The Powerful Word

Posted on February 15, 2016 by glenn

I remember when our boys were growing up we tried to emphasize the importance of knowing the Scriptures. Teresa prepared posters that hung in their bedrooms and we would recite various verses each night as part of our bed time routine.

When the boys were in elementary school they rode to school with their mom. She was the school counselor at the elementary school they attended. I remember one year she printed lots of index cards with the Scripture reference on one side and the verse on the other. They would ask one another to recite various verses. These times are still remembered today.

There are a couple of verses that come to mind here. Psalms 119:11 is a favorite passage. “Your word have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You.”

Another passage is found in Ephesians 6. Verse 11 reads, “Put on the whole armor of GOD, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”   And the passage continues to describe the armor of GOD. With one exception all the pieces of armor described are defensive in nature. The only offensive weapon, the last one listed, is the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of GOD.

Now here is the point. How will our children be able to defend against the “wiles of the devil” if they are not equipped? Their defenses against him, namely, the truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, are all rooted in the word. And their only offensive weapon is the sword of the Spirit, the word. So how will our children be prepared to face the temptations from the evil one, if they don’t have the word hidden in their hearts?

2 Timothy 2:15 is a familiar passage wherein we read, “Study to show yourself approved unto GOD…rightly dividing the word of truth.” And later in the context in verse 25-26, “that they may come to know the truth and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil…”

The importance of knowing the Scriptures cannot be overemphasized. It is our only hope to defeat the enemy. It has been said one ought to be able to recite a Scripture for each year they have been a Christian.   For many of us that could be 40-50 years. I wonder how many can do that?

Most of today’s children are growing up in the smart phone generation. They have access to the scriptures at their fingertips. But they still must have some knowledge of where to find the passage.

What an awesome responsibility placed on the parents today. I hope the parents today realize the importance of instilling in their children a love of GOD and a love of His word.

I will close today with one more thought. One of the more familiar passages in the Old Testament is found in Deuteronomy 6. Here in verse 7, the parents are encouraged to teach the word diligently to their children. Talk about the word when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you get up. Teaching the word to your children should be a common everyday occurrence.

But don’t miss this important point. Verse 6 is directed at the parents. “And these words that I command you today shall be in your heart.” Before the parents can teach them to the children they must know them.

Parents and children (and grandparents too), let us all become better students of the word. Let us realize it is our only hope of winning the battle with Satan for our souls.

 

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My Last Blog

Posted on February 9, 2016 by glenn

Today is my 100th blog.  Sometimes a television show will have a special show celebrating its 100th episode.  So today I have chosen a special topic.  My thoughts today are titled, My Last Blog.  Now I hope it is not literally my last one.  But let us think about that.  What if it were?

What would you say to someone if you knew it would be the last thing you ever said to them?  I have had conversations with terminally ill friends with whom I knew I would never talk again.  In these cases I can assure you the topics were not frivolous.

I read an article once where a preacher had been asked if he knew that would be his last sermon what would his topic be.  In fact I have preached a sermon entitled “My Last Sermon.”  I chose for my lesson text 1 Corinthians 2:2.  Here the apostle Paul through inspiration of the Holy Spirit said “For I determined to know nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”  Paul summed it all up with one statement.

I like Paul would choose to preach Christ and Him crucified.  So with that in mind my blog today will have only 2 points….Christ and Him crucified.

Let us first consider Christ.

The Bible from Genesis to Revelation is Christ centered.

The Old Testament – Points to the coming of the Christ.

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John – Proclaims Christ is come!

Acts – Explains the process of getting into Christ.

Romans through Jude – Describes living for Christ.

Revelation – Promises victory in Christ!

Jesus is the Christ of the Old Testament. Acts 8 gives us the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch.  When Philip encountered the eunuch he was reading from the prophet Isaiah.  The Scriptures read “and Philip began there and preached unto him Jesus” (v35).

But Jesus appears long before that in scripture.  During the creation recall GOD said let US make man in OUR image.  Jesus was present in the creation and before.  The following verses are also noteworthy.

John 1:1 reads “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with GOD and the Word was GOD.”  And later in verse 14, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”

John 8: 56-58 Christ told the Jews “Before Abraham was (past tense) I AM (present tense).”

From the first verse of Scripture to the last verse, the Bible is filled with Christ…

…and Him crucified.

Crucifixion may have originated with the Persians, as early as the 6th century BC.  It was brought into the Roman Empire and used until Constantine abolished it in the 4th Century AD.

It was used for slaves, rebels, pirates and especially-despised enemies and criminals. Therefore crucifixion was considered a most shameful and disgraceful way to die.

The attending Roman guards could only leave the site after the victim had died, and were known to precipitate death by means of breaking the legs, spear stab wounds into the heart, sharp blows to the front of the chest, or a smoking fire built at the foot of the cross to asphyxiate the victim.

David was the writer of many of the Psalms.  He prophesied in Psalm 22 details of the crucifixion of the LORD.  Yet David lived about 1000 BC, at least 400 years before crucifixion was known to man.

In 1 Corinthians 15: 3-4, reference is twice made to Jesus’ death being according to scripture.

He died for our sins according to the scriptures.

He was buried and arose on the 3rd day according to the scriptures.

Had Jesus died any other way, it would not have sufficed.  He had to go to the cross to fulfill the scripture.

Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  And only because of that I have hope of everlasting life.

As we consider the temporal things of this life we must remember that these things are not permanent.  So if I were writing my last blog, I certainly would not want it to be about something of a temporary nature.  My last blog would be Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

 

 

Posted in death, faith, memory, opportunity, sacrifice | 1 Comment

Fear and Respect

Posted on February 6, 2016 by glenn

You can fear GOD. Or you can fear everything else.

Solomon’s search for meaning led him to this conclusion: Fear GOD and keep His commandments for this is the whole of man.

The word fear is translated from the Hebrew term yare. This term means revere, respect, etc. So Solomon’s conclusion was two-fold. We are to revere GOD and obey Him. One is an attitude and one is an action. This is in keeping with what is found in John 4:24 – GOD is Spirit and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and truth. Spirit is the attitude and truth is the action. For our thoughts today let us consider the attitude.

To fear GOD. Fear should develop into respect. Think about how the fear of an earthly father should morph into respect. As a young child, fear of a father might be a healthy caution of consequences. But as we grow older it is not the fear of physical or even emotional consequences that govern our behavior toward our fathers. But if the relationship is what GOD intends there will always be the respect given.

This is what we read in Hebrews 12: 9, “Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us and we paid them respect.”

The older I get the more I appreciate this thought. But as much as I respect and revere my GOD, there will always be the fear factor. I love Him but I am afraid of Him. I hope to live my life through Christ so that I can be treated as an adopted son and hopefully have nothing to fear. But as long as I live I fear Him.

Now I’d like to consider another blessing of fearing GOD. Living for GOD, respecting Him, means I don’t have to fear all the other stuff. I don’t want to live my life in fear of what might happen.

What if the economy collapses?

What if the US were to fail?

What if Korea or Iran or China launches the missile?

What if?

What if?

If I am a faithful child of GOD, the best is yet to come. Paul said “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21   That sounds like a win-win to me.

Think about it….

No tears in heaven….

No more pain….

No more regrets….

No more anxieties….

Romans 8:31 reads, “What shall we say then to these things? If GOD is for us, who can be against us?”

I remember once attending a gathering of spiritual leaders when the fire alarm went off. The speaker very calmly said “Well we hope that is just a false alarm; but if not I’ll see you over there shortly.” As a faithful Christian this is how we live. We enjoy the here and now but we realize the best is yet to come.

If I fear GOD I have nothing else to fear. Seems like a pretty easy choice to me.

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Is Work a 4 Letter Word?

Posted on December 10, 2015 by glenn

On occasion when I leave home very early in the morning, the road is full of traffic. This can sometimes be long before daylight. I am always encouraged by this because I am reminded there are many people going to work. I have such respect for those who work hard to provide for their families.

The Scriptures tell us:

2 Thessalonians 3:10 If anyone will not work neither shall he eat.

1 Thessalonians 4:11 …to work with your own hands…

Ephesians 4:28 …let him labor, working with his hands, what is good…

One of the most important things a parent can teach a child growing up, is the value of work. I wish I had a magical formula for how to do that. I know asking a child to be responsible for household chores that are age appropriate is important. And as the child ages the work expectations should change as well.

Sam, my 4 year old grandson, tells me that he wants to be a “workerman” when he grows up. When he comes to visit he is always excited if I have work for us to do. I certainly want him to be a workerman when he grows up.

It is apparent our society is filled with many adults who did not learn the value of work as a child. I grew up on a small farm. I often resented having to work while some of my peers did not. Only later did I realize the value of being taught how to work. A good friend once said he stayed awake at night thinking up jobs for his three sons to do.

Some might think that work is from GOD as part of the punishment following man’s sin in the garden. After all Genesis 3 recounts the punishment given to Adam after the fall. Here it is said by the sweat of his face he would eat bread.

But a closer examination of the text reveals that work preceded the fall. Consider the text found in Genesis 2:15. Even before the creation of Eve the text notes that the LORD GOD took Adam and put him into the Garden of Eden, to dress it and to keep it.

The word dress comes from the Hebrew word Abad meaning to work, labor, or toil. The Hebrew word Shamar is translated to keep or to guard it. So yes, work actually preceded sin. Man was given the responsibility to govern the earth and it began by keeping the Garden into which he was placed. It follows that work is not a punishment for sin. And since GOD saw that everything was good, it can thus be surmised that work is a good thing.

And it is noteworthy that this happened before Adam was given a wife. He actually had a home, the Garden, and a job, tending it, prior to taking a wife. Good advice for any young man considering marriage.

Is work a 4 letter word? This is another way of saying, is work a bad word? Well, from the looks of some in our society it certainly appears that way. Scripture however tells us it is a good thing.

One of my favorite passages in the Old Testament comes from the book of Nehemiah. The book chronicles the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. It is a lesson on working together evidenced by the phrase, “next to him”, found over and over in chapter 3.

The particular passage I want to note is found in Nehemiah 4:6. The entire wall was joined together for the people had a mind to work.

I hope you have a mind to work and can thus be regarded as a “workerman.” Great things can be accomplished when people work together.

 

 

 

 

 

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The Continental Divide

Posted on November 24, 2015 by glenn

Teresa and I have had the privilege of visiting several states out West. There is nothing I’ve seen in life quite like visiting the Rocky Mountains. The song, America the Beautiful, was penned from the summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado. The words below take on new meaning when one has observed those views from that mountain.

O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain! America! America! God shed His grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!

The phrase purple mountain majesties is an apt description of those mountains. I can remember one such trip out West, I was able to step across the Colorado River. We visited the small stream that would eventually become the mighty Colorado.

While visiting the Rockies, we occasionally crossed over what is known as the Continental Divide. This is the point that literally divides the continent of North America. Signs there describe how the rainwater falling on one side of the line will eventually wind up in the Atlantic while the water falling on the other side will flow to the Pacific Ocean.

Today I would like to consider what could be called the “Continental Divide” of one’s spiritual walk. We know from reading Ephesians 1:3 that all spiritual blessings are found in Christ. So I suggest the point we get into Christ is a critical point, a continental divide of sorts. Prior to that point we have no spiritual blessings; after the point we have all spiritual blessings. All spiritual blessings includes, forgiveness, hope of heaven, comfort, etc.

So where is the point of getting into Christ? I suggest a study of Romans 6 along with Galatians 3 will answer this question quite clearly.

Galatians 3:27 – “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”

Romans 6:3,4 – “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

The Romans passage makes it clear that baptism is a burial. We are buried with Him through baptism. This negates a baptism that is not an immersion. Hence sprinkling is not an acceptable means of baptism. The word baptize, from the Greek word baptizo, literally means to immerse or submerge. Sprinkling is not an immersion and thus not a baptism.

It is in the act of baptism, the act of being buried with Him, that we contact the blood of Christ.

Romans 5:10 refers to the person prior to conversion as an enemy of GOD. Further it describes how we are reconciled to GOD through the death of His Son. Romans 5:9 says we are justified by His blood and we are saved through Him. We reach that blood as we die to sin, are symbolically buried with him in baptism, and are raised to walk in a new life.

I find no support in the Bible for baptism being an outward sign of a conversion that has already taken place. No, prior to baptism one is outside of Christ and post baptism one is in Christ. The study of Paul’s conversion in Acts 22 confirms this. On the road to Damascus Paul was blinded by a great light from heaven and told to go into the city for further instructions. Paul followed those instructions and I am convinced had faith in the LORD at that point. However, this faith was not the point of conversion, i.e. the point he was washed of his sins. Verse 16 makes clear, his forgiveness of sins occurred at the point of his baptism.

When we like those of Romans 6:17, obey from the heart that form of doctrine delivered to us by the New Testament teachings, we cross the Continental Divide spiritually. We are no longer slaves of sin but are now slaves of righteousness.

GOD has indeed shed His grace on us.

 

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Balancing the Checkbook

Posted on November 16, 2015 by glenn

I know this is probably not going to be everyone’s thing, but I rather enjoy balancing the checkbook each month. There is a kind of pleasure when it balances the first time. Taking all the checks and deposits, those that are on the statement and those outstanding, accounting for the other charges, etc., and having the bottom line balance brings a degree of satisfaction.

But occasionally the bottom line doesn’t agree. It doesn’t balance. It has to be reconciled. And I have spent much time looking for that difference. Sometimes it is only a few cents but I have to find it. Yeah, I know you are probably thinking that I am pretty twisted. Maybe even OCD. But it does bring me pleasure to find the mistake. Though I’ll have to admit even more pleasure for it to balance the first time and not have to look for that mistake.

I remember when the boys were younger it was a running joke not to go into the kitchen while dad was “doin’ the budget.” Truthfully though it was a responsibility that I did not take lightly. To this day it is a monthly practice and once each year Teresa and I sit down together and plan our next year’s budget. Well, I digress. Today’s thoughts are about balancing or reconciling the checkbook.

In Romans 5:10-11 we find the following. “For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to GOD through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in GOD through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.”

The original Greek words translated reconciled and reconciliation (katallage, katallasso) mean the adjustment for a difference. Hence the comparison to adjusting or bringing the checkbook and statement to agreement. Another definition for the two words is to return to favor. Herein lies our spiritual lesson.

Notice the idea of being reconciled to GOD. Because of sin we were estranged from Him. We were enemies of GOD because of sin. We were out of balance and in need of being reconciled, of being returned to favor. And that reconciliation occurred through the death of His Son. How we can rejoice because of that!

In the context of verses 5-11 we find three descriptions of mankind. We were without strength (v5), we were sinners (v8), and we were enemies of GOD (v10). And with each description it is noted that Christ died for us.

Just think about being out of balance with our Creator and Him loving us enough to bring us back to His favor. In the passage we find verse 8, “But GOD demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Note that GOD made the first move. While we were estranged, in need of reconciliation, He sent His Son in order that we might receive the reconciliation. While we were sinners He made the first move.

I have used James 4:8 as a lesson that says we have to make the first move. The passage reads, “Draw near to GOD and He will draw near to you.” This indicates that if we are not close to GOD, we have to make the first move. If you are not close to GOD anymore, He didn’t move, you did. Thus you have to make the first move. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you.

BUT had He not originally made the first move by giving His Son, we would have no access to Him.

I thank my GOD for loving me enough to give His Son, to bring me into reconciliation. I’m thankful that my checkbook has been balanced.

 

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The Heart

Posted on November 9, 2015 by glenn

I have oft heard the expression “Well GOD knows my heart.” The thought usually means that sincerity is the crux of salvation. That if one’s heart is sincere GOD will save that person. Another expression is “I know in my heart that I am saved.”

I am a firm believer in the emotional side of religion. After all, it was Jesus Who said that GOD is a Spirit and those that worship Him must do so in spirit and truth (John 4:24). So the spirit or emotional side of worship is integral. But feeling like something is right does not by itself make it right.

Did not Jacob think in his heart that Joseph was dead? Did he not grieve for many years feeling as though his son was dead? But a reading of Genesis 37 – 50 reveals that Jacob’s feeling in his heart, his thinking that Joseph was dead, did not make it true.

Saul is another example. Saul persecuted GOD’S people prior to his conversion. And yet later he could say that he had lived in all good conscience to that day. (Acts 23:1)

GOD does know my heart! (1 Samuel 16:7) But I would like to consider another aspect of that. Consider this thought, that HE knows my heart and will save me because of that. That somehow because of the sincerity of my heart, GOD will save me. Could this mean that when I stand before HIM in judgment I could somehow be justified in my salvation? That I could say that because I was sincere that I am somehow owed salvation? That GOD is indebted to me somehow because I was sincere?

The scripture is clear that GOD wants everyone to be saved. (Titus 2:11, 1 Timothy 2:4)

The scripture is equally clear that I am saved by grace. (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:1-2, etc.)

How can these 2 thoughts both be true – that man is saved by grace and that the grace of GOD has appeared to everyone? Would this not mean that everyone will be saved? And yet Matthew 7:21 makes it clear that not everyone will be saved.

It is a simple matter that GOD’S grace is available to all. But there is the responsibility on the part of man to accept that grace.

The earlier reference to Ephesians makes it clear that man is saved by grace. The phrase by grace is a prepositional phrase describing how one is saved. But there is another prepositional phrase included, by faith. This carries equal weight in the matter. Man is saved by grace. Man is saved by faith. Both are necessary.

Faith is necessary. (Hebrews 11:6)

So are we full circle back to the idea of “believing in my heart?” We are unless we consider carefully how the bible defines faith. Faith is not just a feeling in one’s heart. It is grounded in truth. Romans 10:17 tells us that faith comes by hearing the word of GOD. Faith must be more than a feeling but must be grounded in the words of scripture.

So then by faith, a knowledge of the truth, man must accept GOD’S grace. Man must live according to the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)

Will man be able to live perfectly? Absolutely not! Man will fall. (Romans 3:23) That is where the blood of Jesus comes in. 1 John 1:7-10 explains that the blood of Jesus continually keeps the faithful Christian cleansed of all sins. He can therefore stand justified in the sight of GOD.

When I stand before GOD the Father in judgment I will be glad that salvation is not something given to me because I deserve it. It will be only because of the grace of GOD that made available the blood of the Sinless Savior. But I do realize that to access that blood requires faith on my part. And I further realize that that faith is more that a feeling or emotion in my heart. It is that “feeling” but it is based on the words of truth found in the New Testament.

I thank GOD that I am saved by grace through faith!

 

 

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Undercover

Posted on November 2, 2015 by glenn

There is a story of a King long ago who dressed as a common man and circulated among the people to see what they really thought about him and to find issues of interest. Now there is a modern take on the idea in the form of a television show called Undercover Boss. The boss of a large company disguises himself and applies for an entry level job with his company. He is then trained by some of the employees.

Along the way he gets to know them and is able to evaluate their performance. He is also given a look at his company through the eyes of the common worker as well as the customer. In most episodes he finds good people and is able to reward them at the end. And in most cases there are issues uncovered that he is able to address.

Not every detail of the show will be favorably compared with the following analogy. But in some ways the show reminds me of a scripture from the book of Philippians. Philippians 2: 5-11 notes that Christ, initially in heaven as part of the Godhead, was willing to come to earth and live as a man. The Hebrew writer (4:15) tells us that He lived as a man and was subjected to every temptation just as we are.

The Philippian passage makes several points worth of our consideration.

When Christ came to the earth He took the form of a bondservant, the lowest form of servitude.

He humbled himself, extolling the virtue of humility.

He became obedient to the point of death, emphasizing the need for obedience.

There will come a day that every knee will bow at the name of Jesus.

And every tongue will confess His name.

Now think about the television show. Imagine if Christ showed up in your life as a new hire at work or a new friend you recently met. Imagine that you didn’t know it was Him. Imagine that He just worked His way into your life to find out who you really are. Not the you, He sees on Sunday. But the you He sees at work, at home, at play, etc. Imagine that He is just working undercover to examine the real you. And then in the end He will reveal Himself and make the recommendations for improvement or perhaps commend you for the good He finds.

Now the serious part for our consideration is the obvious. He is a part of our life. He is examining us on a daily basis. There will come a time of revealing.

If I knew the owner of the company was walking with me each day observing my actions would it change the way I conduct business? There is so much more at stake with my LORD doing the same. And it is not just work but every area of my life.

Let us not wait for that day to bow and confess His name. Rather let us do it today.

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You can’t love and not give

Posted on October 26, 2015 by glenn

I now work in the field of philanthropy. An examination of the word reveals a simple definition. The word comes from 2 Greek words, phileo and anthropos. Phileo is brotherly love and is a reason we refer to Philadelphia as the city of brotherly love. Anthropos is mankind. Think about the word anthropology meaning the study of mankind. Thus the word philanthropy simply means love of mankind.

We usually associate philanthropy with giving. We read of wealthy philanthropists donating huge sums of money to a charitable cause. But in reality, most of us are philanthropists in one sense or another. We love mankind and we want to give. There is an unmistakable connection between giving and loving. A wise man once said, “You can give and not love but you can’t love and not give.” If you love, the giving will follow.

We associate philanthropy with giving financially. However, it is not limited to just money. Any nonprofit organization will tell you they not only have to have the finances to survive but also depend on the volunteers and their time and abilities. So giving covers a broad spectrum of areas.

Apart from finances, as I consider giving, what comes to my mind first is the marriage relationship. A strong marriage is built on selflessness. One partner should always be concerned with what is in the best interest of the other person. Ephesians 5:25 describes the love a husband is to have for his wife as a sacrificial love. Men are to love their wives as Christ loved the church. And that was enough to give Himself for her. Sacrificial love is not limited to being willing to give your life. It is being willing to live every day of your life sacrificing your selfish desires for her best interest. Giving.

Actually the Bible teaches us that this should be an attitude in all our relationships. Philippians 2: 3-4 reminds us to be considerate of others and beware of selfish actions. Let nothing be done through selfishness but always looking out for the interest of others. Giving.

What normally comes to mind when we consider giving is our financial contribution to church or charity. And certainly our premise, you can’t love and not give, is true when we consider the church. GOD has richly blessed us. He gives us all things to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17). His greatest gift was His Son (John 3:16) without which we have no chance at eternal life (John 14:6). When we comprehend this, we love Him. And when we love Him we have no problem with our giving.

But again I think we miss a point if we limit giving to materialistic means. 2 Corinthians 8 is a lesson in giving. In verses 1 – 8 Paul makes 7 points concerning the giving of the Macedonian churches. I have these points underlined in my Bible along with a one word characteristic of their giving.

  1. The churches of Macedonia (v.1) – Anonymous – He did not specifically identify any of the individual congregations.  When we give it should not be for show (Matthew 6:1).
  2. Their liberality (v.2) – Generous – Even though in poverty themselves, they gave generously.
  3. According to their ability (v.3) – Proportionate – 1 Corinthians 16:2 notes we are to give as we have been prospered.
  4. Beyond their ability (v.3) – Sacrificial – The widow’s two mites was a sacrifice (Mark 12:42).
  5. Freely willing (v.3) – Voluntary – One’s giving cannot be coerced.  1 Corinthians 16:2 has a phrase sometimes overlooked, “let him…”
  6. First gave themselves (v.5) – Personal – One’s giving is personal.
  7. I am testing the sincerity of your love (v.8) – Proof – See verse 24 of the chapter to emphasize our focus; one can give and not love but cannot love and not give.

Now I want to note number 6 on the list above. When self is sacrificed, when my desires become secondary, giving will not be an issue.

If philanthropy, giving, is a problem, particularly toward the church, I suggest one examine self. When the Macedonians first (emphasis on rank, priority) gave themselves, all else followed.   If we do this sacrificial giving will follow.

Giving is not limited to finances. Giving begins with self. If we would put this into practice, our relationships at home, among friends, and more importantly with our GOD, would improve.

 

Posted in discipleship, giving, sacrifice, service, stewardship | 2 Comments

Ransom

Posted on October 22, 2015 by glenn

Imagine for a moment that one of your children is missing and you later get word that they are being held hostage. Perish the thought because that would be a nightmare for any parent to just think about. But imagine that scenario and ask yourself what would you be willing to pay to get the child released? I remember cases where the parents have spent their all trying to obtain the release of a child in such a situation.

Romans 6:6 describes the faithful Christian’s former state as children being in a similar state of being held hostage. It describes the sinner’s circumstances as being held captive or slaves to sin.

A few verses before that we find, “being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” This phrase is found in Romans 3:24. And it makes for a thrilling study. Let us note very briefly the words of this passage.

Being – the word is in the present tense in the Greek which means it is happening now, even as we read the words, i.e. it is continuously occurring.

Justified – a dear friend once said he thought of this phrase as “just as if I’d” never sinned.

Freely – whereas it is said of Joseph in Genesis 39:4 that he found favor or grace in the sight of his master, this was because of something Joseph did. His master saw that what Joseph did prospered and because of that the master favored Joseph. The grace of Romans 3:24 is freely given; it is not because of what we can do for GOD.

Grace – grace is sometimes defined as what we need but don’t deserve. Titus 2:11-12, tells us this grace has appeared to all men. Sadly, all will not accept it.

Which brings us to the word redemption. The Greek word translated redemption is the word apolytrosis. The meaning of this word is to release on a payment of ransom.

Man, being held captive to sin, cannot pay his own ransom. But Christ paid it for us. He redeemed us from being slaves of sin with His blood. While the grace we receive from GOD is freely given to us, it was not free for Christ. He paid dearly for our ransom.

The last words of the phrase are “in Christ.”  We must note that the redemption is found only in Christ Jesus. Paul uses the phrase, in Christ, in Him, etc. 169 times in his writings. It is found 12 times in one sentence alone in Ephesians 1:3-12.

So while we are thrilled that Someone was willing to pay our ransom we must realize the necessity of being “in Him” in order to receive the pardon.

How do we get “into” Him? Romans 6:3-4 describes the process clearly. We are baptized “into” Christ; that baptism representing a burial. Symbolically, our old man serving sin was crucified with Him and we are no longer slaves of sin. We are raised from our watery grave of baptism to walk in newness of life no longer being held hostage to sin. My ransom was paid. I hope yours has been too.

What a thrilling thought to begin my day!

 

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