Tag Archives: christian living

new outside

A New Outside Says Nothing About the Inside

Bible General

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.

Matthew 23:25,26

The hotel manager was asked about renovation plans for his facility. I was a few feet awaiting finishing a complimentary breakfast of scrambled bland eggs and tasteless sausage. “I think we’re two years or so away. I’ve not been given a date yet.” He paused as if looking around for spies and then continued, “Really, I hope they’ll just update the outside and forget about the inside. Maybe people will be impressed with a new exterior and they won’t notice the inside is old.” Frankly, it looks pretty good to me. I’ve stayed here before and I’ll be back. But his comment about overlooking the inside caused me to think. A new outside says nothing about the inside

To me, the inside is far more important. When I travel, I stay inside the hotel. I’ve never sat and gazed at an outside wall. Likewise, it’s the inside of man that is most important.

The Outside can be faked.

John Travolta created the cowboy image with his film Urban Cowboy in 1980. Suddenly, city boys were wearing cowboy hats and boots. The truth is, those guys wouldn’t know the difference between a bull and a heifer but they could fake the look.

In Matthew 23, quoted above, Jesus warned about the superficial cleansing commonly done by the scribes and Pharisees. It’s a message for us today too. You see, it’s pretty easy to fake the Christian look too. A well-placed cross pin, a crucifix necklace, and an ichthys-like bumper sticker (fish) and you’re super Christian.

Anybody can buy a crucifix, they are less than $20 at the box store. Changing the inside is so much harder,

The Inside is real

“Character is what you are when no one is looking” was a quote sometimes attributed to coach John Wooden, a great ball player, coach, and encourager. He’s right. True character is on the inside. Reputation looks at the outside, character inside.

The Jews were to circumcise male children shortly after birth. It was an external covenant marking. But the Lord also told them to do some work on the inside.

“Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn.”

Deuteronomy 10:16

“And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.”

Deuteronomy 30:6

“Circumcise yourselves to the LORD; remove the foreskin of your hearts, O men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem; lest my wrath go forth like fire, and burn with none to quench it, because of the evil of your deeds.”

Jeremiah 4:4

In the New Testament, when covenantal circumcision was no longer required for Christians, Paul reminded the Jews of the practice and emphasized the important internal character of man.

“For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.”

Romans 2:28, 29

Faith and devotion to God has always been internal. Real change demands change on the inside and that is hard.

Changing the inside.

Let me offer a few thoughts on making permanent changes.

  1. Are you ready to be changed? When does a person lose weight? When does he stop drinking? When he is ready! Until you are really weary of an empty life you will not make a change. Some say you must hit rock-bottom before you will alter your path. Stop waiting for God to snatch you up and change you. Paul said we must “seek” God (Acts 17:27). You must make your own decision.
  2. Change demands honesty. I’m not talking about being honest with others, although that’s important too. Be honest with yourself. Inventory your life. Make an assessment of your weaknesses. Only then can you begin to change. To pretend a problem doesn’t exist is to guarantee it will grow stronger. Look beneath the surface. What’s your sin problem? Speak it out loud, God already knows it, and steal its power. Paul says we are not ignorant of the way Satan works (2 Corinthians 2:11). So put your knowledge to work.
  3. Empower the change. Virtually everyone in the world has access to the Scriptures but not everyone is changed. The problem is not the Bible. The problem lies with the reader. If you really want to make lasting change in your life you must tap into the power of the word. Romans 12:2 says we will be transformed by knowing Christ. You come to know him through a study of his word. Here’s a promise: The more you give yourself to Scripture and allow it to change you, the more you will become like Jesus.

The Last State of the Apostate

Daily living, Encouragement, Sin, ,

The most pitiful man in the world is one who, having known and obeyed the truth, turns from it and resumes a worldly life. Here is a man without excuse. He has placed himself away from God. Like the prodigal of Luke 15:11 ff, he has traveled into a far country where trouble and strife await. This lost soul has not been separated from God by others or even by Satan, but by his deliberate choice. How sad.

Consider four examples of those who have apostatized.

Apostate: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)

This young man lived in comfort and plenty, yet he was unsatisfied. When he comes of age, he demands his share of the father’s estate. He sought freedom from his father not knowing that he would soon be bound to his own poverty and despair. Upon traveling to a far country, he finds himself befriended by unworthy scoundrels happy to spend his money. The money ran out, and so did the friends. Only then did the young man discover his own poor state.

It was at this moment he realized the error of his choices.

“How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger” (Luke 15:17)!

Despite his impoverished solitude, this young man enjoys the clarity of thought. He knew what he must do. He must go home! (Luke 15:18) He arose and found his father waiting for him. The father would not go with him into despair but waited for his return. When he returned, a joyous banquet awaited.

He chose to leave. It was up to him to choose to return.

Apostate: Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11)

A married couple entangled in the world. They saw the commendation of Barnabas when he sold land and gave the money to the church (Acts 4:36-37). Desiring the praise of men yet unwilling to part with worldly gain, they hatched a scheme to lie. Their story was simple: Sell a plot of land and give part of the money to the church. But they would lie by claiming they had given all the money from the sale. Now they could profit and receive praise.

Oh, the errors we make when we seek the praise of men and not Jesus! Oh, the errors we make when greed rules our lives! Pause and consider the words of Paul in 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

Both Ananias and Sapphira died immediately when confronted with their lies. These were among the first Christians. They saw the works of the apostles and may have even seen the risen Christ. Yet, they fell back and were lost because of their greed.

Apostate: The Once Enlightened (Hebrews 6:4-8)

The Hebrews writer envisions a Christian who falls. Notice the description in Hebrews 6:4, 5.

  • Enlightened
  • Tasted the Heavenly Gift
  • Shared in the Holy Spirit
  • Tasted the goodness of the word of God
  • Tasted the powers of the age to come.

Can anyone truly believe these were not Christians? They were! But more to our point, they fell away. They became crucifiers of Christ (Hebrews 6:6)!

What a contrast. From the light of His love to the darkness of sin. Truly, the one who knows the Lord and leaves him is pitiable.

Apostate: The Vomiting Dog (2 Peter 2:20-22)

Peter writes plainly in 2 Peter. In our present text, 2 Peter 2:20-22, he uses a grotesque illustration to make his point that a Christian who falls back into the world is a nauseating spectacle. We need not amplify his illustration of a sickened dog. We note that this describes the state of a person who once knew the truth and, later, rejected it.  If the illustration parallels man and dog, we would also see the parallel of sin and vomit. What a horrid though true thought.

Two additional phrases are worthy of our consider.

“the last state has become worse for them than the first” (vs. 21)

“it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness” (vs. 22)

How sad to think that there is a state worse than that of the alien sinner. There is a condition more damning than the ignorant heathen who has never known salvation. What can be worse than being lost? Being lost after you knew the truth. Being lost with the knowledge of what you turned your back on. We beg the weak and failing Christian to come home. Find strength for your travails in Christ and do not fall back into the world.

To the errant soul who has already left his Lord, we likewise plead. While there is breath left in your body, there is hope. Like the father of the prodigal son, Jesus stands looking for your return.

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

Are You Looking in the Right Mirror?

Church Bulletin, Daily living, ,

Most take a quick look at themselves before leaving home each morning. A quick check confirms that hair is properly styled, that clothes are neatly fitted and that no evidence of breakfast remains on the teeth. Throughout the day we often sneak another peak just to make sure nothing has changed. We want to look our best.

But what we see and what others see may be different especially when we think of the intangible qualities; those internal characteristics that make us unique. What do people see when they look your way? Better, what do you want those people to see?

For some the external image is important. For others emphasis is placed on the intangible qualities. For the Christian, neither is correct. The Christian should reflect the qualities of God, not of himself.

For example, consider David. For all of his thoughts he was still understood to be a man after God’s own heart. His accomplishments as a King notwithstanding, he is best known as one who sought the things of God.

The apostle John, first introduced as one of the “sons of thunder” (Mark 3:17) came to be known to us as the apostle of love.  John’s writings reflect the love that best describes our Father in heaven (1 John 3:10 ff).

Paul describes the fruit of the spirit in Galatians 5:22-26. Those qualities are  the qualities of the Spirit which you and I ought emulate.

Jesus said,  “You therefore must be perfect as your heavenly father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). The perfection comes from God’s forgiveness, not from any moral perfection we discover.  When we submit to God in simple faith and obedience he does not charge our sins against us. Consider Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:19: “…God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses to them…”

Aren’t there some people that you think of as especially godly? They are not perfect but they are wearing the Spirit’s fruit in their lives. This is the kind of reputation we should strive for.

In the bliss of Eden, man stood before God having been created in his own image (Genesis 1:27). That beauty was destroyed when sin entered but it is not lost forever. We can again attain unto the perfection that is in Christ alone.

So the next time you head out the door, check your appearance in the bathroom mirror but also check your spiritual appearance. What are you reflecting to the world? A hurried mom too busy to think about anything but the next school event? A harried salesman trying to grab the next contract or sale? Let the glory of God be reflected every moment. You are a Christian. Look  the part!


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 →

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!

 

Wake Up, Man Up – Romans 13:11-14

Daily living, Eschatology, Romans

While studying for another article I came across this paragraph in Romans. I think because I have been  reading David Platt’s Radical the passage grabbed my attention. Paul is essentially saying get ready, man-up, its time to get serious about our faith.

Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.  But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. (Romans 13:11-14)

The passage breaks down into a simple three part outline:

I. The Day of Salvation is Near

II. Cast Off Evil

III. Put On Christ

The Day of Salvation is Near

Paul’s  use of the world “salvation” (SOTARIA) is a little odd here. The sentence seems to imply that the apostles and his readers are not yet saved; they are still waiting on salvation. Jesus said in Luke 19:9 that salvation had come to the house of Zacchaeus. In Romans 11:11 Paul says salvation has come to the Gentiles. In Titus 2:11 salvation has come to all people. No, Paul’s use of the word here means something different from the salvation one finds in Christ and in this life.

Paul looks forward to the ultimate salvation, the ultimate delivery from wickedness which comes at the end of time. Paul’s use of the word “day” and salvation” seems to be near synonymous with “the day of the Lord” which is a day of judgement (1 Corinthians 5:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 2 Peter 3:10). The faithful are ultimately delivered at the judgement when they enter in to the joys of their Lord (Matthew 25:23). Paul uses the future idea of salvation in a similar way in 2 Timothy 2:10 when he looks forward to salvation coupled with “eternal glory.”

So Paul’s encouragement is to be prepared for coming judgement. Every day of our lives brings us closer to that day whether it be in our own physical death (Luke 16:19-31) or in the return of the Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Therefore, let us prepare now for that moment.

Cast off Evil

At least some in Rome needed to be reminded to separate themselves from evil. He uses the oft repeated contrast of light and dark, day and night, to make his point. Christians should be walking in the light of daytime (c.f. 1 John 1:5-10). The deeds of darkness (night) include orgies, drunkenness, sexual immorality, sensuality, quarreling and jealousy (c.f. Galatians 5:19-21). Paul’s list is not exhaustive but comprehends much of the scope of wickedness in the first century and in our day. It’s time to put away such deeds and rise to walk worthy of our calling in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 4:1; Colossians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; Revelation 3:4).

The urgency to purify is found in  the first verse of this passage: “the day is at hand.” The apostle is horrified that any of his readers might be found soiled by worldliness when standing before the righteous judge. He wants them to cleanup their act and be ready for the Lord.

I learned a long time ago to be very careful when eating out on Sunday or when enjoying a fellowship. Sauces are deadly! With me, I will almost always drip something on my tie or dress shirt. Then I have to stand before the assembly wearing barbeque sauce. It’s ugly, sloppy and even distracting. How much more should we strive to present ourselves before the Lord in judgement?

Put on Christ

It’s just not enough to clean out the bad; we must bring in the good. In this case we put on Christ. Jesus tells a sad story of what happens when one cleans out the evil but fails to put righteousness in its place (Luke 11:24-26).

The Christian life is so much more than not sinning. Our life is to be like Christ in all ways. The idea of putting on Christ suggests that we cover our own lives with his life, our ways with his ways, our bodies with his body. We walk as  he walks (Romans 6:3-14).

The final verse connects putting on Christ with rejecting the flesh:

“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”

That verse kind of explodes on you. The first part is not unexpected but the second part really shook me up. Did he really say to make “no provision” for the flesh? Like our discussion of salvation above, the word flesh has different meanings. Here Paul uses it to speak to the sinful desires of men. It doesn’t mean to ignore the needs of the physical body but instead to avoid feeding our temptations. We must never surrender to Satan’s call. Don’t give him any room. Don’t let him in even for a second. It causes me to think of Ephesians 4:27, “give no opportunity to the devil.”

In the time it has taken you to read this little essay, you have moved closer to your final destination. Are you prepared?

5 Lessons from a Dead Tree

Culture, Daily living

dead treeLife lessons come from the strangest places. Friday morning I took short walk along the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay and saw this tall and very dead pine tree standing among many living trees. Some lessons started tumbling through my head. Let me share them.

1. Death Leaves an Empty Spot

If you use you imagine you see where the great top or crown of this tree once swayed in the wind. But now there is but an empty place. When we pass this life we will leave an empty spot. It’s size depends on us and what we accomplish in life. It’s evident this tree accomplished much, at least as much as a tree can. It grew tall and strong and spread its limbs. What a great idea for us.

2. Even the Great Are Scarred

If you could examine this tree a bit closer you would see evidence of disease and damage this tree incurred. Perhaps that was the disease that ultimately killed it. But in its long life it suffered many assaults. Sometimes we see great people and assume they never suffer. In reality we all suffer mightily. The difference between a truely great person and a mediocre one is that the great man overcomes his troubles. He doesn’t complain about every ache or every trouble he faces. If you could examine him you find his life scarred with obstacles, struggles and difficulties but you would also see that he kept growing through them all.

3. Some Stand Tall Even in Death

Great Bible characters remain tall today even though they died millennia ago. Jesus, Moses, Peter, Paul, John are all great heroes. Hebrews 11 lists many such great men. Even in the secular realm greats like Washington, Jefferson and King remain honored for their work. This tree is still standing even though it is dead. It will fall one day. But for now it has claimed its place among the great trees. We stand tall in death by standing tall in life. A life of faith, honor and purity will ensure that even in death we continue to stand.

4. It is Good to be Different

Have you ever noticed that every tree is unique? No two are exactly alike. The branches of this tree, which can still be seen, remind me that in life it look different from every other tree. Culture exerts enormous pressure to conform and to accept the thinking and styles of the majority. But all of God’s great men and women were different. Imagine how Noah must have looked to his neighbors as he built a massive boat on dry land! God’s people need to reject the conformity of the world and instead need to be transformed by the renewing of their mind through the word of God (Romans 12:2).

5. Life Goes On

The tree here is surrounded by the living. Just because one tree dies in the forest it doesn’t mean the others stop growing. They grow and, in time, will replace much of the space of the old tree. One day we will pass this life and others will pick up where we left off. We want them to be prepared and trained for the challenges of life. Our families need guidance, especially our youth. It’s despicable for  parents to allow children to raise themselves. They desperately need guidance. Likewise, it is important to allow them to grow up and take more responsibility for their lives. When we are gone they will become the tall trees of the future.

Those are my thought. Can you add a few lessons? We would love to hear them. Leave a comment in the box below.

Examples for Christian Living – 1 Corinthians 10 – Part 2

1 Corinthians, Daily living,

We are looking at Examples for Christian Living which is a continuation of an article begun yesterday. Today we continue by looking at 1 Corinthians 10:8-11.

Examples for Christian Living – Sexual Immorality – 1 Corinthians 10:6

The practice of sexual immorality is an example of something that must not be tolerated in our lives. Adultery was included among the 10 commandments (Exodus 20:14) and is included among the works of the flesh enumerated by Paul in Galatians 5:19-20. The ESV speaks broadly of “sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality…orgies.” In 1 Corinthians 6:9 the list includes adultery (more specifically) and homosexuality.

Now I sure know that our world absolutely disagrees with the Bible on this subject but the world is dead wrong.  Continue reading Examples for Christian Living – 1 Corinthians 10 – Part 2 →

Examples for Christian Living – 1 Corinthians 10

1 Corinthians, Daily living,

We all need examples. We learn from them. A demonstration is always better than just hearing some words. I’m glad the Bible has given us plenty of examples and demonstrations to help us learn. On such set of examples comes in 1 Corinthians 10. Let’s take a quick look.

Examples for Christian Living 1 – Background – 1 Corinthians 10:1-5

From verse 6 we learn that the prior material “took place as examples for us.” What is the example? It is the story of Israel’s wilderness wanderings and more specifically their failure to please God. The Hebrews had been delivered from Egyptian captivity but soon rebelled against their God. Because of their rebellion a brief month long journey became a 40 year wandering. Paul reminds his readers of this misadventure as the background to three examples from which we can learn.

First, the Israelite people were well cared for by God. They were “under the cloud” which is certainly a reference to God’s presence as seen in a cloud by day and a column of fire by night (Exodus 13:12). They also “all passed through the sea” (Exodus 14:22). This passage not only allowed their passage through a massive obstacle but also separated them from their enemies. This was a moment of redemption as the people were finally freed from the Egyptian oppressors.  Continue reading Examples for Christian Living – 1 Corinthians 10 →

4 Lessons from a New Washing Machine

Daily living

Even the Maytag repairman couldn’t find time to fix it. After 22 years our washing machine died. That includes raising three boys and cleaning all the filth they could find. When the machine began to squeal and oil began to leak, we knew the end was near.

Last night we bought a new machine. It’s a Whirlpool Cabrio, 5.0 cubit feet of washing power. (It has a clear top so mindless husbands can watch the action.) As with most machines it’s an easy setup that even a preacher can accomplish. So I had them load it in the truck, drove home and unloaded it into the garage. After a while it was in a running. But along the way I learned a few cool lessons.

Continue reading 4 Lessons from a New Washing Machine →