As I write this article, the country is reeling over the news of one of the worst scandals to have ever hit college football. The scandal is so bad that a famous head football couch has stepped down from his position. I do not want to go into all the disgusting details surrounding the terrible events that happened at Penn State. For those who may not know about this incident, it involved a high ranking assistant couch raping young boys who were around 10-12 years of age. What made it worse is that many people knew about it yet did little or nothing to stop it.
-
Today many are speculating about what went wrong at Penn State. Why did so many turn a blind eye? No doubt the success and popularity of the football program was a factor. Further the perpetrator, Sandusky, was running a program to “help” underprivileged boys. Of course what he was doing was hurting them more than helping them.
-
Part of the problem is that not everyone in our country believes that what Sandusky was doing was wrong. There is actually an organization that is attempting to legalize the sort of behavior this coach had with minors as long as it is consensual. Fortunately most people are still appalled at such an idea, but how long before that changes. Just a few decades ago, most people were appalled at the idea of homosexuality, now it is simply considered an alternative lifestyle choice. How long before pedophilia falls into that same category?
-
You may ask how I could even suggest such a thing. Proverbs 21:2 says, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.” In other words, man can justify any sin in his own eyes, but God is the ultimate judge of what is right and wrong.
-
Here is the problem. If we leave God out of the equation, who gets to decide what is right or wrong? Does the football coach get to decide because he is popular? Does Hollywood get to decide because they are able to use their influence to make deviant behavior acceptable and even popular? Does the government get to decide because political campaigns and politicians are influenced by the money given by pedophiles and homosexuals? Right and wrong should not be based on any of these factors. Instead it should be based on the moral absolutes of an unchanging God.
-
No doubt college campuses have played a role in the changing moral ethic of our nation as well. Students are told that they need to accept the choices of others and promote those choices even if they believe those choices are wrong. At the same time those who believe in God and commit to following Him are mocked. Essentially there is tolerance for every deviant behavior, but no tolerance for Christ. Should we then be surprised that such sin would occur at a college campus like Penn State?
-
Isaiah 2:20 says, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” It is time that we stop making excuses for evil and stand up for what is right. It is time that we stop trying to determine for ourselves what is right and wrong. It is time we stop letting other people tell us what is right an wrong. It is time we listen to God and let Him tell us what is right and wrong.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Friday, November 4, 2011
Those Cold Blanket Wars
The blanket wars have resumed in the Miller household. There had been a cease fire in the battle for quite awhile. Through the summer months blankets were not such a prized commodity, but now that fall has set in and the temperatures have gone down we had our first skirmish in a long time last night.
-
Now before you feel sorry for our family and start donating bedding, realize that we have cedar chests full of blankets. The problem occurs with the tug of war that can occur during the middle of the night.
-
Again, do not feel sorry for us. Our bed was piled with 3 nice quilts last night, but by morning I only had the slim edge of a sheet and the thinnest of the quilts. I sensed that all it would take was for my wife to roll over and I would have no blanket at all, so I said something to her. Her response, “I know, I don’t have any either.” Incredulously, I responded, “sit up and look how much I have!”
-
She did look, and then informed me that the rest of the blankets were all on my side- on the floor. It is amazing the difference a little perspective can make.
-
Crystal and I were able to laugh about what happened, but it is sad how often conflict arises between two people simply because we do not have the complete picture of what has actually happened. We may think someone has wronged us when in fact we had unintentionally wronged them.
-
Proverbs 10:12 advises, “Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.” Fortunately the love between my wife and I is strong enough that we were able to see the humor in the event rather than inciting strife. That strife was diverted as our loving relationship was informed about what had actually happened.
-
Too often people who should be getting along with each other are at odds simply because they do not understand each other. This is especially true in a husband and wife situation. I might be upset because dinner is not ready and my wife is already upset because the crock pot quit working. It was not her fault that dinner wasn’t ready and she already feels bad that she needs a new crock pot. The last thing she needs at such a time is a bitter attitude from me.
-
At the same time she should not expect me to understand why dinner is late and the extra stress she is under if she does not tell me. Really what it comes down to is dwelling with one another according to understanding. In fact Peter gave specific instruction to husbands to do just that. “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.” (1 Peter 3:7)
-
Understanding one another so we get along better is not just limited to the marriage relationship. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalms 133:1)
-
Let us take time to see the bigger picture so that we understand what the other person is going through. Then hopefully our blanket wars will be something we can look back and laugh at instead of adding tension to our relationships.
-
Now before you feel sorry for our family and start donating bedding, realize that we have cedar chests full of blankets. The problem occurs with the tug of war that can occur during the middle of the night.
-
Again, do not feel sorry for us. Our bed was piled with 3 nice quilts last night, but by morning I only had the slim edge of a sheet and the thinnest of the quilts. I sensed that all it would take was for my wife to roll over and I would have no blanket at all, so I said something to her. Her response, “I know, I don’t have any either.” Incredulously, I responded, “sit up and look how much I have!”
-
She did look, and then informed me that the rest of the blankets were all on my side- on the floor. It is amazing the difference a little perspective can make.
-
Crystal and I were able to laugh about what happened, but it is sad how often conflict arises between two people simply because we do not have the complete picture of what has actually happened. We may think someone has wronged us when in fact we had unintentionally wronged them.
-
Proverbs 10:12 advises, “Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.” Fortunately the love between my wife and I is strong enough that we were able to see the humor in the event rather than inciting strife. That strife was diverted as our loving relationship was informed about what had actually happened.
-
Too often people who should be getting along with each other are at odds simply because they do not understand each other. This is especially true in a husband and wife situation. I might be upset because dinner is not ready and my wife is already upset because the crock pot quit working. It was not her fault that dinner wasn’t ready and she already feels bad that she needs a new crock pot. The last thing she needs at such a time is a bitter attitude from me.
-
At the same time she should not expect me to understand why dinner is late and the extra stress she is under if she does not tell me. Really what it comes down to is dwelling with one another according to understanding. In fact Peter gave specific instruction to husbands to do just that. “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.” (1 Peter 3:7)
-
Understanding one another so we get along better is not just limited to the marriage relationship. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalms 133:1)
-
Let us take time to see the bigger picture so that we understand what the other person is going through. Then hopefully our blanket wars will be something we can look back and laugh at instead of adding tension to our relationships.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Mystery in the Lake Bottom
My brother and I recently went out to the family farm and dug up some field tile. These were lines that had been in the ground for many years. We were amazed to find that the cement tile looked like they had just been installed. We found something even more amazing as we were digging on the other end of the field. There was a hole in the ground that looked like it had been caused by a tile washout (often when there is a large break in the tile it will wash away the dirt above it causing a small sink hole). What puzzled us was that we did not even know there was a tile in that spot.
-
As my brother ran the backhoe, I probed the ground to show him how much farther he had to dig before reaching what we thought was the tile. As I watched for little pieces of cement that might indicate he had hit the tile, instead I saw pieces of wood. Soon the digging revealed whole timbers. As he maneuvered the backhoe and moved one of the timbers, we found a hollow cavity below them.
-
Suddenly we had a mystery on our hands. I do not recall any trees being buried in this area during my lifetime and in the year 1900 that area was actually the bottom of what was then called Crooked Lake. It was not until 1915 when a floating dredge dug a ditch that the area was drained.
-
We took a flashlight and shined it into the open area below the timbers and were able to make out tree trunks, large slabs of bark and twisted branches. It was hard to imagine that these trees had been buried for nearly a century and had only rotted as if it had been a few years. Then we remembered that this was a low area with a typically high water table. Was it possible that the water table had stayed as high as their three foot burying depth for much of that time period, thus keeping out the air that would allow for rot?
-
What makes this story so interesting is that we expect things to rot away. We do not expect them to stay intact. Though the trees were largely unchanged, they had begun to rot some, and I do not expect the drain tile to last forever either. I think of the old chicken house at the farm site. The sill has rotted off the north wall and it is only being held up by plywood sheeting and the roof is being propped up by old wooden fence posts.
-
I think of my own body as I age. Some people age at a slower rate than others. They may be more like the trees in the lake bottom than like the chicken house. Others age quickly. Regardless aging and death are inevitable.
-
Consider as well, so much of what you have thrown away recently because it had worn out. Christ showed His followers that because of the decaying process and the uncertainty of being able to keep what we have in this life, we need to be focused on the next life instead. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
-
It is so easy to focus on the things of this life that seem so exciting now, but will soon end up in the trash heap. Instead, let us focus on God and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, trusting Him so that we can spend our eternity where nothing will rot away.
-
As my brother ran the backhoe, I probed the ground to show him how much farther he had to dig before reaching what we thought was the tile. As I watched for little pieces of cement that might indicate he had hit the tile, instead I saw pieces of wood. Soon the digging revealed whole timbers. As he maneuvered the backhoe and moved one of the timbers, we found a hollow cavity below them.
-
Suddenly we had a mystery on our hands. I do not recall any trees being buried in this area during my lifetime and in the year 1900 that area was actually the bottom of what was then called Crooked Lake. It was not until 1915 when a floating dredge dug a ditch that the area was drained.
-
We took a flashlight and shined it into the open area below the timbers and were able to make out tree trunks, large slabs of bark and twisted branches. It was hard to imagine that these trees had been buried for nearly a century and had only rotted as if it had been a few years. Then we remembered that this was a low area with a typically high water table. Was it possible that the water table had stayed as high as their three foot burying depth for much of that time period, thus keeping out the air that would allow for rot?
-
What makes this story so interesting is that we expect things to rot away. We do not expect them to stay intact. Though the trees were largely unchanged, they had begun to rot some, and I do not expect the drain tile to last forever either. I think of the old chicken house at the farm site. The sill has rotted off the north wall and it is only being held up by plywood sheeting and the roof is being propped up by old wooden fence posts.
-
I think of my own body as I age. Some people age at a slower rate than others. They may be more like the trees in the lake bottom than like the chicken house. Others age quickly. Regardless aging and death are inevitable.
-
Consider as well, so much of what you have thrown away recently because it had worn out. Christ showed His followers that because of the decaying process and the uncertainty of being able to keep what we have in this life, we need to be focused on the next life instead. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
-
It is so easy to focus on the things of this life that seem so exciting now, but will soon end up in the trash heap. Instead, let us focus on God and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, trusting Him so that we can spend our eternity where nothing will rot away.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Are You Known as a Hater?
I recently watched multiple interviews with members of the Westboro Baptist Church. This is the group that goes around to protest military funerals. I was struck with the hatred that those being interviewed had for others. Since we both share the title “Baptist”, I felt it was important to respond.
-
Though First Baptist in Bancroft, and Westboro Baptist, both have “Baptist” in our names we have no common affiliations. In order to call itself a Baptist church, an organization does not have to join any other group, conference, synod, or association. In other words, just because Westboro calls itself a Baptist Church, does not mean they are representative of Baptist beliefs.
-
Rather than being identified with traditional Baptist doctrine, Westboro has become identified with hate. Their focus is on God‘s hatred, but let us not forget that “God so LOVED the world that He gave His only begotten son.” It is true that there are things that God hates: “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” (Proverbs 6:16-19) I do not believe it is a stretch to suggest that multiple things on that list characterize Westboro.
-
It would be easy to focus this article on the sins of Westboro, but instead let us look at the scripture and see if Christians should really be focused on hate, and then examine our own hearts to see if we really have the fruits of the Spirit.
-
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:44-45)
-
“But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” (Luke 6:35)
-
“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:8-9)
-
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:19-23)
-
The works of the flesh involve hate and other such things, while the fruit of the Spirit involves love. No doubt a Christian’s life is to be characterized by love rather than hate. What characterizes your life?
-
Though First Baptist in Bancroft, and Westboro Baptist, both have “Baptist” in our names we have no common affiliations. In order to call itself a Baptist church, an organization does not have to join any other group, conference, synod, or association. In other words, just because Westboro calls itself a Baptist Church, does not mean they are representative of Baptist beliefs.
-
Rather than being identified with traditional Baptist doctrine, Westboro has become identified with hate. Their focus is on God‘s hatred, but let us not forget that “God so LOVED the world that He gave His only begotten son.” It is true that there are things that God hates: “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” (Proverbs 6:16-19) I do not believe it is a stretch to suggest that multiple things on that list characterize Westboro.
-
It would be easy to focus this article on the sins of Westboro, but instead let us look at the scripture and see if Christians should really be focused on hate, and then examine our own hearts to see if we really have the fruits of the Spirit.
-
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:44-45)
-
“But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” (Luke 6:35)
-
“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:8-9)
-
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:19-23)
-
The works of the flesh involve hate and other such things, while the fruit of the Spirit involves love. No doubt a Christian’s life is to be characterized by love rather than hate. What characterizes your life?
Saturday, October 1, 2011
A New Outlook on Revival
I decided to write this article because I have some concerns about revival. Now before I go farther, please let me state that I am not opposed to revival. In fact, I am praying that this country would have a revival. When I say that, I mean a REAL revival, not just worldly sorrow over the consequences of sin.
-
My thoughts about revival have changed somewhat since preaching through the Old Testament books of Exodus, Numbers, Joshua, and then Judges. As the children of Israel were led out of the promised land, they needed to learn much about God. God had revealed Himself to them in supernatural ways, but they still did not have the proper relationship with Him.
-
Even after the plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, the manna from heaven, and the water from the rock, they still did not believe God enough to enter the promised land and were cursed to wander the wilderness for 40 years. That brings us to the book of Numbers. To a large extent, it is a book about a backslidden people in need of revival.
-
Then we get to the book of Joshua. The unbelievers who would not enter the promised land have passed away and the book of Joshua is characterized by an obedient people who are serving the Lord.
-
Next is the book of Judges. There is a major contrast between Judges and Joshua. Whereas Joshua was characterized by “we will serve the Lord“, Judges is characterized by the backsliding of Israel as, “every man did that which was right in his own eyes.”
-
As I preached through the book of Judges I was also struck by another depiction- revival. Essentially the book is a repeating cycle of backsliding and revival. Things would get really bad, God would chasten, and then there would be a revival, but what stuck out was that the revivals did not last.
-
I believe much of the reason that the revivals did not last is because of the depravity of man, but I think there is another important reason. During the time of Judges, the backslidden people turned to God when they wanted something from Him. During the time of Joshua they were actually walking close to Him.
-
Revivalism is generally directed at a backslidden people and calls for them to make huge changes. I would rather see people consistently walking with God so that those HUGE changes are not needed. For example in the book of Judges, Gideon did a good thing and tore down an idol on his father’s property, but wouldn’t it have been better if that idol had never been built?
-
One of the characteristics of revival is big changes instead of consistent incremental growth. As pastors we need to be training our people about who God is and what it means to walk with Him so that the incremental growth is occurring so that we do not have to call on a Gideon to tear down the idol.
-
I do not want to live in the book of Judges, even with all it’s revivals. I’d rather live in the book of Joshua, and consistently walk with God in a way where sin is regularly recognized and corrected rather than waiting for the backsliding to get so bad that a major revival is needed.
-
My thoughts about revival have changed somewhat since preaching through the Old Testament books of Exodus, Numbers, Joshua, and then Judges. As the children of Israel were led out of the promised land, they needed to learn much about God. God had revealed Himself to them in supernatural ways, but they still did not have the proper relationship with Him.
-
Even after the plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, the manna from heaven, and the water from the rock, they still did not believe God enough to enter the promised land and were cursed to wander the wilderness for 40 years. That brings us to the book of Numbers. To a large extent, it is a book about a backslidden people in need of revival.
-
Then we get to the book of Joshua. The unbelievers who would not enter the promised land have passed away and the book of Joshua is characterized by an obedient people who are serving the Lord.
-
Next is the book of Judges. There is a major contrast between Judges and Joshua. Whereas Joshua was characterized by “we will serve the Lord“, Judges is characterized by the backsliding of Israel as, “every man did that which was right in his own eyes.”
-
As I preached through the book of Judges I was also struck by another depiction- revival. Essentially the book is a repeating cycle of backsliding and revival. Things would get really bad, God would chasten, and then there would be a revival, but what stuck out was that the revivals did not last.
-
I believe much of the reason that the revivals did not last is because of the depravity of man, but I think there is another important reason. During the time of Judges, the backslidden people turned to God when they wanted something from Him. During the time of Joshua they were actually walking close to Him.
-
Revivalism is generally directed at a backslidden people and calls for them to make huge changes. I would rather see people consistently walking with God so that those HUGE changes are not needed. For example in the book of Judges, Gideon did a good thing and tore down an idol on his father’s property, but wouldn’t it have been better if that idol had never been built?
-
One of the characteristics of revival is big changes instead of consistent incremental growth. As pastors we need to be training our people about who God is and what it means to walk with Him so that the incremental growth is occurring so that we do not have to call on a Gideon to tear down the idol.
-
I do not want to live in the book of Judges, even with all it’s revivals. I’d rather live in the book of Joshua, and consistently walk with God in a way where sin is regularly recognized and corrected rather than waiting for the backsliding to get so bad that a major revival is needed.
Friday, September 23, 2011
God’s Glory in The Gospel
I grew up in a Christian home. As far as I know, none of my forefathers called themselves anything other than Christian. Other than a few agnostics here and there, most of the people I know would call themselves Christians. Still I have met people from other religions.
-
There are about 20 different major religions in the world. Even the religions at the bottom of that list have over ½ million followers. This does not count many smaller religions that do not fit into the other 20 categories. Surprisingly, Christianity is still the most popular religion in the world, but even amongst Christianity, there are many sects and a wide variety of beliefs. That raises the question, “what does it even mean to be a Christian.” In order to answer that we need to understand what the good news of the gospel message really is, because just calling oneself a Christian is not the same thing as believing the gospel of Christ. In fact, we will learn from Paul that even 2000 years ago some were already departing from the truth. Let us examine what the true gospel is and make sure we have a real Christian belief.
-
The book of Galatians was a letter written by Paul to a group of churches in the region of Galatia. In that letter, Paul reminds us about what Christ did for us and the importance of the proper gospel. “Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:” (Galatians 1:4).
-
Notice that Christ delivered us- HE took care of our sins, not we ourselves. That is why He gets the glory, not us. The next verse makes that very clear. “To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Galatians 1:5)
-
Though Christ will change lives, our salvation comes through what He did, not what we do. Consider the following verses:
-
Romans 3:25-27 “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
II Timothy 1:9 “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,”
Romans 11:6 “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”
Titus 3:5 “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”
-
Salvation is by grace not works, but it is also important for us to understand that the grace comes only through Jesus Christ. Paul makes it clear in Galatians that any other gospel message is not the real gospel but a perversion. “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-8)
-
So what does it mean to really be a Christian? Believe on Christ, trusting Him alone and give all the glory to Him for your salvation.
-
There are about 20 different major religions in the world. Even the religions at the bottom of that list have over ½ million followers. This does not count many smaller religions that do not fit into the other 20 categories. Surprisingly, Christianity is still the most popular religion in the world, but even amongst Christianity, there are many sects and a wide variety of beliefs. That raises the question, “what does it even mean to be a Christian.” In order to answer that we need to understand what the good news of the gospel message really is, because just calling oneself a Christian is not the same thing as believing the gospel of Christ. In fact, we will learn from Paul that even 2000 years ago some were already departing from the truth. Let us examine what the true gospel is and make sure we have a real Christian belief.
-
The book of Galatians was a letter written by Paul to a group of churches in the region of Galatia. In that letter, Paul reminds us about what Christ did for us and the importance of the proper gospel. “Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:” (Galatians 1:4).
-
Notice that Christ delivered us- HE took care of our sins, not we ourselves. That is why He gets the glory, not us. The next verse makes that very clear. “To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Galatians 1:5)
-
Though Christ will change lives, our salvation comes through what He did, not what we do. Consider the following verses:
-
Romans 3:25-27 “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
II Timothy 1:9 “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,”
Romans 11:6 “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”
Titus 3:5 “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”
-
Salvation is by grace not works, but it is also important for us to understand that the grace comes only through Jesus Christ. Paul makes it clear in Galatians that any other gospel message is not the real gospel but a perversion. “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-8)
-
So what does it mean to really be a Christian? Believe on Christ, trusting Him alone and give all the glory to Him for your salvation.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Godly Pleasure All Around
Our little boys are at an age when the simplest of pleasures are still exciting for them. I didn’t realize how easy it was to entertain them until a recent trip to a Pizza Ranch. We happened to be seated in a place where the boys were able to see the arcade games. There was a hunting game with deer, elk, and moose. The boys did not know it was a game but instead thought they were getting to watch a movie while they ate dinner.
-
The best part came after we were done eating. We went back to the video games and they were able to see another game that had been hidden from their view earlier. They were then able to watch a race care “movie” and best of all, they got to sit in the drivers seat and turn the steering wheel and shift the gears while the watched the screen. They had no idea that most kids put a quarter into it. They are actually still young enough that they wouldn’t be able to make it go where they wanted anyway and they had a blast just pretending to drive. As I tucked them into bed that night, our oldest was still talking about driving the car.
-
As I thought about our little boys I suddenly realized how people often miss out on what should be bringing them pleasure. When I was ten years old, I looked forward to getting a quarter to drive the race car game, but now the fun has wore off. Instead I find pleasure in little things like seeing my boys having fun.
-
Too many miss the basic pleasure in life and become so preoccupied with trying to find pleasure that they miss out on the joy that is right in front of them. If they are not able to look forward to the next party, or the big game, or the exciting vacation, they become discouraged.
-
But for someone who has put their trust in Christ, godly pleasures are all around us. For example we are to take pleasure in the beauty of nature that God has created. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” (Psalm 19:1)
-
For example, there can be more joy in watching a sunset with an understanding that God made it than going on an all expense paid vacation if you are burdened by guilt the whole trip. Once our relationship with God is right, we are able to find pleasure in the simplest of places. We no longer have to seek it, we find out that it is all around us.
-
Please do not misunderstand what I am saying. I am not suggesting that you become religious just so you can find pleasure. That is not what being a Christian is about. It is about believing in Christ whether you ever get any benefit or not. The point is that joy and rejoicing are a natural result of walking with Christ and when you are close to Him you are able to see the pleasures that you might not have even recognized before.
-
Consider these Psalms that show the result of rejoicing once God’s mercy and salvation are understood. “But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.” (Psalm 13:5) “And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation.” (Psalm 35:9)
-
If you are missing out on the simple pleasures of life because you have not believed on Jesus Christ, trust Him now. Often people lack joy because of guilt and they try to cover it by seeking pleasure. Rather than trying to cover up the guilt, believe in Christ for forgiveness and find that true pleasures are as close as the nearest sunset once you believe His promise of forgiveness.
-
The best part came after we were done eating. We went back to the video games and they were able to see another game that had been hidden from their view earlier. They were then able to watch a race care “movie” and best of all, they got to sit in the drivers seat and turn the steering wheel and shift the gears while the watched the screen. They had no idea that most kids put a quarter into it. They are actually still young enough that they wouldn’t be able to make it go where they wanted anyway and they had a blast just pretending to drive. As I tucked them into bed that night, our oldest was still talking about driving the car.
-
As I thought about our little boys I suddenly realized how people often miss out on what should be bringing them pleasure. When I was ten years old, I looked forward to getting a quarter to drive the race car game, but now the fun has wore off. Instead I find pleasure in little things like seeing my boys having fun.
-
Too many miss the basic pleasure in life and become so preoccupied with trying to find pleasure that they miss out on the joy that is right in front of them. If they are not able to look forward to the next party, or the big game, or the exciting vacation, they become discouraged.
-
But for someone who has put their trust in Christ, godly pleasures are all around us. For example we are to take pleasure in the beauty of nature that God has created. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” (Psalm 19:1)
-
For example, there can be more joy in watching a sunset with an understanding that God made it than going on an all expense paid vacation if you are burdened by guilt the whole trip. Once our relationship with God is right, we are able to find pleasure in the simplest of places. We no longer have to seek it, we find out that it is all around us.
-
Please do not misunderstand what I am saying. I am not suggesting that you become religious just so you can find pleasure. That is not what being a Christian is about. It is about believing in Christ whether you ever get any benefit or not. The point is that joy and rejoicing are a natural result of walking with Christ and when you are close to Him you are able to see the pleasures that you might not have even recognized before.
-
Consider these Psalms that show the result of rejoicing once God’s mercy and salvation are understood. “But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.” (Psalm 13:5) “And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation.” (Psalm 35:9)
-
If you are missing out on the simple pleasures of life because you have not believed on Jesus Christ, trust Him now. Often people lack joy because of guilt and they try to cover it by seeking pleasure. Rather than trying to cover up the guilt, believe in Christ for forgiveness and find that true pleasures are as close as the nearest sunset once you believe His promise of forgiveness.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
