How will time change you?

Posted on May 17, 2014 by glenn

How will time change you?

Think of a 4 year period in your life. How did you change? Was it for the better or for the worse? How about the period of going from middle school to your senior year in high school? Or from entering college as an 18 year old to a graduating senior? Or maybe the 4 years you spent in the military service? Or the 4 years that saw your life go from a single person to one married and with children? Maybe the 4 years that saw you go from having teenagers in the home to the empty nest.

Select any 4 year period and consider how you changed. I’d like you to particularly consider your spiritual walk. Personally I don’t think it is possible to remain unchanged in this area. There is no status quo in your spiritual walk. You will either be growing or dying. Your faith will either be increasing or decreasing. With your faith I don’t think you can remain stationary.

Let us consider a colleague of the apostle Paul in the New Testament. Demas is discussed in 3 different places in Scripture. Colossians 4:14 and Philemon 24 were both written and delivered at the same time, probably around AD 63.

In the Colossian and Philemon context Demas is identified as a fellow laborer of Paul. Imagine what that entailed. A laborer meant that he was a worker. Demas was a worker! I have great respect for one who is characterized as a worker. Give me someone who will roll up their sleeves and go to work.

Not only was he a worker. The text further describes him as a fellow laborer indicating he was a co-worker with Paul. He was a fellow laborer with Paul – in the work of the LORD! This means he knew how to be cooperative and work with others. Again, what a blessing that must have been. And Demas is identified by Inspiration as being one of those fellow laborers. This most certainly affirms that he was a faithful servant.

Now earlier I asked you to remember the 4 year period of your life. I used the 4 year period for a reason. The only other time Demas is mentioned is in the book of 2nd Timothy. This book was the last of Paul’s epistles and is thought to have been written around AD 67. This would have been about 4 years after the reference of being a fellow laborer. Here, 4 years later, sadly we read, Demas has forsaken me having loved this present world (2 Tim 4:10).

Demas has forsaken me having (present tense) loved this present world. The present tense indicates it was an ongoing love. He just couldn’t let go of the world and eventually it pulled him back to it. We have no record of his ever coming back to the LORD. One thing we know, if he did not he was lost eternally.

Four years. During that time Demas went from fellow laborer to unfaithful steward.

As we reflect on our lives, we can’t do anything about those years that have passed. But we do have control over the present and, LORD willing, the future if we have such.

Spiritually speaking, where will the next 4 years find you?

Posted in growth, memory, reflection, time, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The Sunrise

Posted on April 23, 2013 by glenn

I love the sunrise. There is something very special about the sunrise. It brings renewed energy. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not here; we have today. The expectation of what a day will bring forth. Typically, one’s mental and physical health is at its best in the morning. Ah the sunrise, the dawning of a new day. I thank you LORD for blessing me with one more…

It is my normal routine to be running each morning when the sun rises. Furthermore, the route I run intentionally puts me facing east when the sun comes up. Each sunrise is different. It may be the clouds, the sky color, or it may be the time of year which determines the exact location of the sunrise on my route. They are all different.

I have witnessed some memorable sunrises. At the beach, what a blessing it is to see the sun rise over the water. In the mountains I am always awed as I watch the first peak of the sun’s rays over the mountain. On a cruise ship it is worth the effort to arise early and anxiously await the first ray of the sun across the horizon.

Although I haven’t been there yet I am told there is a popular site in Hawaii, Haleakala, which brings visitors to watch the sunrise. I have a friend who made this trip. He said the anticipation was very great as the group watched the horizon. And at the climax of the moment, the sun’s first ray shot across the Pacific Ocean like a laser beam. The sound of camera shutters filled the air but it would not be possible to capture a moment like that.

I will say that Teresa and I were able to witness a memorable sunset at the Grand Canyon National Park. There is a popular point there that draws many visitors to witness the sunset. It was beautiful indeed but as much as I enjoyed the sunset, there is still something more magical about the sunrise.

Whether I witness it on vacation, on my morning runs or from my chair in my study, it is a spiritual experience. It always affects me deeply.

Some may say “Glenn it seems like you are worshipping the sun.” Well I am worshipping, but not the sun. Not the creation. No, no. I am not worshipping the creation. But rather I am worshipping the Creator.

One of my favorite Psalms is Psalm 19. It begins “The heavens declare the glory of GOD; and the firmament shows His handiwork.”

Later in verse 4, the Psalmist continues, “In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber…”

Verse 5 continues, “Its rising is from one end of heaven and its circuit to the other end.”

Almost every major religion has some connection to the worship of the sun. The ancient heathens worshipped the sun and had a special celebration around the Winter Solstice. Saturnalia was a time to celebrate the return of the sun. Now the Psalmist had no problem with sun worship. He loved the sun but he was clear in his knowledge of Who had put the sun in its circuit. That was the Deity worthy of worship, not the object itself.

I love the sunrise. I love the beauty of the creation. But what it really does for me is cause me to worship Him Who spoke it into existence.

And as beautiful as is the creation, the best is yet to come for the faithful child of GOD.

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There go I

Posted on April 16, 2013 by glenn

There, but for the grace of GOD, go I.

You should know there are expressions for which I am fond. This is one of those expressions. I am sure you have heard it before. It is used when someone else has suffered some misfortune and the speaker acknowledges how easily it could have happened to them.

It is hard to ascertain the origin of expressions such as these. I have read this one came from a martyr named John Bradford as he watched condemned men being led to their execution. This did not hold true forever for Bradford himself was burned at the stake in 1555.

As is the case with many such expressions the root can be found in the Scriptures. 1 Corinthians 15 is one of my favorite chapters. It is often called the Resurrection chapter because it discusses at length the LORD’S victory over death as well as our coming resurrection. But early in the chapter in verse 10 we find, “But by the grace of GOD I am what I am.”

In the context, Paul confesses that he is the least of the apostles. That he is not worthy to be called an apostle because of his past persecution of the church. But we know Paul to be the great apostle the Holy Spirit used to write so much of the New Testament. Paul recognized that also and uttered our expression. But by the grace of GOD, I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain.

Grace. There is no more thrilling study in religion.

Using the Greek letters, the word appears as χάρις. The Greek letters are chi, alpha, rho, iota, sigma. So now we know a Greek word and it is a great word to know! It is translated as charis which is the origin of our word charisma. We usually associate charisma with charm, appeal or favor. Although I have no proof of such, I suspect there is a connection with charis and our word charity (gift).

The New Testament uses the word 156 times. It is defined as good will, loving-kindness or favor. Spiritually speaking, it is His favor on behalf of sinners, who actually do not deserve it.

Grace is simply what I need but don’t deserve. Without it I have no hope of salvation. It is GOD offering me the opportunity to be saved. I have to take that opportunity. He offers, but I have to accept. This gives us the understanding of Ephesians 2:8. For by grace are you saved, through faith. Grace is GOD’S part and faith is my part.

Grace and mercy are two of GOD’S characteristics. They are similar but they are not exactly the same. My way of distinguishing them is simple. Grace is our getting what we don’t deserve. Mercy is not getting what we do deserve.

Let us illustrate using a scene from our judicial system. Suppose a person guilty of robbing a bank of a million dollars stands before the judge to be sentenced. But the judge says “I am going to show mercy on you and set you free. I am not sending you to prison.” This is mercy. The guilty is NOT receiving what he deserves (prison). But then the judge says, “Not only am I going to set you free but I am also going to give you the million dollars.” This is grace because not only is he NOT getting what he deserves (mercy) but he is getting what he doesn’t deserve (grace). Mercy is a wonderful thing. But grace carries it to a whole new level!

I am guilty of sin. Therefore what I deserve is death (Romans 6:23). Because of His mercy I don’t get what I deserve. Because of the gift of the Savior I have opportunity to get what I don’t deserve, eternal life. Now that is grace.

As I look back over my life I see it filled with mercy and grace. There have been so many times when I didn’t get what I deserved. And my life is blessed beyond measure when I don’t deserve it.

I thank you GOD for your grace and mercy. Help me be like Paul and say that YOUR grace toward me is not in vain. Help me to be useful for YOU.

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What do you think about Money?

Posted on April 13, 2013 by glenn

He is no fool to give what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose. Jim Eliot

So what is your attitude toward money? The Scriptures have much to say about money. But really it is not so much about money as about our attitude toward money. I am sure we have all heard the quote by the missionary Jim Eliot noted above. And we would all agree that it would be a foolish choice to let our attitude toward money or anything jeopardize our soul’s eternal destiny.

I would like to visit one chapter and note some things addressed to 3 groups of people. Perhaps you will find yourself in one of the 3 groups. The groups are those who are not rich, those who want to be rich, and finally those who are rich. That is pretty all encompassing. If we are honest with ourselves we will find ourselves in one of the groups. The 6th chapter of First Timothy has something to say to each group.

To those who are NOT rich let us examine verses 6-8 for a simple reminder. “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.”

Now let us note that to this group contentment is the key. Contentment is a choice that we make. It is an attitude and our attitude is a decision we make. Our life should not be defined by things. A friend once remarked that he had never seen a U-Haul trailer hooked behind a hearse. True, we will not take anything with us when we go.

The equation from verse 6 is simple, godliness plus contentment equals great gain. Contentment is a learned trait (Philippians 4:11) and is even expected of the child of GOD (Hebrews 13:5). Contentment with a godly lifestyle is a great combination.

So are we to conclude that NOT having riches is being praised? Not at all. As we read further it will be clear it has nothing to do with what we have or don’t have in our possession. It has everything to do with our attitude toward these possessions.

This attitude is clearer as we look to the warning given to the second group, those who WANT to get rich, in verses 9-10. “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

Note the emphasis is on the “desire to be rich” and “the love of money.” It is an attitude. It is not the actual money but rather one’s attitude toward the money. There are 2 warnings given in verse 10. This love of money can cause one to wander from the faith and also to encounter grief personally.

Occasionally we might hear someone sincerely note that money is the root of all evil. Please observe this is not a scriptural truth. It is not the money but rather the love of the money. It is the attitude. We can be guilty of loving money whether we have any or not. Further, I like the modern translations that read it is “a” root of all evil as opposed to “the” root of all evil.

And lastly we observe instruction given to those who ARE rich in verses 17-19. “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living GOD, who give us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”

Now let us observe first that those who are rich are NOT condemned for having riches. They are admonished to 1) Not to be conceited; 2) Not to trust wealth for security; 3) And to be generous.

The Bible has much to say about financial matters. It is like so many other areas of life, are we willing to listen? Regardless of what we think, most of us are in the last group. We are rich compared to the world’s standards.

May we remember the words of Jim Eliot, He is no fool to give what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.

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Directions

Posted on April 11, 2013 by glenn

There were two men in Mississippi who were traveling to Tuscaloosa, Alabama and they both stopped and asked for directions. One of the men was told to drive to Highway 82 and turn left. He was told this would lead him to Tuscaloosa. The other man was told to drive to Highway 82 and take a right. He too would be headed to Tuscaloosa. Now before you say one of the men was given false directions, think about it. They both were given accurate directions. The two men were on opposite sides of Highway 82, one traveling from the North and one from the South. This is a rather silly story that illustrates a very simple truth. The directions depend on where one is coming from initially.

This little exercise allows us to illustrate a spiritual idea with eternal consequences. In the Bible the question is asked many times, “What shall I do to be saved?” Rarely are the answers to this question the same. Let us consider two examples.

In Acts 16:30-31, in answer to the Philippian jailer’s question, Paul said “Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” But when we consider Acts 2:37-38, the answer is given to repent and be baptized. So is the answer to believe or is the answer to repent and be baptized?

In fact, as we consider what the Bible has to say about actions necessary for salvation we find many answers. Hebrews 11:6 tells me without faith it is impossible to please Him. Romans 10:17 tells me where that faith originates. Luke 13:3 says that repentance is necessary. Jesus said in Matthew 10:32 that we must confess Him before men. 1 Peter 3:21 states that baptism saves us because it is an antitype. This means it is a symbolic act representing the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And according to Revelation 2:10, we must live faithfully unto death.

So what am I to make of all these requirements? Well very simply put, just as our story illustrated, it depends on where I am spiritually when I ask the question. All the requirements are necessary but they may not all be given as a response in every case of the question being posed.

Why can there not be one single answer to the all important question? It is because it depends on the location spiritually of the querist. The answer to the question from one may be different than it is for another. NOT because of different standards but simply because of the present condition of the one asking the question. ALL are required to hear and believe the truth, to repent of their sinful lifestyles, to confess the name of the Savior, to submit to baptism as an act symbolizing the death, burial and resurrection of the LORD, and to then live faithfully for the LORD the remainder of life.

Let us consider the following scriptural scenarios when the one asking the question is:
1. An Unbeliever
2. Believer
3. A believer who must confess
4. Believer who is penitent (has repented)
5. A baptized believer

The Philippian jailer is an example of an unbeliever and the account is found in Acts 16. In verses 30-31, he was told to believe. It was not necessary for him to be told anything further until he believed. This was his first step. It was not the end of his directions. Continue reading through verse 33 to see that he and his household were baptized. Don’t miss the fact that this was after midnight when all of this occurred. If the rest of his directions after faith were unnecessary don’t you think it would have been convenient to wait at least until the light of day for the baptism? Why do you suppose he was not just told “all you have to do is believe on the LORD Jesus?”

Acts 2 is the account of the sermon on the first Pentecost following the ascension of Christ. The response in verses 37-38 is given to a group of hearers of that great sermon who had demonstrated they already believed. So then Peter’s answer was the next steps for them. Repentance and baptism were included in the progression. It is important to note that again belief was not enough. These hearers believed yet verse 40 makes it clear their salvation was still in the future. That salvation occurred in verse 41.

So where is an example of one making a confession? We find this by looking at the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8. Beginning in verse 26, the scriptures tell us of his conversion. After Philip had preached Christ to him (verse 35), the eunuch expressed an interest in obeying the gospel. He expressed his confession in verse 37 prior to being immersed.

Saul in Acts 22 is a great example of a penitent believer. As a penitent believer, Saul clearly was a believer and he was ready to change his ways but yet Acts 22:16 notes he still had his sins. Saul later known as Paul was given an answer to his question in verse 16. This account is Paul remembering his conversion that actually occurred in chapter 9. Verse 6 of chapter 9 is where you will find Paul asking our question.

Acts 8 gives us an example of a baptized believer in Simon. Acts 8:13 tells us Simon was baptized. But reading the text on through verse 22 demonstrates that he still had heart issues. Peter tells him in verse 22 that he must repent. This is an example of sinning after conversion. Directions are given him to get back on track by repenting and praying.

We all must be interested in the question “What must I do to be saved?” The Bible gives us clear directions. Those directions depend on where we are as we seek the answer. But the directions will lead us to our destination. We will have all eternity to consider how we respond to the directions.

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Growth

Posted on April 8, 2013 by glenn

Winter has finally released its grip on us and the budding of new life is all around. Springtime is a time of renewal. I really like all 4 seasons but spring is an especially encouraging time. Renewal and recreation abounds.

This is usually the time people begin working in the gardens and yards. I was reared on a farm and there is just something within me that makes me want to plant something in the spring.

Consider for a moment the process of planting a seed in the soil. Most of us have probably helped a child to plant a seed in a cup and watch it grow. I am thinking about those planted in the garden that will eventually mature and produce fruit.

As the seed begins to germinate its first growth is downward. The natural process is for the seed to send roots downward into the soil. Assuming there is a proper amount of soil the seed will have roots extending deep into the soil before it ever breaks ground with the top of the plant. These roots anchor the plant, provide nourishment for new growth and sustain the plant as the warm sun shines from above.

Of course with the passing of the season the plant matures and brings forth vegetables or fruit. It is all a process of growth.

I am reminded of 2 Kings 19:30 which states, “And the remnant who have escaped of the house of Judah, shall again take root downward and bear fruit upward.”

This is an interesting verse. In the context it is GOD’S Word to His people spoken through Isaiah. But there is also an application to the Christian today. Namely, the verse contains a two-fold plan for the growth of a Christian. One is to take root downward and bear fruit upward. Grow downward and grow upward.

Let us use our seed illustration to draw a couple of points. The seed will eventually grow upward and produce fruit but that is only after it has grown downward and produced roots. These roots will sustain the growth of the plant in the days to come. No one would expect the plant to produce fruit before it produced roots.

So as a new convert to Christ, what is the analogy? When one is first converted they are like the newly planted seed. Their initial need is to grow downward. They must grow in their faith. How does one do that?

Romans 10:17 reads, So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of GOD. Faith is a result of growing in the word. Peter exhorted his readers at the end of his second letter to grow in the grace and knowledge of our LORD and Savior. One’s faith grows as they grow in the knowledge found in the Scriptures.

Just as the early root growth produces nourishment for the seed, so too the growth of the Christian produces nourishment. Two references in the Scriptures use an infant’s need for milk as an analogy for using GOD’S word to grow (Hebrews 5:13, 1 Peter 2:2).

It is important to realize this early growth in one’s faith serves the same function as the early growth of the roots. The roots anchor the plant, provide nourishment for new growth and sustain the plant as the warm sun shines from above. One’s faith serves as an anchor to stabilize us during the cycles of life. Our faith provides nourishment spiritually and sustains us during troublesome times.

After growing in faith, there will come a time when the child of GOD is expected to produce the fruit. Remember Jesus expected the fig tree to have fruit on it in Matthew 21:19 because it was mature.

So as one grows downward, they will begin to grow upwards. This of course will lead to bearing fruit. The Christian is responsible for bearing fruit even in old age (Psalm 92:14).

As we read passages like Galatians 5:22-23 we are reminded of the qualities or fruits that are produced in a life that is lived under the influence of the Spirit. I urge the reader to do a word search of the word fruit in the New Testament and give diligent study to understand our responsibility to bear fruit (John 15:2).

May we ever remember that as Christians we are to grow in 2 ways. And this is a lifelong process. We should grow in faith and in fruit. We, like those in Isaiah’s day, are to take root downward and bear fruit upward. I wish you success in both areas.

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Foundations

Posted on April 5, 2013 by glenn

When we built our present house several years ago I remember the heavy equipment excavating our basement and digging the foundations. Our home is built on a slopped lot. When the machinery was digging into the side of the slope for the basement all was well. But when the footings for the foundation were being dug it hit solid rock. The men dug and dug and could not move the rock in the corner of the basement. Finally it was decided that the rock was a more solid foundation than any concrete that could be poured so the concrete was poured on top of the rock. So I guess one could say that my house is built on a solid rock. At least in that particular corner it is.

Now on the other hand, we have a house in a neighborhood in town whose walls began to crack. When we examined the problem it was a foundation issue. The foundation in one corner of the house was settling. Not a good sign and very expensive to fix. Foundations are critical to the construction of any structure.

When I think of foundations there are a couple of scriptures that come to mind.

Psa 11:3 – If the foundations are destroyed, what will the righteous do? Just as the foundation is critical to the construction it is even more necessary for us to have foundations in life. It is imperative that we have solid moral and religious foundations in our lives to give us stability.

And of course we are reminded of the children’s song “The wise man built his house upon the rock….and the foolish man built his house upon the sand.” This comes from the scripture found in Matthew 7:24-27. Again we note the importance of having solid foundations in life.

I thought it might be interesting to note a few foundations I deem important. You might have others to add to the list but these will suffice for my blogging today.

1. My faith
Proverbs 3: 5 – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding.”
Heb 11: 6 – “For without faith it is impossible to please Him.”
2 Cor 5:7 – “For we walk by faith not by sight.”

Faith is a foundation. I wonder how some people face the issues of life without a faith in the Creator.

2. Sound doctrine
2 Tim 3: 16,17 – “All scripture is given by inspiration of GOD and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of GOD may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Tim 4:3 – “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;”

I want my faith to be based on sound doctrine as opposed to that which originates with an itching ear. An itching ear produces a doctrine that is what man wants to hear, that is pleasing to him. Of greater importance I want it to be pleasing to HIM. I want a firm foundation doctrinally because my eternal salvation depends on it.

3. Train our children
Prov 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
2 Tim 2:2 – “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

What greater responsibility do we have than to teach the next generation of GOD’S truths? I have had the privilege of sitting and hearing both my sons proclaim the gospel. That blessing is priceless as the commercial says. My hope is to hear my grandchildren do the same in time to come.

Foundations. I hope yours are strong. The storms of life will come. And when they do I pray that yours and mine are foundations built on the Rock.

Posted in discipleship, faith, family | Leave a comment

Testing twitterfeed!

Posted on April 3, 2013 by drew

We are in the process of generating a Facebook page for easier access. Thanks for your support!

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I Declare Truth

Posted on March 27, 2013 by glenn

I Declare Truth!

I am not a fan of all situation comedies on television. As a matter of fact I watch very few of them. With the few that I have followed it has been my m. o. to get interested in the sit com’s after they have gone into syndication. Such is the case with M.A.S.H., Seinfeld, Everybody Loves Raymond, etc. My latest interest is The Office. Now I warn you that in just about all the series, there are episodes that I choose not to watch because the subject matter is too offensive. But in most cases the shows are really funny. Such is the case with The Office.

So there is an episode with one of the lead characters, Michael Scott, facing dire money issues. Another of the characters tells him about this idea of bankruptcy. Specifically he suggests to Michael that he might need to declare bankruptcy. Then he could start all over. So Michael’s understanding is that all he has to do, and in fact he does, is loudly proclaim “I Declare Bankruptcy.” Funny. Of course, he was a simpleton and thought that that literally meant all he had to do was declare it and it would be done.

The Bible has an expression that is found in some form many times. The phrase is “calling on the name of the LORD.” I am afraid there is much misunderstanding about this phrase.

When Peter on the day of Pentecost was quoting from the Old Testament book of Joel (Acts 2:17-21), he said that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. So, as Michael Scott would say, does that just mean all we have to do to be saved is to verbally call on His name, just make that declaration?

Is that really what the expression means? If so, what do we do about a passage like Matthew 7:21? This passage says “Not everyone who says to me Lord, Lord will enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Here are people calling on His name who will be eternally lost. So surely, the expression means more than just a verbal recitation of the phrase.

Later in the sermon on Pentecost, the hearers that day were convinced they were guilty of sins. In verse 37(Acts 2), the text indicates they asked the question, “men and brethren what shall we do?” Again if the answer is a simple verbal response, Peter would have instructed them to call on the name of the Lord. The reader is encouraged to read verse 38 to note how Peter answered their question.

Later in the book of Acts, chapter 22 we find the phrase again. The context here is Paul defending himself against an angry mob. He recounts his own conversion and tells of his traveling on the road to Damascus (verse 6) when he was blinded by a bright light. The bright light was a miraculous way of Jesus getting his attention. Jesus then instructed him to go into the city and it would be told him what to do.

Going into the city as he was instructed, in verse 16 we find the instructions Paul received from a man named Ananias. It reads “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the LORD.” Thus our expression is noted.

Now there are some things we should note about this account.

1. Faith alone is not enough to save man. Paul had faith. The scriptures tell us he addresses Jesus as Lord. In verse 10, he asked “What shall I do, Lord?” And when he was told, he did it. I am convinced Paul was a believer at that point. Why would he do what Jesus told him to do if he didn’t believe? Yet verse 16 notes he still had his sins (and he was still blinded). Paul was not saved on the road to Damascus.

2. So what does “calling on the name of the LORD” mean in verse 16? The phrase is a modifying clause further describing the verbs that have been used. Namely, when Paul followed the instructions, i.e. arise, be baptized, wash away your sins; he was in effect calling on the name of the LORD. Calling on the name of the LORD was synonymous to being obedient to His commands.

3. Further, to examine the original Greek, we find the phrase “be baptized….” is in the middle voice. This means it is something one does for themselves as opposed to something done to them or for them by someone else. So it would be altogether appropriate to read this “arise, and have yourself baptized and wash away your sins.” Paul was expected to follow through with what he had been commanded to do.

Is faith necessary for our salvation? Absolutely. Hebrews 11:6 tells us without it (faith), it is impossible to please Him.

Is faith alone going to save us? Absolutely not. This is the Michael Scott mentality. Matthew 7:21 in its entirety reads, “Not everyone who says to Me, LORD, LORD, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.”

Calling on the name of the LORD will save us as long as we understand there is more to it than proclaiming a faith in Him or verbally articulating that faith. That faith must be accompanied by obedience, i.e. doing the will of the Father in heaven.

Why is that so easy to see on a television show and yet so hard to understand in religion?

Posted in faith, salvation, submission | 1 Comment

Guilt

Posted on March 15, 2013 by glenn

The old man has to live with the young man’s deeds.

I think if younger Christians would really think about this wisdom it would prevent a lot of bad judgment. I heard this expression years ago. And I know the older I get the more wisdom I see in this modern day proverb.

Many faithful Christians struggle with their past. Guilt. The definition of guilt is an emotion that occurs when a person realizes they have compromised a moral standard.

Do you struggle with guilt? Could that guilt be a tool from GOD used to convict, correct or conform you because you are astray? Paul in 2 Cor 7:10 says that “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret.” Yes this godly sorrow is a good use of guilt.

This regret, godly sorrow, or guilt is not what I am referring to today. Rather I am referring to guilt or regret for wrongs we have done in our lives that have been dealt with scripturally. Meaning one has repented and sought forgiveness and still has trouble living with the past.

GOD forgives. Let us state that emphatically. When we repent and seek His forgiveness, it comes. We have elsewhere in our blogging explored how the scriptures portray forgiveness. That is a thrilling study. Just know within the proper actions on man’s part, GOD forgives.

Man forgives. Sometimes this is difficult to do but GOD would not command us to do something we are incapable of doing. Ephesians 4:32 instructs us to forgive one another even as GOD in Christ forgave you. Interesting the Greek word for forgave here is charizomai whose root word is charis. Charis is our word grace. Grace is GOD giving us what we need but do not deserve (forgiveness). And we likewise should be forgiving to one another. Remembering to extend what is needed not what is deserved. Forgiveness is grace in action. Man forgives.

GOD forgives and man forgives but there is a third component to consider. Self. We frequently struggle to forgive self. Often the last one to forgive is self. And sometimes it never happens.

Psalm 51 is a Psalm of David’s penitence. Note the various terms in the Psalm that refer to forgiveness: Blot out, wash me, cleanse me, purge me, make me, and restore me. And then in verse 14 he says “deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed.”

Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed. Not only was David guilty of adultery with Bathsheba but he had her husband Uriah killed in the process (2 Samuel 11). David had bloodshed on his hands as well. But GOD delivered him from that guilt. This is not to say David was able to forget the incident. He was simply able to live with it and later was referred to as a man after GOD’S own heart (Acts 13:22).

Verses 16-17 of Psalm 51 notes it is not sacrifices and burnt offerings that appease the LORD but rather a broken, contrite heart. This is the attitude that is necessary for us to be able to deal with our past failures.

To overcome guilt one must adopt the attitude of the apostle Paul in Phil 3:13 where he says to forget those things which are behind. Difficult to do? Yes, but with GOD’S help it can be done!

Let us remember as Paul penned those words to the Philippians, he was in prison. He had much time to reflect on his life. What do you suppose he thought about as he looked back on his past? Do you think he ever thought about the episode we read about in Acts 7? The entire chapter 7 details Stephen preaching the truth. And the result according to verse 54 was the people were cut to the heart. And the people carried Stephen out of the city and stoned him. While they stoned Stephen we are told they laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. Saul later became known as Paul. Paul was either directly or indirectly participating in the execution. Do you think Paul remembered that episode? How could he forget?! How could he forget Stephen’s dying statement of “LORD, do not charge them with this sin.”

But yet here is Paul later in life able to say “forgetting those things which are past.” Now we are all guilty of sins in the past. We all have episodes of life we wish we could do over. But I doubt anyone reading this has participated in the killing of someone simply because they were preaching Jesus. Or having someone murdered just to have their wife.

If Paul and David can do it I can try. With GOD’S help I will overcome regrets I have of the past; failures I have experienced and would like to do over. Deliver me from the guilt.

And may I still remember that the old man will have to live with the younger man’s deeds.

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