he can use me.  AMEN!

Psalm 37:28 It's not about YOU!

Psalm 37:28  “For the LORD loves justice And does not forsake His godly ones; They are preserved forever, But the descendants of the wicked will be cut off”. (NASB)

I’m reading a book called, “Today’s Gospel” by Walter J. Chantry first published in 1970 and while I’m not yet done a theme is emerging.  The first assertion is that evangelism today tends to focus too soon on God’s love without first explaining God Himself and His holiness.  The other assertion is that the gospel being presented today makes man rather than God the center of the equation.  In short the title could have been a Dr. Phil quote, “It’s not about YOU”!  Oops!  Let’s take a look at these two ideas.

First, God does call us into relationship with Him but we need to back up the truck and see why that is even necessary.  God is holy and His creation was too along with everything in it.  Even Adam and Eve were holy and enjoyed a direct relationship with God in the garden.  All was good as God Himself proclaimed.  Then along came the snake, Satan who tempted Eve and when she and Adam followed through on that temptation the first of man’s sins took place and broke fellowship with God.  God proclaimed judgment and creation was cursed.

Well, even that seems to be a man centered explanation.  The real point is that God is holy and anything in His presence must be holy too.  Everything else; everything less than holy is subject to His wrath.  That, my friends, is the position in which we find ourselves in this world; sinners, unholy, alienated from God and ready for the fiery furnace.  The prophet Isaiah had an encounter with holy God and recorded it this way, “Then I said, ‘Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.’  Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs.  He touched my mouth with it and said, ‘Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away and your sin is forgiven.’" Isaiah 6:5-7  Only that cleansing fire made his remaining in God’s presence possible.  God is holy!

The proper perspective we need to have is a thorough understanding and appreciation of God’s holiness.  That is, we need as thorough an understanding as our feeble minds are capable of having.  It is Chantry’s assertion that the foundation of who God is must be adequately laid during the presentation of the gospel.  In other words, how will a new believer appreciate the gift of salvation without an understanding of God’s holiness?  God’s holiness then becomes the standard by which sinful man is judged.

What does this mean for us?  We are called to make disciples first at home and then all over the world.  That’s the great commission, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20  So evangelism, the making of disciples, is the right thing to do but we need to start and end with God.  Disciples need to know first that God is God and we are puny sinful creatures deserving death because we fall so short of God’s holy standard.  

Only from that foundation can a proper perspective of the power and richness of God’s mercy and grace through the work of Christ come into view.  It’s not about YOU!  It’s about Jesus!  AMEN!

Romans 8:14-16 Assurance

Romans 8:14-16  “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.  For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!"  The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God”, (NASB)

So, how do I know?

How do I know what, you ask.  How do I know I’m a Christian?  How do I know I’m saved?  How do I know I really believe?  How, How, How do I know?

I had grown up in a little Methodist church and as I have shared before I believe I grew up in the faith and had a genuine saving faith.  I call my experience a “Child like faith” because I actually was a child and my faith was unwavering.  I absolutely believed it was just as I learned in Sunday school.  With that being said, I cannot to this day point to a single time when the simple truth of the gospel was presented completely and with clarity in all that time.

As a maturing Christian looking back I can only point to an experience when I wanted to take communion and my mother wouldn’t let me.  When we went home I wanted to know why.  She said I had to know what it meant so I told her exactly what it meant.  From then on I was allowed to take communion.  That’s it – that’s all I have to point to as a time when I knew my faith was genuine.  Or was it?

I certainly went through my prodigal years but always seemed to come back to the Church.  When our relationship became serious, Sharon and I began attending her church on Sunday mornings.  

WOW!

I hadn’t experienced a Baptist church service regularly.  The pastor nearly every week offered an invitation for new believers to come forward and proclaim their faith.  Every week I heard this new concise version of the gospel accompanied by the invitation to come forward.  Every week I sat there and wondered – am I supposed to go forward?  I never did – but I sure wondered whether I was supposed to.

When Sharon and I became engaged we went to meet with the pastor and asked him to marry us.  He looked me in the eye and said, “Young man, are you a Christian”?  I looked right back at him and said, “Yes sir, I am”.  That was good enough for him and we got moving forward on setting a date and all the rest.  It was only later during an adult Sunday school class that the idea of eternal security was presented and my confusion was alleviated.

Well, I have to tell you my confusion was caused by the unfamiliarity of the experience of that firey Baptist service and invitation.  Before and after there was never a doubt about my faith.  I knew it was real.

How did I know?

Upon genuine acceptance of the work of Christ by Faith the Holy Spirit takes up residence in the believer.  This is the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Literally, God comes to live in the believer upon conversion and He has an ongoing role to play in the believer’s life.  One of His efforts is referenced in today’s passage.  “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God”.

So, how did I know?  I knew my faith was real because the Holy Spirit Himself in communion with my spirit told me so.  How does that work?  I don’t know – I can’t begin to explain but I know it is true because Scripture says so and my experience is in full agreement.  I know because He makes it known to me – somehow.

Praise God that as believers we don’t have to wonder.  AMEN!

If you are not certain of your position in Christ; whether you really are a Christian I would be happy to talk with you about faith in Christ leading to that assurance.