Category: Worship

Joy to the World

Posted on by scott

6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. – Romans 5:6-11

Weak

Perhaps nobody wants to be labeled “weak”, but that is precisely the word that the Apostle Paul uses to describe us. While the word may not be attractive to us, it is certainly accurate. More accurate than we would care to admit.

When we think of the word weak, we tend to think in relative terms. Perhaps thinking of a small child in comparison to a developed adult or a frail person in contrast to a healthy athlete. But when Paul in the passage quoted from Romans refers to us as weak he is using an absolute term, not a relative one.

When Paul says we were weak, he is referring to our spiritual position as sinners. Helpless. As ungodly people, we were as impotent as the corpse of Lazarus lying in it’s tomb. Dead in our trespasses and sin we were both helpless and hopeless.

Right Time

Our salvation is not an afterthought. To the contrary, it was planned before the foundation of the world. Lying in our spiritual grave, in our state of “weakness”, Christ died for us at the “right time”. At the time appointed by the Father, He went to the cross, and died in our stead, liberating us from our grave. In doing so, He manifested a love and humility beyond our imagination, prompting Paul to pen what appears to be a commentary on John 3:16.

For a righteous person, which we were not, one would scarcely die. For a good person, which was even further from describing us, one might dare to die. But for a sinner? An enemy of God? Yes. In such a condition God showed His love for us.

Enclosed in our graves of helplessness and hopelessness, only one light could penetrate. The love of God. In His timing, Christ called us forth from our death beds with a victorious shout of acclamation; “It is finished”.

Justified

In our weak condition, we were subject to the wrath of God, the final Judge of all creation. As sinners, we deserved nothing but the just punishment for our sins; eternal separation from the presence of God. Our destiny was eternity in hell, subject to the heat and torment our enmity toward God merited.

But as Paul reminds us, the blood of Christ has purchased our redemption. Accordingly, God has declared us justified in His sight. The Righteousness of Christ has been imputed to us. The Judge of all Creation has given His verdict.

8 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. – Romans 8:1-4 

Reconciled

As amazing as our justification is, Paul doesn’t end there. Instead, Paul transitions from a forensic, or legal term, to a filial, or relational one. Not only has God the Judge declared us justified, but God the Father has also called us reconciled. In other words, Christ’s death has not only purchased our redemption, but also reconciled our broken relationship with our Heavenly Father. After pronouncing us innocent, God adopted us into His family.

This is a most important truth. Salvation isn’t “just” being saved from the consequences of our sins, but rather being given the privilege of fellowshipping with the Trinity.

3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. – John 17:3

Through the blood of Christ, God has made His once bitter enemies His beloved children. But amazingly, it gets even better!!

Security

Look at what Paul proceeds to say. If the death of Christ is powerful enough to secure our justification and adoption, imagine what His life can do!! In verse ten, Paul reminds us that the cross on Cavalry was not the end of the road for Jesus. Likewise, neither was the Garden tomb. As Scriptures tell us, Jesus not only defeated sin on the cross, but He also defeated death by resurrecting from the grave. Jesus has ascended into Heaven and lives to intercede for us at the right Hand of the Father.

By implication, Paul tells us that our eternity is secure. If the death of Christ could reconcile us to the Father, how much more shall we be saved by His life (v. 10). Because of the death and resurrected life of Christ, Paul has no doubts about the certainty of our ultimate glorification. If Christ’s death can save God’s enemies, His life is more than capable of protecting His children (Philippians 1:6). From beginning to end, our salvation is “entirely of God and His love”.

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
    we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:28-39

Rejoice

So what. What do these spiritual truths practically mean to us? Paul goes on to tell us in verse eleven that we should rejoice (joy) in God through our Lord Jesus Christ through whom we have received reconciliation. As we reflect upon the truth of what Paul has written about our salvation, the gift of Joy that the Holy Spirit brings to us is able to “grow” and “blossom”.

The Christmas season is certainly a good time to “cultivate” our joy.

As Christians celebrate Advent, the third week is typically associated with a pink candle, often referred to as the Shepherd Candle, which represents the joy that comes from the arrival of the Christ child. Obviously, we are reminded during this very special season, that without the birth of our Emmanuel in the manger, our salvation would never have been possible.

If you want to “experience” a little joy this Christmas season, reflect on the One who left Heaven’s throne to become weak to save you from your weakness.

4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. – Galatians 4:4-5

10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” – Luke 2:10-14

Joy to the World

Joy to the World; the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King!
Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing.

Joy to the earth, the Saviour reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields & floods, rocks, hills & plains
Repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make his blessings flow
Far as the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love.

May your Christmas be “full” of Joy as you reflect on your salvation and your Savior.

Behold the Storm

Posted on by scott

23 Behold the storm of the Lord!
    Wrath has gone forth,
a whirling tempest;
    it will burst upon the head of the wicked.
24 The fierce anger of the Lord will not turn back
     until he has executed and accomplished
     the intentions of his mind.
In the latter days you will understand this. – Jeremiah 30:23-24

Wrath

Are there many topics more unpopular today than the wrath of God? We would expect those that deny the existence of God and the depravity of man to scoff at such an idea, but what about the so called church? How many buildings are filled every Sunday with desperate people who are being fed two “facts” from the pulpit; God is love and you are inherently good? Obviously the first is only part of the Truth and the second is blatantly false.

It may be easy to draw a crowd by telling people what they want to hear, however, in actuality, it is more loving to tell them what they need to hear. Mankind has a terrible “disease” called sin. The “disease” has a terrible consequence if not cured. Therefore, they need to be told of the “storm of the Lord”, as Jeremiah referred to the wrath of God. The heavens are not nearly as clear and calm as many would have us believe. A storm awaits. As Jeremiah has stated, “a whirling tempest will burst upon the head of the wicked”.

Appealing or not, the wrath of God must not be denied or ignored. As Paul reminds us, it is dangerous to suppress the Truth. Any Truth. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth” (Romans 1:18).

Flood

If anyone was familiar with the storm of the Lord, it was certainly Noah. When we think of the flood we picture the ark and the animals and the mercy that was extended to Noah and his family. But what impact did the flood have on Noah?

Day after day the storm of the Lord literally burst upon the heads of the wicked. Noah must have heard their pleas for help as they were overtaken by the flood waters. Their rooftops would only provide a refuge for so long. In desperation they must have climbed trees or ascended mountains to escape the deluge of God’s wrath. But to no avail. The rains of wrath would cover every inch of the earth and drown all life outside the ark.

As Noah looked out and saw the horizon covered with floating corpses and carcasses he must have reflected on the words of God.

5 The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. 6 The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. 7 So the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.”  11 Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence. 12 God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. 13 So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. – Genesis 6:5-7, 11-13

Fire

When the storm of the Lord descends, it doesn’t always do so in the form of flood waters. As Lot can attest. While the “whirling tempest” was descending, Lot and his family were being escorted to safety by angels. Once outside of Sodom, God’s wrath was unleashed on Sodom and Gomorrah in the form of burning sulfur raining down from Heaven.

Like Noah before him, no one could convince Lot that the wrath of God isn’t real. The morning after his escape, a dense smoke was rising from what was his hometown just the day before. All of his friends and neighbors were turned to ashes by the wrath of God. All of his possessions were consumed by the rain of sulfur. To make matters worse, his wife was turned to a pillar of salt for her disobedience.

As the stench of death rose to the mountain where Lot had found refuge, perhaps he reflected on the words of God.

“The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous 21 that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me… “Do you have anyone else here—sons-in-law, sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of here, 13 because we are going to destroy this place. The outcry to the Lord against its people is so great that he has sent us to destroy it.” – Genesis 18:20-21, Genesis 19:12-13

Lies

We do an injustice to God and to ourselves when we pit the God of the Old Testament against the God of the New Testament. He is One and the same and He never changes. And as the early Church could testify, His wrath wasn’t confined to the events of the Old Testament era.

After Pentecost, the Church was growing in size very rapidly as the apostles were testifying of the resurrection of Christ (Acts 4:33). In order to meet the needs of the new converts, many people were selling their goods and bringing the proceeds to the apostles for them to distribute. As Luke records, “great grace was upon them all”.

But there was a sober reminder in the midst of this “feel good” account. Just after Joseph (Barnabas) sold a field and laid the proceeds at the apostle’s feet, a couple named Ananias and Sapphira decided to follow suit. Except for one important detail. They lied about the proceeds. As Peter confronted Ananias with his sin, God immediately struck him dead and his body was carried out. Shortly after, his wife copied his sin and she too was immediately struck dead by God.

With the wrapped bodies of the deceased couple laying side by side, the young Church was gripped with fear (Acts 5:11). To them the wrath of God was just as real as His grace.

Reality

God’s Word tells us that we are all sinners (Romans 3:23). As sinners we are under condemnation (John 3:18) awaiting the wages of death that our sins have earned (Romans 6:23). The wrath of God and eternal punishment away from Christ (Matthew 25:46).

Paul’s warning should keep us sober. “But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed” (Romans 2:5). Do we really believe we can ignore the wrath of God?

Could Noah ignore the reality of the wrath of God with so much death floating on the flood waters? Could Lot ignore the wrath of God with the stench of death mingled with the smoke arising from Sodom and Gomorrah? With the corpses of Ananias and Sapphira laying side by side the early Church certainly had a healthy reminder of God’s retribution. It is hard to ignore dead people laying at your feet.

Love

What do we do to the heart of Jesus when we ignore or downplay the wrath of God? To Jesus, the wrath of God was so awful that it caused Him to sweat drops of blood as He anticipated drinking the cup. But if we were to be spared the wrath of God, drink it He must.

No, Jesus could not ignore the wrath of God. His struggle in Gethsemane illustrates just how fearful the reality of it is. Accordingly, His struggle in Gethsemane should heighten our understanding and awareness. Our sins are much more grievous and offensive to God than we will ever comprehend. Likewise, Christ’s love for us is much greater than we will ever realize.

Jesus could not ignore the wrath of God in the Garden of Gethsemane with the bitter cup before His face. Nor could He ignore the wrath of God as He hung on the cross with spiritually dead “corpses” covering the earth and the stench of sin filling the air.

Do we have the right to ignore the wrath of God? Only if we want to diminish His love.

And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Saviour’s blood?
Died he for me, who caused his pain!
For me, who him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
That thou, my God, shouldst die for me? – Charles Wesley

A Bitter Cup

Posted on by scott

Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” – Matthew 26:42

Torment

Do you find it difficult to read the account of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane as His soul is so tormented? From the outside, it appears that perhaps for the first time in His life, Jesus may be experiencing some trepidation. For instance, as He entered the Garden with Peter, James and John, Jesus asked them to remain and stay awake with Him because His soul was very sorrowful, even to death. What was the cause of such soul rending sorrow?

After leaving His inner circle at their “post”, Jesus proceeded a little further into the Garden alone. Without any support from His dearest friends, Jesus fell on His face and poured out His heart to His Father. In His great anguish Jesus prayed that if it was possible, the cup that was soon to touch His lips might instead pass. But Jesus knew this wasn’t possible. Accordingly, He prayed that the Father’s will would be done. For Jesus, this was always priority number one.

Even though Jesus knew He would “acquiesce” to the will of the Father, His anguish was so great that Luke records an angel was sent from Heaven to strengthen Him. Yet even with the support of the angel, His prayers became even more intense. So much so that, “His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground” (Luke 22:44b). Such intense anguish as He pleaded with the Father to have the cup pass seems so far removed from the nature of Jesus as we see recorded in the rest of Scriptures. Hence we have to ask ourselves about the contents of the cup that struck such “terror” into the heart of Jesus.

Nature

One day, Jesus got into a boat with His disciples. As their boat was sailing across the lake, Jesus decided to take a nap. However, while He was sleeping, a storm came up. But not just any storm, rather a storm so severe that even the seasoned fishermen on board feared for their lives. In their minds, they were at the mercy of nature.

In their frightened condition, the disciples decided to awake Jesus and warn Him of their impending death. But Jesus did not share in the fear of His disciples. Rather, Jesus calmly rebuked the raging wind and waves and immediately they became calm. And after rebuking the wind and the waves, Jesus rebuked His disciples for their lack of faith (see Luke 8:22-26).

What power does nature have over the Son of God? Jesus is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. Not only can He calm the wind and waves, but if He chose to do so He could even make the rocks cry out His praise (Luke 19:40). In fact, as Psalm ninety-six tells us, the heavens will be glad, the earth will rejoice, the seas will roar, the fields will exalt and the trees will sing for joy before the Lord. Certainly, there is nothing in nature that could possibly put any semblance of trepidation into the breast of Jesus.

Man

I am not sure that there is any polite way of calling a person or family psychotic, but from all appearances, I think it is safe the say that the Herod family may have been worthy of the diagnosis. After the birth of Jesus, it was Herod the Great who ordered the slaughter of the innocent babies in Bethlehem in attempt to eliminate Jesus. Unfortunately, Herod’s insecurity knew no bounds. Later in life, he would kill his wife, her mother, and three sons. Apparently he saw everyone as a potential threat to his throne.

Not to be outdone by his father, Herod Archelaus began his reign by ordering the extermination of three thousand prominent citizens. Later, when Jesus began His ministry, it was Herod Antipas who was ruling. It was this Herod who beheaded John the Baptist, but Jesus wasn’t intimidated. Rather, when Jesus was warned to flee because Herod Antipas also wanted to kill Him, Jesus calmly dismissed the threat and referred to Herod as a fox. Jesus explained that His Father’s work had to be done and would not be interrupted by the likes of a madman like Herod.

The Herod family certainly had a violent reputation. As rulers they wielded great political authority. But when Jesus called Herod a fox He was putting things in perspective. Jesus wasn’t implying that Herod was sly or crafty, but rather he was calling him inept. In comparison to a little fox like Herod, Jesus was a lion. What right does a fox have to threaten a lion? The Herod lineage may have struck fear into everyone under their jurisdiction, but to Jesus they were merely insignificant posers. Jesus had no more fear of any political madman than He did of the Roman soldiers or religious leaders of the day. No man, sane or psycho, could ever make Jesus sweat. Much less sweat like drops of blood.

Satan

At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness where He was tempted by the devil. And, for forty days Jesus fasted while the devil tried to trip Him up. But Jesus was filled with the Spirit and the Word of God. Despite his best efforts, the devil was no match for Jesus. Jesus is so far above the devil that even forty days without food could not “level” the battle field. Nothing ever will.

When the serpent was cursed for deceiving Eve, he was warned that the woman’s offspring would bruise his head, while he would only bruise His heal. Consequently, we see the superiority of Jesus over the devil displayed all throughout the pages of Scripture. Whenever Jesus encounters someone under demon possession, the demons are cast out by a mere command. In fact, the demons recognize and tremble at the authority of Jesus.

With Christ and His word as her firm foundation, the gates of Hell can never prevail against the Church. Satan may be a formidable foe, but Christ has always been the “stronger man” (Mark 3:27). Therefore, although the devil may roar and strike terror into the hearts of men, he has no ability to intimidate Jesus.

Sufferings & Martyrs

As we have seen, as Jesus walked this earth it appeared that there was absolutely nothing that could intimidate Him or strike fear into Him. With His face set (like flint) to go to Jerusalem, knowing that His execution awaited Him, it also appeared that nothing could make Him waver in His obedience to His Father’s will. So again, we have to ask ourselves, why such a struggle in the Garden? Why does He pray that the cup may pass? What is the cause for the great sorrow and anguish of soul? What could cause Him to pray so intensely that He sweat drops of blood?

We have to realize that Jesus did not fear the betrayal of Judas. Nor did He fear the Roman soldiers that were quickly approaching. In fact He could have called a legion of angels if He had chosen to do so. Likewise, Jesus was not afraid of any of the authority figures, political or religious, that would take part in His mock trial.

Certainly, the physical abuse, the scourging and the crown of thorns would be painful beyond description, but even these did not cause even a hint of fear in Him. Nor do I believe even the cruel cross or cold nails themselves, could cause our Savior to fear. In fact, history is replete with martyrs, none of which could have possibly had more boldness than Jesus, who have faced various forms of execution with a song on their lips. But their lips would never drink from the bitter cup.

The Cup

The cup that awaited Jesus, consisted of one ingredient and only one ingredient. And nobody knew its content better than Jesus did. The cup that caused our Savior to be so sorrowful and troubled; the cup that caused Jesus to sorrow to the point of death; the cup that caused Jesus so much anguish that He needed an angel to strengthen Him; was filled with the wrath of God. And Jesus knew He had to drink this cup to the dregs.

Jesus was God in the flesh. As such, He had no sinful human weaknesses. He did, however, have a perfect understanding of the stench of sin and the perfect Holiness of God. Likewise, Jesus knew perfectly the justice and righteousness of God and the consequences of mankind’s sins against Him. Although the wrath of God is not a popular subject matter today, it is a critical Truth we must heed. How can we understand the love, grace and mercy of God if we ignore His wrath?

Take a long hard look at Jesus in the Garden on His face before His Father. Listen to Him praying in anguish that the cup may pass if possible, yet submitting to the Father’s will. Watch as the angel descends from heaven to support Christ in the midst of His anguish. The hearts that beat within us must indeed be stone if we are not moved by the sorrow and anguish of our Savior. How can we read about Jesus in the Garden and not have a great fear and respect for the wrath of God?

Our salvation came at a great price to Jesus. On the cross, God unleashed the torrent of His awful wrath. The cup may have been bitter. It’s contents were certainly potent. But the cup did not pass. The will of God was carried out. Christ drunk it to the dregs, and then when they were swallowed shouted, “It is finished.”

No, we can never begin to understand the love, mercy and grace of God until we seriously consider the wrath of God. The wrath that Christ bore for you and me.

Unplanned

Posted on by scott


Unseen

From time to time we see images that we just can’t shake.  Some sights just haunt us for days, weeks, and sometimes even years.  But what do you do with a sight that haunts you even though you have not seen it?

Such is the case with Unplanned, a movie I have not yet seen, but one that has shaken me nevertheless.

Unplanned is based on the experiences of Abby Johnson, one of the youngest Planned Parenthood clinic directors in the United States.  In her position, Abby was involved in upwards of 22,000 abortions, primarily in a counseling capacity.  A role that she felt fulfilment in.

But Abby’s world would be turned upside down.  After years of defending a woman’s right to “choose” and dismissing the carnage as nothing more than a mass of unfeeling tissue, Abby would eventually see something she could never “unsee”.

Moving Pictures

For Abby, the day came when she was taken away from her desk and placed in the abortion room.  When God took Abby from her desk, He moved her from the realm of fine sounding words and propaganda and placed her in front of stark reality.  As she witnessed an abortion carried out on the ultrasound, Abby found her arguments reduced to mere rubble.

As difficult as it was to watch, there was no denying what was unfolding before her eyes.  What she had so long dismissed as a “blob of unfeeling tissues” was anything but.  Abby could see discernible arms and legs.  She could see tiny little hands and tiny little feet.  And then she witnessed these limbs being separated one by one by a vacuum placed into the uterus by the abortionist.

Graphic?  Absolutely.  But sometimes, like Abby, we need to be shaken to our core.  The cost of ignorance and apathy are just too high to hide behind our “desks” and meaningless rhetoric.  Like so many others, Abby was fed a lie and feasted on it until she believed it.  It took the sight of an unborn baby trying to “swim” away from an abortion vacuum to open her eyes.

How long can we live in our lies?

Reality Check

Let’s be honest.  We have all heard the statistics of abortions so often that perhaps we have become numb or calloused to them.

But God hasn’t.

There is no second chance for the 22,000 babies whose deaths Abby was associated with.

Ponder that for a moment.

Forty four thousand eyes will never witness a sunrise or a sunset.  Nor will they ever see a rainbow.

Forty four thousand hands will never hold a teddy bear or a doll.  Nor will they ever push a stroller or pull a wagon.

Forty four thousand feet will never leave footprints in the sand, nor will we ever hear their pitter patter coming down the stairs on Christmas morning.

Forty four thousand ears will never hear a bird sing or enjoy the sounds of music.

Twenty two thousand voices, silenced before any ear could ever hear them, will never whisper, “I love you.”

And these are just the deaths that Abby Johnson was personally associated with.  And there are countless Abby Johnsons out there.

Pro Life

Abby Johnson not only counseled many women to have abortions, but she also “chose” to end a couple of her own pregnancies with death.  When God opened Abby’s eyes to the reality of abortion Abby could do only one thing.  Ask for God’s forgiveness.  And she did.

But armed with the truth, Abby desired more than forgiveness, as precious as that was.  She wanted to be used of God to open the eyes of others.  Today, Abby is a top notch Pro Life speaker and activist.  Often sharing her story with others who are contemplating an abortion or who are suffering the consequences associated with having had one.

That life inside of a womb is not just a mass of tissue.  As Abby witnessed that day on the ultrasound, it is a baby Human Being with defined arms, legs, hands, and feet.

But even these don’t define the baby.

That baby in the womb is God’s creation.  Wonderfully knitted together by Him for a purpose (Psalm 139:13).

There is nothing unplanned about that life in the womb.

Redemption

As important as the abortion issue is, Unplanned is about more than that single issue.  It is about forgiveness.  It is about redemption.  Even while Abby Johnson was living in the spiritual darkness associated with her Planned Parenthood profession there were Believers praying for her spiritual eyes to be opened to the light of Truth.

And they were.

I am not trying to heap guilt on anyone who has had an abortion.  We are all sinners in need of salvation.  While there are many things we can learn from the experiences of Abby Johnson, perhaps the most important is that God can and will forgive anyone.  We just need to humble ourselves in repentance and ask for it.

But we must realize, God’s forgiveness is only found in the Person of Jesus Christ.

When we are living in darkness, He is the Light of the Word.  When we are enslaved to lies, He is the Truth that sets us free.

If you are still living in your sins, I pray that God would shake you to your core and open your eyes to the Truth, just as He did for Abby Johnson.

Blood

No one loves the unborn more than Jesus.  He went to the cross and died for them.  He shed His blood so that they might have eternal life.  But Jesus not only died for the unborn.

He died for Abby Johnson.

He died for abortion doctors.

He died for you and me.

It doesn’t matter how much “blood” is on our hands, the blood of Christ was shed to wash us white as snow (Isaiah 1:18).  As cruel and “shocking” as the cross and the crucifixion may have been, they were part of God’s infinite plan to “shake” us to our core.

The End

As time allows, I intend to see the movie Unplanned.  I will go knowing that I will experience the full gamut of emotions.

I will weep for the aborted children.  I will be angry at those who so callously take innocent lives.  Certainly I will rejoice with those who have their spiritual eyes opened to the Truth.  But most importantly I will be grateful to God for His grace.

I know when I leave the theater I will be unable to “unsee” the graphic sights intended to shake away my indifference.  But that’s okay, because I know there is a bigger, infinite picture.

I believe that those tiny souls that were denied the joys of earth, are in the presence of their Creator and Savior.  In the comfort and safety of Heaven they are basking in the love they were denied on earth.

To Jesus they are not a statistic.  They are His children.  Forever each one of them will look Jesus in the eye and say, “I love you.”

I can’t wait to see it.

Worthy

Posted on by scott

2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” – Revelation 5:2

Banished

Perhaps no human has ever penned words that match those of the Apostle John.  In my opinion, the Gospel that bears his name is without equal.  As John writes about his Savior, the sincerity of his love is so transparent.

For three years John had the privilege of living daily with his Master.  Every day he heard His teachings and witnessed His holiness.  Despite the confusion and chaos that surrounded Jesus, John was always certain of one thing.  Jesus loved him.  Accordingly, John would refer to himself as the “disciple whom Jesus loved.”

On the night Jesus was betrayed, John rested his head on his Saviors bosom (John 13:23).  But that was years ago.  Now an old man roughly ninety years of age, John finds himself on the rocky little island called Patmos.  On account of the gospel.  Presumably banished there by the Roman emperor Domitian who did not “appreciate” John or his Christian influence.

Transported

Being on Patmos must have afforded the sensitive Apostle time to reflect.  When Jesus was still alive, John was part of His inner circle.  Along with Peter and James, he was privy to three major events that the other disciples were not.

John was in the room with Jesus when He raised Jairus’ daughter back to life, he was on the mountain when Jesus was transfigured, and he was in the Garden when Jesus travailed in prayer.

As John reflected on these events and others, one memory must have dominated all others.  The crucifixion of his beloved Savior.  When his fellow disciples ran for cover, John stood at the foot of the cross.  As Jesus hung between two criminals, John watched His blood flow from His wounds.  As John pondered his future without His beloved Jesus, Jesus committed His beloved mother to John.  The disciple whom Jesus loved.

While John’s memories may be fresh, his beloved Jesus is gone.  And so are Peter, James, Mary and the others.  Many of whom were martyred for their faith.  The same faith that “sent” John to Patmos.

John may have been an old man on a little island, but he was never alone and never forgotten.  The ever faithful disciple whom Jesus loved had more words to pen, hence his Heavenly Father transported him to Heaven.

Scroll

As John is transported before the Heavenly throne, he sees God holding a scroll in His right hand (Revelation 5:1).  A scroll sealed with seven seals.  John doesn’t record what is in the scroll, but the writing on the back may have given him a clue as to what was written on the inside.

Was the scroll that the Father held in His hand a Title Deed to the Universe?  Was it a judgment lien? A lien issued by a court where a debtor (you/me) is unable to satisfy a debt (caused by our sin).  Accordingly, this scroll would authorize that the debtor’s assets (our very souls) be forfeit in judgment.

Obviously, since the scroll is held in the right hand of God Almighty, it’s importance can’t be overstated.  But its contents couldn’t be definitively known until the seven seals were broken.  But there seemed to be one problem.

Who was worthy to open the scroll and break the seals?

Who?

John senses the seriousness of the scroll and hears the loud Angelic proclamation:

“Who is worthy to open it?”

And then the Angel’s proclamation is followed by John’s devastation.  It appeared no one was able to open the scroll.  No one was worthy.  “3 And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it” (Revelation 5:3).  

John’s sensitive heart was crushed.  His aged frame began to quake, and his tired eyes succumbed to tears.  Because no one was found worthy, John began to “weep loudly”.  And why not?

Did Jesus die in vain?  Did John and his fellow disciples “throw away” their lives?  What was the ultimate meaning of Jesus’ teachings?  Is it possible the resurrection was just a cruel trick?  If so, are those of us who place our faith in it most to be pitied (1 Corinthians 15:19)?  If our Savior’s death was in vain then by implication won’t ours be also?

Fear not John.  Your eyes did not fail you, and neither has your mind.  And your Savior never can or will.  Weep no more!

Worthy

Like a fog gives way to sunshine, John’s grief gives way to hope.  Through his tears John is encouraged by one of Heaven’s elders to “behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, (who) has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals” (Revelation 5:5).

The lion of the tribe of Judah left Heaven’s throne.  As a babe He put on flesh and blood.  When it was time for Jesus to “begin” His ministry, The Baptist proclaimed Him as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.  And so He would. 

That chest that John leaned against at the last supper was home to the heart of God.  The only heart that ever contained perfect love.  A love that was willing to still Jesus’ heart.  At least for a time.  The love that John so beautifully wrote about. 

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

The Root of David was born to rule.  He was born to break the seals and open the scroll.  But first He had to conquer.  And He did so with His blood.  The blood that John beheld as he stood at the foot of the cross.  Take heart fellow believer, it was not spilled in vain!!

Worship

Because of Jesus’ worthiness, John’s worries were turned to worship.  As the slain Lamb took the scroll from His Father’s hand, heaven was filled with a new song.

“Worthy are you to take the scroll
    and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
    from every tribe and language and people and nation,
10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
    and they shall reign on the earth.”

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,

to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!”

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” – Revelation 5:9-10, 12b, 13b

Because Jesus was slain, you were ransomed by His blood.  Some day you will join John in singing this song around the throne.  Perhaps you should start to get familiar with it now.  Jesus, and only Jesus is worthy!

No Going Back

Posted on by scott

 6 Abraham said to him, “See to it that you do not take my son back there. – Genesis 24:6

Babel

According to Genesis chapter eleven, “the whole earth had one language and the same words.”  Unfortunately, this common language fueled a sinful passion; to be god.

In their arrogance, the people decided to make a tower to reach the heavens.  In so doing they wanted to make a name for themselves.  Their self-centered motive didn’t impress God.

To frustrate their plans to displace Him from His throne, God confused the language of the people and dispersed them.  Their intentions of a great city, with it’s great tower as a monument to man, were thwarted by their confused language.  Their only lasting testimony is their association with the name of their abandoned city.  Babel.  Confused noise.

Such was the name they “made” for themselves.

It is against this background that we are introduced to a man named Abram at the end of Genesis chapter eleven.  God’s dealings with Abram could not be a greater contrast to His dealings with the people of Babel.  While the people of Babel illustrate God’s displeasure with sin, Abram represents God’s grace.

Called Out

If Babel’s lust for recognition paints a dark portrait of the ugliness of pride, God’s calling of Abram is a beautiful portrait of the merciful nature of God.  Through one vessel, God’s mercy can pour out enough grace to bless all the families of the earth (Gen. 12:3).  But God didn’t want His chosen vessel compromised.  It was necessary for Abram to leave his homeland and his family.

The writer of Hebrews tells us that in faith, Abram left his homeland not knowing where he was going (Hebrews 11:8).  Although Abram may not have known where God was leading him, Joshua gives us a glimpse as to what he was leaving behind.  Idolatry (Joshua 24:2).

God doesn’t like competition, whether in the hearts of the multitude in Babel, or in the heart of an individual in Ur.  But after the dangers of leaving sinful man to himself is witnessed in the account of Babel, the hope man needs is revealed in God’s calling out of Abram.

Babel would provide a segue to grace.  Confusion would give way to a covenant. But between the confusion and the covenant there had to be consecration.

God did not want Abram in Ur, because there was no room for Ur in Abram.  God wants undivided hearts.  Abram had to say good-bye to the idolatry of his people.

Isaac

In time, God’s promised child was born to Abraham and Sarah.  In their old age they were blessed with Isaac.  Finally, they had their own child to embrace and nurture.  Finally, they had a son to carry on the family name.  God had blessed them just as He promised.  But what if God’s blessings become idols in our desperately wicked hearts?

Despite the command to leave his family, the process was apparently difficult for Abram.  When he left Ur, his idolatrous father Terah accompanied him to Haran.  Abram apparently was content to stay in Haran, until God “motivated” him by taking his father in death.  It appears that even for Abram, faith was a work in progress.

If leaving his father Terah was difficult for Abram, how hard would it be to lose his own promised son?  Losing him to a natural death would have been difficult enough, but would he be willing to take his son’s life in obedience to God?  One way to find out, place him on an altar.  Such is what God asked Abraham to do.

As you are well aware, Abraham passed the test.  God stayed Abraham’s hand when he raised his knife.  Issac’s heart was spared.  Abraham’s heart was undivided.  But the lesson would not soon be forgotten.

Sarah

At the tender age of 127, Sarah died in the land of Canaan.  This was roughly 62 years after leaving Ur with Abram and 37 years after giving birth to Isaac.  Abraham and Sarah shared many experiences as they watched the plans of God unfold in their lives.  Together they left their families in obedience to God’s command.  Together they started a new home despite many obstacles.  Now they would be together no more.

Abraham would bury his bride in the promised land.  But the death of his bride did not blur Abraham’s understanding of life.  One generation passes away and another generation comes (Ecclesiastes 1:4).

The death of Abraham’s wife would give way to the quest for Isaac’s bride.  Despite his heavy heart and tear filled eyes Abraham’s hope was buoyed by one truth.  God’s covenant did not die with Sarah.  Therefore, neither would his faith.

Although his helpmate was buried and his earthly resting place was secured, Abraham didn’t want to see consecration compromised.  He was jealous for his jealous God.

See to it

Before his eyes were closed in death, Abraham wanted to see Isaac married.  But great care had to be taken in finding a wife for Isaac.  The people of Canaan where Abraham and Isaac now live were degenerate.  No bride for Isaac could come from them.  Rather, Isaac must marry one of his own people.

But allowing Isaac to leave the promised land to find his own wife was not an option.  Abraham would have to give instructions to a faithful servant to go back to his own people to get a wife for Isaac.  This servant was given the assurance that God would send His angel before him to make his journey successful.

God had commanded Abraham to leave his land and guided him to Canaan.  Abraham wasn’t going to risk allowing Isaac to leave the promised land to go back to his family and be tempted to stay there.

Abraham was so concerned with this danger that he warned his servant not once but twice, not to take Isaac back there (Genesis 24:6 & 8).

See to it that you do not take my son back there!

No Going Back

God promised to send his angel to pick out a bride for Isaac and he did.  God always keeps His word.  Rebekah was brought back to Canaan and became the wife of Isaac.  The Bible tells us that in his love for Rebekah, Isaac was comforted after his mothers death (Genesis 24:67).  I am sure it did Abraham’s spirit good as well.

You have a lot in common with Abraham.  As a child of God, you have been consecrated.  You have been called out of the world and made a citizen of heaven.  You have a covenant relationship with God.  A jealous God who loves you and doesn’t want to share your love.

Abraham knew the danger of going back once called out.  God means what He says.  When God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for their wickedness, Lot’s wife became a pillar of salt just for looking back (Genesis 19:26).  Her simple gesture of curiosity was disobedience to God’s direction. “Escape for your life. Do not look back” (Genesis 19:17).

This world is doomed for destruction.  It contains nothing that can compare with Heaven.  Avoid it’s temptations.  Stay away from it’s lures.  God has so much more for you.  All He asks from you is an undivided heart.

You have been saved from your sins.  Don’t go back.  Don’t even look back.  Revel in God’s grace, not the world mire.

22 What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.” – 2 Peter 2:22

Gloria in excelsis Deo

Posted on by scott

 

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” – Luke 2:13-14

Angels

When Zechariah was serving as priest before God, an angel appeared to him and told him his prayer had been heard.  Accordingly, he and his wife Elizabeth would have a son.  John the Baptist the forerunner of Jesus.  The one who would make ready for the Lord a people prepared (Luke 1:17).

When Mary was told that she had found favor with God, the angel Gabriel was sent to her in Nazareth to tell her she would give birth to Jesus.  Mary would be overshadowed by the power of the Most High and bear a son.  He would be great and would be called the Son of the Most High (Luke 1:32).

When Jesus was born, an angel appeared to some shepherds in the region.  The angel was commissioned to bring the shepherds “good news of great joy”  (Luke 2:10) for all people.  The Good news?  A Savior, Christ the Lord.  They would find Him lying in a manger wrapped in swaddling cloths.  But before their eyes saw the Savior, their ears would be filled with God’s praise.

Doxa

One angel was sufficient to tell Zechariah of the birth of his son John.  One angel was sufficient to tell Mary of the birth of Jesus.   Likewise, one angel was sufficient to tell the shepherds of the birth of Jesus.  But when God was to be praised, it took a multitude of heavenly host to sing His Glory.  “Glory to God in the highest!”

In the original Greek, the word translated glory is doxa.  According to Zodhiates’ Word Study, it can mean appearance, reputation, or glory.  It refers to the recognition belonging to a person, honor, renown.  It is related to the verb dokeo, to think, recognize a person or thing for what it is.  For such we were born.  For such we were saved.

In the last writing, we looked at Isaiah 61:1-4, the Words that Jesus read in the Synagogue and then pronounced their fulfillment.  In this passage of the promised Messiah we saw that the Jews were in a dire state.  As we looked at, the text refers to them as poor, brokenhearted, captives, bound, mournful, and faint spirited.

But there was hope of a Messiah.

According to Isaiah, the promised Messiah would bring good news for the poor, bind up the brokenhearted, liberate the captives, free the bound, comfort the mourning, replace their mourning with gladness, and replace their faint spirit with praise.

The Messiah did all of this to make the people oaks of righteousness.  But that was not the end.  He made them oaks of righteousness so God would be glorified (Isaiah 61:3).

excelsis

Gloria in excelsis Deo.  When we sing these words at Christmas, we are singing the message of the multitude of heavenly hosts in Latin.  Glory to God in the Highest!  When we sing these words, do we ponder their meaning?  Do we take to heart the Greek verb dokeo, to think, recognize a person or thing for what it is?  It is why God liberated you and bound up your broken heart.

In order to give God the glory He deserves, we need to recognize Him for who He is.  We truly must be thinkers.  We must believe what we sing, in excelsis Deo.  God is in the heights; high and lifted up.

If I can word it this way, we must “practice” excelsis.  We must “raise” God to the level He deserves in our lives.  Certainly He must be elevated to a level above ourselves.  Perhaps the best way to raise God up, is to follow the angels to the manger and get on our knees before the Babe.

On Earth

The heavenly host not only praised God in the highest, but they also proclaimed peace on earth.  Peace on earth is only possible because in the form of the Babe in the manger, the God in the highest condescended to our level.  Jesus wasn’t just a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths, He was God incarnate; God wrapped in flesh and blood.

“O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.”

Many of our Christmas Hymns are steeped in theology.  As we sing, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”, we are spiritually uniting ourselves with ancient Israel.  Like those in Isaiah chapter sixty-one that we have looked as, we admit our true condition.  Lonely mourning captive exiles desperate for Emmanuel.  Thank God the Son of God appeared in the manger!

If you want a clear revelation of the character and glory of God, take a good look at the Savior wrapped in swaddling cloths.

Worship

Although Zechariah was a priest in the service of the Temple, he was merely a man in need of a Savior.  After the birth of his promised son he worshiped in prophecy,

68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
    for he has visited and redeemed his people
69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us
    in the house of his servant David…- Luke 1:68-69

Although Mary was favored by God to bear the Savior of the world, she too needed to be saved.  When Elizabeth heaped praise on her, she rightly deferred worship to God,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…-Luke 1:46b-47

Although the shepherds had the privilege of being among the first to see the promised Savior, they did not boast in their privilege.  Like Zechariah and Mary, they too felt compelled to worship God.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. – Luke 2:20

Sing It

You have been redeemed for the glory of God.  Some day you will join the heavenly host in worshiping around His throne.  It is a good time to reflect on what He has done for you, and more importantly who He is.  You might as well start with the Babe in the manger.

Angels we have heard on high
Singing sweetly o’er the plains:
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains
Gloria in excelsis Deo!

Gloria in excelsis Deo!

Come to Bethlehem, and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord, the newborn King
Gloria in excelsis Deo!

Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heav’nly song?
Gloria in excelsis Deo!

See him in a manger laid
Whom the choirs of angels praise
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid
While our hearts in love we raise
Gloria in excelsis Deo!

Merry Christmas!

Pedagogue, Paracletes, and Paideia

Posted on by scott

 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. – John 14:26

Don’t Stop

I remember the sense of relief I felt once I graduated college and passed the CPA exam.  I felt like I could finally set the books aside and get on with real life.  After all, isn’t the only reason we read and study is to satisfy our teachers and prove what we know?  Or at least what we can retain and regurgitate for a short period of time?  I seemed to think so.  But I was quickly challenged to do some rethinking!

I can still clearly remember the day a dear friend challenged my attitude towards learning.  It was only appropriate that I was standing over my gas grill at the time.  Although I thought I was grilling him dinner, in actuality he was grilling me.  As he was asking me questions about life direction now that I had my CPA license, I distinctly remember sharing with him how I was happy to be freed from the books and the boredom of study.  At the time I didn’t really care to look at another book.  Books meant work and I had a job now.  So who needs books?  We all do.  And my dear friend was wise to challenge me and convict me on the importance of continuing to read and learn.  I accepted his challenge and have never regretted it.

Books and Authors

It is amazing how our perspectives are influenced by our attitudes.  When I was a student, my textbooks seemed somewhat tyrannical.  For the most part, they were cold and sterile vaults filled with facts.  I read them because I was forced to if I wanted to get a passing grade.  Unfortunately, enjoyment is too seldom derived from obligatory acts.

By way of contrast, I now read because I want to.  No longer obligated to read, I find a sense of enjoyment in books and view them much more like friends than tyrants.  As they take me to times and places that I otherwise could not experience I often wonder what it would be like to spend time with the authors if they were still alive.

What would it be like to discuss Hamlet with Shakespeare himself?  Wouldn’t it be a privilege to interview Dickens and allow him to share his inspiration for some of his colorful characters?  How about sitting down with Tolstoy or Dostoevsky to have them elaborate on some of their web-like plots?  How much more would a good book come alive if we were able to share it with the author himself?  Because of the Holy Spirit, such is the case when it comes to the Bible.

Paideia

The authors of the New Testament lived during a time in which the view of education could be described by the Greek word paideia.  Paideia comes from a Greek word relating to children and it refers to the process of developing children into mature adults through education.  However, it is more than teaching or disseminating facts.  Under paideia, the goal of education is to train and develop the whole person – body, mind, and soul, in bringing them to maturity.

Instead of producing parrots who merely repeat facts, “paideia is consciously shaping the young to understand and appreciate the beautiful and the good, always pursuing excellence or virtue.  The end goal of whole-person education is understood as the satisfied life of flourishing that the mature alone can experience.”  This state of perfection is often referred to in the Bible as “perfection”.

As is evidenced in the Scriptures, such education is concerned with investing in people not simply informing them.  To be effective, an educator not only provides information but facilitates transformation.  This takes great commitment.  Thankfully, God is the most committed paideia educator.

Pedagogue

When Adam and Eve walked in the Garden of Eden, God joined them in their fellowship.  Who knows what kind of wisdom the all-knowing Creator shared with His creation in the cool of the day.  As much as they completed each other, they were dependent upon the teaching of God.

When Israel broke the bonds of Egypt and entered the Promised land, they too were accompanied by the presence of God.  Like Adam and Eve, God’s chosen people were dependent upon his guidance.  Moving from childhood to adulthood is not an easy task.  We need God’s help to arrive at perfection.

Because of our sin nature, God has shown his mercy by leaving us help.  In the form of the Law, God gave us a form of teacher.  Specifically, Galatians 3:24 tells us that the Law served as a guardian (pedagogue) until Christ came.  Paul tells us that the role of the Law was to hold us captive and imprison us until Christ set us free.

As our temporary pedagogue, the Law was responsible for “teaching” us God’s moral will for us and convicting us of our sins.  Although the Law could open our eyes to our shortcomings, it could not transform us or bring us to perfection.  We needed more than a teacher, we needed an educator.

Paracletes

Once great teachers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle dominated Greece with their teaching.  As they “practiced” paideia, these men influenced their students not only with words but by their actions as well.  Although there would be times of formal teaching, much of what was gleaned from these men was done by extended periods of interaction.  These philosophers and their students shared many life experiences together, much like Christ and His disciples.

Jesus, our first Paraclete, didn’t “just” come to impart wisdom and knowledge, He came to sacrifice His life for us.  But before He did, He completely invested His life into His followers.  During His short life, Jesus lived out Deuteronomy 6:7.  Regardless if He was sitting in Matthews home or walking through Samaria, Jesus was constantly teaching about the Kingdom of God.  In the upper room before His death and on the road to Emmaus after His resurrection, Jesus was practicing paideia as He was transforming His followers.

Jesus is now at the Father’s right hand until He returns for His bride.  But we have another Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, to assist His bride to perfection until He returns to bring us home.

Teaching and Reminding

Until the 20th Century, paideia drove educational philosophy through most of Western civilization’s history.  We can only speculate how differently our society might be if we hadn’t abandoned it.  But unfortunately, we did.  However, God never will.  He knows we are sinful creatures in need of transformation.  We need to be brought to maturity; body, mind, and soul.

With the Holy Spirit indwelling us, we have the Bible’s author residing with us full time.  As helpful as they may be, we are not dependent upon the church or any man to teach us.  As we open the Word in prayer and humility, the Holy Spirit is willing to open our eyes to Truth.  The most important requirement for understanding the Bible is not the knowledge of Hebrew or Greek, but having the Spirit as our divine educator.

The Holy Spirit not only teaches us Biblical Truth, but as we need it He reminds us of Christ’s teachings.  Perhaps it will be an encouraging parable like the prodigal son when the enemy is trying to discourage us.  Or maybe it will be a stern warning about worldly temptation when the enemy is trying to allure us with his lies.  Whatever circumstances we might face, we will not face them alone.  The Holy Spirit is our faithful Helper, who will never give up on us or stop working on us.  God loves us too much to leave us as we are.  He loves us too much to leave us alone.  Never stop reading His Word.  The greatest Author wrote it with you in mind.

Convicted

Posted on by scott

 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me;10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. – John 16:8-10

Who Me?

Getting a drunk to admit he drinks is not difficult.  Getting a drunk to admit he is a drunk can often be next to impossible.  We look at the description of a drunkard in Proverbs twenty-three and laugh at his foolishness.  Despite the blurred vision, confused thoughts and utter disorientation, the drunk doesn’t seek relief.  Instead his only thought seems to be where he can find another drink (vs. 33-35).  He is no match for the red wine sparkling in the cup (v.31).  Despite its snake-like bite (v. 32), it goes down smoothly.  And that is all the drunkard seems to care about.

The writer of Proverbs twenty-three tells us that the drunkard has woes, sorrows, strife, complaints, needless bruises and bloodshot eyes (v. 29), but it lacks one attribute.  Company.  And plenty of it.  While you and I might not have a drinking problem, we do have a sin problem.  And like the foolish drunkard described in Proverbs twenty-three, we are very good at deceiving ourselves.

Oh, it is easy for us to admit that we commit acts of sins.  However, like the drunkard, it is impossible (humanly speaking) to get a sinner (that’s us) to admit he is a sinner.  The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick (Jeremiah 17:9).  This deceitfulness is too often on full display in our distorted estimation of ourselves.  With our vision blurred by sin, we will never understand our deceitful hearts.  Why should we care about the viper’s poison when the red wine’s sparkle is enticing us (Proverbs 23:31-32)?  When will I wake up so I can find another drink (Prov. 23:35b)?

Yah, You!

Do we comprehend the seriousness of our problem?  After all, what harm is a simple “white” lie (as if painting them white makes them better)?  Who really cares if I cheat just this once?  How harmful can a little gossip be?  How wrong can it be if everyone else is doing it?  If you haven’t used the rationalizations you have certainly heard them by now.  Unwilling and unable to stop the acts of sin, we resort to downplaying them or even justifying them.  But God is not deceived.

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God – Romans 3:23

As has been said so often, our sins don’t make us sinners.  Rather we sin because we are sinners.  It is our nature.  Let’s be honest with ourselves; our actions expose our deceitful and desperately wicked hearts.  Like the drunk, it is best to admit we have a problem we cannot control.  Unlike the drunk, we may not have needless bruises and bloodshot eyes, but we share his woes, sorrows, strife, and complaints!

But what match are we for the drink that promises to go down so smoothly?

He Will Convict

Thank God, we are not left alone.  Thank God we are not left to ourselves.  Before His departure, Jesus promised another Helper.  Amazingly, Jesus promised that it would be advantageous for His disciples when He departed and sent the Holy Spirit.  How could this be advantageous?  The Holy Spirit would bring conviction.  Without His conviction, a sinner has no hope.  The red wine will win every time.  But the wine’s sparkle is no match for the Holy Spirit.

I am not sure how He does it, but the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit alone, can do a mighty work on our desperately wicked and deceitful hearts.  Hearts that have been prayed for and preached at for years with no avail can be changed in an instant by the work of the Holy Spirit.  Hearts that have remained stone cold and obstinate despite years of pleading can be easily melted by the conviction of the Holy Spirit.

While I don’t understand how He does it, I believe the first tool the Holy Spirit uses when He transforms our hearts of stone to hearts of flesh is conviction.  When He causes us to see the perfect attributes of our Heavenly Father, specifically His Holiness, He opens our eyes to the ugliness of our sin.  What right do we have to rationalize our sins when they are so abhorrent in the eyes of God?

Concerning Sin

No matter how we try to dismiss it, sin is sin.  We can rename it, calling our disobedience “mistakes”.  Or, we can justify it by playing the victim card, “My circumstances made me do it”.  We can even try to sweep it under the rug.  But like Adam and Eve, we cannot hide.  We will be exposed for what we are.  Sinners.

Like God appearing in the cool of the evening, the Holy Spirit shows up to convict us.  And the most serious sin He is going to convict us of is the sin of unbelief (John 16:9).  The most “damning” of sins that so many are proud of and flaunt with an air of superiority.  Yet how quickly they are made to realize that what they deemed to be intelligence is actually ignorance once the Holy Spirit reveals to them the person and works of Christ.

Jesus didn’t just take on flesh and blood to leave us wise teachings and an exemplary lifestyle.  Not at all.  Jesus was God in the flesh living out a perfect life and fulfilling the Law.  His death on the cross was substitutionary for us (i.e. our sins).

Our salvation is to be found only in the sacrificial death of Christ.  When He was nailed to Cavalry’s cross our sins were nailed to it with Him (Colossians 2:14).  We need to be convicted of our sins that sent Christ to the cross.  Once the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin of unbelief and we turn to Christ in faith, He can convict us of our “lifestyle” sins in His timing.

Concerning Righteousness

While the world may preach relativism, God has an absolute standard of righteousness.  And Christ is it.  Only Jesus lived a perfect life in the flesh.  He alone is the exact representation of the Father (Hebrews 1:3).  Only Jesus has ascended to the Father to sit at His right hand.

While our Righteous Savior intercedes for us, the world denies Him.  And they will go on denying His righteousness until they are convicted by the Holy Spirit.  By the grace of God, there is hope that the deceived will have their spiritual eyes opened to the reality of the Righteousness of the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.  Only the Holy Spirit can enable us to recognize the righteousness that God, not man, has attributed to Christ.

Jesus, Righteousness personified, has gone back to the Father as He said He would, but He has left us a standard by which we may be judged.  And a means by which we may be made Righteous.  But conviction must precede imputation.

Concerning Judgment

Sin brings judgment.  Because God is Holy, Righteous, and Just, sin must be judged.  And although it was the body of Jesus that hung on the cross, as we see in today’s passage from John 16, it was Satan and not Jesus who was judged.  Although Satan may have thought that Cavalry was a victory for him, the empty tomb served noticed that he was defeated.

31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. – John 12:31

14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil – Hebrews 2:14

Satan is a defeated foe.  Christ is a Righteous Savior.  For those who have been convicted by the Holy Spirit and placed their faith in Him, Heaven awaits.  For those who continue to reject Christ and live in unbelief, judgment awaits.  Along with Satan, the “ruler of this world”, they will be condemned.  Such were we, until the Holy Spirit convicted us!

7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. – John 16:7

Breath of Life

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22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” – John 20:22

Life Breath

From all outward appearances the future of the church looked bleak.  Perhaps hopeless would be more descriptive.  The leader of the Way was publicly mocked and crucified.  Despite His claims and the miracles He performed, He was no match for the established religious order or the Roman government.  The religious leaders wanted to protect their authority and Pilate wanted to preserve the peace.  As a result, Jesus’ dead body was laid in a tomb to rot.

While Jesus’ body was (presumably) lying in the tomb, His followers were hiding behind closed doors.  For three years they followed Jesus, and now they were left without their leader.  Accordingly, they locked themselves away in fear of the Jews.  They did not want to meet the same fate that Jesus did.  But their fear of death stopped them from truly living.  Although technically alive, they had created their own tomb.  Such is the power of fear.

Imagine their surprise when their resurrected Leader entered their “tomb” unannounced and alleviated their fears with the simple words, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19).  But Jesus didn’t “just” speak these reassuring words, He did something much more significant, He breathed life onto them in the form of the Holy Spirit.

Life Begins

Theologians debate whether Jesus actually imparted the Holy Spirit on His followers at this time or if this wasn’t just some “prelude” to Pentecost.  I will leave that argument to those with greater credentials.  My concern is simply this, life comes from the breath of God.  So it was with Adam (Gen. 2:7), so it is with the church.  Life is a direct volition of the Creator upon His creation.  Chance is not involved.

If God had not breathed life into the nostrils of Adam, he would have forever remained nothing more than dust from the ground.  If Jesus had not breathed life into the church…, well there would not be a church.  A group of fearful men would have probably lived out their lives until the oxygen ran out of their “tomb”.

But Jesus kept His promise.  He promised His disciples He would send another Helper after He had ascended to the Father.  And so He did.  The same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the grave released the Disciples from fear and locked doors.  When Jesus breathed life into them, He forever set them free.

Stirring Winds

As we know from the exchange between Jesus and Nicodemus in John chapter three, the work of the Holy Spirit can be a mysterious thing.  After telling Nicodemus that he must be born again to enter the kingdom of God, Jesus then compares the Holy Spirit with the wind which is natural since the literal translation of “The Spirit” is “Breath” or “Wind”.

7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” – John 3:7-8

Nicodemus may have had great pedigree.  He most likely had great wealth.  Certainly, he was well educated.  But he did not have the Holy Spirit.  The life giving breath of God had not yet come upon him.  Although he was not living behind closed doors, Nicodemus may have also lived in fear.  Regardless, this important religious leader holds a night meeting with Jesus.  Even though Nicodemus possesses so much, he is missing what is most important; the breath of life.  What good is orthodoxy without it?

Although he did not understand it, the sovereign, although invisible Spirit was stirring in the soul of Nicodemus.  Like a mighty storm He can level the strongholds of the enemy in our hearts and replace them with the breath of life.  Nicodemus, you do not have to enter your mother’s womb a second time to be born again.  God can bring to life dead bones if He needs to.

Dry Bones

As Jesus was teaching Nicodemus about the necessity of the work of the Holy Spirit in his life, I wonder if his mind reflected on Ezekiel’s vision as recorded in Ezekiel chapter thirty-seven. In the Spirit of the LORD, Ezekiel was carried out to the middle of a valley.  A valley full of bones.  According to the Prophet, the valley was full of a great quantity of bones and they were very dry.  In the midst of death and despair can there be any hope?  There is as long as God has breath in Him.  Such is the lesson Ezekiel was to learn.

As God has Ezekiel overlook the valley full of dry bones He asks him one simple question, “Son of man, can these bones live” (v.3)?  And Ezekiel responds to God wisely, stating that certainly God knows whether these bones can live again.  Interestingly, God involves Ezekiel in the “rebirth” and in doing so givies us a very good lesson to remember.

God has Ezekiel first prophesy to the bones.  As Ezekiel speaks the Word to the valley of bones he begins to hear a noise.  Specifically he hears the bones rattling as they came together.  But the bones didn’t just become complete skeletons, they proceeded to develop taking on sinews and flesh and skin.  But they were still not living.  Like the disciples and Nicodemus, they needed the breath of God.

9 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.” 10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army. – Ezekiel 37:9-10

Fresh Wind

As we continue to look at the person of the Holy Spirit, it is so important to be reminded that all life in the individual believer and the Church is a work of the mysterious “wind” that is the Holy Spirit.  Every teacher and preacher is dependent upon the Holy Spirit without exception if the Kingdom is going to be advanced.

As we see from Ezekiel’s vision and as we are reminded time and again in the New Testament, the Word of God needs the work of the Spirit to be effective.  Ezekiel’s prophesying may have caused the bones to reconnect and put on sinew, flesh and skin, but they still did not have life until the “life breath” came upon them.  May we never think we can do the work of the Spirit or deny it.

Further, I am thankful that the story of the woman at the well follows immediately after Jesus’ encounter with Nicodemus in John’s Gospel.  As we have looked at previously, the Samaritan woman was the polar opposite of Nicodemus.  While he was a wealthy, respected, educated man of status, she was an outcast among outcasts.  But thankfully, the wind blows where it wishes!!  The eternal life that was offered to Nicodemus was offered to the woman at the well.  When the wind blows, we don’t know where it comes from or where it is going to go, but it can reach anybody.

Perhaps you know a Nicodemus or a Samaritan woman.  People you may think unlikely “candidates” for the Kingdom.  Never give up on them, the Spirit can reach them.

Maybe you feel like you are living in a valley full of dry bones.  Death and sin have been so rampant for so long that the bones are very dry.  Like Nebuchadnezzar, the world has wreaked havoc and left a valley full of bones in it’s wake.  Very dry bones.  Is there any hope?  There is as long as God has breath!

Praise God for the Holy Spirit.  Thank God for the breath of life.  Our leader is not in the grave.  We don’t need to hide behind locked doors.  Nor do we need to despair dry bones or even dead orthodoxy.  The wind of God is still at work.

 63 It is the Spirit who gives life – John 6:63