Put out a nationwide APB! Call in the Guard! Hold a press conference! Do whatever it takes to get the word out. We’ve lost something in America, and we need to find it quick.
I’m talking about ethics. Our national moral compass has gone haywire. Somehow we’ve lost the values that made this nation great. We need to find it, fix it and steer this ship back on course.
Yes, Virginia, there is still such a thing as right and wrong, truth and falsehood, goodness and evil. I know we’re living in a day where the national motto seems to be: “If it feels good, do it.” I know we’re living in a time when tolerance of anybody and everybody’s ways is the buzzword. I know we’re living in a culture of relativism, where what’s right and true for me may not be right and true for you.
There seems to be no standards anymore in the modern-day mindset. But there are still some things that are moral and some that are immoral. And unless we figure this out, the good ‘ole US of A is in danger of crashing, and crashing hard.
Take, for instance, the issue of marriage. What used to be clear to everyone is now strangely confused. Marriage is the union of one man and one woman who devote themselves to one another for a lifetime of faithfulness and love. It’s always been this way. The biological nature of things teaches this. God’s Word makes this absolutely clear.
Yet our country, as others have done, has lost sight of this foundational fact. We’re bending over backwards trying to change the definition of marriage. We’re doing everything we can to accommodate and legitimize the sinful lifestyle of homosexuality. We glamorize it in the media. We’re teaching its acceptance in the schools. We pounce on those who object labeling them “homophobic.”
No matter what the current laws of the land may say, no matter which way the tide of public opinion may roll, there is still a higher standard that has declared homosexuality to be a sin. God’s Word is neither silent nor ambiguous on the matter. It’s not our place to define what’s right and wrong. God has the word on such things, and for man to ignore God’s truth and create his own is nothing but foolishness. In doing so we’re digging our own grave.
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death” (Proverbs 14:12).
But let me be quick to say that there is no sin that cannot be forgiven by the blood of Jesus, not even the sin of homosexuality. His mercy extends to whosoever will turn away from sin and trust in Christ, committing to following His ways and yielding their lives to His control.
And so that you don’t think I’m railing on this one issue, let me assure you that homosexuality is not the only sin destroying marriage and families. Many couples are choosing to live together rather than getting married at all. That’s wrong, too. In fact, any sexual activity outside of marriage goes against the way God designed this intimate expression of married love to be. Our culture laughs at the idea of waiting until marriage, and does all it can to encourage sexual promiscuity.
The prophet Isaiah issued a stern warning to Israel, and one that we desperately need to hear today: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight” (Isaiah 5:20).
The Bible also declares: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).
Listen, there are many other issues beyond marriage and sexual immorality that are disgracing this nation. I’m out of space to address them now. But I appeal to those rebelling against God’s ways to repent and come to Christ before His judgment falls. I pray for that our nation might find the godly, moral resolve we’ve lost. I appeal to the church to follow the Lord’s prescription for healing in the land: “If my people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Post-Vacation Random Thoughts (City visit, Locusts, Youth Event, Baptism and the Cubs)
I’m feeling some random thoughts coming on. Getting back after a week of vacation will do that to you.
Speaking of vacation, I maintain that Chicago is a nice place to visit. We navigated the Metra train system into downtown (and back!), hopped aboard a CTA bus to Shedd Aquarium (or close, anyway), and hailed a taxi back to the train station. So we’re broke now, but really enjoyed our city visit. Just wouldn’t want to do it every day.
Is it just me, or is this the year of the locust? I’m talking an invasion of biblical, eighth plague proportions. Maybe not quite that bad, but still. At the base of our back yard trees, empty locust shells lie abandoned by the thousands. Their late evening crescendos have drowned out normal conversations. The children are afraid to go outside. Where have all the cicada-killers gone?
Note to all Jr. High and High School youth: Starting on Wednesday, June 15, and on Wednesdays throughout the summer, you’re invited to come and hang out, play some games, munch on some goodies and hear about the goodness of God. Gallatin County 2011 graduate Derek Catiller has a heart to reach our community’s young people with the love of Christ, and is putting plans in motion to do that. Help us get the word out – Wednesdays at 6:30 at the Ridgway First Baptist Church.
Baptism! This coming Sunday, Lord willing, my son Toby will be making a public declaration of his faith in Christ Jesus in the act of baptism. He’s only six, but he’s pretty sharp on understanding God’s salvation. He has that “child-like faith” that believes in the Lord without putting limits or boundaries on what he believes God can do. He knows that he has sinned (like everyone else), and he knows that Jesus died on the cross to take away his sin. He’s received His forgiveness and he wants to live in a way that pleases Christ.
I’m planning on saying more about the meaning of baptism Sunday, but hear our position from The Baptist Faith & Message: “Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord's Supper.”
I want to be as clear as the Montana sky in saying that getting baptized saves no one. Salvation is a gift of God’s grace through Jesus Christ our Lord which we receive by faith. There is nothing we can do to earn it, not even getting baptized. In fact, I fear that many on our own membership rolls as well as in other churches mistakenly think that because they were baptized at some stage in their life, they have done what it takes to go to heaven. As they arrive at the pearly gates they’ll hand their baptismal certificate to St. Peter and he’ll usher them on in.
The real question is this: Have you been born again? Have you repented of your sins and turned in faith to Christ? Are you trusting in what Jesus did for you on the cross, or are you trusting in your own works to be saved? Are you following His ways, or are you doing what seems right in your own eyes? Do you love the Lord with all your heart, all your soul and all your strength? Is His love for others evident in your life? Does His Spirit control you, and are you increasingly being marked by the fruits of the Spirit?
If yes, you’re also welcome to come this Sunday at 10:40 and publicly testify of your wholehearted faith in and unending allegiance to Jesus Christ through baptism. If you have any questions or would like to talk to someone, feel free to call me at 272-5921 and we’d be glad to meet with you.
Final random thought: To my Cub fans friends, we had a great time at Wrigley Field, wore my Cubs hat, cheered for the home team and sang “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the 7th inning stretch. And watched them drop a 3-1 game to the last-place Astros. Oh well, there’s always next year!
Speaking of vacation, I maintain that Chicago is a nice place to visit. We navigated the Metra train system into downtown (and back!), hopped aboard a CTA bus to Shedd Aquarium (or close, anyway), and hailed a taxi back to the train station. So we’re broke now, but really enjoyed our city visit. Just wouldn’t want to do it every day.
Is it just me, or is this the year of the locust? I’m talking an invasion of biblical, eighth plague proportions. Maybe not quite that bad, but still. At the base of our back yard trees, empty locust shells lie abandoned by the thousands. Their late evening crescendos have drowned out normal conversations. The children are afraid to go outside. Where have all the cicada-killers gone?
Note to all Jr. High and High School youth: Starting on Wednesday, June 15, and on Wednesdays throughout the summer, you’re invited to come and hang out, play some games, munch on some goodies and hear about the goodness of God. Gallatin County 2011 graduate Derek Catiller has a heart to reach our community’s young people with the love of Christ, and is putting plans in motion to do that. Help us get the word out – Wednesdays at 6:30 at the Ridgway First Baptist Church.
Baptism! This coming Sunday, Lord willing, my son Toby will be making a public declaration of his faith in Christ Jesus in the act of baptism. He’s only six, but he’s pretty sharp on understanding God’s salvation. He has that “child-like faith” that believes in the Lord without putting limits or boundaries on what he believes God can do. He knows that he has sinned (like everyone else), and he knows that Jesus died on the cross to take away his sin. He’s received His forgiveness and he wants to live in a way that pleases Christ.
I’m planning on saying more about the meaning of baptism Sunday, but hear our position from The Baptist Faith & Message: “Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord's Supper.”
I want to be as clear as the Montana sky in saying that getting baptized saves no one. Salvation is a gift of God’s grace through Jesus Christ our Lord which we receive by faith. There is nothing we can do to earn it, not even getting baptized. In fact, I fear that many on our own membership rolls as well as in other churches mistakenly think that because they were baptized at some stage in their life, they have done what it takes to go to heaven. As they arrive at the pearly gates they’ll hand their baptismal certificate to St. Peter and he’ll usher them on in.
The real question is this: Have you been born again? Have you repented of your sins and turned in faith to Christ? Are you trusting in what Jesus did for you on the cross, or are you trusting in your own works to be saved? Are you following His ways, or are you doing what seems right in your own eyes? Do you love the Lord with all your heart, all your soul and all your strength? Is His love for others evident in your life? Does His Spirit control you, and are you increasingly being marked by the fruits of the Spirit?
If yes, you’re also welcome to come this Sunday at 10:40 and publicly testify of your wholehearted faith in and unending allegiance to Jesus Christ through baptism. If you have any questions or would like to talk to someone, feel free to call me at 272-5921 and we’d be glad to meet with you.
Final random thought: To my Cub fans friends, we had a great time at Wrigley Field, wore my Cubs hat, cheered for the home team and sang “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the 7th inning stretch. And watched them drop a 3-1 game to the last-place Astros. Oh well, there’s always next year!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
The End of the World?
Well, the world didn’t end on Saturday. I saw a post from a friend on Facebook that read: “To Harold Camping, don’t beat yourself up, dude. It’s not the END OF THE WORLD!” I had to LOL.
Can someone say, “False prophet”? If the man had actually read the Bible instead of trying to decipher some hidden code, he would have known that it clearly says no one knows when the end will come. The time of Christ’s return and the Day of God’s judgment are things not revealed to man.
Jesus told His followers that there would be certain signs that would point toward His coming, “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven nor the Son, but the Father only” (Matthew 24:36).
And yes, we can look to see that the signs are evident all around us. Read through Matthew 24 for yourself. People who claim to be Christ will come and lead many astray (think David Koresh, the wacko from Waco who claimed to be the Messiah, and who has followers still believing that he’ll return from the dead). Wars and rumors of wars. Nation rising against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
We’re certainly seeing this happen in our day. Don’t you think the escalating tensions in world governments ought to tell us something? Don’t you think the increasing intensity and frequency of floods and tornadoes and earthquakes and famines ought to open our eyes to biblical prophecy?
These, Jesus says, are just the beginning of birth pains. There will be increasing tribulation for God’s people. Christians will be delivered up, put to death and hated by all nations for His name’s sake. Are you reading the reports of persecutions against the church in places like China and Saudi Arabia and Sudan and many others? The United States is hated by many countries because they see us as a Christian nation. Whether we are or not is an article for another day, I suppose.
Jesus also says many so-called believers will fall away during such persecution and betray one another. Many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. Lawlessness will increase and the love of many will grow cold. All these things will happen as the Day of the Lord approaches. We ought to recognize these signs and know that the end is near. But to predict a date is utter foolishnessness.
The point Jesus makes in explaining these things is that we must be ready! Since we don’t know when the end of the world will be, we must live our lives at all times being ready for Christ’s return. “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44).
After Jesus rose from the dead, just before He ascended into heaven, His disciples wanted to know if this was the time He would restore the kingdom to Israel. Here’s His response: “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority” (Acts 1:7). In other words, He tells them not to be worrying or concerning themselves with the hidden things that belong to God alone. Instead, they needed to get on with the work they were given to do while there still was time. That work means living out the gospel of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit for all the world to see.
So perhaps the question is: Are you ready for the return of Christ? If the world ended today, do you know that you would be saved from the wages of sin, which is death and hell? Do you have assurance of your eternal salvation? If Jesus came back today would He find you faithfully carrying out the mission He’s given you?
If not, you need to make things right before it’s too late. You can do that now by receiving God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ the Lord. “For by grace you have been saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8). Humble yourself before Him and plead for His mercy. Repent of your sins and receive His forgiveness by the blood of Jesus shed on the cross. Believe in His resurrection victory and yield your life to following after Christ as Savior and Lord.
The end of the world as we know it will come soon enough. “But the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13).
Can someone say, “False prophet”? If the man had actually read the Bible instead of trying to decipher some hidden code, he would have known that it clearly says no one knows when the end will come. The time of Christ’s return and the Day of God’s judgment are things not revealed to man.
Jesus told His followers that there would be certain signs that would point toward His coming, “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven nor the Son, but the Father only” (Matthew 24:36).
And yes, we can look to see that the signs are evident all around us. Read through Matthew 24 for yourself. People who claim to be Christ will come and lead many astray (think David Koresh, the wacko from Waco who claimed to be the Messiah, and who has followers still believing that he’ll return from the dead). Wars and rumors of wars. Nation rising against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
We’re certainly seeing this happen in our day. Don’t you think the escalating tensions in world governments ought to tell us something? Don’t you think the increasing intensity and frequency of floods and tornadoes and earthquakes and famines ought to open our eyes to biblical prophecy?
These, Jesus says, are just the beginning of birth pains. There will be increasing tribulation for God’s people. Christians will be delivered up, put to death and hated by all nations for His name’s sake. Are you reading the reports of persecutions against the church in places like China and Saudi Arabia and Sudan and many others? The United States is hated by many countries because they see us as a Christian nation. Whether we are or not is an article for another day, I suppose.
Jesus also says many so-called believers will fall away during such persecution and betray one another. Many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. Lawlessness will increase and the love of many will grow cold. All these things will happen as the Day of the Lord approaches. We ought to recognize these signs and know that the end is near. But to predict a date is utter foolishnessness.
The point Jesus makes in explaining these things is that we must be ready! Since we don’t know when the end of the world will be, we must live our lives at all times being ready for Christ’s return. “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44).
After Jesus rose from the dead, just before He ascended into heaven, His disciples wanted to know if this was the time He would restore the kingdom to Israel. Here’s His response: “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority” (Acts 1:7). In other words, He tells them not to be worrying or concerning themselves with the hidden things that belong to God alone. Instead, they needed to get on with the work they were given to do while there still was time. That work means living out the gospel of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit for all the world to see.
So perhaps the question is: Are you ready for the return of Christ? If the world ended today, do you know that you would be saved from the wages of sin, which is death and hell? Do you have assurance of your eternal salvation? If Jesus came back today would He find you faithfully carrying out the mission He’s given you?
If not, you need to make things right before it’s too late. You can do that now by receiving God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ the Lord. “For by grace you have been saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8). Humble yourself before Him and plead for His mercy. Repent of your sins and receive His forgiveness by the blood of Jesus shed on the cross. Believe in His resurrection victory and yield your life to following after Christ as Savior and Lord.
The end of the world as we know it will come soon enough. “But the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13).
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Thinking about VBS
Thinking a little about Vacation Bible School today. Parents, please mark your calendars for the week of July 17-22 and plan to bring your children for a “Big Apple Adventure.” If you already have something going on that week, you’ll need to cancel those arrangements and make sure to attend VBS. We’re also planning a fun Kick-off / Registration event on Thursday, July 14, on the church grounds.
My favorite part of VBS when I was young was the recreation time. Of course, recess was always my favorite part of school, too. If there was a game of kickball going on, any kind of relay races or dodge ball, that’s where I wanted to be.
Last year Ben and Terra Moye were in their rookie season as rec leaders, but did a wonderful job of helping the children have a very enjoyable experience. I knew it would be good the day I saw Ben drive up with a water tank in the back of his truck. I’m already looking forward to what they have planned this year.
Another highlight of VBS is snack time. Karen Cathy, Becky Newton, Gladys Moye, Barb Casey, Claudette Raymer, Kim Kanipe and others go out of their way to make sure the treats are creative, delicious and always served with a smile. All I remember from my childhood days are cookies and Kool-Aid. We’re way out of that league now. Some of our kitchen folks could have their own TV show displaying their abilities. Maybe I’ll contact WSIL and see if we can make that happen.
Then there’s the music. I’ll admit that I miss some of the songs that we used to sing when I was young, but the new songs are pretty catchy. And the lyrics the kids learn always help reinforce the lessons they hear each day. Music is a terrific teacher. Chances are that you recall some of the songs you sang in Vacation Bible School even if you don’t remember a single Bible story.
It’s like when we go out to the nursing home every 4th Sunday to lead a worship service. There’s a great joy to see and hear some of the residents there singing and not missing a word to songs they’ve known all their lives, even though they may not remember much else! Music is a powerful, effective teaching tool! And we have excellent leaders in VBS who help the children sing with understanding. Apologies to parents whose kids drive them crazy singing the VBS songs at home and in the car for the next several weeks.
By the way, our VBS music leader, Jill Rhine, is also stage/set designer extraordinaire. In just the time I’ve been here we’ve seen such sights as airplanes soaring out from the baptistery, waterfalls sparkling over the choir loft, scoreboards lighting up the stage and an entire western ranch operation come alive. This year you’re going to feel like you’re walking among the skyscrapers of downtown New York City.
And who can forget the fun of making things in craft time? I remember the girls very carefully cutting out things and gluing their projects together, while us boys glued our hands and tried to gross out the girls by peeling off the dried glue. I guess with the invention of the glue stick that doesn’t happen much anymore. Probably for the best.
Annette Jones and her helpers always make sure the children create and bring home crafts that serve as visual reminders of the Bible stories and VBS experience. If your children have been in Vacation Bible School, you might still have decorations or pictures hanging on your refrigerator, as we do at our home, or proudly displayed on dressers or doorknobs.
Finally, I’m excited this year about the stories your children will be learning. You can be confident that our teachers teach their students the Word of God. They’ll hear about the compassion of Jesus for the hurting. They’ll learn about His forgiveness and love. They’ll hear about the salvation He offers to whosoever believes in Him. They’ll see His miraculous power to heal, His mercy for the outcast and despised, and His grace toward those who trust Him.
Our team of teachers is among the best you’d find anywhere. I’m grateful to work alongside them and thankful my own boys have the opportunity to learn from them. In a future article I’ll mention them individually.
And I’m grateful for our administrative help. Without the leadership of Sheryl Woods and Theda Miller we’d be in trouble. We’re just two months away. Who’s ready for a Big Apple Adventure?
My favorite part of VBS when I was young was the recreation time. Of course, recess was always my favorite part of school, too. If there was a game of kickball going on, any kind of relay races or dodge ball, that’s where I wanted to be.
Last year Ben and Terra Moye were in their rookie season as rec leaders, but did a wonderful job of helping the children have a very enjoyable experience. I knew it would be good the day I saw Ben drive up with a water tank in the back of his truck. I’m already looking forward to what they have planned this year.
Another highlight of VBS is snack time. Karen Cathy, Becky Newton, Gladys Moye, Barb Casey, Claudette Raymer, Kim Kanipe and others go out of their way to make sure the treats are creative, delicious and always served with a smile. All I remember from my childhood days are cookies and Kool-Aid. We’re way out of that league now. Some of our kitchen folks could have their own TV show displaying their abilities. Maybe I’ll contact WSIL and see if we can make that happen.
Then there’s the music. I’ll admit that I miss some of the songs that we used to sing when I was young, but the new songs are pretty catchy. And the lyrics the kids learn always help reinforce the lessons they hear each day. Music is a terrific teacher. Chances are that you recall some of the songs you sang in Vacation Bible School even if you don’t remember a single Bible story.
It’s like when we go out to the nursing home every 4th Sunday to lead a worship service. There’s a great joy to see and hear some of the residents there singing and not missing a word to songs they’ve known all their lives, even though they may not remember much else! Music is a powerful, effective teaching tool! And we have excellent leaders in VBS who help the children sing with understanding. Apologies to parents whose kids drive them crazy singing the VBS songs at home and in the car for the next several weeks.
By the way, our VBS music leader, Jill Rhine, is also stage/set designer extraordinaire. In just the time I’ve been here we’ve seen such sights as airplanes soaring out from the baptistery, waterfalls sparkling over the choir loft, scoreboards lighting up the stage and an entire western ranch operation come alive. This year you’re going to feel like you’re walking among the skyscrapers of downtown New York City.
And who can forget the fun of making things in craft time? I remember the girls very carefully cutting out things and gluing their projects together, while us boys glued our hands and tried to gross out the girls by peeling off the dried glue. I guess with the invention of the glue stick that doesn’t happen much anymore. Probably for the best.
Annette Jones and her helpers always make sure the children create and bring home crafts that serve as visual reminders of the Bible stories and VBS experience. If your children have been in Vacation Bible School, you might still have decorations or pictures hanging on your refrigerator, as we do at our home, or proudly displayed on dressers or doorknobs.
Finally, I’m excited this year about the stories your children will be learning. You can be confident that our teachers teach their students the Word of God. They’ll hear about the compassion of Jesus for the hurting. They’ll learn about His forgiveness and love. They’ll hear about the salvation He offers to whosoever believes in Him. They’ll see His miraculous power to heal, His mercy for the outcast and despised, and His grace toward those who trust Him.
Our team of teachers is among the best you’d find anywhere. I’m grateful to work alongside them and thankful my own boys have the opportunity to learn from them. In a future article I’ll mention them individually.
And I’m grateful for our administrative help. Without the leadership of Sheryl Woods and Theda Miller we’d be in trouble. We’re just two months away. Who’s ready for a Big Apple Adventure?
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Loving Like Jesus
“You need to learn to start thinking like a mom!” This was spoken by my wife last Friday, and I’m pretty sure the exclamation point is the correct punctuation to include on the end of that sentence.
Our six-year-old son had just had surgery to remove his tonsils and adenoids that afternoon. While he was still recovering, my wife got sick. Not the best timing there, but we can handle this. At least I thought I could. My thinker, however, doesn’t exactly work like a mom’s. Thus the climactic line mentioned above uttered by my sweet wife out of exasperation over my ineptitude as a caregiver, frustration over her own sickness and compassion for our hurting little boy.
Yeah, that would be the key. If I could somehow learn to start thinking like a mom, maybe things would get better. Wasn’t there an episode in Star Trek once where they transplanted minds or something? Or maybe it was The Twilight Zone. Somewhere I’ve seen it done on TV, so surely it must be possible.
By the way, to those of you who provide care to those who need extra help on an ongoing basis, my hat’s off to you. Whether it’s your disabled child, an elderly parent or grandparent, or a spouse with physical or mental illness, you have my utmost respect and admiration for your compassionate-kindness, your patience and your endurance. God bless you for such love.
Love! Yes, there’s the real key. It’s not so much that I need to start thinking like a mom. I need to start loving! Loving like a Christian. Loving like Jesus loved, and like He told us to love. How did He love? He laid down His life for us! That’s how we know what love is, and that’s how we ought to love each other.
Jesus humbled Himself on our behalf. He left the glory of heaven to come to earth, to live among us, becoming like us in the flesh. He came not to be served but to serve, and He met the needs of the poor, the outcast, the despised, the hurting and the lost (which ought to cover just about all of us). He said it’s not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. And He Himself is the cure. He gave up His life on the cross so that we might have eternal life. That’s laying down His life for us in demonstration of what love really is.
And if I’m reading the Bible right, we who claim the name of Jesus must and will lay down our lives for one another. If you have the ability to help someone in need and close your heart toward that person, then you’re showing that the love of God does not truly abide in you. You cannot claim to love God and not love your brother. “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8). That’s biblical.
I read a quote recently from an unknown source that said, “Love will find a way; indifference will find an excuse.” To love like Jesus may not be easy. It might be messy and time-consuming. It probably won’t be convenient. And it may be quite costly. But there’s a world of hurting, broken people out there who need someone to love them. And love will find a way. Indifference could come up with any number of reasons to not help, but Christians love in deed and truth, not with empty words.
Loving like Jesus would be impossible for even the most kind and benevolent of people – except for the fact that He makes it possible. See, it’s really impossible for me to get a mind transplant from my wife. But here’s the thing about Jesus. When we come to Him in repentance and faith, receiving Him as Lord and Savior, He does this spiritual transplant in our lives. He implants His own Spirit into us. He dwells within us and enables and equips us to live and to love like Him.
The needs around us right now seem overwhelming. In our own county people are suffering the loss of homes and property. Things are even worse in the southern U.S. where they’re also dealing with loss of lives from devastating tornadoes. And it’s even worse in Japan and in many other places in the world today.
No one can do it all. But we can all do something. Let’s start by loving like Jesus.
Our six-year-old son had just had surgery to remove his tonsils and adenoids that afternoon. While he was still recovering, my wife got sick. Not the best timing there, but we can handle this. At least I thought I could. My thinker, however, doesn’t exactly work like a mom’s. Thus the climactic line mentioned above uttered by my sweet wife out of exasperation over my ineptitude as a caregiver, frustration over her own sickness and compassion for our hurting little boy.
Yeah, that would be the key. If I could somehow learn to start thinking like a mom, maybe things would get better. Wasn’t there an episode in Star Trek once where they transplanted minds or something? Or maybe it was The Twilight Zone. Somewhere I’ve seen it done on TV, so surely it must be possible.
By the way, to those of you who provide care to those who need extra help on an ongoing basis, my hat’s off to you. Whether it’s your disabled child, an elderly parent or grandparent, or a spouse with physical or mental illness, you have my utmost respect and admiration for your compassionate-kindness, your patience and your endurance. God bless you for such love.
Love! Yes, there’s the real key. It’s not so much that I need to start thinking like a mom. I need to start loving! Loving like a Christian. Loving like Jesus loved, and like He told us to love. How did He love? He laid down His life for us! That’s how we know what love is, and that’s how we ought to love each other.
Jesus humbled Himself on our behalf. He left the glory of heaven to come to earth, to live among us, becoming like us in the flesh. He came not to be served but to serve, and He met the needs of the poor, the outcast, the despised, the hurting and the lost (which ought to cover just about all of us). He said it’s not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. And He Himself is the cure. He gave up His life on the cross so that we might have eternal life. That’s laying down His life for us in demonstration of what love really is.
And if I’m reading the Bible right, we who claim the name of Jesus must and will lay down our lives for one another. If you have the ability to help someone in need and close your heart toward that person, then you’re showing that the love of God does not truly abide in you. You cannot claim to love God and not love your brother. “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8). That’s biblical.
I read a quote recently from an unknown source that said, “Love will find a way; indifference will find an excuse.” To love like Jesus may not be easy. It might be messy and time-consuming. It probably won’t be convenient. And it may be quite costly. But there’s a world of hurting, broken people out there who need someone to love them. And love will find a way. Indifference could come up with any number of reasons to not help, but Christians love in deed and truth, not with empty words.
Loving like Jesus would be impossible for even the most kind and benevolent of people – except for the fact that He makes it possible. See, it’s really impossible for me to get a mind transplant from my wife. But here’s the thing about Jesus. When we come to Him in repentance and faith, receiving Him as Lord and Savior, He does this spiritual transplant in our lives. He implants His own Spirit into us. He dwells within us and enables and equips us to live and to love like Him.
The needs around us right now seem overwhelming. In our own county people are suffering the loss of homes and property. Things are even worse in the southern U.S. where they’re also dealing with loss of lives from devastating tornadoes. And it’s even worse in Japan and in many other places in the world today.
No one can do it all. But we can all do something. Let’s start by loving like Jesus.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Finding Refuge and Strength in Time of Trouble
My heart goes out to those of you who have been impacted by the recent storms and floods. I’m praying and trusting that the God of peace will be with you. Indeed, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
We’re living in a world filled with trouble. You don’t need me to tell you that. If it’s not trying to save your home from floodwaters or salvage some of your belongings, it’s trying to save your marriage or salvage a relationship with your children. Or maybe you’re battling an addiction you can’t seem to overcome or struggling to pay this month’s bills. Perhaps a health issue has gripped you or you’re crippled with grief and sorrow.
As long as this great big ball keeps spinning we’re going to keep facing hardships and difficulties. And might I say that even while Christians know that God is in control of all things, not only are followers of Jesus not exempt from trouble, but they are sure to experience it in this life. Jesus Himself certainly faced it, and so will we.
Yet we know that God is our refuge and strength! We know that He is our ever-present help in the midst of all the trouble. And we know that in Him we will be ultimately and eternally saved while He brings forth justice on the earth.
Speaking to His disciples right before His arrest and crucifixion, Jesus prepared them for the troubles they would soon face. You can read His words of comfort and encouragement, promises and warnings in John 14-16. But here’s how He concluded this discourse: “I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
The key to peace in troubled times is trusting in Jesus. That’s it. No magic prayer to say. No seven-step formula to follow. No purchase necessary. He is our peace. Real, lasting, supernatural peace. In Him we have it. Without Him we don’t.
Jesus has overcome the world. He has overcome by His resurrection victory over sin and death. He is unstoppable. There is no force, no power, no scheme of man nor design of the devil that can defeat Him. And those who belong to Him share in His victory. He is building His church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.
Though Satan maintains a measure of power to steal, kill and destroy in this world, his bite is not incurable and his time is running out. He will soon be “thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever” (Revelation 20:10).
The great hymn penned by Martin Luther nearly 500 years ago says it well:
And tho’ this world with devils filled
Should threaten to undo us
We will not fear for God has willed
His truth to triumph through us
The Prince of Darkness grim
We tremble not for him
His rage we can endure
For, lo, his doom is sure
One little word shall fell him
Friend, I hope you know that our God is a mighty fortress! He is our never-failing defender. He is our banner and our shield. He is our faithful provider. He is our great deliverer. He is our light and our salvation. He is our strong tower. He is our rock of refuge and He reigns as King over all the earth.
Yes, we will face trouble in this life. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). But praise God, this world is not our home! Believers in Christ are strangers and aliens in this world longing for their heavenly home! That eternal home in heaven is promised by Jesus to whosoever will come to Him, repenting of sin and trusting in Him for salvation. It is they who find that no matter how severe the storm or how high the waters rise, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen, but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
We’re living in a world filled with trouble. You don’t need me to tell you that. If it’s not trying to save your home from floodwaters or salvage some of your belongings, it’s trying to save your marriage or salvage a relationship with your children. Or maybe you’re battling an addiction you can’t seem to overcome or struggling to pay this month’s bills. Perhaps a health issue has gripped you or you’re crippled with grief and sorrow.
As long as this great big ball keeps spinning we’re going to keep facing hardships and difficulties. And might I say that even while Christians know that God is in control of all things, not only are followers of Jesus not exempt from trouble, but they are sure to experience it in this life. Jesus Himself certainly faced it, and so will we.
Yet we know that God is our refuge and strength! We know that He is our ever-present help in the midst of all the trouble. And we know that in Him we will be ultimately and eternally saved while He brings forth justice on the earth.
Speaking to His disciples right before His arrest and crucifixion, Jesus prepared them for the troubles they would soon face. You can read His words of comfort and encouragement, promises and warnings in John 14-16. But here’s how He concluded this discourse: “I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
The key to peace in troubled times is trusting in Jesus. That’s it. No magic prayer to say. No seven-step formula to follow. No purchase necessary. He is our peace. Real, lasting, supernatural peace. In Him we have it. Without Him we don’t.
Jesus has overcome the world. He has overcome by His resurrection victory over sin and death. He is unstoppable. There is no force, no power, no scheme of man nor design of the devil that can defeat Him. And those who belong to Him share in His victory. He is building His church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.
Though Satan maintains a measure of power to steal, kill and destroy in this world, his bite is not incurable and his time is running out. He will soon be “thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever” (Revelation 20:10).
The great hymn penned by Martin Luther nearly 500 years ago says it well:
And tho’ this world with devils filled
Should threaten to undo us
We will not fear for God has willed
His truth to triumph through us
The Prince of Darkness grim
We tremble not for him
His rage we can endure
For, lo, his doom is sure
One little word shall fell him
Friend, I hope you know that our God is a mighty fortress! He is our never-failing defender. He is our banner and our shield. He is our faithful provider. He is our great deliverer. He is our light and our salvation. He is our strong tower. He is our rock of refuge and He reigns as King over all the earth.
Yes, we will face trouble in this life. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). But praise God, this world is not our home! Believers in Christ are strangers and aliens in this world longing for their heavenly home! That eternal home in heaven is promised by Jesus to whosoever will come to Him, repenting of sin and trusting in Him for salvation. It is they who find that no matter how severe the storm or how high the waters rise, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen, but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
The Difference Easter Makes
What difference does Easter make? Only all the difference in the world.
Without the resurrection of Jesus, the so-called Christian faith would be the greatest sham in history. If Jesus were not alive and well today, Christians would be the sorriest bunch of people this world has ever seen. We would be losing-est, most delusional, deceived and duped group of religionists to have walked upon this planet.
But the truth tells a different story. The truth is that Jesus did, in fact, rise from the grave on the third day. Death could not keep Him bound. He rose from the dead – from a violent and horrific death on a cross – and now lives still, no longer to die again. This makes all the difference in the world.
The Christian faith is the greatest truth in history. Jesus is alive and well, and Christians are the most blessed bunch of people this world has ever seen. We are the victorious ones, the most satisfied and joyful and confident community to have walked upon this planet, and who will one day walk upon the streets of gold in heaven.
The truth of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, then, makes those who reject Him the foolish and ignorant ones. Here’s the deal: We’re all sinners and deserve to die and go to hell. And there’s not a thing (or a million things) we can do to earn or buy a ticket to heaven. Let’s face it – if heaven’s a perfect and pure place, then we don’t belong because we’re imperfect and impure.
But because of God’s incomparable love for mankind, He has made it possible that we don’t have to face the penalty for our sins. Instead, He gives us the perfection and purity of Jesus. He dealt with our sins when He sent His Son, Jesus, to take our punishment on the cross, and makes us righteous through Him. The Bible says that “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24). The One who lived the perfect and pure life that we never could offered Himself as the only acceptable sacrifice to God for sins, and through faith we are saved on His ticket.
And though Jesus was crucified at the hands of godless men, neither the Roman rulers nor Jewish religious authorities nor even death had the final say. God raised Him up on the third day in a glorious display of His power and in a triumphant confirmation of His purposes to eternally save those whom come to Him through Jesus. The resurrection of Jesus makes all the difference in the world!
Romans 6:23 makes this clear: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Friend, you can’t ignore the truth of Jesus’ resurrection. You can either embrace it or reject it. You can either live your life by faith in Jesus in view of heaven, or you can live life on your own terms in view of death and hell. There is no middle ground. Jesus said: “I am the way and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). There is no other way!
And the apostle Peter in Acts 4:12 spells out God’s gracious offer of life in Christ in no uncertain terms: “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Let me say it again: There is no other way!
Will you turn from your sins today, receiving complete forgiveness of all your sins through the blood of Jesus Christ? Will you gladly give your heart and life to Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Almighty God lovingly waits with arms wide open to pour out His mercy and grace upon you, but you must come through His Son. Come to Him now and be saved from death to eternal life! Only a fool would reject such an offer!
Then let me invite you to come and be a part of God’s family at Ridgway First Baptist Church this Sunday. We’ll be welcoming special musical guests “Sons of the Father” during our 10:40 morning worship service this week (May 1). We’d love to see you there as we worship together! Jesus’ resurrection makes all the difference in the world!
Without the resurrection of Jesus, the so-called Christian faith would be the greatest sham in history. If Jesus were not alive and well today, Christians would be the sorriest bunch of people this world has ever seen. We would be losing-est, most delusional, deceived and duped group of religionists to have walked upon this planet.
But the truth tells a different story. The truth is that Jesus did, in fact, rise from the grave on the third day. Death could not keep Him bound. He rose from the dead – from a violent and horrific death on a cross – and now lives still, no longer to die again. This makes all the difference in the world.
The Christian faith is the greatest truth in history. Jesus is alive and well, and Christians are the most blessed bunch of people this world has ever seen. We are the victorious ones, the most satisfied and joyful and confident community to have walked upon this planet, and who will one day walk upon the streets of gold in heaven.
The truth of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, then, makes those who reject Him the foolish and ignorant ones. Here’s the deal: We’re all sinners and deserve to die and go to hell. And there’s not a thing (or a million things) we can do to earn or buy a ticket to heaven. Let’s face it – if heaven’s a perfect and pure place, then we don’t belong because we’re imperfect and impure.
But because of God’s incomparable love for mankind, He has made it possible that we don’t have to face the penalty for our sins. Instead, He gives us the perfection and purity of Jesus. He dealt with our sins when He sent His Son, Jesus, to take our punishment on the cross, and makes us righteous through Him. The Bible says that “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24). The One who lived the perfect and pure life that we never could offered Himself as the only acceptable sacrifice to God for sins, and through faith we are saved on His ticket.
And though Jesus was crucified at the hands of godless men, neither the Roman rulers nor Jewish religious authorities nor even death had the final say. God raised Him up on the third day in a glorious display of His power and in a triumphant confirmation of His purposes to eternally save those whom come to Him through Jesus. The resurrection of Jesus makes all the difference in the world!
Romans 6:23 makes this clear: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Friend, you can’t ignore the truth of Jesus’ resurrection. You can either embrace it or reject it. You can either live your life by faith in Jesus in view of heaven, or you can live life on your own terms in view of death and hell. There is no middle ground. Jesus said: “I am the way and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). There is no other way!
And the apostle Peter in Acts 4:12 spells out God’s gracious offer of life in Christ in no uncertain terms: “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Let me say it again: There is no other way!
Will you turn from your sins today, receiving complete forgiveness of all your sins through the blood of Jesus Christ? Will you gladly give your heart and life to Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Almighty God lovingly waits with arms wide open to pour out His mercy and grace upon you, but you must come through His Son. Come to Him now and be saved from death to eternal life! Only a fool would reject such an offer!
Then let me invite you to come and be a part of God’s family at Ridgway First Baptist Church this Sunday. We’ll be welcoming special musical guests “Sons of the Father” during our 10:40 morning worship service this week (May 1). We’d love to see you there as we worship together! Jesus’ resurrection makes all the difference in the world!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
What More?
So what more could Jesus do for you to show you how much He loves you? Isn’t it enough that He took your place on the cross? All you have to do is look at the nail scars in His hands and feet. Look at the wound in His side. Look at the stripes upon His back. Look into His eyes and feel the compassion of His heart pouring out for you.
The cross is the ultimate expression of God’s love. He didn’t have to do it. But He did because He loves you. He didn’t have to endure the beatings. He didn’t have to wear the crown of thorns. He didn’t have to take the mocking or the shame. But He did it in love for you.
In the Garden of Gethsemane Judas came betraying Jesus. One of the Twelve, one of His followers, His friend, handed Him over to those bearing clubs and swords. One of His own turned Him in, betraying the Son of Man with a kiss. It didn’t have to be this way, but Jesus suffered it all out of the depth of His love for you.
His faithful disciple, Peter, was ready for war. When they seized Jesus to arrest Him, Peter drew his sword and started swinging. He sure wasn’t going to let things go down this way. This was the time to fight! This was the time for Jesus to establish Himself as the rightful King of Israel and take His place as Ruler and Messiah.
Yet Jesus did nothing of the sort. In fact, He rebuked Peter. Then He posed a question that drives me to my knees in wonder and amazement at His love. He asked, “Do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once send Me more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53). No, He didn’t have to do it. He didn’t have to suffer the excruciating pain and unthinkable humiliating of the cross. He didn’t have to die. But He chose to!
That’s love! His love is deep! His love is wide! His love is high! His love is long! That’s a love that goes beyond measure. It’s a love that surpasses knowledge.
So, what more could He do to show you His love? How about rising from the grave?!
When Jesus died on the cross, that was it for the disciples. It was over. Their hopes were crushed. Their dreams defeated. Their souls empty and broken. Jesus was the One who was supposed to redeem Israel. And now – it was over. Had all the events of the past three years as they followed Him been in vain? All the miracles and signs? All the healing of the sick? All the authoritative teaching? All the prophetic words? Was it all just for nothing?
But in the midnight of their sadness, confusion, disappointment and fear, Jesus came to them as the Living One, risen from the dead, and declared: “Peace to you!” He didn’t leave them hanging. He didn’t leave them hopeless. He didn’t leave them to waste away in worry, doubt or despair.
He proved that His love was stronger than death! The cords of death had Him bound, but His love broke through! The sting of death inflicted its fury, but His resurrection victory rendered it powerless! “God raised Him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for Him to be held by it” (Acts 2:24).
Friend, maybe you’re in a place of spiritual darkness today. Perhaps sadness, confusion, disappointment and fear are the norm for you. Let the love of Christ Jesus assure you that it doesn’t have to be that way. When you put your faith in Him, He gives you His joy. He gives you His peace. He gives you His power. And He gives you His life.
Will you receive the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ today? Turn from sin and come to Jesus, the One who forgives your sins by His blood and gives you a living hope through His resurrection victory. Oh, how He loves you!
And join us this Sunday at Ridgway First Baptist Church as we celebrate Jesus. We’ll have a Sunrise Service at 7:00 a.m., followed by a light breakfast fellowship. Sunday School for all ages begins at 9:30, and our worship celebration featuring a choir special entitled, “Hallelujah! Praise the Lamb” will be at 10:40 a.m. After the service we’ll have an Easter egg hunt for the children. Everyone is welcome and invited to attend!
The cross is the ultimate expression of God’s love. He didn’t have to do it. But He did because He loves you. He didn’t have to endure the beatings. He didn’t have to wear the crown of thorns. He didn’t have to take the mocking or the shame. But He did it in love for you.
In the Garden of Gethsemane Judas came betraying Jesus. One of the Twelve, one of His followers, His friend, handed Him over to those bearing clubs and swords. One of His own turned Him in, betraying the Son of Man with a kiss. It didn’t have to be this way, but Jesus suffered it all out of the depth of His love for you.
His faithful disciple, Peter, was ready for war. When they seized Jesus to arrest Him, Peter drew his sword and started swinging. He sure wasn’t going to let things go down this way. This was the time to fight! This was the time for Jesus to establish Himself as the rightful King of Israel and take His place as Ruler and Messiah.
Yet Jesus did nothing of the sort. In fact, He rebuked Peter. Then He posed a question that drives me to my knees in wonder and amazement at His love. He asked, “Do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once send Me more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53). No, He didn’t have to do it. He didn’t have to suffer the excruciating pain and unthinkable humiliating of the cross. He didn’t have to die. But He chose to!
That’s love! His love is deep! His love is wide! His love is high! His love is long! That’s a love that goes beyond measure. It’s a love that surpasses knowledge.
So, what more could He do to show you His love? How about rising from the grave?!
When Jesus died on the cross, that was it for the disciples. It was over. Their hopes were crushed. Their dreams defeated. Their souls empty and broken. Jesus was the One who was supposed to redeem Israel. And now – it was over. Had all the events of the past three years as they followed Him been in vain? All the miracles and signs? All the healing of the sick? All the authoritative teaching? All the prophetic words? Was it all just for nothing?
But in the midnight of their sadness, confusion, disappointment and fear, Jesus came to them as the Living One, risen from the dead, and declared: “Peace to you!” He didn’t leave them hanging. He didn’t leave them hopeless. He didn’t leave them to waste away in worry, doubt or despair.
He proved that His love was stronger than death! The cords of death had Him bound, but His love broke through! The sting of death inflicted its fury, but His resurrection victory rendered it powerless! “God raised Him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for Him to be held by it” (Acts 2:24).
Friend, maybe you’re in a place of spiritual darkness today. Perhaps sadness, confusion, disappointment and fear are the norm for you. Let the love of Christ Jesus assure you that it doesn’t have to be that way. When you put your faith in Him, He gives you His joy. He gives you His peace. He gives you His power. And He gives you His life.
Will you receive the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ today? Turn from sin and come to Jesus, the One who forgives your sins by His blood and gives you a living hope through His resurrection victory. Oh, how He loves you!
And join us this Sunday at Ridgway First Baptist Church as we celebrate Jesus. We’ll have a Sunrise Service at 7:00 a.m., followed by a light breakfast fellowship. Sunday School for all ages begins at 9:30, and our worship celebration featuring a choir special entitled, “Hallelujah! Praise the Lamb” will be at 10:40 a.m. After the service we’ll have an Easter egg hunt for the children. Everyone is welcome and invited to attend!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
God of the Impossible
Is anything impossible for God? How could it be?
He is the sovereign ruler of all things. He is the maker of heaven and earth, the seas and all that is in them. He is the giver of life and breath. He is head of all things, and He is the One who holds all things together by the word of His power.
He is enthroned in heaven and His kingdom cannot be shaken. He is all-powerful, all-knowing and all-present. He is eternal, immortal and incomparable. He is glorious, majestic, wonderful and amazing.
He plants nations, and He uproots nations. He laughs at the schemes of the greatest rulers on earth. He directs the hearts of kings like a stream of water, turning it wherever He will. He establishes righteousness and justice, and His rule will never be overturned.
He is righteous and just, compassionate and gracious. He is faithful and true. He is forgiving and good. He is merciful and mighty.
He is holy, holy, holy. The whole earth is full of His glory. He is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come. He is worthy to receive glory and honor and power, for He created all things, and by His will they existed and were created.
He is the conquering Lion of Judah, the Lamb who was slain yet is risen from the grave. He is worthy of the songs of the redeemed. He is worthy to pronounce judgment and wrath, and He is worthy to bestow blessings and honor. He is worthy of all praise.
“Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and True are Your ways, King of the nations! Who will not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy; For all the nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed” (Revelation 15:3-4).
Is anything impossible for God? Sarah was way beyond child-bearing years when the Lord told her she would have a son. Yet within a year Isaac was born to Sarah and Abraham, who became a father of many nations. A barren womb was no impossibility to God.
The Israelites were trapped between the sea and the approaching Egyptian army. There was no way out but God made a way. The Lord built a wall of water on the right and on the left, drying up the sea as a pathway through which His people would cross. The Red Sea was no impossibility to the Lord.
Jesus was cruelly hung upon a Roman cross where He suffered and died. His body was buried in a tomb. Hearts sank and hope faded. But on the third day God displayed His power and raised His Son to life, conquering sin and triumphing over death forever. Not even as fierce an enemy as the grave stands a chance against the power of the Lord Almighty.
And so I ask: Is anything impossible for God? Is there any foe who can defeat Him? Is there any obstacle too overwhelming for Him to overcome? Is there any problem too difficult for Him to solve? Is there any burden you’re bearing too heavy for Him to carry? Is there any pit too deep from which He is unable to lift you out? Is there any need too great for Him to meet?
Friend, our God is able! Perhaps today you’re facing a situation that seems impossible to you. And from a human perspective, no doubt it is. But from God’s view nothing is impossible.
I remember a song with these lines: “God will make a way / Where there seems to be no way / He works in ways / We cannot see / He will make a way for me / He will be my guide / Hold me closely to His side / With love and strength / For each new day / He will make a way/ God will make a way.”
When you come to Him through faith in Jesus, you will find that He will make a way out of what seems to be an impossibility. Why not come to church this Sunday morning and join us in worshipping this God of the impossible? And on Easter Sunday morning, April 24, you’re invited to come for our 7:00 Sunrise Service followed by a light breakfast fellowship, then Sunday School at 9:30 and our Easter choir cantata at 10:40. Jesus is risen and lives forevermore! Hallelujah! Praise the Lamb!
He is the sovereign ruler of all things. He is the maker of heaven and earth, the seas and all that is in them. He is the giver of life and breath. He is head of all things, and He is the One who holds all things together by the word of His power.
He is enthroned in heaven and His kingdom cannot be shaken. He is all-powerful, all-knowing and all-present. He is eternal, immortal and incomparable. He is glorious, majestic, wonderful and amazing.
He plants nations, and He uproots nations. He laughs at the schemes of the greatest rulers on earth. He directs the hearts of kings like a stream of water, turning it wherever He will. He establishes righteousness and justice, and His rule will never be overturned.
He is righteous and just, compassionate and gracious. He is faithful and true. He is forgiving and good. He is merciful and mighty.
He is holy, holy, holy. The whole earth is full of His glory. He is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come. He is worthy to receive glory and honor and power, for He created all things, and by His will they existed and were created.
He is the conquering Lion of Judah, the Lamb who was slain yet is risen from the grave. He is worthy of the songs of the redeemed. He is worthy to pronounce judgment and wrath, and He is worthy to bestow blessings and honor. He is worthy of all praise.
“Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and True are Your ways, King of the nations! Who will not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy; For all the nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed” (Revelation 15:3-4).
Is anything impossible for God? Sarah was way beyond child-bearing years when the Lord told her she would have a son. Yet within a year Isaac was born to Sarah and Abraham, who became a father of many nations. A barren womb was no impossibility to God.
The Israelites were trapped between the sea and the approaching Egyptian army. There was no way out but God made a way. The Lord built a wall of water on the right and on the left, drying up the sea as a pathway through which His people would cross. The Red Sea was no impossibility to the Lord.
Jesus was cruelly hung upon a Roman cross where He suffered and died. His body was buried in a tomb. Hearts sank and hope faded. But on the third day God displayed His power and raised His Son to life, conquering sin and triumphing over death forever. Not even as fierce an enemy as the grave stands a chance against the power of the Lord Almighty.
And so I ask: Is anything impossible for God? Is there any foe who can defeat Him? Is there any obstacle too overwhelming for Him to overcome? Is there any problem too difficult for Him to solve? Is there any burden you’re bearing too heavy for Him to carry? Is there any pit too deep from which He is unable to lift you out? Is there any need too great for Him to meet?
Friend, our God is able! Perhaps today you’re facing a situation that seems impossible to you. And from a human perspective, no doubt it is. But from God’s view nothing is impossible.
I remember a song with these lines: “God will make a way / Where there seems to be no way / He works in ways / We cannot see / He will make a way for me / He will be my guide / Hold me closely to His side / With love and strength / For each new day / He will make a way/ God will make a way.”
When you come to Him through faith in Jesus, you will find that He will make a way out of what seems to be an impossibility. Why not come to church this Sunday morning and join us in worshipping this God of the impossible? And on Easter Sunday morning, April 24, you’re invited to come for our 7:00 Sunrise Service followed by a light breakfast fellowship, then Sunday School at 9:30 and our Easter choir cantata at 10:40. Jesus is risen and lives forevermore! Hallelujah! Praise the Lamb!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
The Tragedy and Joy of Being "Used"
Nobody wants to be “used.” That word has such a bad connotation. Normally we think of it in terms of being exploited, taken advantage of, or trampled upon for the wicked pleasure of another.
The idea of slavery comes to mind. How inhumane can one be to buy another human being off the auction block, as if purchasing a piece of property?! And of course one of the darkest stains on this nation’s own history is our treatment of African Americans. Read some of the accounts of the slavery days and you’ll see that many of them were treated by their owners with less respect than their cattle and fields. Sometimes I wonder if we’ve really made any progress at all in our race relations.
Another practice that exemplifies the word “used” has to be the modern day practice of human trafficking. I’m not sure why they don’t call it slavery. Does saying “human trafficking” soften the public perception of this vile deed? Why is there no international outcry on behalf of those being forced into servitude and prostitution?
From teenage soldier-slaves in Uganda to entire families forced to work in South Asian factories without pay to child prostitution in Thailand, reports indicate that 27 million people around the world are enslaved today. By the way, the United States of America was included in the June 2010 U.S. Department of State report as being a nation who is not only a destination but also a source country for this evil practice.
And you can hardly watch the evening news these days without seeing the way some cruel dictator in the Middle East oppresses his people for the sake of his own gain. Through excessive use of violence and control, countless millions of people are suffering unimaginable hunger, pain and shame while being “used” to build another palace for their ruler.
Is it any wonder then that in the Bible God speaks out so emphatically against those who pervert justice and oppress the weak? The Holy God, whose very throne is founded on righteousness and justice, lovingkindness and truth (see Psalm 89:14), must absolutely agonize in grief and anger over the way we so selfishly “use” other people for our own purposes.
Isaiah records the word of the Lord: “Woe to those who enact evil statutes and to those who constantly record unjust decisions, so as to deprive the needy of justice and rob the poor of My people of their rights, so that widows may be their spoil and that they may plunder the orphans” (Isaiah 10:1-2).
God also declares through the prophet Malachi: “So I will come near to you for judgment. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive aliens of justice, but do not fear me, says the Lord Almighty” (Malachi 3:5).
Make no mistake: there will be a day when ultimate justice will prevail. Isaiah prophesies concerning the time when Jesus Christ will rule victoriously over all things as the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. “He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever” (Isaiah 9:7).
The Holy Spirit spoke through Paul saying, “Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man [Jesus] whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:30-31).
That said, there's another thought about being used that brings joy instead of tragedy. My desire and my delight is to be so “used” by God for His good pleasure that I count my own life as nothing to me. For anyone who wishes to follow Christ, that must be our desire. To give our lives away for the sake of the One who gave His life for ours on the cross. To “do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). The King of kings beckons you with His loving-kindness. Do you want to be “used” in His glorious service?
The idea of slavery comes to mind. How inhumane can one be to buy another human being off the auction block, as if purchasing a piece of property?! And of course one of the darkest stains on this nation’s own history is our treatment of African Americans. Read some of the accounts of the slavery days and you’ll see that many of them were treated by their owners with less respect than their cattle and fields. Sometimes I wonder if we’ve really made any progress at all in our race relations.
Another practice that exemplifies the word “used” has to be the modern day practice of human trafficking. I’m not sure why they don’t call it slavery. Does saying “human trafficking” soften the public perception of this vile deed? Why is there no international outcry on behalf of those being forced into servitude and prostitution?
From teenage soldier-slaves in Uganda to entire families forced to work in South Asian factories without pay to child prostitution in Thailand, reports indicate that 27 million people around the world are enslaved today. By the way, the United States of America was included in the June 2010 U.S. Department of State report as being a nation who is not only a destination but also a source country for this evil practice.
And you can hardly watch the evening news these days without seeing the way some cruel dictator in the Middle East oppresses his people for the sake of his own gain. Through excessive use of violence and control, countless millions of people are suffering unimaginable hunger, pain and shame while being “used” to build another palace for their ruler.
Is it any wonder then that in the Bible God speaks out so emphatically against those who pervert justice and oppress the weak? The Holy God, whose very throne is founded on righteousness and justice, lovingkindness and truth (see Psalm 89:14), must absolutely agonize in grief and anger over the way we so selfishly “use” other people for our own purposes.
Isaiah records the word of the Lord: “Woe to those who enact evil statutes and to those who constantly record unjust decisions, so as to deprive the needy of justice and rob the poor of My people of their rights, so that widows may be their spoil and that they may plunder the orphans” (Isaiah 10:1-2).
God also declares through the prophet Malachi: “So I will come near to you for judgment. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive aliens of justice, but do not fear me, says the Lord Almighty” (Malachi 3:5).
Make no mistake: there will be a day when ultimate justice will prevail. Isaiah prophesies concerning the time when Jesus Christ will rule victoriously over all things as the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. “He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever” (Isaiah 9:7).
The Holy Spirit spoke through Paul saying, “Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man [Jesus] whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:30-31).
That said, there's another thought about being used that brings joy instead of tragedy. My desire and my delight is to be so “used” by God for His good pleasure that I count my own life as nothing to me. For anyone who wishes to follow Christ, that must be our desire. To give our lives away for the sake of the One who gave His life for ours on the cross. To “do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). The King of kings beckons you with His loving-kindness. Do you want to be “used” in His glorious service?
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