Tag Archives: Christ

I’ve Got Good News…I’ve Got Bad News

Daily living, Encouragement, , ,

bad news stormYou can’t have one without the other.

What is a beautiful day unless you have experienced a stormy day?

What’s sunshine without rain? What is good news without bad? It takes one to contrast and highlight the other.

I’ll start with the bad news. You are broken. You are sinful, and there is nothing you can do about it.  God, through Jeremiah, said, “Behold, I will bring you to judgment for saying ‘I have not sinned’” (Jeremiah 2:35). Writing to Christians, John said, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us “ (1 John 1:8). This may offend and even anger us because we usually think quite well of ourselves. We don’t claim perfection, but we do see ourselves as pretty good people. We don’t break laws, and we are nice to others. We help out when others need help. The idea that we are a rank sinner is hurtful!

I think we overlook what sin really is. Sin is not determined by comparing ourselves to the guy next door or the man down the street who kicks his dog and beats his wife. Sin is the contrast between God and me. Sin is the result of a comparison between God’s glory and my attempt at reflecting that glory to others. We have fallen short of His glory (Romans 3:23).

There is no diagnosis worse than sin.

But the good news is that there is a cure! Sin need not be a permanent condition. There is good news!

This good news is called the gospel. The original word in the New Testament can be translated as “good news” (Acts 8:12, 35; Romans 10:15) or as “gospel” (Matthew 4:23; Luke 9:6; Acts 8:25). There is good news!

The good news comes from God. As far back as the Garden of Eden, God declared the consequences of Adam and Eve’s sin while, at the same time, he proclaimed the good news of one who would destroy sin forever – the offspring of woman, Jesus (Genesis 3:1-15). It was Jesus who first began to spread the good news of the coming kingdom (Matthew 4:23; 9:35; Mark 1:14).

Not only was Jesus a messenger of the good news, he was the good news! Jesus declared of himself “the son of man came to seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10). From the day of his birth, until the nails pierced his hands, Jesus was doing the will of God to save man from sin (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). As the life slipped from his torn and tortured body, he could say, “it is finished” (John 19:30). God had come into the world in the form of man (Philippians 2:5-8) and offered his perfect life as the ransom for my sins. As we sing, so says the Bible, he paid a debt he did not owe (Colossians 2:5; c.f. Hebrews 4:15)!

The good news has been preached. The gospel of the kingdom of Christ has been once for all delivered (Jude 3). You have been set free in Christ. Romans 8:2: “for the law of the spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” Christ’s law is the absolute antidote for sin. It is Jesus who breaks the bonds of the imprisoned sinner and allows the inspired Paul to shout “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4).

Have you come to the great physician for your treatment? Have you come to the free fountain of life for healing?  Jesus awaits. Do not delay. By submitting to Christ in all areas of life, one may be saved from the eternal ravages of sin. There is good news for you in Christ!

 

God’s Covenants – Introduction

Bible General, Church Bulletin, , ,

God has dealt with men differently through the ages. A misunderstanding of these periods or dispensations can have a profound impact on understanding God’s word today. Denominations base some of their worship practices on the law of Moses as if it were normative today. Supporters of the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) agenda, assert that biblical injunctions condemning their actions are similar to other Old Testament teachings like animal sacrifice, slavery, and stoning of incorrigible children. Christians may contribute to this misunderstanding by depending solely upon Mosaic standards to assert standards for modern life.

Covenants

God has dealt with men differently through the ages. Typically, He enters into a type of covenant with His creation. These are not negotiated covenants or contracts as we understand them today. These are unilateral covenants in which God binds both Himself and his creation to its terms. God is sovereign, i.e. He answers to no one other than Himself. Therefore, there is no one with whom to negotiate. Performance of the covenant is ensured by God Himself. “For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself” (Hebrews 6:13 – emphasis mine, jbe). This is fully acceptable because God cannot lie (Titus 1:2 Hebrews 6:18). The problem has always been that man is not faithful to the covenant.

God’s Covenants: Patriarchal

In the very beginning, God dealt directly with mankind, typically speaking to the heads of the families. He blessed Adam and Eve (Genesis 1:28) but forbade them to touch the forbidden tree (Genesis 3:17). He commanded Noah to build the Ark, which would save him from the coming flood (Genesis 6:14). He promised Abraham great blessings contingent on his obedience (Genesis 12:1-9). All men were subject to God’s commands. Some would remain subject to the Patriarchal covenant until Acts 10 and the conversion of Cornelius. But a subset of creation, the offspring of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, would soon be given a new and unique covenant.

God’s Covenants: Mosaic

God promised Abraham to make his offspring into a great nation (Genesis 12:2). Now, some 450 years later, that promise was being fulfilled. Gathered at the foot of Mt. Sinai, the Hebrews (Israel) received a law of their own – a law never given to anyone else. This law included spiritual and worship mandates, civic instructions, and health regulations. Exodus 20:2 shows God is speaking only to the ones he brought out of Egypt, the Hebrews. The laws that followed, including the 10 Commandments, were only given to Israel. It is true that many of the commands in Christianity, but they are given anew and not as a continuation of the Mosaic law. This law, the law of Moses, was done away with in Christ (Colossians 2:14 et. al). We will focus more on this removal of the Law later.

God’s Covenant’s: Christian

There is now a new law which all men are amenable to – the law of Christ (1 Corinthians 9:21). Many reject Christ and his law, other ignore it and some are neglectful, but this law is the law by which we will be judged. Turning again to the promises made to Abraham, we find the following: “in you all the families of the earth will be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). This is an early and somewhat vague promise (c.f. Genesis 3:15) but would become clearer in time (Isaiah 11:1, 10, Psalm 89:35-37). This new covenant is with all men and all are commanded to submit to it (Acts 17:30).

In a coming article, we look closer at each of these periods and the implications for men today.

 

 Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @J_Bryant_Evans.

Boast in the Lord

Church Bulletin, ,

“Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord” (Jeremiah 9:23, 24)

Christians are humble servants of the Lord. We understand and accept the designation of a servant doing the will of the Master. Christians do not pursue the trappings of worldly, self centered aggrandizement but instead look unto the Father for all their needs. Such a way of life is counter to the present culture which places emphasis on personal achievement and self-sufficiency.

But such a life of humility must never be thought empty or depressing. Indeed Christians have much to boast about.  Continue reading Boast in the Lord →

The Doctrine of Christ

Church Bulletin, Doctrine, Jesus, ,

In 2 John 9, the King James translation says,

“Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.”

Other mainline translations replace doctrine with teaching which is acceptable. But notice the importance of having the correct doctrine in place. Proper doctrine brings a relationship with both Jesus and his Father. This is, no doubt, a part of walking in the light which John mentioned earlier in 1st John 1:7

“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

It is inconceivable that a Christian could claim fellowship with Jesus and at the same time deny that he was actually the Son of God but that was precisely the problem John was addressing. There were some in John’s day Continue reading The Doctrine of Christ →

Being A Christian

Church, Daily living, Doctrine, , ,
Christian cross and hands

Being a Christian is a unique and joyful experience when we properly fill the role. The unrighteous may heap scorn upon the child of God. But, he has nothing comparable to the strength, power and happiness that fills the Christian. Because of the special place the faithful disciple enjoys, his life should be full of happiness and expectation.

Those in Christ (Romans 8:1) stand at the pinnacle of thousands of years of redemptive work by God. Like a painter’s masterpiece the Christian is the product of a process that began long ago and culminates in one’s decision to come to Jesus in faith and obedience. The plan of salvation is a stunning gift with aspects you may never have considered.

A Divine Promise

Before time began, God chose that those found in His Son, Jesus, would be holy (Ephesians 1:4). From the moment man sinned, God promised a coming redeemer. Genesis 3:15 is the first prophecy of one who would come, defeat Satan and reclaim for Himself the faithful. That promise is repeated in many ways throughout history.

God promised Abraham offspring through whom all families of the world would be blessed (Genesis 12:3). Isaiah repeated the prophecies a thousand years later when he described the suffering servant by whose stripes we would be healed (Isaiah 53:5).

A Divine Process

John the Baptist spoke of the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29). It was at this time Jesus called his first disciples and began to preach that the kingdom of God was near.

Jesus, speaking of himself, said that if he were crucified, he would draw all to himself (John 12:31-32). His final command was to “make disciples” and baptize them (Matthew 28:19). Those disciples were called Christians for the first time in Acts 11:26 in Antioch.

Truly, the Christian is the product of a long and very deliberate process authored by Christ (Hebrews 12:2; Hebrews 2:10; Hebrews 5:9).

Divine Blessings

Those in Christ receive unique blessings not given to those who reject the Savior. Jesus is clear, men only come to the Father through Him (John 14:6). Only in Christ do we find eternal life (Romans 6:23). Freedom from condemnation and sin is found only in Christ (Romans 8:1-2). It is as his disciple that we become a new creation, utterly changed from the old sinful person (2 Corinthians 5:17).

In Christ we have hope, actually a full expectation, of living eternally with Him and with the Father (2 Thessalonians 2:16; Titus 1:2; Titus 3:7). The expectation of heaven sustains us and comforts us and, as a result, we do not face death with despair and hopelessness; we are not like those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13) but are a people with an anchor of hope which lies securely with God (Hebrews 6:19-20).

Indeed, being a Christian brings untold blessings in this life and the life to come. Our pitiful are those who reject his love, grace and mercy and seek only the temporary rewards of this life. How sad, that in their arrogance, they reject the offer made to all for life eternal. Thanks to God for his love for us and for his ways to bring man to salvation!

 

Ruth – Know the Book

Know the Book, Ruth, ,

The book of Ruth is perhaps the sweetest story of love and devotion found in the Old Testament. The story is first centered on Naomi, a tragic character facing a desperate life following the death of her husband and both of her sons. Left in a distant land with only two young daughters-in-law it seems she is destined for poverty. Instead, a surprising turn early in the book brings love devotion and the continuance of the line of Jesus Christ Continue reading Ruth – Know the Book →

The “Smoothing” of the Old Rugged Cross

Church Bulletin, Culture, Daily living, Jesus, , ,

Crucifixion was a horrible way to die. The Romans intended it that way. A criminal might languish for hours and hours as his life slowly drained away. The very public death was also intended to be humiliating. The near naked man was displayed for all to see and to berate with every conceivable insult. There was nothing easy about crucifixion. The Bible writers said that Jesus “endured” the horrors of Calvary (Hebrews 12:2). Oxford says to endure is to suffer through something painful and prolonged with patience. Jesus patiently suffered through pain, agony and humiliation.

As ugly as crucifixion was, it is an event to be shared by those who are followers of the Lord. We are to walk in his footsteps in all areas of life and death. Paul said he wanted to ”share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Philippians 3:10; 2 Corinthians 1:5), Peter echoes the same thought that we suffer with Christ (1 Peter 4:13). Men normally do not choose the manner and time of their death and so cannot literally be crucified. But the idea is that Christians still endure suffering as they follow after Christ.  Many examples illustrate the idea. Disciples are to “share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 2:5). We are to “work hard” (Acts 20:35) to serve the Lord.  We follow the example of men like Paul (1 Corinthians 11:1) who discounted all of life’s pleasures so that he might follow after Christ and come to know him (Philippians 3:7-11). The Christian life is not a life of ease or pleasure. It is modeled after a Savior who wandered the lands seeking the lost. It is modeled after his earliest followers who struggled and died for His cause.

If we now turn to the present day we see a contrast between the lowly, struggling Christians of the early church and the comforted, at ease Christians of today. Suddenly, the old rugged cross isn’t quite so rugged anymore.

Some have sought to turn to a life of deliberate, induced suffering  living as monks or nuns (monasticism) or through self inflicted rituals (asceticism). But such is not taught to followers of Christ. Like our Lord, our suffering comes not from things we deliberately do to ourselves but from things arising from our service to God. Jesus wandered Palestine with few possessions and  then submitted to a cruel death not because of some value inherent in suffering, but because His pursuit of serving God led Him into those things. His devotion was such that it produced suffering – not the other way around. If devotion produces suffering – and there is no suffering – is there devotion? You decide.

The by-word of modern society is “tolerate” and the motto is “you’re ok, I’m ok.” We are taught to blend into society and accept the advance of culture. To violate these societal norms is to bring humiliation and ostracism. Perhaps the ease with which we navigate the present culture should suggest a lack of devotion?

Our churches are ornate and have the finest padding on the pews and the best air conditioning and heating that can be purchased. We drive expensive automobiles from our fine homes to worship. We have convinced ourselves that we can easily fit Christianity into our lives. May we suggest that we should fit our lives around our faith? We have taken sandpaper to the old rugged cross and smoothed it so much that it is no longer burdens us. We have changed it. It has not changed us.

Christian Strength

Church Bulletin,
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me”
(Philippians 4:13)

There is probably no greater encouragement for daily living than this passage from Paul. Written from prison this passage has added meaning when you remember that Paul was facing some of the most difficult moments in his life – moments that would end with his own execution. The apostle’s attitude rested in the knowledge that Christ was living in him and would bring him through his struggles. He knew that Jesus himself faced terrible trials yet was victorious. Paul cast his future upon the Lord. We can also enjoy that confidence today through the same faith and dependence that Paul used.

Paul trusted in the Son of Man.

Jesus often used the term “son of man” to describe himself. It seems that this title highlighted the humanness of Jesus. Although fully God he was also fully man. The two characteristics perfectly melded together in the incarnation. But sometimes Jesus wanted people to take note of the human side (Matthew 20:28; Mark 8:31; Luke 9:22; John 8:28). The writer of Hebrews emphasizes his human side when he concludes that Jesus is a High Priest who has suffered just like we have so that he might understand our difficulties (Hebrews 4:15).

Jesus spent over 33 years upon the earth. He faced the same problems we face today and suffered the same temptations. He knows what we face and he cares.

Paul trusted in the Creator.

Jesus was the creator (John 1:1-4) and thus possessed immeasurable power and authority over the physical (and spiritual) world. He knew that the same power used to craft the worlds out of nothingness could deliver him from any earthly challenge. It is important to properly understand what Paul is saying in Philippians 4. He says he can do “all things” but modifies or qualifies that statement. The modifier comes when he declares that he can to all things “through him who strengthens me.” You see, there is no strength for Paul apart from Jesus. He cannot do all things by himself but only through or in Christ.

How horribly we fail when we seek to face daily life emboldened by our own strength and not that of Jesus. How weak we truly are! Set your faith in Jesus’ ability to deliver!

Paul trusted in the future.

There is not much faith in the future today. Economic troubles, job losses, declining markets, rising crime, threats of war and terror, ineffective government and more give greater and greater fear to the citizen of the world. But Paul did not concern himself with worldly or earthly affairs. No, Paul looked beyond the earth for his strength. Things upon the earth might not work out like Paul had hoped. He not live to be old like John. He would never have a comfortable life here. But Paul knew that whatever happened here would pale in comparison to his future. He told Timothy that his life was already coming to an end. But there would be a crown awaiting him (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

Use Paul as an example of strength and trust and never forget that Jesus will reward the faithful!

Easter?

Bible General, Church Bulletin,

This morning many churches in our area and throughout the world staged an Easter Sunrise Service to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the tomb. This day marks the end of a period known to many as “holy week.” Like Christmas almost four months earlier, many will focus upon Jesus today unlike they ever do on any other day. Therein lies a very sad problem.

The Biblical record fully supports the doctrine of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. All four of the Gospel writers record the resurrection, Acts prominently deals with it and the various New Testament writers teach it. Revelation raises the idea to an even higher level because we see the risen Lord in his reigning glory. Paul challenges, almost dares, skeptics to seek out eyewitnesses to the event when he pens that Jesus appeared to over 500 people at once after his resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:6). The resurrection is fact. It is amazing, even stunning, but it is fact nonetheless. Jesus came back to life at a point in time and at a physical place. The certainty of the resurrection is as sure as the discovery of America, the discovery of penicillin and even the certainty of your own birthday.

While the truth of the resurrection is undeniable, it is what the resurrection proves that is so important. The resurrection is arguably the most verifiable miracle done in history. As such, it proves that Jesus was who he said he was, proves that what he said throughout his ministry was true and proves that his victory over death is also ours. Christians should rejoice and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ daily, not just once a year.

The Biblical record is also clear that the early church knew nothing of a special “Easter” service. Christians lived their faith daily (Acts 2:46). In their teachings and preachings the resurrection was always foremost in  their teachings. It was THE miracle that defined their Lord and his power over the grave. However, we never read of an Easter service. The one occasion where the word “Easter” is found in the Bible is the result of a horrendous mistranslation. Acts 12:4 says Herod intended to bring Peter out to the people after the PASCHA – that should be, and is in newer translations, rendered Passover. It does not mean Easter and never has.

The problem with creating special holidays not given in Scripture is that we go beyond what God has authorized. In this case, giving a sense of holiness and righteousness to people who will not darken the door again until December.

The call of Christ is a call to take up one’s cross daily and follow him (Luke 9:23). Our Lord died for our sins and insured that Heaven can be ours. His promise of life eternal is not limited to one day a year and neither should our worship and praise of him be for one day.

Let us choose now to honor our Lord daily by lives that give honor and glory to his Kingship. Let us mirror the image of Christ throughout every day of every week and thereby point others to the Savior. Please ask yourself, where will you be next Sunday? Where will you be tomorrow? Will you give glory to God and to his Son?

-Bryant Evans

Evil Empire

Church Bulletin, Eastern Shore church of Christ, ,

It was on this day in 1983 that President Ronald Reagan proclaimed that the Soviet Union was an “evil empire.” The statement sent shock waves throughout the diplomatic world and many declared that the popular President had set U.S. – Soviet relationships back thirty years. Reagan’s comment was nonetheless true. The Soviets did not believe in God nor did they allow people to worship freely. Personal liberty was unheard of and there were no true civil rights. Within a few short years that empire would crumble and freedom would begin to sweep across eastern Europe and Asia.

There is today an evil empire which exists and is even bigger than the old Soviet Union.  Continue reading Evil Empire →