"So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him." Heb 9:28 (NIV)
It is difficult for any human being to look upon Jesus' suffering on the cross as good news. The gospel account is actually quite horrifying and humiliating. Nevertheless, without it, humanity would be doomed to an an irreversible destruction. It is only because of our Savior's great sacrifice that we can be reconciled to the God who made us.
The one thing that mitigates the sorrowful treatment of God's son is the fact that he took up his life again. With resurrection power, he arose and walked out of his borrowed tomb to verify the truth of his words and spread the good news of their meaning. Having completed his work on earth, he returned to the heaven from which he came and now sits on the right hand of God.
Beloved, all of this is as if a cure has been discovered for a terrible disease to which we are all subject. The goodness of the news does not reach its zenith until we are ourselves inoculated. This will take place when the same Savior who rose into the clouds comes back in those clouds and reaps the harvest of all he has planted on earth. That is when good news will get even better.
Let us be sure that we are part of that harvest. Though he will return for those who are waiting for him, remember that we must be prepared in our waiting. As the wise virgins had their lamps filled with oil, ready for the bridegroom to arrive despite not knowing the hour, we too must have our lives in order. Only then we will be able to take advantage of the best news possible: the announcement that it is time to go home.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Monday, October 22, 2012
Friday, October 19, 2012
Who is Jesus? 10/19/2012
"And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high." Heb 1:3
Most who call upon the name of Christ have a working knowledge of who he is. We understand what he has done and is doing for us, that he loves us and that we should love and obey him. But do we ever go beyond those surface facts. Scripture reveals some very powerful truths about our Savior.
It is important to know that Jesus is God in the flesh. There are many scriptures that bear out this critical fact. One well known example can be found in Phi 2:5-8. You are encouraged to examine this for yourself. This means that Jesus was not and is not just a "good man," "an excellent teacher," or a "wise prophet."
Jesus is God the Son and is able to, as the scripture says, uphold all things by the word of His power." For further insight into what this means, read John 1:1-3. Once this has been done, journey to verse 14 of the same book and chapter to understand who wields this power and to know that our Savior is indeed King of Kings who loved us enough to put on flesh and live among us.
Understanding these things, we must then become convinced that only his death could pay the price of our sin. The sacrificing of animals and agricultural products could never do. The death of any other person, no matter how righteous would accomplish nothing for him or herself nor the human race. Only God could accomplish such a thing. And now, his earthly work done, he has returned to the heaven which he left for us, and is preparing a place for us to be there with him.
Beloved let us always keep in mind that Jesus is not just a slogan, an idea, a historical figure or a quaint notion. He is the Master of the universe and the personal savior of all who call upon him.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Most who call upon the name of Christ have a working knowledge of who he is. We understand what he has done and is doing for us, that he loves us and that we should love and obey him. But do we ever go beyond those surface facts. Scripture reveals some very powerful truths about our Savior.
It is important to know that Jesus is God in the flesh. There are many scriptures that bear out this critical fact. One well known example can be found in Phi 2:5-8. You are encouraged to examine this for yourself. This means that Jesus was not and is not just a "good man," "an excellent teacher," or a "wise prophet."
Jesus is God the Son and is able to, as the scripture says, uphold all things by the word of His power." For further insight into what this means, read John 1:1-3. Once this has been done, journey to verse 14 of the same book and chapter to understand who wields this power and to know that our Savior is indeed King of Kings who loved us enough to put on flesh and live among us.
Understanding these things, we must then become convinced that only his death could pay the price of our sin. The sacrificing of animals and agricultural products could never do. The death of any other person, no matter how righteous would accomplish nothing for him or herself nor the human race. Only God could accomplish such a thing. And now, his earthly work done, he has returned to the heaven which he left for us, and is preparing a place for us to be there with him.
Beloved let us always keep in mind that Jesus is not just a slogan, an idea, a historical figure or a quaint notion. He is the Master of the universe and the personal savior of all who call upon him.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Thursday, October 18, 2012
GPS 10/18/2012 (rp)
"And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
We live in a choice driven world. Everyone seems to want to either blaze their own trail and go their own way or chose from a plethora of trails to get to a common destination. We seek to distinguish ourselves by being different than the next person. For this reason standards become diluted. Whereas this human trait may be responsible for many of the advances we have achieved, when it comes to salvation, there has only ever been one way.
Beloved, Jesus is the doorway through which we must enter in order to gain our heavenly home. He emphatically states in Jn 14:6, "I am the way, the truth and the life; no man comes to the Father except through me." Though we change, the Way does not. The Hebrew writer offers, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." The standard has been established and is accessible to everyone who chooses to follow Him. Many will espouse different ways to reach paradise but make no mistake, the only road map, established by God, gives one route and one route only. Let us follow the ultimate GPS (God Positioning System) and share the directions with others.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
We live in a choice driven world. Everyone seems to want to either blaze their own trail and go their own way or chose from a plethora of trails to get to a common destination. We seek to distinguish ourselves by being different than the next person. For this reason standards become diluted. Whereas this human trait may be responsible for many of the advances we have achieved, when it comes to salvation, there has only ever been one way.
Beloved, Jesus is the doorway through which we must enter in order to gain our heavenly home. He emphatically states in Jn 14:6, "I am the way, the truth and the life; no man comes to the Father except through me." Though we change, the Way does not. The Hebrew writer offers, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." The standard has been established and is accessible to everyone who chooses to follow Him. Many will espouse different ways to reach paradise but make no mistake, the only road map, established by God, gives one route and one route only. Let us follow the ultimate GPS (God Positioning System) and share the directions with others.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Works Do Not Save 10/16/2012 (rp)
"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast." Eph 2:8-9
For those who know me personally, you are aware that I am currently pursuing a Masters of Arts in Religion with an emphasis in Biblical Studies. With all of my other responsibilities, you might correctly imagine that it is very demanding. So if you see a tad bit of inconsistency in timing and delivery or an an unusual amount of reposts, prayerfully you will understand why. I give praise to God, however, that I am learning something new every day. Some of that learning is shared with you through this and other forums. Thankfully, I am very near the finish line.
Having said all of that beloved, I thought I'd share with you a not untypical assignment from a course on apologetics. My classmates and I were asked to discuss the relationship between works and salvation from an apologists (evangelistic) point of view.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
___________________________________________________________________________________
If works do not provide salvation, then what role do they play in the Christian life?
INTRODUCTION
Most individuals are taught from an early age that in order to obtain a desired thing, status or way of life, it must be earned through work. After the fall in the Garden of Eden, God established the necessity to work, even to eat, when He said to Adam, “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground.”[1] The desire of the eye, the needs of the body, and the demands of the ego are not to be confused with the way to salvation. Despite the fact that some teach that salvation is to be earned through works, no works can be done that can accomplish what Jesus has already done, however works can and should be done because of salvation and these will be rewarded on earth and in heaven.
OVERVIEW
The Jehovah’s Witnesses boast a membership of over six and a half million.[2] Each of these individuals have been taught that, “Door-to-door witnessing, conducting Bible ‘studies’ and remaining obedient to the ‘faithful and discreet servants’ (leadership of the Watchtower) are all necessary for salvation.”[3] The Jehovah’s Witnesses are just one example of a salvation by works theology. An examination of the scriptures reveals this type of doctrine to be false.
BODY
It is only through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus the Christ that salvation can be obtained. Romans 5:8-9 reveals that it was Christ’s death that provides us with justification and salvation from the wrath of God. Further, Paul writes, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.”[4] Isaiah presses the point of the uselessness of righteous acts by stating, all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.”[5] Scripture frequently points out that salvation cannot be earned by human effort but only through that which Jesus accomplished on our behalf.
Though works themselves do not save, works can and should be pursued because of salvation. Paul wrote to the saved Christians at Philippi with instructions to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purposes.” The Greek word for “work out” (katergazomai) means to fashion or render one fit for a thing. In essence, Paul, in his letter to the congregation is telling them that while he is gone, they are to continue doing the things that God has placed in them as His children that He may be pleased and that they may be an example. This would help them live up to the salvation which they had already received.
Although works do not save, there is a beneficial earthly and heavenly reward that can be obtained through them. Timothy was told to, “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasures for themselves as a firm foundation for that coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”[6] By doing good works, Christians not only obtain the good feeling of helping others, they also add to their promised reward. The point is further made in Eph 6:7-8 when Paul writes, “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.”
CONCLUSION
There is certainly a value to doing good works; however, salvation is not the result of them. An everlasting existence with the Father is only available through the atoning work of Jesus, but works should be pursued because of salvation, as well as the earthly and heavenly benefit. The human psychology of earning what a person gets is admirable. This is also a biblical teaching in that it is written, “if any would not work, neither should he eat.”[7] This doctrine does not, however, extend to salvation. To teach that it does devalues the life, teaching, death, burial and resurrection of the son of God.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hindson, Ed, and Ergun Caner, eds. The Popular Encyclopedia of Apologetics. Eugene: Harvest House Publishers, 2008.
Horton, David, ed. The Portable Seminary. Grand Rapids: Bethany House, 2006.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[1] Gen 3:19 (NIV).
[2]David Horton, ed., The Portable Seminary (Grand Rapids: Bethany House, 2006), 419.
[3]Ed Hindson and Ergun Caner, eds., The Popular Encyclopedia of Apologetics (Eugene: Harvest House Publishers, 2008), 292.
[4]Titus 3:5.
[5]Isa 64:6.
[6]1 Tim 6:18-19.
[7]2 Thes 3:10.
For those who know me personally, you are aware that I am currently pursuing a Masters of Arts in Religion with an emphasis in Biblical Studies. With all of my other responsibilities, you might correctly imagine that it is very demanding. So if you see a tad bit of inconsistency in timing and delivery or an an unusual amount of reposts, prayerfully you will understand why. I give praise to God, however, that I am learning something new every day. Some of that learning is shared with you through this and other forums. Thankfully, I am very near the finish line.
Having said all of that beloved, I thought I'd share with you a not untypical assignment from a course on apologetics. My classmates and I were asked to discuss the relationship between works and salvation from an apologists (evangelistic) point of view.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
___________________________________________________________________________________
If works do not provide salvation, then what role do they play in the Christian life?
INTRODUCTION
Most individuals are taught from an early age that in order to obtain a desired thing, status or way of life, it must be earned through work. After the fall in the Garden of Eden, God established the necessity to work, even to eat, when He said to Adam, “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground.”[1] The desire of the eye, the needs of the body, and the demands of the ego are not to be confused with the way to salvation. Despite the fact that some teach that salvation is to be earned through works, no works can be done that can accomplish what Jesus has already done, however works can and should be done because of salvation and these will be rewarded on earth and in heaven.
OVERVIEW
The Jehovah’s Witnesses boast a membership of over six and a half million.[2] Each of these individuals have been taught that, “Door-to-door witnessing, conducting Bible ‘studies’ and remaining obedient to the ‘faithful and discreet servants’ (leadership of the Watchtower) are all necessary for salvation.”[3] The Jehovah’s Witnesses are just one example of a salvation by works theology. An examination of the scriptures reveals this type of doctrine to be false.
BODY
It is only through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus the Christ that salvation can be obtained. Romans 5:8-9 reveals that it was Christ’s death that provides us with justification and salvation from the wrath of God. Further, Paul writes, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.”[4] Isaiah presses the point of the uselessness of righteous acts by stating, all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.”[5] Scripture frequently points out that salvation cannot be earned by human effort but only through that which Jesus accomplished on our behalf.
Though works themselves do not save, works can and should be pursued because of salvation. Paul wrote to the saved Christians at Philippi with instructions to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purposes.” The Greek word for “work out” (katergazomai) means to fashion or render one fit for a thing. In essence, Paul, in his letter to the congregation is telling them that while he is gone, they are to continue doing the things that God has placed in them as His children that He may be pleased and that they may be an example. This would help them live up to the salvation which they had already received.
Although works do not save, there is a beneficial earthly and heavenly reward that can be obtained through them. Timothy was told to, “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasures for themselves as a firm foundation for that coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”[6] By doing good works, Christians not only obtain the good feeling of helping others, they also add to their promised reward. The point is further made in Eph 6:7-8 when Paul writes, “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.”
CONCLUSION
There is certainly a value to doing good works; however, salvation is not the result of them. An everlasting existence with the Father is only available through the atoning work of Jesus, but works should be pursued because of salvation, as well as the earthly and heavenly benefit. The human psychology of earning what a person gets is admirable. This is also a biblical teaching in that it is written, “if any would not work, neither should he eat.”[7] This doctrine does not, however, extend to salvation. To teach that it does devalues the life, teaching, death, burial and resurrection of the son of God.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hindson, Ed, and Ergun Caner, eds. The Popular Encyclopedia of Apologetics. Eugene: Harvest House Publishers, 2008.
Horton, David, ed. The Portable Seminary. Grand Rapids: Bethany House, 2006.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[1] Gen 3:19 (NIV).
[2]David Horton, ed., The Portable Seminary (Grand Rapids: Bethany House, 2006), 419.
[3]Ed Hindson and Ergun Caner, eds., The Popular Encyclopedia of Apologetics (Eugene: Harvest House Publishers, 2008), 292.
[4]Titus 3:5.
[5]Isa 64:6.
[6]1 Tim 6:18-19.
[7]2 Thes 3:10.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Maturing in the Faith 10/9/2012
"And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." Phi 1:9-11
Are you still believing and doing the same things you did yesterday? Do you still think what you thought a year or two or five ago? Are you still running with the same crowd and getting into the same stuff you always did? These may be strange questions to ask the Christian because a "yes" to any or all of them could be a good thing. In fact, a "yes" could also be a bad thing. A "yes" means that there may have been no growth in your spiritual life.
Paul first tells the church at Philipi that he prays for their growth in knowledge and discernment. The only way that we can acquire more knowledge is to seek it by studying our bibles, attending classes and worship services and surrounding ourselves with the spiritually mature. This will in turn give us a greater ability to know how to recognize and navigate around stumbling blocks that could trip us up. This discernment will also give us the ability to gravitate toward that which is godly and to make wise choices concerning our opinions, activities, habits and relationships that will reflect his presence in our lives. Achieving this (which is a constant process), we can be fully prepared for the return of our savior and please God in the process.
Beloved, it is not enough to sit on the pew on Sunday and simply nod at all the things the preacher says with which we agree. It is imperative to pursue a personal relationship with the Lord and to grow that relationship every day. In so doing, we prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God, Rom 12:2.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Are you still believing and doing the same things you did yesterday? Do you still think what you thought a year or two or five ago? Are you still running with the same crowd and getting into the same stuff you always did? These may be strange questions to ask the Christian because a "yes" to any or all of them could be a good thing. In fact, a "yes" could also be a bad thing. A "yes" means that there may have been no growth in your spiritual life.
Paul first tells the church at Philipi that he prays for their growth in knowledge and discernment. The only way that we can acquire more knowledge is to seek it by studying our bibles, attending classes and worship services and surrounding ourselves with the spiritually mature. This will in turn give us a greater ability to know how to recognize and navigate around stumbling blocks that could trip us up. This discernment will also give us the ability to gravitate toward that which is godly and to make wise choices concerning our opinions, activities, habits and relationships that will reflect his presence in our lives. Achieving this (which is a constant process), we can be fully prepared for the return of our savior and please God in the process.
Beloved, it is not enough to sit on the pew on Sunday and simply nod at all the things the preacher says with which we agree. It is imperative to pursue a personal relationship with the Lord and to grow that relationship every day. In so doing, we prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God, Rom 12:2.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Monday, October 8, 2012
The Outer Expression of Inner Truth 10/8/2012
"If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit." Gal 5:25
One of the hottest singing groups in the 80's was a duo called Milli Vanilli. Their first album went 6 times platinum and they won a Grammy that year for Best New Artist. The only problem was that the members of the group were not the actual singers. This was discovered during a concert at which the recording jammed and continued to play the same line over and over. The duo continued to lip sync for a while but ultimately ran off stage in humiliation. It was the scandal of the decade in the music industry.
Beloved, as Christians, it is critical that our Christian faith not be just a profession but a heartfelt Spirit filled lifestyle. Otherwise put, our video must always match our audio. To proclaim a relationship with the living God but live a life that is outside of His will and way is hypocrisy that does not fool God at all despite the fact that others may be influenced and enamored by what they see.
More important than what others think is being honest with one's self. Paul affirms that if we "walk in the Spirit, we will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want" Gal 5:16-17.
In short, if we claim to be children of God, let it be true on the inside and shown on the outside in both word and deed.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
One of the hottest singing groups in the 80's was a duo called Milli Vanilli. Their first album went 6 times platinum and they won a Grammy that year for Best New Artist. The only problem was that the members of the group were not the actual singers. This was discovered during a concert at which the recording jammed and continued to play the same line over and over. The duo continued to lip sync for a while but ultimately ran off stage in humiliation. It was the scandal of the decade in the music industry.
Beloved, as Christians, it is critical that our Christian faith not be just a profession but a heartfelt Spirit filled lifestyle. Otherwise put, our video must always match our audio. To proclaim a relationship with the living God but live a life that is outside of His will and way is hypocrisy that does not fool God at all despite the fact that others may be influenced and enamored by what they see.
More important than what others think is being honest with one's self. Paul affirms that if we "walk in the Spirit, we will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want" Gal 5:16-17.
In short, if we claim to be children of God, let it be true on the inside and shown on the outside in both word and deed.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Friday, October 5, 2012
Watch Your Mouth 10/5/2012
"But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matt 12:36-37
Most of it find it entertaining, telling or even tragic when one of our political leaders is caught saying something we would not normally associate with them near an open microphone. Many have been embarrassed by such utterances and find themselves having to spend a lot of time spinning the statement or doing damage control. The truth is, once something has been said, it can never be unsaid.
It is not just those who are in the public eye that are subject to these dangers; in fact, we all are. It is important that Christians know and understand that God is omniscient and omnipresent. "And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do" Heb 4:13. In short, God sees and hears everything.
Beloved we must be thoughtful about the things we choose to say. It is not nearly as much of the purposeful things we say as the idle ones that indicate our character. Have you ever been walking down the street, seen some one poorly dressed or in a diminished state of hygiene and said something derogatory about them to a companion? Are you critical of and vocal about others who may not agree with you? Do you engage in gossip? These words ultimately condemn the speaker rather than the object of them. Paul said, "Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person" Col 4:6. We are children of God and ambassadors of heaven. Every word that proceeds from our mouths should reflect this.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Most of it find it entertaining, telling or even tragic when one of our political leaders is caught saying something we would not normally associate with them near an open microphone. Many have been embarrassed by such utterances and find themselves having to spend a lot of time spinning the statement or doing damage control. The truth is, once something has been said, it can never be unsaid.
It is not just those who are in the public eye that are subject to these dangers; in fact, we all are. It is important that Christians know and understand that God is omniscient and omnipresent. "And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do" Heb 4:13. In short, God sees and hears everything.
Beloved we must be thoughtful about the things we choose to say. It is not nearly as much of the purposeful things we say as the idle ones that indicate our character. Have you ever been walking down the street, seen some one poorly dressed or in a diminished state of hygiene and said something derogatory about them to a companion? Are you critical of and vocal about others who may not agree with you? Do you engage in gossip? These words ultimately condemn the speaker rather than the object of them. Paul said, "Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person" Col 4:6. We are children of God and ambassadors of heaven. Every word that proceeds from our mouths should reflect this.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
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