Jul 2009
All Things are Possible with God
26/07/09 12:33
When Jesus
was speaking to His disciples concerning how narrow
the gate was which allowed entrance into the kingdom
of heaven, He told them that that which was
impossible for man was possible with God.
Jesus had warned his hearers earlier to be very careful to enter through the narrow gate that leads to eternal life, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction.
Let me set the scene: Earlier, Jesus was teaching on the mount. It would later be called His famous “Sermon on the Mount.” Now, how much later I am not sure, a rich young ruler who inquired of the Lord concerning his eternal destination met Jesus and the disciples. He asked the Lord, “Good Master, what must I do, to inherit eternal life?” Jesus told him that he needed to obey the commandments. “I have obeyed the com-mandments since I was a child.” was his response.
He should have left it alone right there, but because he wanted to justify himself, he delved into a deeper conversation with the Lord. The more he talked with Jesus the more he realized that he lacked something. But what was it? So he asked, (I am paraphrasing here) “Lord, teach me. I am a good person; I keep the law and go to church. I have my own home and pay the taxes. I don’t try to cheat anyone and from time to time I have even donated to the poor. I treat people fairly and when it all boils down, live a pretty good, clean life. So, why am feeling as though I still lack something here?”
At this point the Bible says, “Jesus loved him.” “Go.” Jesus told him, “Sell everything you have and give it to the poor. Then, come follow me.” It is right here that makes the calling of God divine. It is right here where we realize that flesh and blood has not revealed salvation to us but that God, Himself, has opened our eyes and heart. It is at this precise moment that we either receive or miss the grace of God. And it is right here where we are either moving toward Heaven or away from it.
What was going through that young man’s heart at that moment? A decision. A big decision. I wonder if he thought, “Can I do this? Can I give everything away?” “Can I?” “Can I?” “Can I?”
Did you hear that? Have you ever started your own questions with those words? “Can I?” You know very well that there is nothing a man can do to inherit eternal life; it is a gift! So why do we start out thinking, “Can I…?”
Whether you have just given your heart to Jesus, or you’ve been on “the road” for awhile, no matter what is asked of you, know for certain that what may seem impossible for you to do is certainly possible for God to do through you. You can do all things through Christ! We are what we are by the grace of God –period. The difference is whether that grace is effectual in us. Remember, child of God, you are His workmanship and your life is in His Hands! He has made us for His pleasure and all things are possible with God.
Jesus had warned his hearers earlier to be very careful to enter through the narrow gate that leads to eternal life, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction.
Let me set the scene: Earlier, Jesus was teaching on the mount. It would later be called His famous “Sermon on the Mount.” Now, how much later I am not sure, a rich young ruler who inquired of the Lord concerning his eternal destination met Jesus and the disciples. He asked the Lord, “Good Master, what must I do, to inherit eternal life?” Jesus told him that he needed to obey the commandments. “I have obeyed the com-mandments since I was a child.” was his response.
He should have left it alone right there, but because he wanted to justify himself, he delved into a deeper conversation with the Lord. The more he talked with Jesus the more he realized that he lacked something. But what was it? So he asked, (I am paraphrasing here) “Lord, teach me. I am a good person; I keep the law and go to church. I have my own home and pay the taxes. I don’t try to cheat anyone and from time to time I have even donated to the poor. I treat people fairly and when it all boils down, live a pretty good, clean life. So, why am feeling as though I still lack something here?”
At this point the Bible says, “Jesus loved him.” “Go.” Jesus told him, “Sell everything you have and give it to the poor. Then, come follow me.” It is right here that makes the calling of God divine. It is right here where we realize that flesh and blood has not revealed salvation to us but that God, Himself, has opened our eyes and heart. It is at this precise moment that we either receive or miss the grace of God. And it is right here where we are either moving toward Heaven or away from it.
What was going through that young man’s heart at that moment? A decision. A big decision. I wonder if he thought, “Can I do this? Can I give everything away?” “Can I?” “Can I?” “Can I?”
Did you hear that? Have you ever started your own questions with those words? “Can I?” You know very well that there is nothing a man can do to inherit eternal life; it is a gift! So why do we start out thinking, “Can I…?”
Whether you have just given your heart to Jesus, or you’ve been on “the road” for awhile, no matter what is asked of you, know for certain that what may seem impossible for you to do is certainly possible for God to do through you. You can do all things through Christ! We are what we are by the grace of God –period. The difference is whether that grace is effectual in us. Remember, child of God, you are His workmanship and your life is in His Hands! He has made us for His pleasure and all things are possible with God.
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Not Up For Discussion
19/07/09 10:49
Do you remember that time in your
life when your mother said those awful four words
that left you seeking autonomy? You were maybe
between the ages of seven and seventeen and you asked
her permission for something that you knew you had to
have in your life. You had already pondered in your
heart the benefits of your decision, you used much
wisdom in the timing of your question; you even
prepared your request with much good behavior. And
then, with four short words, she shoots you down.
“Because I said so!” With these four
words your mother reinforces her parental rights and
you walk away knowing that she will never offer any
explanation –whatsoever! It is right here in
our young formidable years, that our sinful nature
kicks in to high gear and we swear by everything that
we know (and that isn’t much at seven years of
age ) that we will always say, “Why does it
have to be this way? Why can’t it be my
way?”
Fast forward to the moment that God confronts you with the condition of your soul. He says, “Come now, let us reason together. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat from the best of the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” This is the ultimate “Because I said so.” Now, it is our human nature to say, “Hey, there must be another option here.” But as far as God is concerned, there is a big period after His statement. It was a final word and there wasn’t anyway He would change His mind. Man’s salvation was not up for discussion. Wait a minute, yes it was. Do you remember when God discussed with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane? Jesus said, “Father all things are possible with you; if it be possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet, not my will, but Thy will be done.” Guess what? There wasn’t another way and Jesus Christ went to the Cross that ultimately brought the forgiveness of sins for the whole world. Jesus’ sacrifice was God’s way of justly forgiving sin in love. It has always been God’s plan and He accomplished it in the life of Christ. Alleluia! So, when God offered to whiten sin, to remove them from us as far as the east from the west and drop them into a sea, to remember them no more, He offered it without explaining His actions. He didn’t have to. He is God. Man has sinned against Him and He was offering forgiveness. The offer is up for discussion (Come let us reason together.) but the terms are not! (If you are willing and obedient.)
It has been 40 some years since I first heard those four dreadful words from my mother and I have raised my own child in the process. I have even used those words myself! I realize and understand now that my mother knew best and she didn’t need to explain to her young son about the decision that she made. She loved me. She knew more and better understood my situation than I did. She was wiser and in her wisdom she thought it best to let me know that her decision was not up for discussion. Tell me, how could we think of God any less? We need to trust that God knows best. He knows what we need and don’t need in our lives. He is God and He has established a plan that men and women can be reconciled to Him. Let us not question His authority, but let us be willing to be obedient to His plan! This is faith and this is how we are saved!
Fast forward to the moment that God confronts you with the condition of your soul. He says, “Come now, let us reason together. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat from the best of the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” This is the ultimate “Because I said so.” Now, it is our human nature to say, “Hey, there must be another option here.” But as far as God is concerned, there is a big period after His statement. It was a final word and there wasn’t anyway He would change His mind. Man’s salvation was not up for discussion. Wait a minute, yes it was. Do you remember when God discussed with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane? Jesus said, “Father all things are possible with you; if it be possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet, not my will, but Thy will be done.” Guess what? There wasn’t another way and Jesus Christ went to the Cross that ultimately brought the forgiveness of sins for the whole world. Jesus’ sacrifice was God’s way of justly forgiving sin in love. It has always been God’s plan and He accomplished it in the life of Christ. Alleluia! So, when God offered to whiten sin, to remove them from us as far as the east from the west and drop them into a sea, to remember them no more, He offered it without explaining His actions. He didn’t have to. He is God. Man has sinned against Him and He was offering forgiveness. The offer is up for discussion (Come let us reason together.) but the terms are not! (If you are willing and obedient.)
It has been 40 some years since I first heard those four dreadful words from my mother and I have raised my own child in the process. I have even used those words myself! I realize and understand now that my mother knew best and she didn’t need to explain to her young son about the decision that she made. She loved me. She knew more and better understood my situation than I did. She was wiser and in her wisdom she thought it best to let me know that her decision was not up for discussion. Tell me, how could we think of God any less? We need to trust that God knows best. He knows what we need and don’t need in our lives. He is God and He has established a plan that men and women can be reconciled to Him. Let us not question His authority, but let us be willing to be obedient to His plan! This is faith and this is how we are saved!
Tough Economy
12/07/09 21:44
We
are hearing a lot about the “tough”
economy nowadays. Unemployment is reaching double
figures, people are losing their homes, and things
seem so volatile, that implosion is imminent. What on
earth will we do then? What would happen to us if
this recent recession fell into a full-blown
depression?
What worries me is that we, as a nation, have become a very violent people. Have we seen the worse or will the conditions of our economy thrust us to lower levels of civility? I know that there was crime during the first Great Depression of the 1930’s, but I am afraid it would pale in comparison should we enter another.
Drug use is up, domestic violence is up, street crime is up; whether it would be urban or suburban, crime and violence is escalating at a tremendous rate. Someone may argue that it’s because there are more people living now than back in the ‘30’s. But those who would argue per capita statistics are missing the point. The point being that we are living in dangerous times because of the economic situation and the fact that there are more people living today only makes the times even more dangerous.
What I am seeing here is that the economy has the capability to govern how people conduct their lives. In other words, if John Doe has what he needs and a few of his wants, then he seems more contented. And contentment brings peace; peace with himself and with others. But if Mr. Doe is in dire straits from morning till night because of his economic problems, he may be prone to act desperately. This might not be good news for his family, friends and neighbors. The recent shooting of football great Steve McNair is evidence of the truth of what I am saying here. The investigation revealed that his young girlfriend was in financial trouble, couple that with relationship problems and you end up with a homicide/suicide.
But I have been speaking about the people of this world and not about Christians. The economy is not our governance, nor the foundation of our lives. For the Christian, Jesus Christ is Lord and whether we live in plenty or we are seeking God for our daily bread, there is a peace that surpasses all understanding.
St. Paul said that he knew what it was like to be in need and what it was like to have plenty. And he had learned the secret of being content in every situation, whether living in plenty or want. The secret: I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me!
For the Christian, these economic times are a fertile field for our evangelistic efforts. With the circumstances as hari-kari as they are, we have something substantial to offer folks –Jesus Christ, the Solid Rock. On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand… Isn’t this a wonderful time to remind folks what Jesus said about building our houses?
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”
In these trying times we need to be doubly sure that our lives are secured and anchored to that Rock. King David said, “I was once young, now I am old and I have never seen the righteous forsaken.” Thank you, God, for Your faithfulness.
Have a God blessed week!
Pastor Jim
What worries me is that we, as a nation, have become a very violent people. Have we seen the worse or will the conditions of our economy thrust us to lower levels of civility? I know that there was crime during the first Great Depression of the 1930’s, but I am afraid it would pale in comparison should we enter another.
Drug use is up, domestic violence is up, street crime is up; whether it would be urban or suburban, crime and violence is escalating at a tremendous rate. Someone may argue that it’s because there are more people living now than back in the ‘30’s. But those who would argue per capita statistics are missing the point. The point being that we are living in dangerous times because of the economic situation and the fact that there are more people living today only makes the times even more dangerous.
What I am seeing here is that the economy has the capability to govern how people conduct their lives. In other words, if John Doe has what he needs and a few of his wants, then he seems more contented. And contentment brings peace; peace with himself and with others. But if Mr. Doe is in dire straits from morning till night because of his economic problems, he may be prone to act desperately. This might not be good news for his family, friends and neighbors. The recent shooting of football great Steve McNair is evidence of the truth of what I am saying here. The investigation revealed that his young girlfriend was in financial trouble, couple that with relationship problems and you end up with a homicide/suicide.
But I have been speaking about the people of this world and not about Christians. The economy is not our governance, nor the foundation of our lives. For the Christian, Jesus Christ is Lord and whether we live in plenty or we are seeking God for our daily bread, there is a peace that surpasses all understanding.
St. Paul said that he knew what it was like to be in need and what it was like to have plenty. And he had learned the secret of being content in every situation, whether living in plenty or want. The secret: I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me!
For the Christian, these economic times are a fertile field for our evangelistic efforts. With the circumstances as hari-kari as they are, we have something substantial to offer folks –Jesus Christ, the Solid Rock. On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand… Isn’t this a wonderful time to remind folks what Jesus said about building our houses?
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”
In these trying times we need to be doubly sure that our lives are secured and anchored to that Rock. King David said, “I was once young, now I am old and I have never seen the righteous forsaken.” Thank you, God, for Your faithfulness.
Have a God blessed week!
Pastor Jim
Freedom vs. Liberty
05/07/09 15:03
It is by
the grace of God that we are free. Period. It was one
of the first things that He said to man, “You
are free to eat from any tree in the Garden.”
This freedom is defined in that Adam and Eve were
unrestrained to choose to eat from any tree.
Think of it this way; they were just as free to eat from the Tree of Knowledge as they were from any other tree. But God commanded them not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge, for in the day that they did –they would surely die.
So, what do we have here? We have a few things that will better explain our situation with Christ and the freedom that He has placed us in.
First, Adam and Eve had freedom. Second, they were commanded not to choose from the Tree of Knowledge, so therefore, they were bound by a law. Third, because of the command, they were now subjected to temptation.
Or were they? This is where the difference between freedom and liberty is clearly seen in my opinion. Let me illustrate this way.
Let’s say we are traveling down the highway where the speed limit is posted at 45mph. This is the law and if we break the law we are going to pay the fine. Now, we have the freedom to break the law and travel faster than the posted limit, but we may be restrained by the fear of the authorities and the fine, so we remain under the speed limit. We may even keep the speed limit because we don’t want to do wrong.
This is an honorable motive but it doesn’t reveal a heart that is truly free. Let me explain. When I am driving down the road, I am free to drive faster than the law allows; I am free to keep the law and I am free to break the law. Sometimes there is the temptation to break the law, taking the chance of not getting caught. So then temptation comes to me and now I am not only bound by the law, but I am also bound by temptation. But do you see how I am being tempted?
The temptation is to use my freedom! If I want to drive faster –I can! Freedom to not obey the law is different from freedom from the law. If I am driving down that same section of road and have chosen (freely) to obey the speed limit, then I am free from the law. The law only informs me and allows me to carry out my desire to be from it.
Back to the Garden: Adam and Eve were free to eat from any of the trees –God was just informing them of the danger (consequences) of eating from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. As the account in Genesis goes, Eve was deceived, ate some of the fruit and gave some to Adam who was with her.
Adam was now subjected to temptation and he succumbed to it. When Adam fell, he subjected himself to a lifetime of bondage and that bondage has been propagated down through all generations. Mankind would always be tempted, and when he succumbed to it, he would bind himself all the more.
True freedom just doesn’t mean you and I can do what we want. True freedom means liberty from not only the law, but also temptation to break the law. Paul tells us this is the freedom for which Christ has set us free.
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
The salvation of God includes the freedom to obey Him with a willing heart. This is true liberty!
Have a great week!
Pastor Jim
Think of it this way; they were just as free to eat from the Tree of Knowledge as they were from any other tree. But God commanded them not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge, for in the day that they did –they would surely die.
So, what do we have here? We have a few things that will better explain our situation with Christ and the freedom that He has placed us in.
First, Adam and Eve had freedom. Second, they were commanded not to choose from the Tree of Knowledge, so therefore, they were bound by a law. Third, because of the command, they were now subjected to temptation.
Or were they? This is where the difference between freedom and liberty is clearly seen in my opinion. Let me illustrate this way.
Let’s say we are traveling down the highway where the speed limit is posted at 45mph. This is the law and if we break the law we are going to pay the fine. Now, we have the freedom to break the law and travel faster than the posted limit, but we may be restrained by the fear of the authorities and the fine, so we remain under the speed limit. We may even keep the speed limit because we don’t want to do wrong.
This is an honorable motive but it doesn’t reveal a heart that is truly free. Let me explain. When I am driving down the road, I am free to drive faster than the law allows; I am free to keep the law and I am free to break the law. Sometimes there is the temptation to break the law, taking the chance of not getting caught. So then temptation comes to me and now I am not only bound by the law, but I am also bound by temptation. But do you see how I am being tempted?
The temptation is to use my freedom! If I want to drive faster –I can! Freedom to not obey the law is different from freedom from the law. If I am driving down that same section of road and have chosen (freely) to obey the speed limit, then I am free from the law. The law only informs me and allows me to carry out my desire to be from it.
Back to the Garden: Adam and Eve were free to eat from any of the trees –God was just informing them of the danger (consequences) of eating from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. As the account in Genesis goes, Eve was deceived, ate some of the fruit and gave some to Adam who was with her.
Adam was now subjected to temptation and he succumbed to it. When Adam fell, he subjected himself to a lifetime of bondage and that bondage has been propagated down through all generations. Mankind would always be tempted, and when he succumbed to it, he would bind himself all the more.
True freedom just doesn’t mean you and I can do what we want. True freedom means liberty from not only the law, but also temptation to break the law. Paul tells us this is the freedom for which Christ has set us free.
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
The salvation of God includes the freedom to obey Him with a willing heart. This is true liberty!
Have a great week!
Pastor Jim