A New Year

Merry Christmas!

From: Family Advent: Celebrating the Journey Toward Christmas

Scripture reading – Luke 2:1-20

Devotion

When God came to earth it was not with great pomp and circumstance.  He moved the great power of Rome to call a census so that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem, as He had promised.  He came to a poor young Jewish girl who lived in a small village.  God chose for the birthplace of Jesus a barn, or possibly a cave, where animals were kept.  Rather than being greeted by the greatest powers and authorities of the Earth He was greeted by humble shepherds and some wise men from afar.  Jesus’ humble birth shows us something very clearly.  Jesus came for everybody.  Jesus is God’s greatest gift.

Christmas Eve

From Family Advent: Celebrating the Journey to Christmas

Scripture reading – Luke 2:1-7; Philippians 2:5-11

Devotion

The Son of God became a human baby.  He relied upon His earthly mother and father for everything:  nourishment, cleaning and comfort.  Unable to meet His own physical needs the Creator of the Universe would cry out for the help of a 14-year-old girl to see to Him.  He set aside the glory of the Heavenly Throne Room to occupy the dusty floors of a poor carpenter’s home.  He did this for you and for me.  He did this for the redemption of planet earth.  He did this for His ultimate glory.  All that is left for us is to trust in the God Who loved us enough to give everything because we had nothing.

Christmas Joy

From Family Advent: Celebrating the Journey Toward Christmas

Scripture reading - Galatians 5:22-23; James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-9

Devotion

While the Christmas season is a joyous time for many, the stress and busyness of the season can sometimes distract us from the joy we have in Christ.  For many, the holidays can be a time of loneliness and missing our lost loved ones.  However, we find in Scripture that the only source of true joy is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ.  True and permanent joy flows naturally from knowing and believing the truth that God valued each of us so highly that He would send Jesus, His only begotten Son, to die for our sins and to reveal God most clearly to us.  While many things will make us happy this Christmas season Christ alone gives us joy.

God, Ever-Faithful

From: Celebrating Advent: The Journey Toward Christmas

Scripture reading – 1 Chronicles 17:1-14; Psalm 89: 30-37; Luke 1:30-33; Matthew 1:20

Devotion

God unfolded His great rescue mission through promises.  He made an unconditional promise to Abraham, promising him Land (the Holy Land), Seed (the promised Savior), and Blessing (for his descendants and for the entire world).  God foretold that this seed promise, which began in Genesis 3:15 with the prophecy of “the seed of the woman” would finally come to bear in the tribe of Judah.  King David receives even more information as God’s chosen line through which He would bring the Messiah.  God made more unconditional promises to David – that HE would build David’s house.  He promised that one from His line would reign forever.  God showed His faithfulness to this promise when he brought Jesus through the Davidic line both by his birth parent (Mary) and his adoptive Father (Joseph) both of whom were in the line of David.  Jesus fulfilled the first coming promises made to David, and there can be no mistake that He will also fulfill the promise of the Messiah’s coming reign upon the earth.

A Christmas Gift

How I ceased to be a Grinch

When we are children Christmas is magical.  Gifts, events, cookies, a holiday from school...everything is grand!  In growing older our perspectives change.  Snow needs to be shoveled, money needs to be spent.  Heat, gifts, and Christmas parties all put a different kind of pressure upon a person.  As a child Christmas was lovely, but into my twenties, Christmas became a terror.  Working in retail reminded me daily of the avarice and materialism of Christmas.  Being blasted with the same six secular Christmas love-songs that were deemed appropriate for a secular workplace was about to drive me absolutely mad.  There was more to do with less money and I was poised to become a full-scale Grinch!

Later, the Lord answered our prayers and dreams and I became the pastor of a small church.  Now, Christmas was a time to arrange parties and Christmas programs.  To do more with less, and it seemed that there was always so much expectation of what had to be done at Christmas time.  I confided to a dear friend my growing distaste for the whole Christmas season.

He responded:  "I used to feel the same way.  Before I met Jesus Christmas was just a mess and a noise.  But now that I know what Christmas is REALLY about I love this time more with every year!"

His words cut me to the quick.  I had been so distracted by all of the doings and expectations of Christmas that I was missing the point...even when I was talking about Christmas!  I had made Christmas all about myself - and reaped all of the misery of doing so. 

In the years that followed, I have changed my focus.  When I realized this season was a precious opportunity to look to the loving Savior and the miracle of His visitation everything became different.  Now, Christmas is a delight!  Advent celebrations, Christmas Hymns that celebrate the Savior, and time dedicated to thanking God for all that He has given us in His Son.  I am so thankful for the wise words of my friend, for in saying them he brought me to a limitless appreciation of the Gift of Christmas!

The Messiah

Each year we attend a Handel's Messiah Sing-a-long which is an ever entertaining performance.  The Loveland Orchestra provides beautiful symphonic accompaniment and the local Chorals provide the solo singers.  We go through all of the big choruses and the high points of the Messiah with the audience comprising the chorus.  I would be lying to say that a few wrong notes didn't come out now and again.  It is, after all, one of the greatest works of all time!  Yet, there is something amazing that happens when people gather and sing through those amazing words of Scripture. 

To hear the rafters ring "And the Glory of the LORD..."  "His Yoke is Easy..." and, of course, ending with a triumphant Hallelujah Chorus.  This wonderful work gives us the whole story.  From Isaiah, from the Gospels.  From the word of God set to the most beautiful music, man can write.  Might I recommend, for your holiday season, sitting down and listening to the beautiful words of the Handel's Messiah?

Scrooge

There are so many wonderful shows, books, ballets, musical masterpieces associated with Christmas that it would be impossible to pay them all their due and worthy respects.  One book that I read every Christmas is A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.  My little ones will usually pop in and out as I tend to read it outloud when there is anyone who would listen to our friend, Mr. Dickens.  This is also a unique work because it has been done and redone and redone so many times I couldn't begin to guess at how many films, stage productions, movies, and radio theaters have unertaken to tell the remarkable story.  

I recently saw a musical version at our local dinner theater.  It was delightful.  The music was good and the singers were really excellent.  The stagecraft was delightful and the makeup and costumes were enchanting.  It was a delight.  My two small disappointments were with the script, and they were a bit nit-picky and personal.  The first complaint was that the ghost of Christmas present was reduced to something of a fool with a message of little more than hedonism.  Having been stripped of all of the power of his message of love and enjoyment of the present he just gave a sad message that seemed to be a defence of Christmas Hedonism.  Which is boring.  But, again, not surprising as there is so much to cram into a stage production from a book that some things are bound to be missed.

The second was that my favorite quote from the book was missing.  When Scrooge's nephew, Fred, visits him in the counting house and gives this speech:

“There are many things from which I might have derived good, by which I have not profited, I dare say,' returned the nephew. 'Christmas among the rest. But I am sure I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round—apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it can be apart from that—as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. And therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!” 

This wonderful speech rings in my ears all Christmas long, and I hope it rings in the hearts of everyone else as well.  OH, and "God bless us, every one!"

Shepherds

From: Family Advent - Celebrating the Journey Toward Christmas

Scripture reading – Luke 2:8-20

Devotion

A shepherd’s life was not glamorous.  Nor did people think much of them.  The constant demands of the sheep kept them separate from city life.  The work of the job often brought them in contact with dead animals – rendering them ceremonially unclean.  Finally, they didn’t have many of the luxuries of the city dwellers and were regarded as being smelly and rough.  Yet on the night that God came to earth there was only one personal invitation given to the event – to a group of shepherds.  In Bethlehem, the shepherds would likely be raising many of the lambs that would be used for the Passover sacrifice each year.  They carefully maintained the blood-lines of the sheep in their care and prepared them for the sacrifice that looked back upon God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt.  It was shepherds like these that were chosen by God to see the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.  While priests, scribes, kings, and faithful Pharisees and Sadducees slept in their homes, a few poor shepherds were invited to have a front row seat to see the Son of God in human flesh.  Jesus Christ came, not to the rich and the powerful, but the poor and the humble.  He truly is Emmanuel – God with us – come for the salvation of all who would come to Him in humble faith.

Light the Lights

Around this time of year, it is normal to focus all of our attention on Christmas.  Yet this week is also the celebration of Lights - Hanukkah!  Many Christians don't realize that this celebration is a part of our heritage as well!  Jesus celebrated this Festival as was recorded in John 10:22 and known as the Feast of Dedication.  With very good reason. 

This important festival celebrates the victory of the Jewish people over their Greek oppressors in 175 BC.  The wicked king of the Seleucid empire (part of the Biblically Prophesied breakup of the Greek empire) was Antiochus IV Epiphanies.  Having grown sick of the Jewish faith and worship of the temple, and believing himself to be a god, he attempted to eliminate this by illegalizing Torah study and finally desecrating the altar by offering a pig (an unclean animal) upon it. 

At this point, God raised up the Maccabees.  A priest Matthias, who was followed by his five sons.  They bravely fought, and by the providence of God won back the temple and rededicated it to its holy purpose in the plan of God.  The miracle which is celebrated at Hanukkah has to do with divine provision.  The lamps were to remain constantly lit, and there was not enough oil to last the time it would take to make more sanctified oil for the lamps.  The Lord supernaturally intervened such that a single days worth of oil lasted the whole 8 days needed to get more.  In this way, God provided what was needed to glorify Himself and worship Him according to the Torah. 

So, why should Christians be mindful of Hanukkah?  There are many good reasons, beyond the fact that Jesus, Himself, celebrated it.  First, it is a story of God's miraculous provision for the worship of Him.  God's grace and provision put forth everything that sinful man needs to approach Him.  Second, it shows how believers of all ages must obey God, regardless of what world powers may do to stop us.  Finally, and most importantly, it displays how God preserved the Temple and Temple worship.  Had the temple not have been in place Jesus Christ could not come as the perfect sacrifice.  In order for Him to complete His mission, it was required that He perfectly keep the law of Moses.  While the Enemy will constantly attack the plan of God, God is never stymied.  He is going to bring His salvation to bear and no power is going to stand in the way of His perfect plan.  With this in mind, dear believers, may we say to all: Happy Hanukkah!

Happy St Nicholas Day!

Each year, on December 6th is the feast of St. Nicholas.  Far from the stuffed shirt of the modern Santa Clause.  Saint Nicholas was a valiant warrior for Jesus Christ.  He lived from March 15, 270 AD - December 6, 343 AD.  His life was invested in defending the truth (He was important to the defense of the doctrine of the Trinity), sharing the gospel (He taught and ministered throughout the ancient world), was a minister of mercy, and a powerful witness for the poor. 

The tradition of honoring St. Nicholas is known throughout Christendom in both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches and Saint Nicholas of Myra is well worthy of our admiration and respect.  It some of the more perverse versions of the holiday St. Nicholas comes to give gifts to the good children and leave the others to be beaten by his non-historical counterpart "Black Pete".  But the celebration of this great life lived for Christ is one of my favorite parts of the Christmas Season.

It helps to unravel some of the mythology around our modern Santa Picture to see how many things about our holiday are built upon that which is wholesome, pure, loving, and good.  We celebrate St. Nicholas simply.  We talk about his life at dinner and the Children open a gift to remember the generosity of the life of Christ as He works in the hearts of those that walk with Him.

Christmas Shoes

There was a man who wrote a song for Christmas.  It pulled on every heartstring and was the tackiest kind of sentimental manipulation.  It was interestingly popular and played Christmas after Christmas since the year 2000.  Fascinatingly, this song is now openly reviled among the Christian circles with which I have contact.  Popular for a time, but the threads finally wore bare and people seemly got tired of this type of emotional abuse.  Why bring this up when considering advent? 

I find it interesting that there will always be someone trying to manipulate and marketing a feeling.  The Christmas ads and the like, even our church services and Christian media can play on an emotion that we are "supposed to be" feeling at this time of year.  Yet, as with the song Christmas Shoes, they aren't pointing us towards the lasting wholeness and fullness of Christ, but just a little "feelings rollercoaster" that can give us a warm fuzzy, or a sad fuzzy.

This season I hope we can all, more than ever before, separate the peripheral things (that we may rightly enjoy!) from the One Whom we celebrate at this wonderful time of year.

Grandpa and Anticipation

The 43rd time I said "Grampa" had to be a challenging moment.  But Grampa would never have let me know.  The night before Christmas and I lay awake in my sleeping bag on the floor while my Grampa lay on the couch.  I don't remember why we had this arrangment, as memory would insist that there was bedspace enough for all.  But, there we were, down-stairs in our little split-level suburban home.  Awaiting Christmas.  I knew that I was meant to go to sleep...for the great hope of making Christmas come a bit faster.  But there was no sleep to be found.  The anticipation was too great.  

Childlike anticipation differs so greatly from what I experience now as an adult.  Awaiting Christmas was filled only with hope and promise, and every moment of wakeful suspence abounded with the delights of knowing that in just 9 more hours(...or was it 8 hours and 45 minutes?) the whole world would be lit up with Christmas lights and the joys of tearing through wrapping paper and knowing that the new video camera would catch the whole memory on film.  There was no anxiety in this waiting, just simply and joyful expectation.

That, I believe, is what the Advent season is about.  That which I understood so intuitively as a child in the hope of toys and family fun I now experince in the anticipation of Messiah's coming.  From the moment of the Fall - for thousands of years - the fallen world had looked forward to the coming Savior.  But they did not yet know His Name.  The did not have the example of His humble entry into our world.  To celebrate the time of our Perfect Provision from God - the Gift of His Son.  That we can know Him, and know peace, life, fullness, and forgiveness.  Anticipating the celebration of His birth is a celebration of all that He is...and HE is all that I need.

Going to Christmas

From Family Advent: Celebrating the Journey Toward Christmas

Scripture reading – Isaiah 11:1-10; Luke 1:26-38

Devotion

Christmas is a special time of anticipation.  It seems as soon as autumn sets in our minds begin to drift towards Christmas day.  We may look forward to the songs or to the lights and decorations.  We may look forward to the exchange of gifts, or holiday parties.  We may even spend a sweet moment anticipating a Christmas meal shared with loved ones.  Whatever we look forward to each holiday season it is a time to remember that Jesus Christ, the long-promised Messiah was anticipated for thousands of years.  As soon as sin entered the world the Lord made the promise of the coming Savior (Genesis 3:15).  From that day forward men and women who trusted God longed to see His provided Savior.  For years they waited, hoped and prayed and then Jesus came to the earth.  Simeon – a man who longed to see the Savior prayed this prayer of joy when he first saw the baby Jesus:

²⁹"Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace,
According to Your word;
³⁰For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
³¹Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
³²A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES,
And the glory of Your people Israel."
Luke 2:29-32 NASB

The Commandments

From 1-3 John - Life in Fellowship

1 John 3:23-24

This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us. The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. We know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.

The Commandments

It would be easy to mistakenly interpret the keeping of the "commandments" in the previous verses to be referring to some legal system, whether that of the Law of Moses, or some other legalistic system that modern man would contrive.  However, John safeguards the reader against such wrong understanding by laying out the clear commandments of The Lord, just as it is preserved in John 13:34.

Command #1: Believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ

This is the same exhortation we would give someone asking how to be saved. Trusting in The Lord Jesus Christ and His work on our behalf is not just the chief characteristic of the Gospel of Grace, it is also the chief characteristic of the believer who is walking with Jesus Christ every moment of every day. Our faith in Jesus Christ is exactly what The Lord has for us with each passing moment. Trusting Him, and Him alone, for our salvation, sanctification, keeping and ultimate gathering unto Himself.

Command #2: Love one another

This is the thing we are finally freed to do based on our trust in Jesus Christ. With His limitless supply of love available to us we begin to long for objects whom we can lavish that love upon, just as He lavished it upon us. When this is not our experience in our daily experience we can be sure that we have looked away from trusting in Christ as the source of that love. We have allowed ourselves to take our eyes off Jesus, and just like Peter when he walked on water, we begin to sink. The answer? Return our gaze to The Lord!

False Teachers

From Titus - Life in the Church

Titus 1:10-13

¹⁰For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, ¹¹who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain.  ¹²One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons."  ¹³This testimony is true. For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith, 

False Teachers

Paul has greeted Titus (Titus 1:1-4), and has given the requirements for elders (Titus 1:5-9) and now he is starting a new topic.  This section tells us, in great part, WHY the office of elder is so important, and WHY the Bible has standards for the character and equipment/gifting of the elders.  This section is about false teachers.  We must remember that in verse 9 Paul told us that elders need to be “holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.”  This is to say that elders must be steeped in the Word, and well trained in solid doctrine so that they can see the heresies of the world, of the culture and of other so-called “Christian Teachers.” 

            The elder needs to be in conflict with the cultural compromises made towards popular psychology (a man-centered view of life, giving lies about “self-esteem” and “emotional conditions”) , the church growth movements (popular movements that try to make it seem like the focus of Churches should be to get more people in the door, rather than equip those who are already there), and the “prosperity gospel” (the belief that following God and being a Christian will result in material gain, or any sort of financial stability.)  The elder needs to have an eye out to dispel these lies, and fight for the truth of the Word of God.  Boldly teaching, not afraid that some will leave, not afraid of losing his job because he didn’t keep people happy, but boldly teaching Word of God.  ESPECIALLY when it is uncomfortable!

Obedience Resulting in Righteousness

From Romans - Finding the Faith

Romans 6:16

Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?

Obedience Resulting in Righteousness

The other option that is available to the believer is simply unavailable to the non-believer and that is that we can now abide in the new nature and produce, by His power and His life, real actual righteousness.  The reality is that we can now live by the power of Christ’s life within us and everything we do will be reward-able, every action, every word and every breath will be the work of Christ within us, and thus be the very thing that He wants to see in us.  Far from a “to do list” that we can succeed or fail at.  This is a joyous reality that should, logically, characterize every moment of the believer’s life.

5 Things that Happen when you Trust Jesus

Not a Man

From 1-3 John - Life in Fellowship

1 John 2:27

As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.

Not a Man

This is of vital importance to the believer: we do not follow any one man!  This is likely part of the reason that the Bible is so clear on the issue of a plurality of elders and teachers within any given church body.  The believer is to be taking and testing every word of teaching that comes from his or her church leadership.  The believer is not to mindlessly follow everything that any one person says or writes, but to be constantly holding everything up to the Bible by the Spirit of God.  This is not to be argumentative or divisive, but to keep the believer moving on towards “the unity of the faith” (Ephesians 4:13).  This can happen very often when we are hearing people teach the word of God, the Holy Spirit coaches us and says, “No, that is not correct.”  This is a vital ministry of the Holy Spirit and we must be faithful to His ministry in our lives.

Sensibility

From Titus - Life in the Church

Verse 6

Likewise urge the young men to be sensible;  

Sensible

Here again we see the word sensible.  This word sophroneo has been applied to each of the groups thus far.  It is obviously something that is very important, and very necessary in terms of exhibiting the life of Christ in us.  Once again, it combines the words for “wisdom” and “mindedness, or mindset.” The very nature of the mindset should be one that is wise and balanced.  This comes from having a solid Biblical perspective, and the ability to apply that knowledge to every situation.  It has a circumspect view that sees what is going on and can make wise choices based on God's wisdom and submission to the Word and the Holy Spirit.

A Severe Reproval

From Titus - Life in the Church

Titus 1:10-13

¹⁰For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, ¹¹who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain.  ¹²One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons."  ¹³This testimony is true. For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith, 

reprove them severely

Is Titus told to have a nice happy meeting with them?  Is he told to kindly ask them to stop?  Are they to leave them alone and hope that they go away?  NO!  Absolutely NOT!

They are to “reprove them severely”!  Reprove means “to rebuke or to censure.”  It means confront them and tell them that they are off the mark.  Not simply hope it goes away in time, or hope that they “get better.” but to rebuke them.  Severely here is a compound word using the words for “from” and for “cut sharply.”  This is decisive action, harsh action and serious action.  Not passive action, or “nice guy” action.  He is to act harshly in response to the culture.  He is not supposed to say, “that’s their culture, so I should just accept it.” He is supposed to tell them to leave their culture, change their culture, for it is not of God!  Culture is not a sacred thing!  It is the destroyer of Churches and theology throughout the generations.  Culture does not need to be considered, but disregarded.  

Getting Stamped

From Romans - Finding the Faith

Romans 6:17-18

¹⁷But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, ¹⁸and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.

That form of teaching to which you were committed

The word “form” here translates the Greek word tupos which is where we get the English word “type”.  The picture that it conveys is a sort of stamp that would be set on something and then struck to make the same impression every time.  This form of teaching to which we were committed is the teaching of salvation by Grace through faith.  As we have seen already in Romans 6:1-14, that Grace is not just our “get out of Hell free” card, it is to be our operating principle of existence for all things thereafter.  We began in faith in what Christ has done in the cross, we continue in faith in what God did in resurrecting Him from the dead.  At the end of all things we will see that everything that was good or worthwhile in our lives was what we allowed Him to do in and through us, and anytime we tried to get in the way we goofed everything up.

Getting Results

From 1-3 John - Life in Fellowship

1 John 2:28

Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming.

Results

Once again, it is the uniform message of scripture, that our choice to abide in Him or to abide in our sin nature carries with it consequences.  In the discussion of 1 John 2:3-11 (and again in verse 29) we see the result of abiding in the flesh can be the loss of assurance of salvation.  When a person abides in the Spirit he sees the love and life of Christ flowing forth from him and knows that this is not of Himself, but it is the Spirit of God.  Conversely, the person who abides in their flesh (though they are saved) loses the assurance of being able to say, “I see the work of the Spirit in my life right here and now” which impedes his spiritual growth.

Another result of resting in the Spirit has to do with Christ’s coming.  This is the first clear reference in this epistle to the return of Christ for His church (the Rapture).  We know from John 14:1-4, 1 Corinthians 15, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and other key passages that the believer is to be looking to Jesus Christ and His return for believers which could happen at any moment.  The way a person relates to that coming of the Lord for His church reveals a great deal about his or her understanding of Scripture, as well as their fellowship with the Lord.  Many talk about this time with great fear and trepidation because they are not in fellowship with Him.  Whether from bad theology, or lack of walking in the Spirit (both are sin problems) they think of the Lord’s coming back in terms of something to be frightened of.

It is much like children who have been left to watch over themselves for a few hours while the parents are away.  If they are doing things that their parents would approve of then the return of their parents is something that they would be pleased to see. They want their parents to come back sooner.  However, if they have occupied themselves with activities of which their parents would not approve then they will be ashamed when their parents come home.  It is not a matter of whether their parents will still be their parents when they arrive, but a matter of whether they will be happy to see them or ashamed.  As we walk by the means of the Spirit we will be overjoyed at the thought of Christ’s return as we are meant to be!  For the believer walking in the Spirit they look at the imminent return of Christ as a great comfort (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

The confidence of the believer at His return is found in His life, His work, His grace exercised upon us.  This is not a matter of what we are doing so much as where our focus is placed.

Putting the Enemy to Shame

From Titus - Life in the Church

Titus 2:6-8

⁶ Likewise urge the young men to be sensible;  ⁷  in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified,  ⁸ sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.

put to shame

By our good actions and our good words and deeds the enemies of the faith will be put to shame.  In our sound teaching and our constant application of that doctrine, the people who write books and make their living opposing the Christian faith will be ashamed by our words and deeds.  Imagine how powerful the witness of love is in the sight of even the most gross and disgusting accusation.  This is the power of every believer who rests in Christ.  As we walk in the Spirit the fruit of the Spirit will grow.

Not this...THAT!

From Romans - Finding the Faith

Romans 6:19

I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.

Not this…THAT!

Next, we get a clarification of the analogy with another clear, “Don’t do this anymore…do that instead.”  Paul is setting up the dichotomy very clearly.  There are certain cases where two things are possible (like walking and chewing gum) and other situations where two things cannot be done simultaneously (like being in Denver and in Fort Collins at the same time).  Paul is saying that presenting our members to Sin and presenting our members to God cannot happen at the same time.  Here again, the exhortation of Scripture is not simply to “not sin” but rather telling us to put our focus (present our members) toward God rather than the Sin Nature.  The two are opposites and we cannot continue to offer ourselves in obedience to the Sin nature and Offer ourselves in Obedience to God through Jesus Christ.  It is a one or the other, moment by moment, act of our will.

Faith is the Victory

From 1-3 John - Life in Fellowship

1 John 5:3-5

³For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. ⁴For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. ⁵Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

What was that victory again?

John repeats it again and again, as the old hymn declares: “Faith is the victory!”  The literal rendering of the Greek would read “the faith of us.”  This is not talking about the quality of our belief.  Rather when the word “the” is found in the Greek text before the word “faith” the specific things that are believed are what are in view.  It is not a matter of more faith or less faith – the power is in what it is that is believed.  Faith is only as good as the object in which it is placed and Christ is the only valid option for our trust.  Trust in ourselves, in a system, in a government or anything else will always come up far short of the victory that we long for: Christ has done it!  We need only keep our eyes fixed upon Him.

To be Lovers of Children

From: Titus - Life in the Church

Titus 2:3-5

³ Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good,  ⁴so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,  ⁵to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.

love their children

This word is similar to the word before it.  However, this combines the words phileo (love) and teknon (Children), so the older women are to encourage the younger women to be lovers of their children.  It is very natural for mothers to have agape love for their children.  This is a deep flowing natural love.  This also insinuates a love that cares for the children and puts the children before herself.  This does take encouragement.  This is not the love that comes easily and naturally, this is a love that endures faithfully and cares for the needs of her children.

Suffering Considered

From Romans - Finding the Faith

Romans 8:18-22 (NASB)

¹⁸For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. ¹⁹For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. ²⁰For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope ²¹that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. ²²For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.

Ah! Suffering!

Paul is dealing with one of the major issues that believers have to deal with.  What is our relationship to suffering?  Why do we suffer?  How should we view suffering?  It is easy to get caught thinking about suffering in overly simplistic terms.  Many of us hide many wrong thoughts about suffering such as:

·                     Legalistic - “All suffering happens because I did something wrong.”

·                     Atheistic/Agnostic – “Suffering is proof that God doesn’t care, exist, or isn’t able.”

·                     Victim – “It is always someone else’s fault.”

More unbiblical attitudes about suffering could surely be added to this but Paul doesn’t waste time with that.  Rather, the Holy Spirit gives us a clear understanding of where trials come from, what purpose they are serving and how the believer is to respond to them.

God is Love

From 1-3 John - Life in Fellowship

1 John 4:7-8

⁷Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. ⁸The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

God is Love

This is a valuable statement.  Note first, that this verse does NOT say “Love is God” as the world will often confuse.  True love is sourced exclusively and completely within the character of God.  It coexists perfectly within the fullness of His character along with His justice, righteousness, jealousy, wrath and mercy.  It is of the utmost importance that we realize that the only true love is found in God and God alone.  He is the source of all true love.  If we try to generate the feelings or experiences of “love” on our own we will end up foolish, deluded and alone.  Only by knowing God can we know love, and only in receiving love from Him will we ever have love in our lives and our relationships.  

Ignoring things the right way...

From Titus - Life in the Church

Titus 1:14

not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.  

not paying attention

Here is the command: “Don’t pay attention to…”  In the Greek grammar, we find that this is a participle, which is well translated here.  The present participle gives the idea of continuing present action.  We could view it as a weak imperative.  Not weak in the sense that we may disregard it if we want, but weak in the sense that it lacks the force of the imperative mood.  It is a command that says, to some degree, I assume you are doing this, or will be if you follow the other instructions given. 

Notice that the exhortation here is to “not pay attention.”  Notice that there is a distinction from our culture here.  There is an understanding that everyone should get a say, that every viewpoint should be considered.  The point that is being made here is that believers in Crete were NOT to give these false teachers an audience, and that the Jewish myths (which we will examine next) should be simply ignored, not searched through for some “hidden value” as we see many doing today.

Hold it up to the Light

From Romans: Finding the Faith

Romans 8:18

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Holding it up to the Light

When you need to get a good look at something you hold it up to the light and make sure that you are getting a clear view.  The believer is to hold all of their struggles up to the light of God’s revelation to us in the Bible.  When we look at what has been promised to everyone who enters into a relationship with Christ through faith we get to see things in perspective.  And that makes all of the difference. 

Very often we look at our situations and get bent out of shape about a detail, or an offhanded comment, or some minor incident.  Looking at it a day later we find that the thing that had our feathers so very ruffled was really nothing of any great importance when considered in perspective.  This is what happens to EVERY struggle when we truly understand the magnitude of the glory that the Lord has shared, and will share, with us in the person of Jesus Christ.

Know Jesus, Know God

From 1-3 John - Life in Fellowship:

1 John 2:22-23

²²Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ?

This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son.

²³Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father;

the one who confesses the Son has the Father also.

Know Jesus, Know the Father

Jesus Christ is the perfect representation of the Father.  The character of God is more clearly portrayed in the Person of Jesus Christ than anywhere else.  The world may be comfortable with Jesus, so long as He is not said to be the “only way” to God.  However, this is the clear message of Scripture.  It seems that John had the conversation recorded in John 14:6 very much in mind when He wrote this passage as it parallels that account clearly:

⁵Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?" ⁶Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. ⁷"If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him." ⁸Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us." ⁹Jesus said to him, "Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, 'Show us the Father'? ¹⁰"Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. ¹¹"Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves. - John 14:5-11 NASB

Christ made it abundantly clear: to know Jesus is to know the Father, and apart from Jesus there is no way of knowing the Father.  It is also important in understanding the deity of Jesus Christ.  These statements could not be made of any mere human.  The only person who could speak in such amazing terms (and about Whom such amazing things can be said) must, of necessity share the essence of God.  This is foundational to the core reality of the Trinity in Scripture.

Older Women and Younger Women and Encouragement

^{From Titus: Life in the Church}

^{Titus 2:3-5}

³ Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good,  ⁴so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,  ⁵to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.

Encourage

In Greek, this word has the idea of encouraging someone to their personal duty.  The older women are to be teaching the young women.  It is very interesting the older women are given the responsibility to be teaching, caring for, and disciplining the younger women.  This is very important, especially in this day in age.  It is not usually appropriate for a male elder to council a young woman, especially in a one on one setting.  This is something that Paul gives to the older women to oversee and care for.  We have seen in our day, some of us from very close quarters what can happen when men and women get involved in inappropriate ways, often with the very best intentions.  It is also affected by the fact that even if nothing inappropriate happens it can raise questions in the minds of onlookers and mar the credibility of church members.  This is a massively important task without which the Local Church could fall apart completely.

Two Real Men

From Romans: Finding the Faith:

Romans 5:12-17 (NASB)

¹²Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned – ¹³for until the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.  ¹⁴Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.  ¹⁵But the free gift is not like the transgression.  For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many.  ¹⁶The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification. ¹⁷For if by the transgression of the one death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.

Two Men

In these verses we see two men contrasted.  The first is Adam and the second is Christ.  The first thing we must note is that if Adam didn’t literally live this passage is meaningless.  Paul, along with all of the other Biblical Authors (and Christ Himself), views Adam as a real literal man, who was the first of all men, created by the very hand of God.  It may seem like a compromise to suggest the days of creation are “symbolic” or to be interpreted “poetically” but if this is so there is absolutely no theological meaning for what follows hereafter, as we will see.  The remainder of this study will take for granted that Adam was a real, physical man and really was the first of all men whom we are all ultimately descended from, not a “symbol” or a “poetic device” or any other allegorical non-sense. 

The contrast is between Adam and Christ and will give us an understanding of the two positions that are available to mankind.  We can be positioned in Adam, and identified with his sin and our own, or we can be positioned in Christ, and identified with His righteous sacrifice and perfection.  This is yet more important information in understanding the character and nature of our salvation and will be the very important background information as we begin to consider sanctification in the coming chapter.

Good Senses

An excerpt from 1-3 John: Life in Fellowship 
¹What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life-- " John 1:1

John here breaks his witness down to the very core level, his very senses and experience.  While he was the final remaining Apostle there may have been other disciples still alive who had seen Him.  John is also, possibly, invoking the memory of the other apostles that had passed away and saying, “We all had this experience.”

Hearing – The first sense with which John mentions having experienced the person and ministry of Jesus Christ is with his ears.  This is in the perfect tense which is “past tense completed action with results going into the present.”  There may be a sense of “we heard Him and His voice still rings in our ears.”  John heard Jesus and remembered very well what He said.

Seen – The next way in which John interacted with Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry is that he saw Jesus.  To the verb “seen” John adds “with our eyes.”  John wanted to make sure that everyone understood that this is not a metaphor for spiritually seeing Jesus.  He actually SAW Jesus.  He saw Jesus make footprints, he saw Jesus eat, He likely camped out close enough to Jesus to know that when He tossed in his sleep he upset the blankets that were draped over Him.  Then he says “we looked”, this is to look so as to gain insight.  They gazed at Jesus and studied Him!

Touch – Not just that, John touched Jesus.  He undoubtedly exchanged the traditional greeting of a holy kiss on the cheek and felt Jesus’ beard on his face.  John remembered that Peter was raised out of the water by Jesus’ own hand, and himself reclined against Jesus at the last supper.  Jesus had come fully in the flesh and it is of the utmost importance that He did.

Happy Independence Day

Disciple Making the Right Way

Matthew 28:19-20 is often called “the Great Commission”.  In these verses the Risen Christ tells his disciples:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

While English translations can give the impression that the command is to “go” the word translated go is actually a passive participle.  While a little clunky in English, the translation “As you are going…” gives the sense of the Greek –while we move along the Lord’s paths for us we are to be doing something.

The imperative comes next: They are commanded to “make disciples.” this is quite different than making converts.  It meant to teach, coach and mentor people in the ways and thinking of another – in this case: The ways of Jesus Christ!  Discipleship meant more than a transfer of information, it was knowledge demonstrated in the life of the disciple or learner.

This verse is clear – the focus is not on the “going” but the “making of disciples” and there is not one person on earth who is excluded from the potential for Biblical discipleship.  Believer’s today are playing the key roles in this very mission of making Disciples for Jesus.

Loving Evangelism

When separated from his beloved friends in Thessalonica Paul remembered their time together with these words:

“So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our lives, because you had become dear to us.” 1 Thessalonians 2:9

Philippians 2 sights negative motivations with which one may preach Christ: selfish ambition, envy, strife, or in pretense.  However, godly motivation for sharing the gospel is God’s love within the believer.  We are not to be motivated by guilt, or obligation.  Neither are we to be motivated by the desire of putting another notch on our belt.  The correct motivation for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ is the genuine desire that another person may know the hope, joy, peace, freedom and forgiveness of salvation in Christ.  If this love is motivating us we will, like Paul and his band of ministers, give the gospel with our words and our genuine actions of tender care – desiring that they would ultimately come to know Him. If this love is not currently motivating you to share Christ with others – think more often upon the amazing love which God has poured out upon you in Christ. 

The more you rest in His love for you
The more though you His love will do…

Heed His Word!

There are books, movies and seminars beyond counting that try to tell us how to live a good life. One saint asked this question in the Bible as recorded in Psalm 119:9 asking:

How can a young man cleanse his way?

The answer is immediately supplied:

            By taking heed according to your Word.

This whole answer is expressed in two simple Hebrew words:

לִשְׁמֹר כִּדְבָרֶֽךָ

Lee-sh’mor ki-dvarecha

The first word combines the word for listen with the prefix lamed which means “to or toward” in Hebrew to listen is to heed or obey – to disobey is not to listen.

The second word is the word for “word” with a prefix that in this case means “according to” and the suffix “cha” makes it a second person possessive.  -that is YOUR word. In this case referring to God’s word.

These two Hebrew words are all the advice we need to find the direction for our every path

Lee-sh’more ki-dvarecha – Heed God’s word!

Restoration Equation

What do I do if I notice my brother or sister in Christ is struggling with sin? Gossip? Judge? Separate?

In Galatians 6:1 we get God’s word on the matter:

     Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass,
     you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness,
     considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Galatians 6:1 NKJV

The word “overtaken” translates the Greek word προλαμβάνω - taken by surprise.  Your brother has been ambushed by sin!  This verse tells us who should act: The believer who is Spiritual.  That is, the one walking in reliance upon the Holy Spirit as described in Galatians 5:16-26.  The goal is restoration.  This is patiently and supportively leading him to fellowship with Christ.  In a spirit of gentleness.  We think of gentleness when handling a delicate flower.  While we may have the strength to crush the flower, that strength is restrained to preserve it.  Finally, Humility is vital as any believer who takes their eyes off Christ is vulnerable.  This humility guards everyone from further harm.

Friendship is a Special Blessing

Friendship is one of the greatest joys life has to offer.  Ecclesiastes 4 extols the many benefits of friendship:

⁹Two are better than one,
Because they have a good reward for their labor.
¹⁰For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
For he has no one to help him up.
¹¹Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;
But how can one be warm alone?
¹²Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.
And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

That’s right.  Higher productivity, help up when we fall, warmth from the cold and strength against adversaries are all benefits of God’s amazing gift of friendship.  But what makes a great friendship?  Looks, habits, or proximity? Amos hits the nail on the head when he asks:

Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? (Amos 3:3)

Clearly a true eternal friendship is built upon the shared identity of two people who are progressing in their walk with Jesus Christ.  Perhaps that is why Paul equates faith and love for the saints in Ephesians 1:15.  Take a moment today and express your gratitude for the friends who draw you closer to Christ.

...As Christ Forgave You

Ephesians 4:32 gives direction for the body of Christ.

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

 “be” translates the Greek word ginomai and is in the Present tense, middle voice, and imperative mood.  Present tense means that this is for right now.  Middle voice means that the subject is intensely involved in the action and the imperative mood means that this is not optional.

Three things are commanded here:

   To be kind – This is too be benevolent in attitude and action

   To be tenderhearted – the saint in fellowship with Christ will be compassionate

   Forgiving one another – In the Church there will be offenses given – some on purpose and some    unintentionally.  

Believers are not perfect and the instruction here is to be in the regular habit of forgiveness.  A standard is put forth:

“As God in Christ forgave you.”

God’s forgiveness in Christ is perfect and complete.  He took our sins (past, present and future) upon Himself and has permanently, positionally forgiven us at His own expense.

This kind of love is only available to believers from the source – this is not contrived.  We are to abide in Christ and see his kindness, his tenderheartedness and His forgiveness flow forth in our lives.

A Growing Faith

Famed evangelist D.L. Moody once said: “I prayed for faith and thought that some day faith would come down and strike me like lightning. But faith did not seem to come. One day I read in the tenth chapter of Romans, “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” I had up to this time closed my Bible and prayed for faith. I now opened my Bible and began to study, and faith has been growing ever since.”

This may sound like a mystical miracle, but the process is simple.  Faith is trust or belief in something.  Faith can be placed in a person, an object or an idea.  God has given us the ability to choose where we will place our faith.  It is easy to trust in an old friend because you know his faithfulness.  It is in the Word of God that we see why God is worthy of our trust and our faith grows naturally.  We see God’s character, His plan, and His power and our natural inclination to trust Him increases. 

If you would see your faith to grow,

It’s to the Bible you must go!

Gospel Greatness

When sharing our faith we are tempted to constantly seek out cutting edge methods.  The Bible gives insight.  The city of Corinth was famous.  They were wealthy, morally degenerate, and valued progress.  In Corinth, we would surely be tempted to accommodate: only the most polished presentation would ever work here.  Yet Paul writes:

“And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God.  For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”

“excellence of speech” and “wisdom” describe two important Greek values.   First, “Rhetoric”, or, how to say things in a way that is persuasive or even manipulative.  Second, Philosophy – which was the development of new ideas…

Paul rejected these cultural values and came with only the message of Jesus Christ and Him Crucified.

We need not worry ourselves with making cutting edge Gospel presentations…we simply bear witness to Jesus Christ and what He has done for us.

Eve's Prophetic Words

And I will put enmity
Between you and the woman,
And between your seed and her Seed;
He shall bruise your head,
And you shall bruise His heel.”

Genesis 3:15

On the heels of the fall of man God gives the promise of a coming Savior.  Genesis 3:15 identifies this coming Savior as the Seed of the woman – not of a man.

Adam and Eve seemed to anticipate that God was planning to fulfill this promise right away and says of her first son Cain:

"I have acquired a man from the LORD.” Genesis 4:1

Our translation tradition includes adding a word NOT found in the inspired Hebrew text.

Eve’s statement is more literally translated:

“I have acquired a man: the LORD.”

The word translated LORD is the tetragrammaton – the covenant name of God. And it tells us something about Adam and Eve’s expectation as the original recipients of the Messianic promise.  They expected that the Savior was coming.  That he would be born of the woman.

And that He would be, in fact, God in the flesh.

Adam and Eve were mistaken in thinking Cain was the promised Savior…but they were exactly right about the nature of the Savior…fully human, fully divine, clearly seen from the very first chapters of the word of God.  

Eternal Life

The phrase is “eternal life” is used frequently in the Bible and has great significance.

The Greek phrase is  ζωὴν αἰώνιον

Zoe is the word translated “life” and emphasizes spiritual life rather than biological life.

Aionion is translated eternal and has a very important nuance.  In Greek, this word does not simply mean “lasts forever.”  It means something that has no beginning or end.  Something that exists outside of a normal relationship to time.  This is critical for every believer to understand – if God had wanted us to know that He offers spiritual life – a connection with Him – He could have said that.  If He was offering us a second chance at the type of life we already have biologically, He could have said that, but what Jesus Christ came to give is everlasting, undefeatable, indestructible, unending, irrevocable, permanent, eternal life.  

Consider that reality when you read the word of Jesus in John 6:47:

“Most assuredly, I say to you, He who believes in Me has everlasting life.”

Fear - the Good and the Bad

Now and then we may like a good scare, but most of the time fear is a most unpleasant sensation.

The idea of fear has two senses in both Old and New Testaments – The Hebrew yare’ and the greek phobos both carry positive and negative connotations for fear.

In the negative sense, fear is a sensation of panic, fright or alarm.  Whether it is fear of people or coming events it is this fear that God commands us not to have…and the second sense in which “fear” is used in the Bible is why.  Fear can also mean a reverent respect for someone or something.  When we look at the Grand Canyon, when we an accomplished person, or when we listen to great music we may experience this kind of “fear.”  When we understand who God is and all that He has done for us this kind of fear is the result. 

Putting these two usages of the word “fear” together we can see how Fear of the Lord gives wisdom and drives away the fear of people, the fear of circumstances, the fear of pain and even the fear of things that go bump in the night. 

The one who truly fears God will never fear anything else.  

Citizenship on your mind?

These days we may take our citizenship for granted.  We are generally called citizens of the country where we were born or reside.  But this was not the case in 1^st century Rome.

Roman citizenship offered advantages like special legal protections, representation, and power and was held by only a fortunate few.  The Apostle Paul himself benefitted greatly from his citizenship as recorded in the book of Acts.

All of this made the words of Philippians 3:20 truly striking to the initial readers:

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…”

As citizens of heaven we are given legal access to the God of the Universe.

We are also of a particular heavenly culture that is expressed most fully in the character of Jesus Christ.  Finally, regardless of our earthly citizenship or residence we are constantly acting as official Ambassadors for our Ultimate Home, which is a high calling indeed!