The Resurrection of Jesus Christ ought to transform our conduct, our actions, our observable lives. Christianity is not what some people think it is. It is not a rigid set of moral rules to live by. Nor is it a set of beliefs that you merely need to give mental agreement to, things you can agree to in principle but stay unmoved and unchanged in practice. It is a life-changing, God-inspired, God-focused, God-dependent movement of God among people He has chosen who believe, trust and subsequently obey what He says. They do what He says and go where He leads. They look to Him to lead, guide, provide, protect, direct, correct and inspire them until He comes again or they go to be with Him, whichever comes first. Christianity is life transforming. It transforms who you are and how you live.
Those in the Corinthian church who were denying the resurrection were saying "let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die". They were deluded, like those today who say "It doesn't matter how I live, I have fire insurance". Yes it does. It is not justification by faithfulness, it is only by faith, all who are saved are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, as revealed in God's Word alone, for God's glory alone. But all who are truly saved will show faithfulness to God and scripture, they will persevere, or be shown to be false. Those who continue with Jesus show they belong to Him.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Real, True, Eternal
Today we celebrate THE most important event in all of history. Planned before the foundation of the world, hinted at in the Garden, spoken of by the prophets, recognized in the Incarnation, seen in the life of Christ, secured at the Cross of Christ; God accomplishing eternal redemption; through the Resurrection of Christ from the dead.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Rescue the Perishing
"Rescue attempt" is an interesting term. It describes either a failed or future try. At best a possibility. Many have tried and failed. But you don't call a successful rescue an attempt. You call it victory. In the past year one of the most dramatic, visible and successful rescues was of the 33 Chilean miners last October. It was an amazing display of teamwork and determination. But the most purposeful, dramatic, perfectly timed rescue ever was initiated before time began, secured at the cross, realized at the resurrection, and is experienced every time someone truly repents and believes in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world. It was determined long ago by the Father, secured by the Son, and carried out by the Holy Spirit.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Of First Importance: Christ Died For Our Sins
Paul, in 15:3, reminded the Corinthians of what he had given them "as of first importance": that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures. This foundational truth forms the bedrock of our faith.
The cross revealed God's glory through all His attributes, most notably His love, mercy, grace, justice and righteousness.
The cross accomplished God's merciful redemption of the spiritually dead. We were unable to help ourselves. Rom. 5:6 While we were still weak, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly.
At the cross Jesus...
1. Paid for sin.
2. Purchased a people lost in sin.
3. Secured the forgiveness of sin.
John Piper said "The death of Christ is the wisdom of God by which the love of God saves sinners from the wrath of God, and all the while upholds and demonstrates the righteousness of God."
The cross requires Death to self. In Isaac Watts words, "When I survey the wondrous cross, On which the Prince of Glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride." The sinless Son of God died selflessly for our sins, so that we would die to our sinful selves and live to God.
To the end that we could freely Praise God for His matchless grace, engage others with the gospel, and trust God to do whatever He wants.
Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures.
The cross revealed God's glory through all His attributes, most notably His love, mercy, grace, justice and righteousness.
The cross accomplished God's merciful redemption of the spiritually dead. We were unable to help ourselves. Rom. 5:6 While we were still weak, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly.
At the cross Jesus...
1. Paid for sin.
2. Purchased a people lost in sin.
3. Secured the forgiveness of sin.
John Piper said "The death of Christ is the wisdom of God by which the love of God saves sinners from the wrath of God, and all the while upholds and demonstrates the righteousness of God."
The cross requires Death to self. In Isaac Watts words, "When I survey the wondrous cross, On which the Prince of Glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride." The sinless Son of God died selflessly for our sins, so that we would die to our sinful selves and live to God.
To the end that we could freely Praise God for His matchless grace, engage others with the gospel, and trust God to do whatever He wants.
Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Regeneration: God's Doing
We preach Christ crucified. We preach the death of Christ for sinners and the necessity of repentance and faith. Many times we preach like this: you need to repent and believe so that you can be born again. The truth is, you must be born again in order to repent and believe.
The reason why? The new birth cannot be controlled by man. A person repents and believes because the Spirit makes it happen. The Spirit makes it possible for sinners to be saved by giving them a new heart through regeneration. The new birth is always the work of God. Repentance is what we do (Acts 26:20) and it too is a gift of God (2 Tim. 2:25).
Jesus said "you must be born again". So it is easy to think that is a command we are supposed to obey. "Be born" is a passive verb, not active. "Repent" and "believe" are actions. But we receive the new birth. It is done for and to us. A birth happens. You don't choose to be born, it happens to you. You don't birth yourself. We are born again by the will of God (James 1:18; John 1:12-13).
What difference does it make to anyone? You maybe tempted to ask, "as long as we are born again what does it matter?" The one who is receiving it won't even notice but to the one who is doing the work of an evangelist it can makes a huge difference in terms of trust, talking to God and telling the gospel. Knowing it is God's work and not ours gives abundant assurance and confidence.
We are preaching to dead people who can do nothing for themselves unless God first does a work of regeneration in their hearts. We depend on God to raise the dead!
The reason why? The new birth cannot be controlled by man. A person repents and believes because the Spirit makes it happen. The Spirit makes it possible for sinners to be saved by giving them a new heart through regeneration. The new birth is always the work of God. Repentance is what we do (Acts 26:20) and it too is a gift of God (2 Tim. 2:25).
Jesus said "you must be born again". So it is easy to think that is a command we are supposed to obey. "Be born" is a passive verb, not active. "Repent" and "believe" are actions. But we receive the new birth. It is done for and to us. A birth happens. You don't choose to be born, it happens to you. You don't birth yourself. We are born again by the will of God (James 1:18; John 1:12-13).
What difference does it make to anyone? You maybe tempted to ask, "as long as we are born again what does it matter?" The one who is receiving it won't even notice but to the one who is doing the work of an evangelist it can makes a huge difference in terms of trust, talking to God and telling the gospel. Knowing it is God's work and not ours gives abundant assurance and confidence.
We are preaching to dead people who can do nothing for themselves unless God first does a work of regeneration in their hearts. We depend on God to raise the dead!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Why Isn't Everyone Saved?
Why don't all people believe in Jesus?
Why is universalism a lie?
Why will some people spend eternity in the torments of hell?
1. Because all people are not chosen.
Only the elect will be saved. Ephesians 1:3-6; 1 Peter 1:1-5; 2 Peter 3:9.
2. Because all people do not believe.
Whoever will not believe will not be saved. John 3:13-18; 1 John 5:10-12.
3. Because all roads do not lead to heaven.
Jesus is the only way to be saved. John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 2 Tim. 2:10-13.
We can be confidently assured that what ultimately happens is what will most glorify God.
Why is universalism a lie?
Why will some people spend eternity in the torments of hell?
1. Because all people are not chosen.
Only the elect will be saved. Ephesians 1:3-6; 1 Peter 1:1-5; 2 Peter 3:9.
2. Because all people do not believe.
Whoever will not believe will not be saved. John 3:13-18; 1 John 5:10-12.
3. Because all roads do not lead to heaven.
Jesus is the only way to be saved. John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 2 Tim. 2:10-13.
We can be confidently assured that what ultimately happens is what will most glorify God.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Do Not Judge Lest You be Judged
I am so judgmental. I come to conclusions before knowing the whole story. I rush to judgment. I hide it well. Sometimes not so well and sarcastic comments or full-fledged put downs come out. I am wretched, miserable, poor and sorry for my arrogant attitudes that seem to be more plentiful these days. One look at myself leads to despair. One look at the Lord Jesus Christ lifts me up out of self-condemnation to thankfulness and praise to Him who had mercy on my sinning, guilty, unworthy soul.
I am the last one who deserves to be judgmental. I should know. And yet I forget so quickly. I am sorrowful over my sin and selfishness. I want to be well. I want to praise God instead of complaining. I want to encourage others instead of being negative. I want to lift up Jesus rather than myself. I do things for the most selfsih reasons. Knowing that my sin was judged at the cross of Christ is what keeps me grounded and tethered to the truth, especially when lies attack. Jesus told us that we would know the truth and the truth would set us free (John 8:32) and I am so grateful. I cling to the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Actually, the truth is that He is holding onto me.
I am the last one who deserves to be judgmental. I should know. And yet I forget so quickly. I am sorrowful over my sin and selfishness. I want to be well. I want to praise God instead of complaining. I want to encourage others instead of being negative. I want to lift up Jesus rather than myself. I do things for the most selfsih reasons. Knowing that my sin was judged at the cross of Christ is what keeps me grounded and tethered to the truth, especially when lies attack. Jesus told us that we would know the truth and the truth would set us free (John 8:32) and I am so grateful. I cling to the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Actually, the truth is that He is holding onto me.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Parables, Part 3: The Sower Explained
Jesus' explanation is found in Matthew 13:18-23.
In 13:19 there is the Empty/Dead Heart. A person who never understands. Jesus is saying that some people hear the message about the kingdom, but like hardened paths, do not let the truth sink in, and before they understand it the devil takes it away. Verdict: Not a true believer, not real faith.
In 13:20-21 there is the Temporary/Shallow Heart. The person who receives the word in a thoughtless way might show immediate signs of life, but they are false, no root, no fruit. External presurres reveal the shallowness of the soil. Verdict: Not a true believer, not real faith. Interested only up to a point.
In 13:22 there is the Unfruitful/Conflicted Heart. This person simply never allows the word to contol him. The word is one of many competing allegiances and not as important to him as others so it is choked out of his life. Verdict: Not a true believer, not real faith. Superficial commitment, no repentance.
In 13:23 there is the Receptive/Reborn Heart. This person hears the Word, understands it, and bears fruit. Bears a crop, produces. Every believer does not have the same fruitfulness, but every believer will be fruitful. Word heard, understood and received—spiritual fruit in human life. Verdict: Genuine, a true believer, real faith. Being reborn is key. Jesus said you must be born again.
What can we glean from this passage?
1. Be careful how you hear the word. This parable Is about hearing the Word. Hearing vs ignoring. Put yourself in a good position to receive it well.
2. Realize the danger of hearing the Word and remaining unchanged. To understand means to put it all together, the Word being united with faith in those who hear. Test yourself to see if you are in the faith. 2 Cor. 13:5.
Do you know and love Jesus?
Is there evidence of God at work in your life? Gal. 5:22-23.
Do you desire to worship God and know Him more? 2 Peter 3:18.
Do you love God's people? John 13:34-35.
Do you stick around through tough times? 1 Peter 1:6-7.
Do you actively avoid idolatry? 1 John 2:15-17.
Do you consistently seek God's will? James 4:15.
Do you desire to know, understand, & obey God's word? 1 Pet. 2:2.
Are you becoming more like Christ? Romans 8:28-30.
3. Let the word affect everything. God wants us to hear and understand the Word so that we produce good works in keeping with saving faith.
Soli Deo Gloria
In 13:19 there is the Empty/Dead Heart. A person who never understands. Jesus is saying that some people hear the message about the kingdom, but like hardened paths, do not let the truth sink in, and before they understand it the devil takes it away. Verdict: Not a true believer, not real faith.
In 13:20-21 there is the Temporary/Shallow Heart. The person who receives the word in a thoughtless way might show immediate signs of life, but they are false, no root, no fruit. External presurres reveal the shallowness of the soil. Verdict: Not a true believer, not real faith. Interested only up to a point.
In 13:22 there is the Unfruitful/Conflicted Heart. This person simply never allows the word to contol him. The word is one of many competing allegiances and not as important to him as others so it is choked out of his life. Verdict: Not a true believer, not real faith. Superficial commitment, no repentance.
In 13:23 there is the Receptive/Reborn Heart. This person hears the Word, understands it, and bears fruit. Bears a crop, produces. Every believer does not have the same fruitfulness, but every believer will be fruitful. Word heard, understood and received—spiritual fruit in human life. Verdict: Genuine, a true believer, real faith. Being reborn is key. Jesus said you must be born again.
What can we glean from this passage?
1. Be careful how you hear the word. This parable Is about hearing the Word. Hearing vs ignoring. Put yourself in a good position to receive it well.
2. Realize the danger of hearing the Word and remaining unchanged. To understand means to put it all together, the Word being united with faith in those who hear. Test yourself to see if you are in the faith. 2 Cor. 13:5.
Do you know and love Jesus?
Is there evidence of God at work in your life? Gal. 5:22-23.
Do you desire to worship God and know Him more? 2 Peter 3:18.
Do you love God's people? John 13:34-35.
Do you stick around through tough times? 1 Peter 1:6-7.
Do you actively avoid idolatry? 1 John 2:15-17.
Do you consistently seek God's will? James 4:15.
Do you desire to know, understand, & obey God's word? 1 Pet. 2:2.
Are you becoming more like Christ? Romans 8:28-30.
3. Let the word affect everything. God wants us to hear and understand the Word so that we produce good works in keeping with saving faith.
Soli Deo Gloria
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
The Glory of God in Providing Salvation
Romans 3:21-26 tells us that there is no difference between anyone with regard to the guilt of sin, that all who believe have sinned and fall short of God's glory, "being justified freely by God's grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." God glorifies Himself in providing salvation to all who believe, elect before the foundation of the world. All who are saved live to the praise of the glory of God's grace for the remainder of their time on earth and for all eternity. They exist for God's glory, as do all things. "For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom by glory forever. Amen."
Monday, April 11, 2011
Justification by Faith Alone
There was a debt to be paid. We were sentenced to death due to sin. Jesus Christ provided the sacrifice to satisfy the wrath of God by enduring as our substitute the punishment our sins deserved. Jesus Christ provided what God required. That is why we can say with full assurance of faith, that salvation depends on what Jesus Christ has provided and accomplished. Our inadequate works have absolutely no bearing on our salvation. All who believe are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in the finished work of Christ alone, for the glory of God alone. These truths are found in God's Word alone.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Our God is Greater
Our God is greater
Than anyone or anything
Giving mercy beyond measure
Making us more than conquerors
With ability to forgive
Eyes off self
Idolatry exposed
Worship reinstated
Apply the Word
The salve for every wound,
the calm for every storm,
the answer to every question
Look to Jesus He is stronger
Sin is broken
True repentance
Jesus reigns
Saved by grace alone
through faith alone
in Christ alone
for God's glory alone.
Than anyone or anything
Giving mercy beyond measure
Making us more than conquerors
With ability to forgive
Eyes off self
Idolatry exposed
Worship reinstated
Apply the Word
The salve for every wound,
the calm for every storm,
the answer to every question
Look to Jesus He is stronger
Sin is broken
True repentance
Jesus reigns
Saved by grace alone
through faith alone
in Christ alone
for God's glory alone.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Parables, Part 2: The Reason Why
Sandwiched between Jesus' parable of the Sower and the explanation to His followers is the reason He spoke in parables in Matt. 13:10-17. The reason? God reveals and conceals His truth, so that believers are blessed and unbelievers get what they want and deserve. A popular idea is that Jesus spoke parables so everyone could get the point. No. He clearly says He used them to reveal truth to those who accept Him and veil it to those who reject Him.
The secrets of the kingdom are unknowable apart from God’s choice to reveal them. Jesus has complete authority regarding who will know the Father (11:27), and to determine who will know the secrets of His kingdom. The mysteries are things only God knows and reveals when He wants, which man cannot know apart from the Spirit of God. Things once hidden but now revealed. Great glorious gospel truths (Rom. 16:25-27; Eph. 3:3–9; Col. 1:27, 2:2). They got truth previous people of faith longed for (1 Pet. 1:10-12).
Sounds kind of strange that unbelievers get what they want and deserve but it is what happens in the realm of salvation. "Not given" was the reason in terms of God’s electing grace. Humanly speaking, they are condemned by their willful rejection of the only Savior, Christ Jesus. They considered the most valuable treasure worthless. Like if someone gave you a 500 lb. chunk of pure gold & you insist it is fake & throw it away. What is taken away is their presumed standing as a member of the kingdom. Jesus quoted Is. 6:9-10. Isaiah’s message was God’s tool to hide the truth from an unbelieving generation; Jesus’ parables did the same. He wasn't going to cast His pearls before swine. Judgment on Jesus rejecters began with Jesus’ withholding insight by parables.
What can we learn from Matthew 13:10-17?
1. Each person is foolish apart from God. We are so lost without Jesus. They saw but didn't see and heard but didn't hear. The light shined on them as never light shone before; they had Jesus right there but they shut their eyes. He spoke as no man ever spoke; but they took nothing in, didn’t get the heart-piercing, soul-transforming, life-giving words of Jesus.
2. All choices have consequences from God. John Piper says no one who understands wants hell. Yes, and those who do not understand do not realize the autonomy from God they crave will lead them there. When I was a kid I really wanted a pocket knife and to live on a ranch with horses. I understand we don't always get what we want. But in the arena of eternal life, in God's salvation economy, we get exactly what we want. We either want eternal life with God or not and that’s what we’ll get.
3. Every good thing we have is undeserved and comes from God. God is the Creator and absolute Sovereign of the universe. Nothing exists or occurs without His provision or permission. No one will or can choose right unless God intervenes, breaks through hardened hearts and regenerates the soul. Only then can a person respond with the faith that eludes them. We don't create faith; we receive it as an undeserved gift from God. God is the Giver of every good and perfect gift. He is behind every positive move we make towards Him.
These truths ought to increase both our gratitude for all we have in Christ and our desire to preach the gospel to all, especially those who are not in Christ.
Soli Deo Gloria
The secrets of the kingdom are unknowable apart from God’s choice to reveal them. Jesus has complete authority regarding who will know the Father (11:27), and to determine who will know the secrets of His kingdom. The mysteries are things only God knows and reveals when He wants, which man cannot know apart from the Spirit of God. Things once hidden but now revealed. Great glorious gospel truths (Rom. 16:25-27; Eph. 3:3–9; Col. 1:27, 2:2). They got truth previous people of faith longed for (1 Pet. 1:10-12).
Sounds kind of strange that unbelievers get what they want and deserve but it is what happens in the realm of salvation. "Not given" was the reason in terms of God’s electing grace. Humanly speaking, they are condemned by their willful rejection of the only Savior, Christ Jesus. They considered the most valuable treasure worthless. Like if someone gave you a 500 lb. chunk of pure gold & you insist it is fake & throw it away. What is taken away is their presumed standing as a member of the kingdom. Jesus quoted Is. 6:9-10. Isaiah’s message was God’s tool to hide the truth from an unbelieving generation; Jesus’ parables did the same. He wasn't going to cast His pearls before swine. Judgment on Jesus rejecters began with Jesus’ withholding insight by parables.
What can we learn from Matthew 13:10-17?
1. Each person is foolish apart from God. We are so lost without Jesus. They saw but didn't see and heard but didn't hear. The light shined on them as never light shone before; they had Jesus right there but they shut their eyes. He spoke as no man ever spoke; but they took nothing in, didn’t get the heart-piercing, soul-transforming, life-giving words of Jesus.
2. All choices have consequences from God. John Piper says no one who understands wants hell. Yes, and those who do not understand do not realize the autonomy from God they crave will lead them there. When I was a kid I really wanted a pocket knife and to live on a ranch with horses. I understand we don't always get what we want. But in the arena of eternal life, in God's salvation economy, we get exactly what we want. We either want eternal life with God or not and that’s what we’ll get.
3. Every good thing we have is undeserved and comes from God. God is the Creator and absolute Sovereign of the universe. Nothing exists or occurs without His provision or permission. No one will or can choose right unless God intervenes, breaks through hardened hearts and regenerates the soul. Only then can a person respond with the faith that eludes them. We don't create faith; we receive it as an undeserved gift from God. God is the Giver of every good and perfect gift. He is behind every positive move we make towards Him.
These truths ought to increase both our gratitude for all we have in Christ and our desire to preach the gospel to all, especially those who are not in Christ.
Soli Deo Gloria
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
A Spiritual Battle of Huge Proportions
If you think preaching the gospel isn't a spiritual battle then think again. Anytime the Word is sown in human hearts, a battle ensues. It is either the world, the flesh, or the devil that assaults the Word. God's Word is not bound by man's sin and it will not return to God void without accomplishing the task for which God sends it out. There is power in the Word, which does it's work in those who believe (1 Thess. 2:13). So, where does the battle come in? When Satan tries to steal away God's Word from people.
Not buying it? See Matthew 13:19 for proof. The evil one snatches away the seed that is sown. He gets His elbows on the table and chows down, so to speak, on what is meant to transform lives, renew minds and set the prisoners free. What can we do about it? Make sure that when we hear the Word we obey it. That we are able to put everything together and incorporate it into our lives appropriately. That we hear and understand the Word so that we bear good works in keeping with saving faith.
Not buying it? See Matthew 13:19 for proof. The evil one snatches away the seed that is sown. He gets His elbows on the table and chows down, so to speak, on what is meant to transform lives, renew minds and set the prisoners free. What can we do about it? Make sure that when we hear the Word we obey it. That we are able to put everything together and incorporate it into our lives appropriately. That we hear and understand the Word so that we bear good works in keeping with saving faith.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Believer, Know what is Yours in Christ!
It has been given to all who are in Christ to know the things freely given to them by God. If you belong to Jesus, you have all the riches of God in Christ; therefore, find your identity in Him.
-In Him we live and move and exist Acts 17:28; -God richly supplies us with all things to enjoy 1 Tim. 6:17; -His work is perfect, all His ways are just, a God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He Deut. 32:4; -He is worthy to receive glory and honor and power, for He created all things, and because of His will they existed and were created; Rev. 4:11, -In His presence is fullness of joy, in His right hand are pleasures forever; Ps. 16:11 -For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to Him be the glory forever, amen Rom. 11:36; -We rebelled and did not honor Him, we sinned, thinking ourselves wise, we foolishly exalted ourselves above Him… -but God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, made us alive together with Christ...while we were still helpless, Christ died for the ungodly Rom. 5:6; -Christ died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God, 1 Pet. 3:18; -God demonstrated His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us, Rom. 5:8 -Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.
God has intervened and initiated and engaged and we know the reason why. How can we not be moved to love God, love one another and love those who do not believe?
-In Him we live and move and exist Acts 17:28; -God richly supplies us with all things to enjoy 1 Tim. 6:17; -His work is perfect, all His ways are just, a God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He Deut. 32:4; -He is worthy to receive glory and honor and power, for He created all things, and because of His will they existed and were created; Rev. 4:11, -In His presence is fullness of joy, in His right hand are pleasures forever; Ps. 16:11 -For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to Him be the glory forever, amen Rom. 11:36; -We rebelled and did not honor Him, we sinned, thinking ourselves wise, we foolishly exalted ourselves above Him… -but God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, made us alive together with Christ...while we were still helpless, Christ died for the ungodly Rom. 5:6; -Christ died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God, 1 Pet. 3:18; -God demonstrated His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us, Rom. 5:8 -Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.
God has intervened and initiated and engaged and we know the reason why. How can we not be moved to love God, love one another and love those who do not believe?
Monday, April 4, 2011
Sinful, yet Dependent on God
Believers get burned by the deceptive nature of sin. We prop ourselves up with worthless things. We reach for fool's gold & when we come to our senses we feel like fools. Sin blinds us to reality. But God's kindness leads us to repentance. As we confess sin and turn from it, God clears our vision, focuses us on what is true. In Christ we are freed from the power and penalty of sin. 1 day we’ll be free from its presence, but until then we are burdened, sometimes seemingly bent on sinning. Christ paid the penalty for our sin, but many of its effects & consequences are still present. Misery is not yet abolished for believers. We live, redeemed by Christ's blood, in a fallen world. While we are at times contributors to the common bad, we are blessed in Christ, saved by grace, through faith. Our position in Christ and our persevering is dependent on Jesus, the Author and Perfector of our faith.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Complementary: Sovereignty and Accountability
That God reveals & conceals His truth, so that believers are blessed & unbelievers get what they want/deserve highlights 2 complementary realities seen in scripture: God's sovereign electing grace, blessing the undeserving with salvation; & our accountability to God, God giving what unbelief deserves, letting the consequences of rejecting Christ play out.
Friday, April 1, 2011
An Open Letter to Fools
I love Jesus, the Bible, and people; so I write these words to you.
Psalm 14:1 and Psalm 53:1 both say, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” The Hebrew word for “fool" is nabal. It doesn't mean lack of intellect. It refers to one who makes a moral choice to reject God. Not “you are stupid if you do not believe in God” but “you are immoral if you do not believe in God.” It is always a moral choice that leads a person to reject God.
That is not a put down, just a biblical statement of fact. We all act foolishly at times, but this is describing an abiding state that does not lead us to a good place. Drifting is dangerous. Spiritually speaking it's the untethered life than is in most peril. You have to have something to keep you centered. You have to pick some god around which to build your life. That is the nature of life.
So what happens when you reject the one true God? If He is not the center who or what is? Behold your god. It may be something in your life. It may be a person. It may be you. You won't not pick one. Yes, I used a double-negative, purposefully, because spurning God is one. It leads to a crash and burn somewhere down the line. I have never seen it lead to peace. It may lead to short-term prosperity, success and advancement in temporal things. But it can never, and will never, lead to a place of soul rest. The calm is false and momentary and the churning will never stop until you bow at the feet of Jesus.
And yes, unless you bow in the here and now, your bowing in the hereafter will be regretful, agonizing and painfully aware of your former error and the blindness that led to your alienation. It will get worse. Unless, and here is where the self-directed autonomous ones just shriek in disagreement, unless God intervenes, breaks through, and regenerates your soul. Then you can respond with the faith that has eluded you. And yes, a person can become hardened to the point of no return here on earth, before they die.
You were never in control. From the moment of your birth until today. But you say you chose not to follow Jesus? Yes, you have that freedom. In the salvation, eternal life realm, God will give you what you want. But realize this, you are not in control. There are spiritual forces at work and you are under one of them. The Spirit of God or the spirit of error. God Almighty or Satan, the one the Pharisees chose. You are playing for one of two teams. There isn't a third option. You can't sit this one out. Call it for what it is, or stay deceived, but know that ultimately, the gospel wins, Jesus reigns, God rules. The final outcome is assured.
Jesus said, and I quote, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6) The fool says in his heart there is no God. Jesus is God. All who reject Jesus are fools, morally speaking. Jesus is the wisdom of God that you need. You need to make a choice and decide.
Psalm 14:1 and Psalm 53:1 both say, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” The Hebrew word for “fool" is nabal. It doesn't mean lack of intellect. It refers to one who makes a moral choice to reject God. Not “you are stupid if you do not believe in God” but “you are immoral if you do not believe in God.” It is always a moral choice that leads a person to reject God.
That is not a put down, just a biblical statement of fact. We all act foolishly at times, but this is describing an abiding state that does not lead us to a good place. Drifting is dangerous. Spiritually speaking it's the untethered life than is in most peril. You have to have something to keep you centered. You have to pick some god around which to build your life. That is the nature of life.
So what happens when you reject the one true God? If He is not the center who or what is? Behold your god. It may be something in your life. It may be a person. It may be you. You won't not pick one. Yes, I used a double-negative, purposefully, because spurning God is one. It leads to a crash and burn somewhere down the line. I have never seen it lead to peace. It may lead to short-term prosperity, success and advancement in temporal things. But it can never, and will never, lead to a place of soul rest. The calm is false and momentary and the churning will never stop until you bow at the feet of Jesus.
And yes, unless you bow in the here and now, your bowing in the hereafter will be regretful, agonizing and painfully aware of your former error and the blindness that led to your alienation. It will get worse. Unless, and here is where the self-directed autonomous ones just shriek in disagreement, unless God intervenes, breaks through, and regenerates your soul. Then you can respond with the faith that has eluded you. And yes, a person can become hardened to the point of no return here on earth, before they die.
You were never in control. From the moment of your birth until today. But you say you chose not to follow Jesus? Yes, you have that freedom. In the salvation, eternal life realm, God will give you what you want. But realize this, you are not in control. There are spiritual forces at work and you are under one of them. The Spirit of God or the spirit of error. God Almighty or Satan, the one the Pharisees chose. You are playing for one of two teams. There isn't a third option. You can't sit this one out. Call it for what it is, or stay deceived, but know that ultimately, the gospel wins, Jesus reigns, God rules. The final outcome is assured.
Jesus said, and I quote, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6) The fool says in his heart there is no God. Jesus is God. All who reject Jesus are fools, morally speaking. Jesus is the wisdom of God that you need. You need to make a choice and decide.
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