Tag Archives: Jesus

5 Ways to be a Christian After the Election

Bible General, Church Bulletin, Culture, Daily living, Government, ,

Chaos is the rule.

Trouble is brewing across the nation as we head into the final weekend of campaigning for the presidency of the United States. All of the congressional seats are up for grabs as are a third of the Senate seats. No matter what happens, somebody will be mad.

Philadelphia faces riots after the shooting of an African-American man. The protests are similar to what we saw earlier this year in the Northwest. ((Hurdle, J., Robertson, C., & Oppel, R. (2020, October 28). Days From Election, Police Killing of Black Man Roils Philadelphia. Retrieved October 29, 2020, from https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/28/us/philadelphia-police-shooting.html)) In Washington D.C. protests turned violent after the death of a black man police were trying to stop. ((DeMarche, E. (2020, October 29). Protesters clash with DC police for second night over fatal moped crash. Retrieved October 29, 2020, from https://www.foxnews.com/us/protesters-clash-with-dc-police-for-second-night-over-fatal-moped-crash)) Armed adical right-wing and radical left-wing groups square-off to “protect” people from the opposing side. ((Fountaine, H. (2020, September 5). Armed group ‘patriots,’ local protesters face off near Jefferson Square Park. Retrieved October 29, 2020, from https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/armed-patriot-group-local-protesters-face-off-near-jefferson-square-park/ar-BB18Km4h)) Thompson-Reuters news service reports that dozens of groups are preparing for protests, hopefully peaceful, depending upon the outcome of the election. ((Timmons, H., & Alper, A. (2020, October 29). Americans plan widespread protests if Trump interferes with election. Retrieved October 29, 2020, from https://news.trust.org/item/20201029090612-t69f4))

We could be facing civil unrest greater than many have ever witnessed. Christians must not contribute to the troubles. We are people of peace and witnesses of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Whether in-person or via social media we must not lend our voice to the voices of hate.

Be a Christian with your mouth

James says the tongue is incredibly dangerous.

So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

James 3:5-8

Inspired Solomon says it this way:

A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.

Proverbs 16:27

Christians must not use their tongue (or keyboards) to foment hatred and chaos in the aftermath of the election. The winner is unimportant. How we behave is vital.

Be a Christian; Be salt

Participating in the democratic process is a perfect way to be the needed salt and influence the direction of our country. It was Jesus who reminded us that we are the salt of the earth.

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

Matthew 5:13

Salt that does not function properly is useless! Don’t use your presence on social media to sow discord. Salt the conversation with words of goodness, hope, and courage. Let the world see your light so that they will give glory to God for what you have said (Matthew 5:14-16). Think about it! God can be glorified because of you! For those weaned on vinegar how wonderful to garnish them with a proper pinch of salt. Maybe I’m weird, but I’d rather people glorify God instead of Biden or Trump.

Be a Christian; Talk Jesus

Conversation is political. If you meet a friend in-person or talk with them online, it is probable that politics is the topic. Often, that chat is pleasant because we agree. Still, the topic is Trump or Biden, not Jesus.

When the original Christians were savagely attacked, they became refugees and went everywhere preaching Jesus (Acts 8:4). Even when unfairly arrested by the religious leaders, Peter and John responded with a lesson about Jesus (Acts 4:5-12).

It doesn’t matter how the election ends; if we don’t know Jesus we are absolutely, unquestionably lost!

Be a Christian; Wander

I read Hebrews this morning. I was struck by this verse:

These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.

Hebrews 11:13

In verse 38 they are described as wandering about but always awaiting the promised glory. We must not become so comfortable with this world that we are not homesick for heaven. Albert Brumley penned the immortal words of the song that begins, “This world is not my home I’m just a passing through…” Let that be our daily anthem. The Biden’s Trumps, Obamas, Clintons, and Bushs are all just temporary. Wander to thoughts of glory!

Be a Christian; Be peace

It’s ironic that an internet search for “peacemaker” returns stories and images of the classic Colt M1873 revolver which was called “The Peacemaker.((Colt Single Action Army. (2020, October 07). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colt_Single_Action_Army)). Not far behind were pictures of the B36 bomber used during the Cold War Years.((Convair B-36 Peacemaker. (2020, September 23). Retrieved October 30, 2020, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convair_B-36_Peacemaker))

Christian peacemaking is different.

Jesus called us to peace and expected his people to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). Wouldn’t it be great if we were known as people of reconciliation. What if we called for peace after the election? What if our bonding with Jesus were better known than our like for a particular candidate? What glory would flow to the Lord!

Some will claim that Jesus was no peacemaker and they will cite Matthew 10:34. Jesus claim had nothing to do with the everyday cares of the world and surely had no reference to politics! Jesus spoke of the conflict that between ultimate good and ultimate evil. The context is clear.

As I write this on Thursday and Friday before the election next week, I have no way of knowing the outcome. I will vote. Although I do not endorse candidates I suspect most know where I stand. I will promise my readers that I will be a beacon of light, a dash of salt and a voice of peace as I wander through our common future. Will you join me? Your comments are welcomed as always.

Jesus and Government

Church, Church Bulletin, Culture, Daily living, God, Government,

Christians live in two worlds, secular and spiritual. Christians live in the kingdom of God, governed by Jesus. We also live in an earthly, secular kingdom governed by whoever is in power at the moment. Tension always exists between the two kingdoms. The desires and expectations that the two kingdoms hold clash. We must carefully navigate between our two worlds.

Jesus showed us how to live perfectly in both worlds at the same time. By following his leadership, we can be faithful to the God of Heaven and to the laws of men.

His Words

Jesus was born into God’s kingdom: Israel. They were chosen by God to be his people. Still, Jesus spoke of another kingdom that was still to come (Matthew 4:17; 5:19, 20; 6:10, 33; Luke 11:2; 13:29; 19:11; John 3:3,5; 18:36).

Jesus also acknowledged the earthly kingdom of Rome. Jesus said, “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21), thus acknowledging both the legitimacy of the Roman government and the requirement for Christians to obey it. His apostle Paul would voice the same command in Romans” “let every person be subject to the governing authorities” (Romans 13:1ff). To Titus, Paul said, “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work (Titus 3:1).

His Actions

Jesus applied his words to his actions. The kingdom of Judea, the remnant of Israel, was corrupt, vile and ungodly. Her king lived in open sin. Still, Jesus obeyed the Israelite rulers. When the Israelite religious leader, Annas, questioned Jesus, he submitted and answered him (John 18:19-24).

In his arrest, Jesus declared that he could call “twelve legions of angels” to deliver him. But he did not. (Matthew 26:53). Even as he hung on the cross, Jesus railed not against the Jews or the Romans.

His apostle Paul voiced his submission to Rome as he faced a death penalty. He responded to the governor that he would not refuse to die if he had done some wrong (Acts 25:11). We believe Paul would later die by execution.

His Non-Actions

There was plenty wrong with governments of the first century. Rome, like the Greeks before, was thoroughly pagan. Recall the picture of Athens, where Paul called the city “full of idols” (Acts 17:16). Rome worshipped anything. They even had an altar to the unknown God (Acts 17:23). Their worship was so twisted as to encourage intercourse between worshipper and priest. Some idol temples had male and female prostitutes who served their false gods. Soon, Rome would even demand worship of the Emperors. Meanwhile, a puppet family ruled the Jews. The Herodian Dynasty included every imaginable sin. Herod the Great was a known mass murderer (Matthew 2:1-18).

But that Jesus never embroiled himself in the politics of the day. The politics of Herod, Annas, and Caeser were not the focus of his wrath. He rebuked people for their sins, not their politics. His emphasis was to follow Him as the Savior.

Jesus led no boycotts. Jesus did not complain of high taxes. Jesus led no revolt against the troops of the Empire. He did not demand a letter campaign against Herod’s crazed behavior. Even when Rome was systematically executing Christians, there was no revolt. The business of the kingdom of God consumed Jesus. The zeal of God’s house consumed Jesus (Psalm 69:9; Luke 2:17).

We have opportunities to do good by being salt in the world. We can affect the direction of government through elections. But we must never speak more of the kingdom of men than of the kingdom of God. Like Jesus, be consumed with the Lord’s work.

Your comments are always welcomed.

Are There Ups and Downs in the Christian’s Life?

Bible General,

Yes. Christians have good days and bad days. You are not saved one minute and lost the next, but your commitment varies. You may be strong on Sunday and struggling by Wednesday. Even the most devout Christian you know is up one day and down the next.

Think of a roller coaster. You ascend to the peak and suddenly you are at the bottom. It’s no different in life. You struggle, and always will, with consistency.

It was even hard for the apostles to be consistent. Remember, Peter denied he even knew Jesus. He and his brother argued over who would be greatest in the coming kingdom. Thomas fought disbelief and weak faith and Paul waged a battle in his own spirit against sin while calling himself the chief of sinners.

So, sure, there are up and downs in the life of every Christian.

Why are there ups and downs?

This is a good question to begin with. There are ups and downs in our spiritual life because we are human. And while we walk in Christ we are still “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked” at our core (Revelation 3:17). Sometimes, that human core seeps through.

Ideally, Christ lives in us.

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me”.

Galatians 2:20

The life-changing work of Jesus is life-long. While we are in this body, in the flesh, we remain subject to its temptations and trials.

We face ups and downs because we have bad habits to break. Before we obeyed Christ we cultivated many harmful habits. Some were tragic, like drug or alcohol addictions. Others the world viewed more kindly, like bad language or the occasional outburst. Because we try to be like Christ, we try to break the un-Christian habits. That’s hard, and it takes a lot of time.

We face ups and downs because we have good habits to form. Our life is changing in Christ. We have new goals and new interests. We are forming better preferences in life, better habits.

For example, Jesus was intensely concerned about others. That evidences itself in our desire to help those in need. Jesus was a man of prayer and so are we. Jesus taught God’s word so we seek to know it better through study. Concern, prayer, and study, just to name three, are important habits we are forming. Like breaking bad habits, developing good habits is hard and slow.

We face ups and downs because Satan is still hanging around. Jesus beat Satan when he came out of that borrowed tomb. That was a victory for Jesus and for us (1 Corinthians 15 is an important read here, especially verses 20 & 57). But, Satan is still skulking around. His schemes and devices are well known. He attacks in your weakness and he lies his way into your life. He works to create doubt in your heart where none needs be.

We face ups and downs because Jesus isn’t finished with us yet. He has gone to prepare a place for you (John 14:2). But, he is also preparing you for eternity. It’s called sanctification. That’s a five-dollar word for being made holy. God is working in you for his good pleasure (1 Corinthians 15:10; Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 13:21).

Paul struggled with some kind of “thorn in the flesh” for which he begged deliverance. God’s answer was “no,” learn to depend on me (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Paul was still under construction. So are you. Lean on God, not on yourself.

Once, Paul described himself as a “wretched man” waging a constant war between what he knew to be true and right and what was evil. He was miserable even though he was certain of his salvation. Read Romans 7:14-25. You’ll feel his despair and even outrage at himself as he battles daily allurements. But don’t stop reading yet. Read the very next verse in Romans 8:1.

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Romans 8:1

Paul knew that he was in Christ and therefore not condemned! You know that too! Whatever clash he endured, and there were many, he was still walking in the light of Jesus.

There are probably a million reasons, unique to you, to explain your trials. What gets you down might not have the same effect on me. We all have our own unique potholes to bump across.

How do I smooth the ups and downs at a higher level?

This is also a good question and really goes directly to the point of this article. There are ways to decrease the volatility of our spiritual lives. Just because you struggle there is no reason to languish in your trials. Maturity will come.

Take note of Peter when we first meet him. He’s a fisherman with nothing to suggest what a powerful influence he will be come for Jesus. We follow Peter and watch as he declares that Jesus is the Son of God (Matthew 16:16). But later, despite that grand statement, he denies even knowing Jesus (Matthew 26:30-35, 69-75). Still later, it is Peter who preaches the first recorded gospel sermon (Acts 2). Maturity takes time (1Corinthians 14:20; Ephesians 4:13).

We smooth the ups and downs with discipline. I know, you were hoping for a quick and easy answer. Sorry.

Discipline begins with a decision to pursue the things of Christ at all costs. Jesus counseled his disciples to “seek first” God’s kingdom, then all the things of this earth would be added to them (Matthew 6:33). Joshua was quite demanding when he urged the Hebrews to choose who they would serve (Joshua 24:14). his actual words were “choose this day whom you will serve.” Their choice was important and needed to come that same day.

Discipline may be called rigorous training. Set a training plan. Set aside time for prayer, study, service and worship. Let nothing take their place.

We smooth the ups and downs with prayer. Have you ever known a truly devout Christian that did not prayer feverishly? Yeah, me neither. Prayer is intrinsic to the daily life of the Christian. Jesus would rise early in the morning to pray (Mark 1:35). He prayed through his homesickness of heaven (John 17). He prayed during the worst moments of his life (Luke 22:39-46). His praying was so well known that his disciples asked him to teach them how to pray (Luke 11:1).

Every Christian should set a specified time each day for prayer. You will actually have many opportunities during the day to pray which you should take advantage of, but find a time, the same time, every day to pray.

Use a notebook as a journal to record your prayers and God’s answers. That way, you’ll know what you are praying for before you bow your head.

We smooth the ups and downs with Bible study. There is no greater study than that of the Bible. The world’s greatest researchers are seeking answers to the novel coronavirus but their study is inferior to the study of Jesus. I would hope they study the Bible too for there is nothing greater.

Study the Bible, do not just read it. It is a vital study. Take notes, do research, and compare your conclusion to the truth of his word.

We smooth the ups and downs daily. Commit to constant work on your spiritual life. Jesus is transforming us from a rebellious life to one of glory. It is a daily process that cannot be done apart from his loving grace.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”

Romans 12:2

Allow Jesus to renew you. Allow him to transform your thoughts into a reflection of his glory. His thoughts become your thoughts as you are transformed into his likeness.

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…”

2 Corinthians 10:5, emphasis mine, JBE

We leave you with one last thought. The pursuit of spiritual maturity demands daily denial.

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

Luke 9:23

Everyday we are saying no to ourselves and yes to Jesus. He is the centerpiece of all we do. Our world revolves around him.

There are no short-cuts. Because he loved us so much that he died for us, we try to give back that love. We will never be able to repay him, but we serve him and love him because he first loved us.

We will always struggle in this body. But Jesus has been here and knows what we deal with. He has been tempted just like us (Hebrews 4:15) and was without sin. He knows the weaknesses; he knows the ups and downs and still loves us!

Don’t give up. Keep pressing ahead.

5 Excuses for Surrender

Bible General, ,

Except for surrendering to Jesus. It is bad to give up. We don’t quit in the middle of things. Whether it’s on a battlefield, in the workplace, or in a relationship, it is embarrassing to surrender. Yet, we see it every day; people giving up on their faith and buying into Satan’s lies. Why? I can think of at least five excuses we give when we surrender – not reasons; excuses.

Fear Causes Surrender

There’s plenty to be afraid of in life. If you live in a major American city, you may be afraid to go out at night. You would never think of going for a late-night walk because crime is rampant. Many are afraid of the terrible virus sweeping southeast Asia. They wear surgical masks to try and impede the spread of the germs. Fear is tiring and just makes you want to give up.

Some people give up on Jesus because they are afraid of what others think of them. No one wants to be a radical Bible-thumping Christian, right? Jesus tells us not to fear (Matthew 10:31). Luke has Jesus telling us not to fear the world because the Father has given us the kingdom (Luke 12:32)! We only fear the Lord for his might and glory is beyond comprehension.

Fatigue Causes Surrender

Do you ever get tired? Are the constant battles enough to make you want to give up?  Do you want to surrender? I do. We think that if we stop fighting all will suddenly get easier. Nope. No way. There is nothing special about our struggles and our wearied lives. Consider David’s words in Psalm 69:3, “I am weary with my crying out; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God.” Have you been there? Me too.

We must never grow tired of doing good. We must wage the good fight (2 Timothy 4:7)! Paul writes: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). Remember, do good and await the “times of refreshing” from the Lord (Acts 3:20).

Isolation Causes Surrender

It may be that our problems seem unique. Because some battles are so intimate and private, we keep them secret. We will not seek help because we are ashamed. Then we are locked into a private narrative of secrecy and seclusion.   The old spiritual intoned, “Nobody knows the trouble I have seen. Nobody knows but Jesus.” That’s a fine sentiment but it’s not really true. Our challenges and temptations are all plucked from the same worldly garden.

Paul said:

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Notice two keys. Your struggles are common, and God will make an escape. Of course, it’s up to us to take the escape but we are not alone.

Laziness Causes Surrender

I know this one well. It is hard to fight the world constantly. We want to take it easy and have a little fun. And, sin is fun (Hebrews 11:25).

Approach this from another angle: Have you ever known a real winner who is lazy? Victorious warriors are never lazy. Corner-office-executives are never lazy. Olympic tier athletes are never lazy. Faithful, serving Christians are never lazy either.

As Paul drew near to death, he said, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:6, 7). Paul was surely weary. Scars marked his abused body. But he could not declare that he had fought a good fight and finished the race if he had been lazy. There is no place for laziness in the Christian’s life.

Hopelessness Causes Surrender

Imagine you are in combat. Enemies surround you. No relief is possible. All hope is gone. Or is it? General Anthony McAuliffe faced that situation near Bastogne, Belgium in 1944. His men, surrounded by Germans, had received a 2-page letter demanding their surrender. McAuliffe famously replied “N U T S !” Three days later, reinforcements arrived and the siege of Bastogne was broken. Hopelessness turned to victory.

Paul said it this way:

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you” (2 Corinthians 4:8-12).

Paul never surrendered, nor should we. Your brothers and sisters will walk with you through your struggles; just do not give up!

The Endorsement of Sin

Bible General,

“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!“

Isaiah 5:20

Our culture is confused. That which is evil is called good despite the clarity of Scripture. We have become a society that endorses sin and silences righteousness. We elevate the opinions of entertainers, athletes, and politicians while denigrating the timeless words of Jesus. The Prince of Peace is invoked in support of warfare. How sad, how terribly, terribly sad!

I am told that we need more military actions while others call for a retreat.

I am told that we need more money flowing into the markets while others say we should spend more on social programs.

Others claim that we need a more tolerant attitude toward aberrant sexual behaviors while still others call for them to be ostracized.

Here are two simple thoughts to battle the confusion.

We Cannot Endorse Sin

Sin violates God. Joseph was seduced by Potiphar’s wife. As he contemplated his actions he declared “How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God” (Genesis 30:9)? Notice, the sin was not against Potiphar, not against Pharaoh, not even against Potiphar’s wife or even his won body. The sin could have been against God! This is so important. Sin is not about breaking faith with another person, nor is it about violating some social norm. Sin assaults the very character of God.

God did not sacrifice Jesus for society. Jesus died so that individuals could be reconciled to God (Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Ephesians 2:14-16; Colossians 1:19-22). We are not reconciled to the latest Twitter trend or the most current Instagram post. We are reconciled to God. Such reconciliation is required because we have offended the perfect holiness of the Creator. We are broken and must be fixed.

We must not endorse that which God is trying to defeat. We cannot support the evil that required the death of Jesus.

Trends tend to move us in different directions. It often depends upon who we are with and the environment. A Christian must remain strong, stable, and unmoveable, in his thinking and actions (1 Corinthians 15:58). Do not be led about by fancy, new ideas that are not Godly. Seek the Lord’s approval and not that of your friends and culture.

We Must Promote Jesus

Jesus holds the ultimate answers. Because those answers are not what we want to hear, we reject him. We turn from his way to the world’s way. This is a disaster. War, conflict, unwanted pregnancies, abortion, greed, poverty, homelessness, suicide, are all evidence of the emptiness of societal wisdom. Imagine the world without all of those horrors. Imagine a world where Jesus ruled in the hearts of men. Can you see it?

We will never see such a world unless his followers tout his glory for all the world to see. Christians must speak louder and more often than the purveyors of sin. Our voices must rise above the static of culture.

Disciples of Christ carry his message wherever they go (Matthew 28:18-20). we reflect his glory into the world. We share his truth. Like a newfound medicine for cancer, we seek to share the cure for sin with all.

Suicide is a horrible end to a helpless life. Why is anyone helpless? Why is anyone devoid of hope? I know it sounds simplistic, but if Jesus were fully in the life of society there would be little suicide. People would not be hopeless for they would be filled with hope eternal. No one would be helpless for people would reach out, serve, and help, one another.

Jesus makes all the difference!

When the Bottom Falls Out

Daily living, ,

“No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it. ” (1 Corinthians 10:13, NET Bible)

1 Corinthians 10:13, NET Bible

You’ve either been  there, or you are heading there. You might be there right now. “There” is that place where all your troubles are piling on you at once. Life pressure is so intense that you don’t want to get out of bed. Your day is a blur. You fear to hear the phone ring because it might be more bad news. You think that it cannot get any worse – except it can.

Honestly, it may seem that God is distant. Your fervent prayers are seemingly met with cold silence from on high. Like David, you cry, “Give ear to my words, O Lord; consider my groaning” (Psalm 5:1). Still, it seems that nothing comes from God. You want to give up.

You are in the moment of God’s greatest attention and care. Don’t surrender! Our Lord is carefully watching your day and ensuring that you are not overwhelmed by the affairs of this life. He, like a mother guarding her young, is standing between you and the world. Inspiration says that God “will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear” (1 Corinthians 10:13). The temptation to surrender is powerful but limited. You will endure this darkness.

Things were so bad for Job that his wife urged him to call it quits (Job 2:9). He clung to God and remembered all the good that had come from him. Do the same. Remember God’s blessings.

Jesus was alone in the depths of Gethsemane when he cried to God for deliverance. He was deserted by his friends as he was beaten and humiliated in the High Priest’s courtyard. He hung naked and bleeding, having been deserted by most. His answer was to cry out to God. Remember to pray as you have never prayed before.

Paul was repeatedly beaten as he preached the Gospel to the lost. He did not stop. He arose and continue preaching. When Agabus told him of his impending arrest in Jerusalem, he would not be stopped from going. The Lord had work for him, and he would not be dissuaded (Acts 20:18-24; 21:10-14). Remember to focus on the Lord and do not take your eyes off of him.

The apostle reasons that trouble will come often in this life, but because of Jesus and his resurrection, we have confidence in something better ( 1 Corinthians 15:19,20). Our struggles today are but a pothole on the road to eternal life (Romans 8:18). Remember the goal that is set before you.

We do not suggest that your struggles are small or insignificant. They are not. We only want to remind you there is a Lord in heaven who sees and cares. He is protecting you even now as you struggle through the demands of the day. He is also preparing a place of eternal rest where you will be set free from all cares. It is essential  that you cling to your savior in these troublesome times. You must fight the temptation to raise the white flag of failure. He will bring you through whatever troubles you face. Throw your troubles to him because he cares what happens (1 Peter 5:7).

Beyond Myself

Bible General, Culture, Daily living, Jesus

Would you agree that most people today think first of themselves and then of other people? Would you also agree that for most people the world revolves around them? Galileo had nothing on today’s people. Most folks think they are the center of the universe. Consider the last 10 posts you read on Facebook. How many of them were begging you to like or in some way to indicate your approval of what the person had written? It really seems as if people have become infatuated with themselves and have lost concern for anybody else.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: you shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40)

Jesus reasoned differently than modern man. According to the Lord, our first concern is to God. Our second concern is our neighbor. Only then do we begin to think about self. In Luke’s account of the same story Jesus follows up with the parable of the Good Samaritan. Remember that in that story a man greatly inconveniences himself both physically and financially as he provides care for someone else (Luke 10:29 through 37). It’s the kind of story that you don’t hear much today. I suspect most of us would be just too busy to stop and help somebody who is bleeding nasty and maybe even at the point of death. That’s a pretty serious indictment of our culture, I know. Just look around. We’ll see many people who are terribly needy and pitiful and no one stepping up to help them.

That is not Jesus’ way.

We live in an incredibly affluent society. We are sloppy rich compared to many people in the world. We have the means to help others if we look beyond ourselves. Jesus said in Galatians 6:10 that we are to do good to all men. We are to serve our fellow man. Do you remember what Jesus did in John 13? Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. The washing of the guest feet was customary in ancient times. But on this occasion, nobody got around to the simple act of hospitality. Finally, Jesus got up took a towel and a basin of water and began to wash the dirty feet of his disciples. I imagine there was an awkward silence in the room. When Jesus finishes this humble act, he says: “if I then, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14). In Mark 10:45 Jesus said he did not come to be served but to serve others. We live in an incredibly affluent society. We are sloppy rich compared to many people in the world. We have the means to help others if we look beyond ourselves.[bctt tweet=”We live in an incredibly affluent society. We are sloppy rich compared to many people in the world. We have the means to help others if we look beyond ourselves.” username=”Preachers_Study”]

That is Jesus’ way.

The man whose heart is anchored in the world looks at Jesus in confusion. Why would God leave heaven, come to this old earth, suffer disrespect, and finally death? What is the gain? What is the profit? What’s in it for God? The worldly man doesn’t understand because he spends his time focused on himself. [bctt tweet=”The man whose heart is anchored in the world looks at Jesus in confusion. ” username=”Preachers_Study”]

So here is my question and I pray that you will answer it honestly. When was the last time you did something that was completely selfless? When was the last time you went out of your way to help somebody else when there was absolutely nothing in it for you? Jesus says that it is by our love that other people will know that we are his disciples (John 13:35). You see, we don’t have to wear a crucifix around our neck or put the fish symbol on the back of our car for people to know that we are Christians. Instead, our love for the Lord, for one another and even for those outside of the body of Christ will demonstrate our faith in a way that cannot be ignored. [bctt tweet=”When was the last time you went out of your way to help somebody else when there was absolutely nothing in it for you?” username=”Preachers_Study”]

Let today be the day that you do something solely for Christ. Remember, Jesus loved the world enough to die. Let us reflect that love to a world that doesn’t even know him.

Fighting Hypocrisy

Bible General, ,

The solution to financial troubles is very simple. You must increase the money coming in, or you must decrease your expenses. It’s a simple equation but terribly hard to implement. Hypocrisy is similar. Either stop the sin or stop pretending. Again, it is easy to say, but very hard to accomplish.

Stop Pretending

 

If you’re struggling with hypocrisy, the easiest thing to do is to stop pretending you are something you are not. People do it all the time. The reasoning goes something like this; I’m not good enough to be a Christian, so I’m going to stop. That way, I at least will not be harming the body of Christ. This is not necessarily a bad idea. Hypocrisy hurts the body of Christ. It makes it harder for faithful Christians to show God’s power when there’s a cloud over other brethren. 

The idea that we should cease waving the banner of Christ because we’re not good enough is a mistake. Here’s a little secret: none of us are good enough! The psalmist says no one is righteous and Paul echoes his words (Psalm 14:1-3; 53:1-3; Romans 3:10). John even says that those people who are walking in the light still sin (1 John 1:7). So, the idea that we are sinless in this life is false. Whatever righteousness we have comes only through Christ and is never of our own doing. [bctt tweet=”The idea that we should cease waving the banner of Christ because we’re not good enough is a mistake.” username=”Preachers_Study”]

As we said above, hypocrisy is bad. It must stop. But any withdrawal from the public square must be temporary and must be marked with a desire to return to service.

Stop the Sin

 

Here’s the hard part. Whatever sin is dragging you down must be eliminated. There simply are no options. Hypocrisy is not just about others; it is about you. Sin in your life is doing more harm to you than it is to the people around you. It’s much like secondhand smoke, the smoker is the one with the greater risk, but those around him are affected too. [bctt tweet=”Hypocrisy is not just about others; it is about you.” username=”Preachers_Study”]

So many people say: I’ll come back to the Lord as soon as I get my life straight. That’s upside down. You will never make your life right by yourself. There is no right life without Christ. There are three essential components for removing sin in your life. [bctt tweet=”You will never make your life right by yourself. There is no right life without Christ.” username=”Preachers_Study”]

  • Get in the word – slow, deliberate, reading of God’s word is essential for spiritual growth. Just as it is important to eat healthy when you are physically sick, it is vital to consume spiritual food when your soul is ill.
  • Kneel in prayer – to commune with God is one of the greatest blessings ever bestowed on anyone. The idea of kneeling in prayer suggests humility before the Creator. Sometimes, the words just won’t come, but silence before God is rich in blessings too.
  • Lean on your brothers and sisters – there’s a reason Jesus gave us the church. There is no way we can defeat Satan alone. Often, God will work on you through other Christians. Don’t resist their offers for help.

It is truly wonderful that you have identified hypocrisy in your life and are trying to purge it. But there is no need for self-sacrifice in your battle with hypocrisy. You can defeat the monster and rise to walk with Christ again.

The Birthday of Jesus

Bible General,
{This article was prepared as part of a series of sermons from the book of Luke.}

The date of Jesus’ birth has long occupied the minds of Christians. We know almost nothing about the actual date of his birth, yet, the grandest holiday of the year suggests that we know more than we really do. It speaks well of people who want to honor the Savior’s birthday. We celebrate birthdays of people we love, so it makes sense that we should likewise honor Jesus. But sometimes our zeal is misguided (Romans 10:2).

The most reliable source for information about the birthday of Jesus would be Scripture, yet, it is silent on the subject. Here is what we know from the inspired word.

Jesus was God (John 1:1) and in some miraculous way, took on the form of mankind and was born in human form (Philippians 2:5 ff; Matthew 1:18 ff; Luke 2:6, 7).

We can place the year fairly accurately at about 4 B.C. We know this from Luke’s account when he notes that Joseph and the expectant Mary were traveling to Bethlehem because of a census ordered by Augustus which also took place during the reign of Quirinius in Syria. Historically, the first registration took place in 4 B.C. during the overlap between Augustus and Quirinius.

The time of the year is more difficult. Some argue that Shepherds would not have the flocks in the field in cold weather (Luke 2:8). However, the climate of Bethlehem and its environs is not particularly cold. The average low temperature does not drop below freezing. The average low is coldest in January and February and 41 degrees. High reach the mid-50’s. We cannot exclude a December date for his birth but cannot require it either.

What evidence is there that the first Christians, those under apostolic direction, celebrated his birthday as a special religious event? There is none. From the day the church began in Acts 2 until the end of time in Revelation, there is not one piece of evidence that points to a special celebration of the day of Jesus birth. The fact of his birth is special. God became man to save man from his sins. But a special celebration is unknown.

Christmas was not a designated holiday until the fourth century when the Roman Catholic Church so adopted it. Previously, church father Clement of Alexandria wrote that most placed the date at either April 20 or 21 or on May 20. The spring date was held by scholars before the Catholic church declared it December 25, which, it happens, corresponded with a Roman pagan holiday.

The old Law of Moses was filled with holy days throughout the year. Yet, all of those celebrations stopped under the law of Christ. Those ordinances were nailed to the tree (Colossians 2:14). In Christ, he has adopted and proclaimed a single, weekly feast for Christians. The Lord’s supper or Communion was given by Christ on the night before his death. It was a special meal to remember the Lord and his death for us.

Is there any harm in setting forth another celebration, one not mentioned in Scripture or the earliest history of the church? To add such to our worship is to add to what we have been taught, and that is condemned (2 John 9, Revelation 22:18, 19). It also confuses many who believe the teaching that Jesus was born on December 25. It is simply foreign to Scripture; any such celebration must acknowledge that it is without warrant.

To God be the glory that he sent Jesus into the world to save us from our sins. Let us rejoice daily in his life, example, death, burial and resurrection!

The Gospel of the Old Testament

Bible General, ,
{This article is in association with a sermon series on the Gospel of Luke}

We usually think of the gospel as the first four books of the New Testament, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Actually, the gospel throughout the Bible, including the Old Testament. Remember, “gospel,” simply means good news. The good news of a coming Savior was promised from the very beginning of time. Within moments of man’s first sin, God promised a Redeemer. That was surely good news.

Consider these gospel verses from the Old Testament:

Genesis 3:15 – it may have been a very cloudy prophecy, but God promised to send one who would destroy the evil one. The offspring of woman, that is, Christ, would inflict a deadly wound upon Satan. That wound, thousands of years in the future, would destroy Satan’s power over mankind.

Genesis 12:1-7 – here, the Lord makes his promise even more specific. He tells Abram that in him “all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” From our perspective, many centuries later, we know that this was a promise of the coming Messiah. The promise also specifies that the Messiah would come through the offspring of Abraham.

Exodus 3:8 – in this passage, God is promising to deliver the Hebrews from Egyptian slavery. Specifically, he will take them to a “land flowing with milk and honey.” Moses, the deliverer and the immediate recipient of this promise, will be like Jesus. He will bring the people out with God’s divine power. Moses, delivering them from physical oppression while Jesus delivers from the oppression of sin.

Psalm 16:8-11 – the psalmist speaks of the coming Christ. While the Christ is not named we know he speaks of him because Peter, at Pentecost, tells us so (Acts 2:25-28). The eternal God will not be buried but will live forever. We serve a risen King who has overcome death!

Isaiah 53 – this is the great gospel chapter of the prophet Isaiah. It was the chapter the Ethiopian was reading as he traveled from Jerusalem. This chapter was the starting place for Philip’s teaching that led to the man’s conversion. In it, Jesus is described as the suffering savior. It was good news that one would bear our sorrows and that healing would come from his wounds.

Joel 2 – is another prophecy used by Peter at Pentecost. Here, Joel declares that the Lord would reclaim his people and would pour out his own spirit upon them. This is exactly what happened at Pentecost! Even today, far removed from the days of miraculous gifts, we enjoy the many benefits of the Spirit of God. This promise was one of many that sustained the Israelites during dark times.

These are only a very brief sampling of the gospel in the Old Testament. The Law of Moses was filled with expectation of ultimate deliverance in the future. God’s plan from the beginning was to bring Jesus, in the form of man, to deliver men from sins (Ephesians 1:4; Hebrews 4:3; 1 Peter 1:20).

Is it not a wonderful thought that our God has been planning for us from all antiquity! Our salvation was not a hurried response to man’s sin but a carefully crafted plan to bring us to glory. Praise God for his love!