Hebrews 2:1-3a
Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?
Why is there a danger of drifting away?
Because we live in a constant current that flows away from Christ: our sinful nature plus the schemes of the devil, who desires only destruction for us. Since he is the prince of this world, everything he does is designed to draw us away from Christ and to hinder our holiness. He is happy to accomplish this by subtle means - pleasures, favor, possessions. Anything to distract us from Jesus.
Hebrews 12:1-2a
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to [fixing our eyes upon] Jesus…
This is not a gentle stroll through life; it is a race that must be run with the whole soul thrown in, for your life depends on it. It is as if you were running from a raging wildfire, knowing that if you let down your guard, if you relax, you may be lost. Or you may arrive at safety, but "only as through fire."
1 Corinthians 3:15
If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
The temptation to sin is something that pulls your eyes away from Jesus, distracting you from That which holds your course steady. If you follow that sin - even that "little" sin that seems so harmless - you may end up drifting off course and slamming into rocks and boulders in the river. Yes, Christ can bring you back on course and restore your relationship with Himself, but you may be injured by the rocks and carry the scars of that for the rest of your life.
There is no standing still. Those who are not actively fighting the undercurrent will drift downstream. There is no plateau we reach in this life, no place where we can let our guard down and relax spiritually. There is no place where the War does not exist between Christ and the devil. The Church is indeed our oasis, the place where hands join together to make it easier to fight the current; yet even there our flesh and the devil hinder us, and those who relax from their vigilance will begin to drift from course.
Who is sufficient for these things?
The Lord!
Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
The Lord does not throw us into the fray and say "sink or swim!"
He provides HIS strength in which we are to run the race, fight the battle, withstand the current.
Ephesians 6:11-13
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
This is how we are to hold our ground and avoid drifting away: the armor of God.
This is how we are to withstand powerful spiritual enemies: God's armor, not our strength.
Ephesians 6:14-18
Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints…
Here is God's armor, which He commands us to put on that we might withstand the devil:
• Truth. God's truth holds everything else together.
• The righteousness of Christ that is put upon us
• Readiness to take the gospel wherever we walk
• Faith in God and His Word, to shield us from the devil's flaming arrows
• Salvation, accomplished by Christ, which we can rely on to guard our souls
• God's Word wielded as our sword for the fight, like Christ used it
• Prayer to gain all the wartime help that we need; we must stay alert and persevere, that we might pray at all times, for ourselves and for all the saints
Put on this armor. It does no good to have it sitting on display in your house.
Put it on, every day.
Knowledge of and love for God's truth.
Faith in Christ and the gospel and our salvation.
Prayer at all times, knowing our inability to stand without the Lord's strength.
Readiness to take the gospel - the power of God for salvation - to any person or situation to which God brings us.
So read the Bible, love the Bible, study it, memorize it, meditate on it. Fill your thoughts with it. It is your life, your defensive safety, your offensive weapon.
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
The offense of the Cross
Galatians 5:11
But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed.
1 Corinthians 2:14
The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Corinthians 1:18
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:22-25
For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
Romans 1:16-17
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
The gospel offends.
Man does not want to hear that his righteousness is insufficient; pride runs deep.
The normal and expected response to the gospel is that the unbeliever will not understand it, will mock it, or will take offense at it.
The only way this will not happen is if the Spirit of God opens their heart to see and desire Jesus.
We have tried to take the offense out of the gospel, in hopes that people will like it, agree with it, and accept it that way. As though an offense-less gospel will have more power to save than the Spirit Himself.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:17
For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
God's way is that we preach "Jesus Christ and him crucified," that we rely not on eloquent words to attract men's minds, but on the Holy Spirit to use the power of the offending message of the cross.
Why should we be "not ashamed of the gospel," when it is likely to be met with a negative response? Because it is the power of God to save everyone who believes!
But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed.
1 Corinthians 2:14
The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Corinthians 1:18
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:22-25
For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
Romans 1:16-17
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
The gospel offends.
Man does not want to hear that his righteousness is insufficient; pride runs deep.
The normal and expected response to the gospel is that the unbeliever will not understand it, will mock it, or will take offense at it.
The only way this will not happen is if the Spirit of God opens their heart to see and desire Jesus.
We have tried to take the offense out of the gospel, in hopes that people will like it, agree with it, and accept it that way. As though an offense-less gospel will have more power to save than the Spirit Himself.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:17
For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
God's way is that we preach "Jesus Christ and him crucified," that we rely not on eloquent words to attract men's minds, but on the Holy Spirit to use the power of the offending message of the cross.
Why should we be "not ashamed of the gospel," when it is likely to be met with a negative response? Because it is the power of God to save everyone who believes!
Saturday, May 12, 2018
"Fun" is not the main criteria - JESUS is
How do we determine what activities we require or permit of ourselves or our family?
The main criteria is NOT, "Will this be fun?" nor "Will my kids be willing?" nor "Is this the cheapest option?"
The main criteria is,
Does this activity help me to serve God and serve others?
Will this activity increase my love for God, or distract me from God?
Will it increase my love of myself?
Should we not ask this - in regard to entertainment? And education? And work/chores?
The main question is not, "Would this be fun?" but rather, "Would this help us to serve God and others?"
Should not our starting point be, "I love my Savior, and therefore, I will do ________ out of love for Him and for His Name on the earth." ?
Does this activity help make my brain more or less equipped to serve God?
(I.e. internet browsing for no purpose, and input of too much unnecessary information, makes your brain "a mile wide and an inch deep" - not taking time to think deeply about anything; taking in information for the sake of information, rather than in order to benefit your life; filling your mind with useless books.)
Can the Holy Spirit live well in the mind I am cultivating by this input?
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Can I do this activity as an act of worship?
1 Corinthians 10:31
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Peter 4:11
…in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
What biblical principles can be referenced to determine whether or not this is a good activity for me (mentally, spiritually, physically)?
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Philippians 1:20-21
…it is my eager expectation and hope that … now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:27
Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ…
Would Christ do this activity?
Would someone see me doing this, and say, "That is Christ living in her"?
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
If you love your Savior - your Master - then it will not be a hard thing to strive to point to Him in all that you do.
It will not be a sacrifice to give up "pleasures" for the sake of service and worship - for the sake of making Jesus known! He loved His Father and was all consumed by that; His one love was the Father; His one goal was to do the Father's will. And He did it gladly out of love, not grudgingly, wishing He could live "for fun" instead. He knew that real joy came from obedience, and He wanted that for His disciples also.
John 15:10-11
If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
We live by faith, not by sight.
We must believe that real, lasting joy is found in obeying - rather than living by sight, by senses, that tell me to pursue my own temporary pleasures.
If we let our kids drown themselves in temporal pleasures, we are inoculating them against finding their real joy - in Jesus. Who will want to do the hard work of self-denying service if they have lived indulging themselves as children? Do we not want to train them that self-denial is the normal part of life? - and that earthly pleasures, though they are gifts from God to be enjoyed as part of serving Him, cannot hold a candle to the joys found in Christ?
None can follow Christ without denying himself:
Matthew 16:24-25
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life [for himself] will lose it…"
The main criteria is NOT, "Will this be fun?" nor "Will my kids be willing?" nor "Is this the cheapest option?"
The main criteria is,
Does this activity help me to serve God and serve others?
Will this activity increase my love for God, or distract me from God?
Will it increase my love of myself?
Should we not ask this - in regard to entertainment? And education? And work/chores?
The main question is not, "Would this be fun?" but rather, "Would this help us to serve God and others?"
Should not our starting point be, "I love my Savior, and therefore, I will do ________ out of love for Him and for His Name on the earth." ?
Does this activity help make my brain more or less equipped to serve God?
(I.e. internet browsing for no purpose, and input of too much unnecessary information, makes your brain "a mile wide and an inch deep" - not taking time to think deeply about anything; taking in information for the sake of information, rather than in order to benefit your life; filling your mind with useless books.)
Can the Holy Spirit live well in the mind I am cultivating by this input?
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Can I do this activity as an act of worship?
1 Corinthians 10:31
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Peter 4:11
…in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
What biblical principles can be referenced to determine whether or not this is a good activity for me (mentally, spiritually, physically)?
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Philippians 1:20-21
…it is my eager expectation and hope that … now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:27
Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ…
Would Christ do this activity?
Would someone see me doing this, and say, "That is Christ living in her"?
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
If you love your Savior - your Master - then it will not be a hard thing to strive to point to Him in all that you do.
It will not be a sacrifice to give up "pleasures" for the sake of service and worship - for the sake of making Jesus known! He loved His Father and was all consumed by that; His one love was the Father; His one goal was to do the Father's will. And He did it gladly out of love, not grudgingly, wishing He could live "for fun" instead. He knew that real joy came from obedience, and He wanted that for His disciples also.
John 15:10-11
If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
We live by faith, not by sight.
We must believe that real, lasting joy is found in obeying - rather than living by sight, by senses, that tell me to pursue my own temporary pleasures.
If we let our kids drown themselves in temporal pleasures, we are inoculating them against finding their real joy - in Jesus. Who will want to do the hard work of self-denying service if they have lived indulging themselves as children? Do we not want to train them that self-denial is the normal part of life? - and that earthly pleasures, though they are gifts from God to be enjoyed as part of serving Him, cannot hold a candle to the joys found in Christ?
None can follow Christ without denying himself:
Matthew 16:24-25
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life [for himself] will lose it…"
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Love one another
John 13:34-35
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
1 John 3:16,18
By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. … Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.
Jesus says that loving His people in the way that He loved us (self-sacrificially) is the evidence that we are truly His disciples.
It troubles me that there are professing Christians who do not seem to take this seriously, who act as though it does not apply to their situation, or to the relationships they have - or to the interaction they have with other people on Facebook.
Where is the love working itself out in patience, kindness, humility, deference?
Where is the love that does not insist on its own way and is not easily irritated?
1 Corinthians 6:6-7
"…brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers[.] To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?"
Why defame the name of Christ before unbelievers - just to prove yourself to be in the right in a situation? Can you not love the honor of Christ enough to let God vindicate you in His time, even though it feels like you have "lost" by not insisting on your way?
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
1 John 3:16,18
By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. … Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.
Jesus says that loving His people in the way that He loved us (self-sacrificially) is the evidence that we are truly His disciples.
It troubles me that there are professing Christians who do not seem to take this seriously, who act as though it does not apply to their situation, or to the relationships they have - or to the interaction they have with other people on Facebook.
Where is the love working itself out in patience, kindness, humility, deference?
Where is the love that does not insist on its own way and is not easily irritated?
1 Corinthians 6:6-7
"…brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers[.] To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?"
Why defame the name of Christ before unbelievers - just to prove yourself to be in the right in a situation? Can you not love the honor of Christ enough to let God vindicate you in His time, even though it feels like you have "lost" by not insisting on your way?
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
Jesus is everything, and rightly demands everything
Colossians 1:15-17
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Hebrews 1:2-3
…his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.
1 Corinthians 8:6
there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
Romans 11:36
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
John 11:25
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die."
It is the One who created all things for Himself, who upholds the universe by the word of His power - it is He who clothed Himself with flesh in order to lay down His own life to redeem His fallen people.
Everything is from Jesus and for Jesus.
It is Jesus who is -
The Resurrection and the Life.
The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
The Way, the Truth, and the Life.
The only Good Shepherd, who lays down his life for the sheep.
The Bread of Life, and the Living Water.
The Light of the World.
The true Vine.
Jesus is supreme - pre-eminent in everything (Col.1:18).
Jesus is everything; everything exists because of Him, was made to serve His purposes, and is kept in existence by His hand.
It is no wonder that the entire Bible is about Jesus; the OT points to Him, the NT teaches what He did for us and who He is more specifically.
It is also no wonder that one cannot claim to be a disciple of Christ while trying to serve sin or self. There is only one Lord and Master of the universe; those who serve Him must be completely yielded to Him, as the whole universe is.
You were created for Jesus.
It is impossible to be His disciple and still try to rule your own life; this would be like joining the marines while being contracted to play on a professional sports team.
You can have only one Master, and it is an all-or-nothing choice.
He will have all of you - all your time, energy, will, choices - or He will not have you at all.
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Hebrews 1:2-3
…his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.
1 Corinthians 8:6
there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
Romans 11:36
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
John 11:25
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die."
It is the One who created all things for Himself, who upholds the universe by the word of His power - it is He who clothed Himself with flesh in order to lay down His own life to redeem His fallen people.
Everything is from Jesus and for Jesus.
It is Jesus who is -
The Resurrection and the Life.
The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
The Way, the Truth, and the Life.
The only Good Shepherd, who lays down his life for the sheep.
The Bread of Life, and the Living Water.
The Light of the World.
The true Vine.
Jesus is supreme - pre-eminent in everything (Col.1:18).
Jesus is everything; everything exists because of Him, was made to serve His purposes, and is kept in existence by His hand.
It is no wonder that the entire Bible is about Jesus; the OT points to Him, the NT teaches what He did for us and who He is more specifically.
It is also no wonder that one cannot claim to be a disciple of Christ while trying to serve sin or self. There is only one Lord and Master of the universe; those who serve Him must be completely yielded to Him, as the whole universe is.
You were created for Jesus.
It is impossible to be His disciple and still try to rule your own life; this would be like joining the marines while being contracted to play on a professional sports team.
You can have only one Master, and it is an all-or-nothing choice.
He will have all of you - all your time, energy, will, choices - or He will not have you at all.
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