And Mary was Silent

And Mary was Silent 

We face hardships in life. So often it is difficult to understand why we go through so many struggles. Yet, the Bible tells us in Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God….” I think I would have to agree with the Apostle Paul on this one. I know what I am supposed to do. But so often the struggle is greater than my ability, or it seems to be. Paul said in Romans 7:18-19 “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.” Like Paul, I know what I am supposed to do. I know how I am supposed to respond in given circumstances but all too often my old nature gets in the way and I just can’t seem to do the right thing. I can’t stand silently by and let God be God. 

     Mary was truly blessed by God. More than any other person in all of history. She was certainly not the Mother of God. But she was the mother of Jesus the Christ, the Messiah of Israel and the Lamb of God. She would give birth to the physical child who would become the sacrifice for our sin and in whom all the fullness of God would dwell. What a joy it must have been to watch him grow. Every day he was learning as others learned, and as Mary must have watched and wondered. He must have played as others played, and Mary must have watched and wondered. And yet she knew he was God’s son. 

     Did she see him as he was, the Son of God? The angels told her he would be the Son of God, Luke 1:30-33 “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” But when did she realize the magnitude of that message? When she held him in her arms as an infant was he just like any other child? When she put him to bed at night and kissed his forehead was her attachment the same as any other Mother? 

     Regardless of when she finally understood her profound gift from God she still formed attachments. Like any mother she would form a maternal bond that would become inseparable. She would still be worried when he seemed to be lost or missing. When Jesus taught in the temple Mary became very worried because she had no idea where he had gone, Luke 2:48 “And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? Behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.” And I imagine this was only one of several similar situations throughout his life at home. Mary loved Jesus as her son. She was attached as any good mother would be. He was her son.

     She must have been so very proud of him when he began preaching. People came from all over to hear him. Multitudes would gather and often follow him over the countryside just to hear him preach. So, when his popularity finally caused the religious leaders to become angry and vengeful, Mary would surely begin to fear for his safety. Could any of us have done what Mary did the day Jesus was taken?

     Mary was in the crowd. Remember as Jesus hung on the cross we read in Joh 19:26-27 “When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother….” Mary was silent. She was SILENT, as she saw her son being tortured. She saw the crown of thorns pressed onto his brow. She saw the nails driven into his wrists and feet. How did she remain silent? How did she not cry out for justice? How did she not plead for mercy? Her son hung on a roughhewn wooden cross right in front of her beaten, torn and mangled beyond recognition. And, Mary remained silent! 

     I can only imagine that by this time she had come to understand what the Psalmist meant when he wrote, “Be still, and know that I am God….” She knew that even now, even in these circumstances God was in control. I am sure her heart still broke and the tears still flowed. But she knew God had a plan no matter how bleak her world may have looked.

     Can we have that same confidence in sorrow? Mary had special circumstances to say the least. But, she was still human and still a mother. Mary trusted God. And that is something we can still do today. God proved His faithfulness to Mary over the 33 years she shared with Jesus. But, we have had thousands of years of history that prove over and over again, God is faithful, that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

     In her deepest distress and darkest hour Mary remained silent and trusted God.

     Can we remain silent and trust God for our trials?

DO YOU HAVE FALSE HOPE

DO YOU HAVE FALSE HOPE

Matthew 7:21-23 Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (v.22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (v.23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 

Matthew 6:24  No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon

Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. 

2Corinthians 13:5  Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? (unless your faith will not stand the test)

                         Lay aside sin. Stop sinning. Let go of that sin which you harbor today as your very own, release it and begin living like the Christian you claim to be. We read in Romans 13:12 “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. (v.13) Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. (v.14) But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”

We live in a permissive society that cringes with any word of criticism or even judgmental tones. Yet, the Apostle Paul (2Cor. 13:5) stood up and said essentially, “Hey, you better take a look at yourself and see if you are truly saved.” One way you can tell is by who rules in your life today? Is Christ your master or only a kindly old gentleman to whom you give an occasional sympathetic glance. When did you last attend church? When did you last have a devotional time of your very own? When did you last pray in earnest with a broken heart? And when did you last offer salvation to a lost loved one, someone you say you love but you know is lost? If you choose not to attend church, if you do not pray, if you do not read the Word of God regularly and you allow those you say you love to continue descending into hell without doing all you can to get them saved, how can you claim to be saved? (Read Luke 16 and see the rich man’s most earnest desire after he died.) You say you are saved. What does your life say?

If you know me, you know I am a firm believer in once-saved-always-saved or eternal security of the believer. However, for that to be true one must first be saved. Sadly, multitudes of people sit in our church pews today in false hope. We were able to coerce them into saying a prayer for salvation without them ever truly surrendering their heart to God. And now for decades they have lived in the false hope that they are saved. Tragically, many falsely believe they are born again and on their way to heaven. I read once that as many as 80% of those who sit in our pews today are not truly saved. If that number is even remotely close to being true, it’s terrifying. The older I get the easier it is for me to believe it is true.

Many calling themselves Christian today will live in open opposition to the known will of God and still confess to being saved. Are they? Look at Matthew 7:21-23 above. Jesus said we are known by the lives we live. What does your life say about you? People calling themselves Christian will sit in open opposition to the revealed will of God. Homosexuals refusing to turn from sin, say they are saved. Couples living in adultery and refusing to marry say they are saved. A man who has not darkened the door of a church for years unnumbered says he is saved. And on it goes. Yet, Jesus said Matthew 7:19-20 “Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. (v.20) Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Jesus said we can recognize true believers by the life they live. What does your life say? With our lives we are saying, “I refuse to obey you God.” And then we have the audacity to petition the God whose laws we violate willingly every day of our lives. We pray….? Do we really expect God to answer when we have openly spit in His face with our actions?

God gave us a command which Peter repeated in 1Peter 1:15 “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation (or daily living); (v.16) Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” We are expected to live godly lives as Paul reiterates in 2 Corinthians 7:1 “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” This is the talk society wants to squelch today. This is the “judgmental” attitude they want to silence. But this is BIBLE.

Understand, we will always do the will of our master. The saved will serve God and the lost will not. We must make a choice (Matthew 6:24; Joshua 24:15 above) today as to who will be the master of our life. Oh, I know what many will claim at this point. Many will say that nobody will be their master, they are the master of their own life. Sadly, that is simply no true. If you live without Christ as master of your life, then by default Satan is master. It is one or the other. That is what Joshua was telling Israel. He said you will serve the true God or you will serve some form of false god. But, it cannot be both.

Make your decision today. Declare your allegiance. Turn away from this world, lay aside the sin you know prevails in your life today and begin to follow and serve Jesus Christ.

Luke 19:27 But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.

When they went to sleep

"On this day... 17 years ago (09/11/2001) 246 people went to sleep in preparation for their morning flights. 2,606 people went to sleep in preparation for work in the morning tomorrow. 343 firefighters went to sleep in preparation for their morning shift. 60 police officers went to sleep in preparation for morning patrol. 8 paramedics went to sleep in preparation for the morning shift of saving lives. None of them saw past 10:00am Sept 11, 2001. In one single moment life may never be the same. As you live and enjoy the breaths you take today and tonight before you go to sleep in preparation for your life tomorrow, kiss the ones you love, snuggle a little tighter, and never take one second of your life for granted." (originally posted of Facebook by my friend Erica Crites)

Are you saved? God made salvation simple, for people like me.

We must understand we are in serious trouble.

Romans 3:10 There is none righteous no not one
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God
Romans 6:23a For the wages of sin is death…

Have you truly understood that you are a sinner, and that in your current state before God you would be separated from God for all of eternity in the agonies of hell?

But, there is hope. God offers a gift.

Romans 6:23b …but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord
Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.

A gift can only be accepted or rejected, it cannot be earned. Have you received the gift God so freely offers?

Romans 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Will you be saved today?

If you will ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior (confess with thy mouth) understanding that his death paid for your sins (God raised him from the dead) and truly believe in your heart that God accepted the work of Christ on your behalf, God will see you as righteous and save you right now.

With that understanding simply call out to him for salvation.

A prayer something like this: God I understand I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died as my sacrifice for sin and that you have already accepted the payment he made for me. Thank you Jesus for dying in my place. Right now I ask Jesus Christ to come into my heart, to live in me and to be my Savior. Thank you for saving me today, amen.

If you prayed that prayer (or one like it) God saved you today. Tell someone today, that you have been born-again, that today God saved you. This is your spiritual birthday, write it down, remember it. You certainly should begin attending a bible believing church in your area. So, this Sunday if possible, attend church and let the Pastor know about your salvation. Every believer should be baptized and he can explain that to you more completely.

If you need help finding a church in your area simply respond in a private message and I will be glad to help you locate a gospel preaching church in your area.

JUDGED BY EVERY IDLE WORD Matthew 12:36-37

I will attempt to clarify this issue as best I can. But, as you may have already noticed some of the great commentators of church history have disagreed with each other. I do not claim to be wiser than those great men of God. However, you will find that my view takes a third position to the two more commonly held.

It is not unusual in Biblical studies to take a position on a topic in defense of one’s long held position. In other words, when we read something which may have the ability to alter our long standing belief, we tend to read that passage with bias, interpreting it in light of those current beliefs. I cannot say that any of the scholars we might have read has done this. But, we should be careful not to do so.

A basic method in Biblical studies is to ascertain first the meaning of the text and then its context before looking for the meaning of the word or phrase in question. So, let’s approach “idle words” in that same fashion. Many studies on this issue begin by defining argoz and rhema. However, I would contend that one cannot properly define a word or phrase until one understands how it is intended to be used in its current context. Just consider the English word well with its several possible uses. It should be abundantly clear that one cannot define that simple word until it is placed within a particular context.

So first, we will ask what the text is saying. And then, what the context is saying. Before we look at the words in question we need to backup just a bit and see the intent and direction of the preceding conversation. The phrase, “idle words” was not written as a stand-alone comment but rather it was the culmination of an extensive discourse.

v.2 The Pharisee’s criticized the disciples for picking and eating the corn on the Sabbath. v.3-6 Jesus corrects their view. And he notes their lack of spirituality in not realizing who was standing right there with them. v.7-8 Jesus points out their lack of Biblical understanding and application of spiritual truths. v.9-10 The Pharisees show an intense desire to adhere to the Law of God as a means of attacking Jesus. v.11-13  Jesus again corrects them in showing the intent of the law rather than its mechanically correct outward expression. v.14-21  Now the Pharisees plot to bring Jesus down. There is no attempt to discover who he might truly be, but only his demise. The Spirit of God worked mightily in him as prophecy said would He would. It is then that we are brought to the current passage (our context) in question. Here too, we must look at the overall picture first. v.22 Jesus cast out a demon. v.24 The Pharisees attributed his miracle to Satan. v.25-32 Jesus establishes a clear separation between good and evil, between the Divine and the Unholy, clarifying they cannot co-exist. v.33-35 Jesus states that a tree is either good or bad. Our works are produced within us, long before they become our actions. v.36-37 Every word we say in life will be our judge. More than the edifices we might build or the sermons we may preach, our words (our conversation) will one day serve as our judge.

The Pharisees believed their actions, with their strict adherence to the Law, would vindicate them. However, Jesus is pointing out here that our words reveal the true condition of our heart and form a just basis for the interpretation of our character (Mat_12:36-37). Our daily casual conversations express who we really are. It is not a question of being careful which words we choose for our conversation, although that can be important as well. Rather, in this passage we are to understand that those innocent conversations, those quiet moments of jest or frivolity, are revelations into our hearts. We will answer for all of life. The Pharisees were focused on keeping the laws ("which is the great commandment...?"), dotting the i's and crossing the 't's" during all religious moments in life. But, we must understand that in those private moments, those which seem to be done in isolation, conversations seemingly so benign are just as condemning as murder, adultary or lying because they reveal the true nature of our hearts. Look again now at the passage in question:

Matthew 12:33-38 “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree corrupt and its fruit corrupt; for the tree is known by its fruit. (v.34) Offspring of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. (v.35) A good man out of the good treasure of the heart brings out good things; and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings out evil things. (v.36) But I say to you that every idle word, whatever men may speak, they shall give account of it in the day of judgment. (v.37) For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned. (v.38) Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we want to see a sign from you.”

Jesus’ focus is on the “tree” as it represents the individual i.e., the Pharisee, the disciple or the average believer at that time. What the “tree” produces is the result of the type of tree, good or bad. The Pharisees were focused on the product, or the fruit, instead of the tree (person) itself. Their analysis of their day may have been, “Did I do the right number of prayers? Did I make sufficient sacrifices? Were my tithes precisely calculated?” But, Jesus is saying those things do not really matter if they are done with an unchanged heart, a heart that had not been born again. And, that will be revealed in the secret moments of life because the mouth will ultimately be fueled by what is in the heart, “…out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”

A second concern would be in how this applies to judgement. As pertaining to the saved, we have been judged in Christ already. Although, we will face the Bema Seat (I Cor. 3:10ff) and account for our lives here. Our eternal state is already judged, it is our works which will be examined. What we have done for Christ, our faithfulness or our shame will be revealed. But, for us the debt of sin (eternal separation from God) is already paid. However, “idle words” or conversations we thought were meaningless, benign or of no real consequence may be the very evidence to prove our love of God or our guilt and shame as we stand before Him. Those quiet moments may reveal our love and dedication to Christ or our lukewarm natures. Jesus is telling his audience to examine their heart, the cause of the actions in life. If the tree is rotten the fruit will be too, no matter what it looks like on the outside. What do our quiet moments or our secret conversations reveal about our heart? When our mouth speaks what is in our hearts, what does it say? I believe those quiet conversations will resound on judgment day as loudly as our actions.

However, for the unsaved, who have refused to accept the payment Jesus made for them, every “idle word” will be brought in as further evidence of guilt. Though they may say, “…in that day, Lord! Lord! Did we not prophesy in Your name, and through Your name throw out demons, and through Your name do many wonderful works?” (Matt. 7:22). Or, “Didn’t we work hard? Didn’t we accomplish great things?” I believe our passage is saying that God will be able to go back and show the wickedness of a man’s unsaved heart by the simple daily conversations he had year after year over the backyard fence or at the counter sipping coffee with his friends (Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?) A man’s own words would be sufficient to condemn him to eternity in hell. We are not condemned for our failure to comply with Divine mandates. We are condemned because we are a fallen race (Romans 3:10-23; 5:8-21). And, although our fallen nature with original sin is what condemns us, the very expressions of our own hearts in daily conversation would be sufficient to seal our fate if we are not born-again. What we say everyday expresses who we are, and whose we are.

SINLESS PERFECTION

SINLESS PERFECTION

        The question, "is sinless perfection possible " cannot be answered with a direct Biblical quote stating that every human being can live life without ever committing a sin. Nor, can we find a statement claiming sin is absolutely inevitable for the child of God. However, it is evident through myriad examples, provisions, exhortations and commands that we do indeed continue to sin after we are saved, or born again.
        It is clearly stated in Scripture that we are expected to live above sin, 1Peter 1:16 “because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy." It is only the foolishness of the modern preacher and an apparent desire to keep the pews full that lends excuse and provision for living in the flesh, and the acceptance of mediocre Christianity. The phrase “Don’t worry, we are all only human” has become far too common in today’s churches. It seems in our generation there is little concern for the separated life, a life characterized by daily godly living, a life that abhors sin. However, we cannot allow our frustrations to mold our doctrine.
        One of my personal favorites, if one passage can be more endearing than another, is Ephesians 1:4-14. Paul opens this passage with, “According as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love….” God’s choice from the very foundation of the world was that each one of us, His children, would one day stand before Him without sin, holy and completely without blame. Certainly, it would stand to reason then, that God wants those same children today to live above sin in their daily lives. And Paul follows this statement in Ephesians 5:27 with, “that He might present it to Himself as the glorious church, without spot or wrinkle or any such things, but that it should be holy and without blemish.” And one may think that this seals the argument. Nothing more needs to be stated. We are expected to live holy lives. And to this point I must agree until one examines this a bit more carefully.
        The book of Ephesians is replete with examples of our ineptitude and God’s provision. Above we cited chapter one and verse four. Now, continue reading from verse five. God’s choice to have us stand before Him without sin was accomplished in his work of adoption (v.5) placing us into His family by (v.6) the sacrificial work (v.7) of Jesus Christ. Which brings glory to God (and not to ourselves, 2:9) for His great wisdom and power. All of which was accomplished long ago, though He is only now revealing it (v.8-10) to us in its entirety, for His own pleasure and in accordance with His own will, that all things should be done, and completed, and headed up, in and by, Jesus Christ. So complete is the work of redemption that God already (v.11-14) made us heirs with Christ, made us to be the cause of His glory and sealed us with His Holy Spirit. All of this was done so that (5:27) He could present us to Himself as a spotless Church, one without sin or blemish of any type. God already made us spotless, sinless, and without blemish.
        Yet, the same Apostle that penned the words above also wrote Ephesians 2:10 making the point that we can only work in a manner which is pleasing to God today because we have been created in Christ. Because of our new birth we now have the ability, with the Holy Spirit living in us, to serve God, to do good works. However, by the time we get to chapter 4 Paul is “beseeching” the church, true believers, to stop sinning, live in love and unity, and stop the divisions. In fact, he states that we, as a church (v.14-15) have been given the tools to bring the saints to maturity until the return of Christ. Why? Because the church will always need these gifts in a fallen creation. To the church (v.17-18) he says to stop walking in vanity, don’t allow your understanding to be darkened, don’t allow yourself to be alienated from a proper relationship with God, like those in the world still do. These are daily efforts and struggles. Every day that we walk with Christ we can become closer and closer to God. But as long as sin is in this world and we live in a sin cursed fleshly body we can expect occasional failures which is why we have 1 John 2:1 “My little children, I write these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 
        In Romans 7:14-25 it would be a serious error to believe Paul is speaking of his unregenerate past. He is addressing born again believers, not the unsaved. His comparison is current. He begins by looking back at the Law and how it was used to direct us toward Christ. And then, he personalizes his statements beginning in verse 15. In verse one he begins to present the issue of living under the law as the Jews had done all of their lives. He relates it to the marriage relationship in verses 2-6. Verse seven then asks, what is the conclusion? Is the Law sinful? “No.” Paul states that it simply points out our sin, and in concert with life and our own actions, confirms the sinners guilt. 
        In verse 14 he makes a transitional statement. He says the Law does not cause us to sin. It is simply a spiritual instrument of God. The fallen flesh that each of us is currently inhabiting is the problem. His following analogy (7:21-23) is an account of his personal experience, “I find then a law: when I will to do the right, evil is present with me. (v.22) For I delight in the Law of God according to the inward man; (v.23) but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin being in my members.” Paul, and all Christians since, had a battle with sin. His cry (v.24) was so much like our own, “Who can help me? Who can free me from this sin cursed body?” Thankfully, the cry of frustration is immediately followed (v.25) by a grateful heart as Paul thanks God. The Law could only bring guilt and shame at our constant failures. It could not break the bond of sin and death. But, in Christ the gospel brings forgiveness, grace and mercy, placing us in right standing before the Father so that even though sin is still there, it has been paid for, it cannot separate us from God. We are secure in Christ.
        His conclusion? As long as he is bound to this flesh, in his heart and mind he wills to fulfill every command of God. But, the flesh is prone to sin even though the spirit has been redeemed. The flesh will one day be redeemed as well. But the body has not yet been redeemed. Paul states in I Corinthians 15:50-54 “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. (v.51) Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, (v.52) In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (v.53) For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (v.54) So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.” Today we live in the flesh but it too will be redeemed soon.
        Every effort should be made to live above sin. Departing from sin should be the heart cry of every believer. However, it is dangerous for believers to think they can become sinless in a sinful body, living in a sinful world. The constant failure will tend toward depression and a deep sense of defeat. God knows we sill sin (Hebrews 12:5-12) and tells us that, although our sin can affect our family relationship with Him, He is always there to direct us back to Himself.

They are not all Dark Clouds

They are not all Dark Clouds

In only the past 40+ years, my adult lifetime, we have witnessed a tragic number of devastating events in the United States alone. Worldwide that number becomes unimaginable to most people. We have seen earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, major epidemics or at least their threat, floods, avalanches, major storms, enormous tornadoes, droughts and heat waves, nuclear power plant accidents, fires and explosions, shipwrecks, aircraft crashes, space accidents, railroad accidents, oil spills, terrorist attacks and many others I will not take time to enumerate. Dark clouds have shadowed our land almost daily. 

There is always something looming just beyond the edge of today. There have been dark clouds on the horizon almost every morning that I have gotten out of bed to face another day. Maybe they have not shadowed the sky above me directly but dark clouds have dimmed the sky nearby each one of us too often. 

I believe God is in control of even the darkest clouds. Nothing has ever taken God by surprise. A phrase recently made popular says, “Has it ever occurred to you that nothing has ever occurred to God?” God may or may not have designed each event in history (I will leave that to the theologians) but He certainly uses events to bring about His will. So, we would be wise to watch those dark clouds and learn what we can as we compare today’s events to the Word of God. Listen to what Jesus said in Luke 21, “(v.10) Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: (v.11) and great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. (v.12) But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.” “(V.16) And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. (v.17) And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.” “(V.20) And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. (V.21) Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. (v.22) For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.” “(V.25) And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; (V.26) men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. (v.27) “And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory." At the end of all of this horror Jesus will return with his armies to defeat Satan once and for all.

Yes, I am aware that Luke 21 is a reference to the tribulation period. However, the world does not arrive there without having become so vial and godless that we pass into it without notice. The unsaved will wake up one day in the tribulation and that first morning will be no different than the last morning when the children of God were raptured out. Dark clouds of sin will have filled the skies and it will seem all hope is gone. Christians (saved during the tribulation) will be outnumbered and persecuted worldwide. Dark clouds will cover the skies.

But not every cloud will be dark. At the end of this seemingly bleak picture in Luke Jesus inserts a sense of hope and anticipation for the child of God. At the end of all of the terror and judgment, disease and violence predicted here Jesus adds a ray of hope. He says just before the 7 years of tribulation begin, a window of hope is opened. “(V.28) And when these things begin (when these things begin, when they start) to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” When these events begin, at the start of the tribulation, before the judgment of God falls, Jesus says, “lift up your heads.”  

There is a song I really enjoy. It was sung by many but my favorite rendition is by the Happy Goodman’s. It is says, “Early one morning I walked out the door way, and stopped to look up at the sky, I was thinking how this may be the exact day, that Jesus would sound forth the cry. There was nothing but blue skies with one little white cloud, slowly slipping along, I got so excited that I shouted out loud, this may be the cloud He's coming back on.”

Christian, every morning when you walk out your door take time to look up at the sky. In the midst of all those dark clouds you just may see "one little white cloud slowly slipping along….” 

They are not all dark clouds.

I HATE TO LEAVE?

I HATE TO LEAVE?

                Woke up this morning…nuts. Ever have one of those days that starts without you? It’s worse now that I am ‘beginning’ to age. After a brief assessment of my bodily parts I am pretty sure that if I have one, it hurts. And this morning even my hair hurts. Not real sure if I can shuffle my way into the kitchen without stopping to rest. But the image of fresh espresso drives me on. The constant ringing in my ears is reaching a level that I fear may drive me to lunacy, if I hadn’t already arrived there years ago. How do so many things go wrong with these bodies? I have joints that ache so much it almost brings me to tears by the time I go to bed at night. And in the morning those same joints find a way to hurt so much more that just rising to sit on the edge of the bed is a challenge. 

                Are you with me yet? Have we found common ground? How about arriving at that second cup of coffee. Well, if you are anything like me that’s like round two. By that time my blood pressure is beginning to rise and I have to remember to take my pail of prescription medicines. If I had a particularly stressful day previously I may find myself on the brink of a tension headache. But here I have options. If it isn’t a tension headache then I could be looking at a cluster headache or even a caffeine headache. Either way, I am likely starting one or the other after my second cup of coffee. Notice, we haven’t even left the house yet. Our daily routine will have so much more for us to look forward to. Isn’t it nice to be alive?

                It isn’t all bleak. Looking out the kitchen window brings a reminder of the goodness and faithfulness of our Lord. Cottony fluffs of bright clouds framed against a crystalline blue sky offers assurance of the love of an omnipotent God. A knock on the door or the ringing of your phone extends the lifeline of the affections of family and friends. The awareness of God’s provision and the closeness of filial affections begin to slowly erode the burden of the morning’s aches and pains. And so, the day progresses in a happier and less painful direction.

                But, if I told you I just got news from a foreign government that was absolutely astounding what would you think? I mean what if I got news that was undeniably great? News that I was heir to a perfectly preserved palatial estate. And with the estate came all of the funding needed to maintain it in high fashion with no effort on my part at all. Not only that, but I discovered that once I arrive at my new estate all of my medical needs will be handled by the very best doctors using only the finest state of the art equipment and medicines. In their correspondence with me they say it is most likely that I will be healed of all of my current ailments. Imagine my excitement, and your astonishment, as I share this wonderful news with you. Would you tell me not to go? Do you think I would say, “I hate to leave?”

                If we are born again the scenario is even greater. We are currently joint heirs with Jesus Christ. He said that he has gone to prepare a place just for me and that he is coming back to take me away himself, personally. He is not sending angels. The king himself is coming for me. He also said there will be no suffering or sadness there, no illness or sorrow. Talk about wealth, Jesus said there will be streets of gold. The gates will each be made of a single pearl. It will be beauty beyond compare. And none of us will ever want to leave. We will rejoice together around the throne of God.

                It is this comparative image of our present and future states that causes me to wonder. I just can’t seem to understand why we view death with such trepidation. Paul said in Philippians 1:21, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” We have victory over death today, right now. Yes, we continue to suffer the pains of this sin racked flesh. But, if we die now, physically, all of the glories of heaven are ours in our very next breath. If we live we have the love and protection of God today and we can watch as He continues to work in those around us every day. There is no downside to death for the Christian.        The prospect of leaving here eases the pain of our daily suffering. Knowing that heaven is only a breath away gives me the strength to turn a day plagued by pain into a mission of mercy for those without Christ.

                I am not advocating suicide here. However, I am asking that we look at the sufferings of this flesh in a little different light. I know what it is to suffer the pains of an aging and afflicted body (the first two paragraphs closely resemble my daily routine). But we have this hope, or more correctly, we have this promise, Romans 8:18 “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Very shortly we will be with Jesus. Should I fear leaving here? Should I grasp for one more moment on earth? Paul did not cling to this flesh except as he saw a chance to help others, Philippians 1:23-24 “For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: (v.24) nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.” He was torn; leave or stay? 

                Can we have this same mind? Can we have “a desire to depart” only being held here a bit longer because it is “more needful” for others? “(Setting) your affections on things above” while “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ….” (Colossians 3:2; Titus 2:13).

                “I hate to leave?” “No.” But, looking forward to heaven while helping others here can ease your daily pains.

Does God give everyone a chance to be saved?

Does God give everyone a chance to be saved?

The question has been on the hearts of most believers for about as long as we have known that God offered salvation. And, for almost as long, there has been a divergence of opinions on the matter. Good men, for good reasons, hold strongly to opposing opinions. However, I do believe God offers enough insight into the matter that we can reach a reasonable understanding. I will restrict my answer, for the sake of time and space, to 3 simple passages which give sufficient support to God’s all-inclusive love.

First, look closely at the most famous passage in the Bible, John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (v.17) For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him.” Verse sixteen makes it clear that God loves the World. Can anyone reasonable suggest that Jesus only meant to suggest God’s love was designated to fewer than ‘everyone’ in the world? And it was for the ‘everyone’ of verse sixteen that Jesus was given, so that “whosoever believes” could receive “everlasting life.” God (v.17) sent His Son “into the world” for the express purpose, “…that the world might be saved through Him.” If God did not give everyone a chance, by whatever means He may have chosen, then how could Jesus have made such a broad and all-encompassing remark? The clear intent of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ was, according to verse 17, the salvation of the world.

If we went no further at all, this single passage, John 3:16-17, would have offered an affirmation to the question. However, turning now to Peter’s writings we find reference to God’s express desire to see “all” people saved. 2Peter 3:7-9 “But the present heavens and the earth being kept in store by the same Word, are being kept for fire until the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. (v.8) But, beloved, let not this one thing be hidden from you, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. (v.9) The Lord is not slow concerning His promise, as some count slowness, but is long-suffering toward us, not purposing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” In a discussion on the righteous judgment of God against sin, Peter makes a very enlightening statement. In verse seven he expresses the fact that God’s judgment against sin is being suppressed. This present world is being held in tact and preserved, “by the same Word…until the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.” Time (v.8) is not the issue since time is not relevant to God. Then, what is the issue? Peter says, the Lord is not postponing his judgment against this sin-filled world out of procrastination (“slow…as some men count slowness...”). Instead, it is out of His great patience, or long-suffering (v.9) for mankind (“us”) that He holds back His judgment. The word for long-suffering here shows forbearance, patience, or a patient endurance. This leaves us wondering, what was so important that the judgment we so deserved was held back by the hand of God? And more importantly, why was it held back? The answer is in the same verse. God never purposed that “any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” If God did not “purpose” for us to suffer the judgment of sin, and if He held back His own judgment in an effort to allow every man to be saved, it is only reasonable to assume He also gave them that opportunity…at least once.

Finally, the Apostle Paul offers insight into God’s desire for mankind. 1Timothy 2:4-6 “…who (that is ‘God’) will have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (v.5) For God is one, and there is one Mediator of God and of men, the Man Christ Jesus, (v.6) who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” Verses five and six express the nature and His work. In verse five we learn God is “one,” He is singular in His nature and purpose. And, we see there is only one way a person can come to Him. Jesus is the only means by which a person can approach God. That means we must learn of Christ since there is no other way to approach God. And, (v.6) Christ is the one who paid (“gave Himself a ransom for all”) the sin debt each of us owed. This is the message (v.6) which will be testified. What message? The message which is to be testified is not only in verses 5-6. The first part of the message is found in verse four. Paul says, “(God) will have all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” It is God’s “will” (v.4) that all men be saved. I learned a valuable lesson about the English word “all” many years ago, “all means all, and that is all, all means.” If God’s desire is to see “all” men saved, if it is his “will” that all “come to a knowledge of the truth” then, how could we possibly imagine that he would condemn a soul to hell when that person never even had a chance to be saved.

Let me clarify, I do not know the mind of God, except as it is expressed within His written Word. Here, in these few passages, we see that God desires all men to be saved, to come to a saving knowledge of the sacrifice Jesus Christ made on our behalf. And, it is clear from these passages that He withholds final judgment as He patiently waits for each person to make their final decision.

How will God judge other people? I can only respond with a reminder that we are responsible for the knowledge we have. It is not a part of my calling to analyze how God will judge a person in a third-world country. My calling is clear. I know the gospel message and I know the Great Commandment, in Matthew 28:18-20 we are commissioned to go, “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority is given to Me in Heaven and in earth. (v.19) Therefore go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (v.20) teaching them to observe all things, whatever I commanded you. And, behold, I am with you all the days until the end of the world. Amen.” Critiquing “how” God will judge another person is not a part of the calling God placed upon any of us. Understand that people throughout the world are lost. They are in danger of hell and in need of the Savior.  Respond to the call of the Great Commission and take the Gospel message even to their part of the world. God wants to reach them with the Gospel message and it is God’s will to save them. However, God has given to each of us the responsibility to go.

We have this inheritance

We have this inheritance

     Just thinking ahead to that day when we will realize the substance of the promises we have held for so long.

     I Peter 1:4-5 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

     Not only are we given a living hope of an eternal existence but we also as joint heirs with Christ receive an inheritance unlike any other. Peter uses alliteration in the Greek which we lose in the English to make his point; aphthartos (incorruptible) amiantos (undefiled) amarantos (never fadeth away). Each of the three epithets he uses here begin with the Greek ‘a’ possibly as a means of helping the reader to remember each; though we cannot be sure of that now. Notice also that each is written in the negative. It has been said that in describing things of eternal beauty we often look at the world around us and say what will not be found there in an effort to help others grasp its splendor. Sin has so corrupted the world we live in that to describe heaven we must include the absence of those things affected by sin or those things which are the direct result of sin here. As testimony to that concept read how John uses negatives to describe the new heaven and earth and the heavenly city in his vision: Rev. 21:1, Rev. 21:4, Rev. 21:22 (and I saw no temple therein...), Rev. 21:23, Rev. 21:27; Rev. 22:3, Rev. 22:5.

      “Incorruptible” describes that which is imperishable. The promise of wealth in this world will perish. It might be ours for a short time but it cannot last. The inheritance we have in Christ cannot perish. What a grand contrast, we surrender what cannot last for that which cannot perish.

       “Undefiled” expresses that which is without defect or flaw and cannot be stained or corrupted. The inheritance we have cannot ever be lessened in its quality in any way.

      “That fadeth not away” carries the idea of withering like a flower, no blight or drought can affect it. The beauty of heaven today is the same as it ever was or ever will be. We will stand amazed on our millionth year the same as we did on our first day in heaven.

      To this beauty and inheritance we have a reservation. It is not what we wish might be ours someday. Rather, it is what we presently possess that gives us hope to endure in this sin filled world. Unlike earthly reservations heavenly reservations can never be lost or canceled. And to ensure our confidence Peter reminds us that these reservations have been made for those who are “kept by the power of God.” Could there be any promise more secure? In the prayer Jesus offered in John 17 he mentions that we are kept by God and by Jesus himself, John 17:11-12 “And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the Scripture might be fulfilled.”

      “Through faith” indicates the cause or agency of that reservation i.e., which are kept as a result of having faith or expressing faith. Our inheritance was obtained by faith and is seen as already accomplished; the end result of which we are about to realize. Peter viewed heaven as just a breath away, an event that was just through the next door. By faith we received salvation and now God preserves us as we wait with reservation in hand for the materialization of that promise. Compare this to Romans 8:30 "Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified."

      The work of God in salvation was His work not ours and it is a finished work. We who receive Christ as savior are kept by the power of God already justified, glorified, and in possession of reservations which will never fade away, become defiled or corrupted in any way. God deserves all of our praise each and every day.

It is with absolute certainty that we have this inheritance.