Tag Archives: Jesus

A Mystery No More

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Colossians 1

Christ in me, the hope of glory! That was a mystery unsolved for thousands of years. How would God send a Savior? Who would it be? How would people know for sure? And how would He save the world?

That mystery began to unravel when Jesus was born. A virgin mother? A nursery in a barn? A manger instead of a crib? A carpenter? Unschooled? A preacher not a soldier? A spiritual kingdom consisting of repentant hearts and not an overthrow of Roman rule?

The clues continued to mount up… and then Jesus died. Not exactly the conquering hero everyone expected.

Jesus died. But He didn’t stay dead. He lives. And He is every bit the conquering hero God expected.

I might not be able to explain to your satisfaction how Christ lives in me, how He defeated Satan in my life and continues to defeat that snake as I grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus. It may still be a mystery to you – but it’s a sure fact for me.

Christ IS in me. And my future, if it’s anything like the awesome privilege of having Jesus in my life today, promises to be glorious! Paul called it the hope of glory. Not an “I think so, or I imagine so” kind of hope. This hope is assured, cemented, true and is promised by the One who said:

And if I go prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (John 14:3)

Christ in me, the hope of glory! It’s a mystery no more.

Guilty As Charged

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Acts 22-25

They tried so hard to find Paul guilty of something – anything. The only charge they could back up was that he believed Jesus rose from the dead, and he pleaded guilty to that accusation. Everything else they said about Paul were lies.

Yesterday morning, our Youth Pastor spoke about what it means to follow God: Denying self. Picking up the cross.

Following God means living a life like Paul’s, that if someone wanted to condemn us, it would have to be on the basis of our unwavering belief that Jesus is alive. Following God means patterning our lives on the life of Jesus – who was perfect!

Impossible, you say. True.

But following God ought to make us a bit more perfect today than we were yesterday. WIth the help of the Holy Spirit working in us, it’s not only possible but it’s a sign we are truly following God.

I’m not talking about a works-based salvation or a holier-than-thou attitude. I’m talking about having the mind of Christ, loving God and loving our neighbor. I’m talking about crucifying my desires and allowing God to replace them with the gifts of the Spirit and His desires for me.

I pray that all of us who call ourselves followers of God will BE followers of God in such a way that when we are questioned, or accused of believing that Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior of the world (which we have accepted for ourselves), when we are put to the test and condemned for being Christians, we will stand together and proclaim:

GUILTY AS CHARGED.

Crucified

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Galatians 2:20

I used to say Galatians 2:20 was my “life verse.” I think it probably still is, although I’ve come to embrace other verses as well. But I remember sitting in the tiny room in Waco Elementary School where I gave music lessons, and coming across this verse as I read my Bible during my lunch break. It spoke to me that day in a pointed way, and I sat there and memorized it, claiming it as my life verse.

Today I read it and wonder if it is even true in my life.

What does it mean to be crucified with Christ? I can’t die for my sins like Jesus did. I’ve heard it said Jesus died on “my” cross. But that cross was His. He was the only one who could hang on that cross. And because He did, I won’t have to hang on mine.

Being crucified with Christ is not the means of salvation. That was Jesus’ job.

I believe Paul was talking about what happens after we accept Jesus’ atoning work on His cross. It’s the dying we do as willingly as He died; the giving up, the surrender of the “me.” Dead men have no rights, no plans, no will of their own. A dead man is dead – not almost dead, or dead in some ways but not others.

Dead.

So I’m wonder if that describes me in my relationship with my Savior. Is the life I now live lived by faith in the One who loved me enough to die in my place? Is my walk with Him surrendered to His will? Is He my co-pilot… or the ship?

If 2:20 is my life verse (and I think I might claim it once again), then I have some soul-searching and changing to do.

God, help me truly and finally die to Connie, and allow only You to fill me, raise me up, and live through me.

Crucify the “me,” Lord.

You Are Not The Exception

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Luke 12-14

Is Jesus the only way? Really? People want to believe that, if there aren’t multiple ways to God, a least they themselves will be the exception. In theory, Jesus is the Way, but God is too loving to send a good person like me to hell. Right?

That’s not what Jesus says. Jesus says the way is narrow, the invitation to the banquet comes with restrictions, the landowner demands obedience, even those rich according to their own standards will be held accountable to God’s standards.

The truth is, it doesn’t matter what you think. You aren’t God. It only matters what God says about His design.

Like it or not. Believe it or not. Jesus is the only way…

And you are not the exception.

One Serious Job Description

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Matthew 10

Would you, after reading the job description for a disciple, sign up? God describes what he’s looking for in a disciple here in Matthew 10.

A disciple:
1. will be taken to court
2. will be beat up
3. will be dragged before governors and kings
4. may be turned into the authorities by their brother, father, or child
5. may be executed
6. will be hated
7. will be persecuted
8. will be saved in the end because no one can kill the soul.

Well, at least number 8 sounds good. Anyone who says being a child of God translates into good health and hefty bank accounts is lying.

The Gospel of Jesus is offensive, and if you proclaim it there will be people who hate you. The Gospel reveals our sin, our depravity, and our hopelessness. The Gospel tells us we aren’t enough, that we will never be enough. And friend, no one likes to hear that.

“But hang on,” Jesus says. “Endure to the end!”

The Gospel is worth it. Jesus is worth it. Jesus promises that when we believe in Him we are saved. Scripture says when we confess our sins we are forgiven. We’re promised that when we are weak HE is strong. When we don’t have the words, HE gives us the words. When we are helpless, HE is able.

These disciples signed up, went on a mission trip, performed miracles, told the Truth, and came back excited about being disciples. They no doubt faced opposition, but it prepared them, strengthened their faith, and in the end eleven of them went to their deaths proclaiming Jesus as the Savior of the world.

So, Christian, are you ready to put feet to your faith? Read the job description carefully. Then sign on the dotted line. You’re signing up for war. It won’t be easy. But it will be blessed beyond what you imagine. In the end, you will face Jesus and hear Him say, “Well done, my faithful servant, my warrior. Come home!”

Woe To Us All

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Luke 11

I know I probably comment on this every year when I get to this passage in God’s Word. But Jesus’ response to the lawyers’ hurt feelings is something we ought to emulate.

The lawyers didn’t object to Jesus hammering the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. But the truth of what Jesus was saying was hitting a bit too close to home for the lawyers. The lawyers, at least in their own minds, weren’t as bad as the Pharisees and they wanted to be sure Jesus made that distinction.

“Jesus, you’re starting to hurt our feelings with your ‘Woe to’s’ toward the Pharisees. We’re beginning to feel a bit threatened, unsafe, disrespected, misidentified.”

Jesus answers, “Oh, I’m sorry. Woe to you, lawyers…” and just so there would be no confusion Jesus began hammering them for their own sins. He didn’t coddle them, didn’t find them a safe place, or encourage them to stand strong, be proud, be who they were meant to be. “YOU ARE SINNERS,” He told them.

Do you honestly think Jesus would say to a man pretending to be a woman and upset because Jesus “misgendered” him, “Oh, I’m sorry, Ma’am. Sit here and let me do your nails?” No! He would say to that man, “YOU. ARE. NOT. A. WOMAN.”

The lawyers thought they weren’t as bad as the Pharisees. Today some men think they are women, some women think they are men, some people think they are cats. It doesn’t matter what you think!

Hear God say, “Woe to you.” And you know what? I think it’s time Christians did the same. So here goes. Sorry, not sorry.

XX will always be XX. XY will always be XY.
No one can change the binary gender God created: male OR female.
A male is a “he.” A female is a “she.: “They” is plural.
Woman are designed by God to carry a developing human in their wombs. Woman (not birthing persons) have babies. Men do not. Cannot.
Abortion is murder. Life begins at conception. God knew that person BEFORE he or she was planted in the mother’s womb. To end that life is murder.
There is objective truth.. There is right and wrong, good and bad, black and white.
There is truth, and there is opinion. They are not the same. And I will not pretend “your truth” is anything other than your opinion.

Call me what you want. Call me bigoted, hateful, intolerant, deplorable. I don’t care. Show me in the Bible where I’m wrong. Woe to all of us who deny what God has revealed in His Word.

Now, before you think I’m condemning anyone to hell, let me remind you what else God’s Word has to say.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Jesus died on the cross to buy your freedom from sin and mine, to break the chains of sin, to forgive us for our sins, to make us the righteousness of God. There isn’t anyone reading this post who cannot be saved. Show me in the Bible where I’m wrong.

What I’ve said here is not hate. In fact, I can honestly say I love you enough to be truthful with you. Jesus loved those lawyers enough to confront their sin. It would be hateful to go along with anyone’s sin, because sin separates us from God now, and in eternity. My friend, my heart’s desire is that you experience the Truth of God’s Word today; whether for the first time, or with a revived energy for proclaiming the Truth. Woe to us if we don’t.

Arm Yourselves.

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Nehemiah 1-4

They weren’t at war with their neighbors. But there certainly was the threat of war. They had been lied to, disrespected, bullied, discouraged, and when that didn’t stop them, their lives and the lives of their children were threatened. So what did they do?

They armed themselves – and kept working.

The Jews were repairing the wall around Jerusalem. And when I say the Jews I mean builders and masons, perfumers and goldsmiths, government workers and artsy folk, sons and even daughters. Hundreds of Jews working together.

It’s a picture of the Church. And like they, we are living with the threat of war. We’ve been lied to, disrespected, bullied and discouraged in our attempt to build God’s kingdom. We and our children are being threatened.

We aren’t at war with our neighbors. But there certainly is the threat of war. What should we do?

We could take a page from the lives of these Jews we read about in Nehemiah. Let’s take up our sword; let’s be diligent about guarding our efforts from intruders. But let’s keep building, keep sharing the Gospel, keep introducing Jesus to people who need Him.

Let’s not use inferior material and think the end justifies the means. The Gospel is the Gospel. Jesus is the only way. Truth is true. Sin is sin. The Jews didn’t slap cardboard up there because it was easier. They built a structure that would stand against storms and enemies. We should do the same.

“It’s too hard,” you might say. “People are offended by the message we bring.” “I can’t stand up against my family, or a mob, the government or the false teaching.”

Hear God say to you what he said to the Jews through Nehemiah:

Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes. (4:14b)

Arm yourselves. And keep working.

Don’t Bow

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Daniel 3

So, King Nebuchadnezzar had a huge statue built, as high as the lighthouse on Saint Simons Island. You couldn’t miss it! Then, the decree went out – you WILL bow down to this idol, or die.

You probably know the story. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow. When everyone else hit the ground when the music played, those three young men stood tall. They must have stood out like those brave athletes who refuse to bend a knee during the National Anthem. Kind of hard to miss.

Got me to thinking about other formidable idols being erected today: transgenderism, homosexual marriage, pronouns, abortion, climate change, COVID, socialism, progressive Christianity, wokeness…

Lots of idols there!

In fact, there are so many it seems people are walking on their knees, bowing here, bowing there. They exist in a constant state of surrender to this idol, and to that. Less and less people are standing tall.

The threat of punishment is real. And getting more real every day. So what’s a person to do?

Look at this portion of Scripture. You’ll find the answer. Those brave young men were able to stand strong because they truly trusted God. They trusted God whether they lived or died. They trusted God whether they were heading for hardship, or whether God would deliver them. They trusted God.

The result was, they were thrown into the fire with the intent it would kill them. But the fire didn’t kill them, did it? In fact, the fire didn’t even touch them even though they were walking right in it. And… the most amazing part of it… Jesus was right there walking in the fire with them. The king and his men actually saw Jesus in the fire with them. They saw Jesus.

So many of us don’t let Jesus do that for us. And sadly, we don’t allow Jesus to be seen by those who want us to surrender to their idols.

We surrender to the idol of transgenderism when we call a woman “him” because she mutilates her body and pretends to be male. We bow to the idol of progressive Christianity when we sing the songs that glorify our own feelings, when we accept the downplaying of sin in favor of “love.” We bow at the feet of government when we allow ourselves to be manipulated into closing the doors of our churches, keeping ourselves quarantined and isolated, wearing masks that do nothing but make us fall into line, and putting untested chemicals in our bodies because someone erects the idol of “science.”

We’ve all done it. We bow, and keep bowing to idols unseen, yet as real as Nebuchadnezzar’s giant idol in ancient Babylon where Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow. Can we join together, support one another, and change that?

Let’s stand on the Truth God has revealed in His Word, exactly as He has revealed it in His Word. Let’s not fear those who would have us bow to the prince of this world, because…

greater is He who is in you than the one who is in the world! (1 John 4:4)

Just You

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Ezekiel 13-16

Some of us need to hear the bad news. Are you ready?

You are going to be judged.

I’m not talking about the judgments of trolls in social media, or people you know who think differently than you. I’m not talking about that mean girl at work, or the neighbor who complains because your lawn isn’t manicured to his standards. You, my friend, are going to be judged by Holy God.

You will stand before Him, totally exposed, totally vulnerable, totally guilty, and know His verdict will be totally what you deserve.

It won’t matter if you went to church, gave to charity, had a godly mother who prayed for you. It won’t matter if you hung out with Christians and never cheated on your spouse. God won’t compare you to other people. He will compare you to Himself.

God told Ezekiel to tell His people that His judgment was coming, and that even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were right there among them when judgment came, only Noah, Daniel, and Job would be saved. Every person would be judged according to his own righteousness. Every. Single. One.

What did the righteousness of Noah, Daniel, and Job look like? It looked like the righteousness of God! You see, those three had put their faith in God. They weren’t perfect in and of themselves. Read their stories for yourself. But because they had submitted to God, God saw His own righteousness in them, and they were saved.

Same with us. If we think we can stand before God and compare our righteousness to His, we are fooling ourselves. If any of us think we will stand before God and have anything to say in our defense, we are fools.

Your salvation and mine depend solely on the righteousness of God. The Apostle Paul put it this way:

For our sake he (God) made him to be sin who knew no sin (Jesus), so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

I don’t know about you, but when I stand before Holy God, I don’t want Him to judge me based on anything I’ve done. Nothing! It would be like me standing before Simone Biles and asking her to compare my gymnastic ability to hers because I did a cartwheel in the backyard once, or putting myself in the same league as Albert Einstein because I got an A on my math quiz in second grade. Ridiculous!

When I stand before God, I want Him to judge me based on what Jesus did when He took my sins upon Himself hanging on the cross. And you know what? That’s exactly what is going to happen, because I have submitted myself to God, accepted Jesus as my Savior. I am saved, not by what I have done, but what Jesus has done on my behalf. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Noah, Daniel, Job, and I will stand before our Judge with no fear. We each have put our faith in God, and He will declare the guilty, NOT GUILTY! I pray you can add your name to the list.

When God Becomes The Enemy

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Lamenations 1-2

A popular view of God makes Him out to be milk toast, a wet noodle, a doting Grandpa, a weak parent who can’t say “No” to His self-centered children. That is NOT the God of the Bible.

Yes, God is love. But not without His holiness. I’m not sure we really get that.

The truth about God is that He loves people. In fact He loves people so much He went to the cross to provide the only way sinful people can be in the presence of Holy God. We can try to figure out our own way to Him, look for a back door or loophole. But if we want to be accepted by God and enjoy the love He has for us, we gotta play by His rules.

He’s not asking us to approve of His plan. He’s demanding we accept it. And honestly, it’s not that hard. Quite the contrary. It’s an amazing plan!

Warning: if you don’t accept His plan, if you reject the Gospel of Jesus, hear Him say He is NOT your friend. He is your enemy. And I’m not sure you are ready for that reality, no matter what you’re telling yourself at the moment.

When God becomes the enemy, we are in serious trouble.