Romans IV: Continue

Romans IV

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? (Romans 6:1,2 ESV)

Continue

One of the richest memories I have is an occasion when my wife forgave me for some pretty serious sin.  I can still recall the feeling when she took my hand, again.  I can still feel the peace, the unexpected joy, and the hope that filled my sad heart at that very moment.

It was great.

But I do not want to repeat it.

More specifically, I do not want to repeat the sin that CAUSED the wonderful forgiveness.  I learned to trust my wife’s love on that day.  She FORGAVE me.  But that did not lead me to a relaxing of my diligence.  Instead, knowing the depth of her love helps me stand strong.

Similarly, only MORE so…  knowing that God is gracious does not… can not… lead me to act foolishly just because I know He will forgive.

If I start thinking like that, it shows I do not grasp how precious His forgiveness is.

God’s gracious forgiveness, in fact, urges me towards righteousness!

So I do not want to continue in sin.

Romans III: Purpose

Romans III

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 ESV)

Purpose

My dog has one purpose, I think.  He wants his ears scratched.  Everything he does, whether it is cute, annoying, friendly, or frustrating has THAT behind it.

His purpose is clear.

God’s purpose is even more clear, although sometimes harder to grasp.  God does ALL things for good.

I know that simply because He tells us, here.

I do not always sense that.  I am not always aware of that.  I do not easily understand that.  I can not easily articulate it in the midst of shadows.

But His purpose is clear, absolute, guaranteed, and grand.

Because HE is good… His purpose is good.

Romans III: Peace

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1 ESV)

Peace

In an old cartoon, a character stares at someone else and utters, “you have made a very powerLESS enemy.”  It made me chuckle.  But it was also accurate.  That character did not have real power.  Neither do you.  Neither do I.

We are powerless enemies, despite our pride.

But God is NOT a powerless enemy.

In fact, no one is more powerful than God.  What sensible person would delight in being HIS enemy?

But we are His enemies.  Because we have sinned.  We have done what WE desire, instead of what He desires.  We have disobeyed both the letter and the spirit of His Law.

But that powerful enemy offers us peace.

Not a peace found in balance, by attempting more good deeds.  We’d never catch up.

Not a peace found in deep regret.  We would still be his enemies… just sorry enemies.

Not a peace like the world expects. Peace found through effort, self-sacrifice, smiley faces, or success in other areas of life.

But peace that God gives because we choose to believe Him… and believe in Him… and believe His gospel.

That faith is the only way to peace.

Romans II: First

Romans II

… but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 ESV)

Teen-aged boys, I have observed, usually like a girl second, not first.  The number one reason I hear for attraction in young folk, is that someone (the beliked) laughed at our jokes, smiled at us first, spoke to us first, seemed to like US, first.  THAT is why we become interested.

I might be wrong, of course.  Apocryphal evidence abounds.

But clearly, we love God only because He loved us first.

In fact, we can not love God without His love, because His love sent Christ to die for us, before we ‘accepted’ Him.  And that Christ-sending is what changes us so that we CAN love God.

He loves us, so we love Him.

Romans I: How-To

Romans I

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:17 ESV)

How-To

When considering how to do the right thing, we might try a lot of different ways.  We might try a method of starting with little obedient acts, and gradually move to bigger obedient acts.  We might try taking each situation one at a time, and focus hard on doing right NOW what is right.  We might try imitating a respected person.  We might try memorizing lists, or Scripture, or quotes. 

While all of those methods have some value, none will succeed.

The only way to do what is right… is through faith.

That seems odd.

But faith in Christ Jesus connects His people to HIS spiritual power, which can enable doing the right thing.

Faith in Christ Jesus keeps us from legalism, since it draws our hearts to HIM instead of to our actions.

Faith in Christ Jesus causes God to see our actions through Christ’s robes of righteousness, so that we become righteous in God’s eyes, through Christ.

Faith in Christ Jesus gives us fellowship with Him, unity with Him, and love for Him, all of which draw us to righteousness.

Faith in Christ Jesus is the best way, the proven way, the only way to be righteous.

Acts V: Yay!

Acts V

 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. (Acts 13:48 ESV)

Yay!

The gospel causes rejoicing! 

It is not called, “The Gospel,” (good news) for nothing!

When ANYONE hears the gospel, hears and believes the gospel, there is much rejoicing.  How could there not be?

The gospel brings hope to the end of all suffering.  Rejoice!

The gospel offers what our world needs, peace. Rejoice!

The gospel ends guilt, fear, and hatred, if we let it.  Rejoice!

The gospel unites, fixes, and undoes our foolishness.  Rejoice!

The gospel is most excellent!  Rejoice! 

Acts IV: One Job

ACTS IV

Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”  And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:30,31 ESV)

One Job

I once hired a telephone salesman to sell cleaning chemicals.  He seemed motivated, experienced, and friendly… and I expected great things from him.

But he was actually not a very good salesman.  Because he kept forgetting his one job: to sell chemicals.  He spent most of his time organizing his desk, making plans, discussing sales tricks with other salespeople, helping the secretary design forms, and giving helpful personal advice to everyone in the office.

All good things.

But he did not do his one real job.

A lot of religious activities draw our attention.  A lot of GOOD religious activities.  But our part of salvation is to believe in the Lord Jesus.

Tithing, praying, studying, acts of kindness, talking and thinking about Christ… these are all good things.  But they do not save.

When it comes to salvation, we have one job.

Believe in the Lord Jesus.

Acts III: Forgiving

Acts III

And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” (Acts 7:59,60 ESV)

Forgiving

Silly Stephen, by today’s standards.

Here he was, doing nothing but exercise his right of free speech (yes, present even in the Roman Empire to some degree.)  He had not hurt anyone.  He had not stolen anything.  He had not done anything worthy of being killed.  Even by harsh Jewish law, his death was not required.

Silly Stephen, by today’s standards.

We might say he should have argued his rights.  Instead he preached Jesus.

We might say he should have fled.  Instead he preached Jesus.

We might say he should have conversed and dialogued.  Instead he preached Jesus.

We might say he should have been indignant, angry, justified, and mistreated.  Instead he preached Jesus.

In fact, Stephen PREACHED Jesus, and then displayed the gospel.

He forgave.

Acts II: Mine

Acts II

And all who believed were together and had all things in common. (Acts 2:44 ESV)

Mine

Proof that I am not sanctified, yet: I would not have enjoyed living during that time. 

I can share mashed potatoes.  I can share a couch.  I can share a ride to a baseball game.  I can share time.  I can share laughter.  I can share dreams.  I can share ideas.

But all things?

I am less eager to share bacon.  I am less eager to share a book.  I am less eager to share socks.  I am less eager to share a napkin.  I am less eager to share the attention of those I love.  I am less eager to share the victor’s podium when I actually win something.

I am not willing to share some things at all.

My land.  Special time with my wife.  Things for which I have worked very hard.  Credit for beauty that I have created. 

The church described here sounds incredibly difficult… but incredibly aware that they were stewards, servants, receivers, and gifted.

All things.  Wow.

Acts I: One Way

Acts I

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12 ESV)

One Way

All roads lead to Rome.

Different strokes for different folks.

There is more than one way to skin an orange.

And the most macabre, but most well-known: There is more than one way to skin a cat.

All of which might be true in some circumstances.  Such as avoiding traffic snarls in central Italy. Playing golf in strange terrain.  Preparing an orange to eat.  And making a tiger-rug for your fireplace.

But when it comes to finding God, there is only one way.  Only through Jesus can we find God, salvation, hope, joy, peace, and love.  And more things.

Only One way.

Luke III: Nevertheless

Luke III

…saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42 ESV)

Nevertheless

“Nevertheless” is an odd word.  Literally, it means always more importantly. 

“The odor is terrible! Nevertheless, I need oxygen, so I will breathe.”

“I disagree with that speed limit. Nevertheless, I do not want another ticket, so I will follow it.”

“It’s raining, I have a flat tire, my cat bit my pinkie-toe, and my favorite band disbanded.  Nevertheless, my wife loves me, so today is great!”

Jesus is saying that His suffering is intense. He does not look forward to the torturous death that He KNOWS is coming.  If only there was another way to save His people.

Nevertheless, He trusts that God knows what He is doing.

Always more importantly, Jesus trusts that God knows what He is doing.

Today I will try to display that attitude.

Because no matter how bad today is… More importantly, God knows what He is doing.

Luke II: Reactions

And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. (Luke 2:18, 19 ESV)

Reactions

Christmas at my house while growing up was an exercise in emotional reactions.  My father, whenever he gave or received a gift, presented a somber, thoughtful, serious face.  No matter how amazing or how mundane the gift was.  He was quiet on the outside, regardless of his internal reaction.

My mother, whenever she gave or received a gift, presented a merry-go-round of facial extravagance.  She almost glowed.  She almost giggled.  She presented an exuberant face.  No matter how amazing or how mundane the gift was.  She was delightfully outlandish on the outside, regardless of her internal reaction.

Which is the better reaction on Christmas morning? It is far too easy to pick sides.

But Luke shows us two different, albeit two appropriate reactions to the arrival of the Messiah.

The shepherds burst at the seems of their robes with excitement, and it caused wonder!  An understated concept if there ever was one.  “WOW,” they shouted, and all who heard it WOWED right back.

Mary was thoughtful, introspective, amazed, shocked, and in awe.  She pondered.  She thought.  She felt.

When you become aware of what God is doing, you get to be a shepherd or Mary.  Both are grand reactions to the Messiah! 

Luke I: Numbers

Luke I

Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. (Luke 15:7 ESV)

Numbers

Democracy is a great concept in political development.

Balanced budgets are a great concept in financial management.

Tape measures are a great concept in building construction.

But one set of numbers is surprising.  The tally total in heaven does not cause the reaction we would expect.

Heaven rejoices more over one returning prodigal son, than the joy of ninety-nine who did not wander (as far).

Now, to be clear, we are comparing infinite joy over the one… and ninety-nine times infinite joy over the ninety-nine.  And infinite does not multiply… so in a sense, the total joy is the same.

But somehow, the returning ONE results in more joy!

I actually believe that most, if not all, of us wander.  Some more prominently than others.

And when we return, heaven rejoices.

Heaven rejoiced, rejoices, and will rejoice over the salvation of every child of God, clinging to Christ.

Mark III: Verbs

Mark III

The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel. (Mark 1:15 ESV)

Verbs

English verbs are boring, so it is no wonder that English Grammar is unpopular.  But when Mark wrote Jesus’ words here, he used what might be an unexpected form of the verbs, “repent and believe.”

While commands, they are also present tense.  Meaning that we are not commanded to repent once, and then we are done.  We are not commanded to believe once, and then we are done.

Instead, repenting and believing are our constant (joyful) tasks.

We keep repenting because we keep sinning.

We keep believing because we keep needing.

We keep repenting and believing because everything that happens to us, everything that we do, and everything that we are, happen to push us to Jesus… His life, His cross, and His empty tomb.

Repent and Believe.

Mark II: Serving

Mark II

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45 ESV)

Serving

I once sat in a hotel lobby for a few hours.  I was waiting, and had a good book to read, I expect.  But my attention was grabbed by a middle-age man who was also hanging around the lobby.  He was not particularly well dressed, and looked like he would be more comfortable at Cracker Barrell, than at The Gilded Fork.

What I noticed was that he was being surprisingly helpful.  He carried guests’ luggage.  He brought coffee to thirsty-looking visitors.  He opened doors, cleaned messes, and listened to old folks tell tales, and he smiled.

I was far too lazy to join him, but I did ask him why he was so active in this way.

He quoted this verse to me.  He had recently purchased the hotel, and he said, “I have come not to be served, but to serve, like Jesus.”

I might have argued his theology and his placement of himself in Jesus’ shoes… but instead I thanked him, and accepted his coffee.

What a world we would see if more of us came to serve.

Mark I: Ransom

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45 ESV)

Ransom

Jesus, as the Only Begotten Son of the One True Living God should be on the top of every list of what matters, who is important, and why existence exists.  He is valuable, powerful, noteworthy, and necessary.

He should never have had to be a ransom.

Most of us have not experienced ‘ransom’ in our lives, but we can understand what a ransom really is with some similar examples.

I am willing to pay the bank a monthly mortgage check because my land and house are worth more to me than the insignificant money. That is like a ransom.

I am once traded a Fender electric guitar, an amplifier, and a watch for a Martin 12-string guitar.  I did it because the Martin was worth more to me than the Fender, amp, and timepiece. That is like a ransom.

I have stayed awake most of the night grieving for, crying with, and praying around a hurting friend.  Because a friend’s heart is worth SO much more than my time. That is like a ransom.

And Jesus, THAT Jesus… showed that He values His people (as a group AND as individuals)  more than He valued His heavenly home, His eternal rest, and His very life. That is like a ransom.

He chose to ransom, to exchange, HIS life for those who believe in Him.

He sees you as MORE important than Himself!

Matthew IV: Who's the Boss

Matthew IV

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.”(Matthew 28:18 ESV)

Who’s the Boss

Poor Denethor, from The Lord of the Rings trilogy.  He, and his ancestors back for twenty-six generations, served basically as Kings of Gondor… but everyone knew they were officially only Stewards.

Everyone but Denethor, that is.

He had only the authority that had been delegated to his family hundreds of years earlier.  But he wanted to be king.  More than that, he thought of himself as king.  He thought he was the boss.

We are in Denethor’s boat.  We have authority.  In some place or another, everyone has authority.  We get to tell someone what to do.  Even if it is only the dog.

But we have no authority other than what King Jesus has delegated to us.  He was given all authority by His Father… and He has passed some of it on to us.

But He is the boss, not us.

And it is a good thing.  I am reminded daily, in every area of authority that I have been given, that I am a poor steward.

But Jesus is a great receiver of the Father’s delegation… as well as a great delegator.

But let’s remember that we are stewards… not bosses.

Matthew III: Love

Matthew III

And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:39 ESV)

Love is hard.  We prefer to love others with ALMOST all of our heart, soul, and mind.

We hold back a bit.  We stop loving others quite so much when they do not deserve it.  We stop loving others quite so much when they have hurt us. We stop loving others quite so much when they have hurt someone else.  We stop loving others quite so much when we feel sick. We stop loving others quite so much when we are afraid.  We stop loving others quite so much when we do not feel loved. We stop loving others quite so much when facing injustice.  We stop loving others quite so much when we do not feel like it.  We stop loving others quite so much when it does not profit us.  We stop loving others quite so much when we forget to love.  We stop loving others quite so much when the other person is not likeable.  We stop loving others quite so much… well… you get the idea.

Love your neighbor as yourself…. because that is how our brother, Jesus, loves us AND them.

Matthew II: Everything

Matthew II

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. (Matthew 22:37,38 ESV)

Everything

Love is hard.  We prefer to love God with ALMOST all of our heart, soul, and mind. 

We hold back a bit.  We stop loving Him quite so much when He confuses us.  We stop loving Him quite so much when we are exhausted.  We stop loving Him quite so much when we are busy.  We stop loving Him quite so much when we are embarrassed.  We stop loving Him quite so much when we are hurting.  We stop loving Him quite so much when we are distracted.  We stop loving Him quite so much when we are loving something else.  We stop loving Him quite so much when we forget.  We stop loving Him quite so much when we… well… you get the idea.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.  Because that is how He loves us.

Matthew I: Generations

Matthew I

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, (Matthew 1:1 ESV)

Generations

I am aware of some of my historical ancestors.  In recent past generations we have a horse thief, romance, immigrants, nobles, entrepreneurs, a hobo, tradesmen, sufferers and victors.  But I am not really aware of very many specifics beyond a few generations.

I also look ahead with anticipation for what my children and grandchildren might accomplish.  But they have rarely clung to any of my plans or schemes.

But God plans better.

The often overlooked genealogies in the gospels are not space-fillers.  They demonstrate that not only does God plan, but His plans span generations.  All of recorded history, in fact.

And He plans well.  His plans brought us Jesus.  And His plans brought us you and me.

We praise our nation’s 200+ years.  We praise our civilization’s almost accidental accomplishments.  We praise what we know or suspect about history.

But God’s plans are generational, profound, salvific, and loving.

And they continue…