Calcification and Cleansing

January 21, 2024

Our congregation’s building was built in the early 70s. I think I was told 1971 by those that helped with the construction. The two bathrooms including the plumbing, located in the church basement, are both original. Our congregation has had intermittent issues with the bathrooms at least since we arrived in 2014. In late October/early November 2023, these plumbing issues became something we needed professional help to resolve. We had our regular, professional handyman come and run a camera down the plumbing to see where the potential clog was located. What he found was both expected and unexpected.

We expected the pipes to show a high level of calcification due to their age. After all the plumbing is original to the building. It was such an issue that it was difficult to get the camera past the first troubling spot, but this was not the clogged area in question. As they got the camera further down the pipe, what the camera hit was roots. This was completely unexpected since the nearest tree old enough to have roots that size is at the entrance to the church driveway. That’s roughly 250 steps from the door to the building! Our handyman came back the next day to run an industrial-sized sewer snake into the pipes to clear some of the debris and allow the bathrooms to continue to work properly.

Our lives are like those pipes. Sin has in some places calcified our hearts. Unfortunately sometimes the calcification is so bad it hardens us to the point where the good news of the gospel has a difficult time affecting godly behaviors, attitudes, and changes in our lives. In times like this it can be difficult even recognizing the refusal to let Jesus play the “sewer snake” role and remove the blockades sin had put up. The real questions at this point are twofold. Why did we not recognize sin’s buildup? Once sin’s buildup became apparent, did we submit to Jesus’ cleansing or deny the need for cleansing all together?

“This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God” (John 3:19-21).

Jesus pulled no punches when dealing with a person’s reaction to light of God. That being said, have we allowed our lives to become so hardened by sin that we no longer even want to come to the Light to seek His help and guidance? Jesus says that those practicing evil fear coming to the Light lest their deeds are seen too easily by others. On the opposite side, those seeking to practice godliness have no fear of coming to the Light. This is not because these people never sin. They do! Instead those practicing godliness KNOW that Jesus is the only one that can ultimately eliminate sin and its effects in their life. And the ones seeking godliness WANT to be cleansed so they can be more like Jesus.

“This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us” (1 John 1:5-10).

Jesus’ mission on earth has long been over. Time has marched on. Yet he only one who can continually cleanse us from sin is the same one that laid His life down nearly two millennia ago only to take it up again three days later—Jesus, the Son of God. The question is whether or not we will be willing to be exposed in His light or continue to hide in the shadows. Only through being exposed in His light can we truly deal with the spiritual calcifications in our hearts. Otherwise our spiritual blockages will continue to worsen to the point of completely hindering the gospel message to flow within our lives.

Signs and Faith- John 4 and 5

“If I could just see a sign, I would believe Jesus was the Son of God.” Statements like this have plagued the world since Jesus walked upon it. Are these statements true? The answer is, “Not necessarily.” The New Testament has examples of both results—people who saw a sign and believed as well as people who saw and refused to believe.

So when He came to Galilee, the Galileans received Him, having seen all the things that He did in Jerusalem at the feast; for they themselves also went to the feast. -John 4:45

The signs Jesus performed in Jerusalem prompted the Galileans to welcome Him. As a nobleman came seeking healing for his dying son, Jesus meets the people with a scathing remark.

Unless you people see signs and wonders, you simply will not believe.

-John 4:48

After the man presses the issue, Jesus tells him, “Go your son lives” (John 4:50). Arriving home, the man discovers that his son was healed the same moment that Jesus had told him to go home. This sign produced belief.

and he himself believed and his whole household. -John 4:53b

Unfortunately belief is not always the result of a miraculous sign. In John 5, Jesus heals the man at the Pool of Bethesda who had been sick for 38 years. After this man gets in trouble with the Jews for carrying his mat on the Sabbath, he encounters Jesus in the temple. Jesus has some very pointed words for him as well.

Behold, you have become well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you. -John 5:14

Jesus had given the man the physical healing he desired. However, spiritually the man’s heart was sick. This healing did not produce faith. Judging by the outcome, this healing did not even produce gratitude.

The man went away, and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. -John 5:15

For those who did not want to believe, signs and wonders simply did not help. In His parable about the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31, Jesus warned that no matter how grandiose the sign some will not believe. This warning was proven correct upon Jesus’ resurrection.

Although according to 1 Corinthians 13:8-13, the age of miraculous signs has come to an end, the desire for signs as evidence still exists today. Even if they were still available though people have not changed. If they do not want to believe, they simply will not do so “even if someone rises from the dead” (Luke 16:31).

Who is Jesus? It Matters- Matthew 16 and 1 Corinthians 15

Who is Jesus? Gallons of ink have been spilled, wars have been fought, people have been and continue to be killed, families have been torn apart over this simple, yet vital question.  Was He simply a “good, moral teacher” or something much more? Jesus’ identity was a hot topic in His day and continues to be one nearly 2,000 years later.

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” -Matthew 16:13

Even in His day, people were divided.

And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” -Matthew 16:14

Overall, it did not matter what the “people” as a group thought. It mattered primarily who each person believed Jesus to be.

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” -Matthew 16:15

In one of his better moments, Peter speaks up to identify Jesus.

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

-Matthew 16:16

Following Peter’s confession, Jesus had this say.

And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.

-Matthew 16:17-18

Today, the answers revolving around Jesus’ identity are different yet the division still exists. In today’s world the majority of non-believers say, “Jesus was a good, moral teacher.” His teachings and actions recorded throughout the gospels illustrate that Jesus clearly believed Himself to be the Son of God. If He is wrong, the idea of Him being merely a “good, moral teacher” is crazy. Jesus would have been believing, living and teaching a lie not to mention leading His followers to their deaths by commanding they follow suit. That eliminates both good and moral!

Jesus’ identity is eternally important. His resurrection and the aftermath show Jesus was not a liar. Paul says that everything is given meaning through this single historical event.

Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain.

-1 Corinthians 15:12-14

Who is Jesus? He is no mere man. His identity—shown through His teachings, miracles, and resurrection—reshaped the world. The Son of God, murdered for the sins of the world, did not remain in the tomb. Living the  Christian life hinges on our faith and response to this very fact. Not to mention, mankind’s salvation.

Increase Our Faith- Luke 17 and James 5

“Increase my faith.” Most of us have prayed this prayer before. We are not alone; the apostles asked about this too (Luke 17:5) After mentioning the power faith possesses, Jesus answers their request.

Which of you, having a slave plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come immediately and sit down to eat’? But will he not say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat, and properly clothe yourself and serve me while I eat and drink; and afterward you may eat and drink’? He does not thank the slave because he did the things which were commanded, does he? So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.’ -Luke 17:7-10

We do not have record of how the apostles responded to this statement. Imagine what they might have been thinking! After all they appear to be looking for a magic faith pill. Yet Jesus’ answer is, “Do your job like a servant.” Some of the things God asks His people to do are counter-cultural and tough. There has to be an easier way! There’s not.

We had a professor at Harding that modeled how faith is increased. For the longest time, he lived with a car held together by duct tape. As he saved money for a new vehicle, a need would become apparent within their local congregation. This man would simply withdraw the money and take care of the need. It took so long to actually buy this much needed car that he began calling his duct taped vehicle the “Jesus-mobile!” This reoccurring financial sacrifice helped him to see both God’s hand in caring for his needs, and how he was God’s hand in caring for the needs of others.

As we obey God’s commands and allow Him to mold us, we will appear weird to the world. Active Christians build faith—their own and others. James compares Christians to farmers.

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. -James 5:7-8

As a farmer provides food for himself through his patient, constant effort, he also provides for those who buy his crops. Building a Christ-like faith requires patience in careful study, prayer, self-examination, taking of others and elimination of sin. While this is not easy, it is necessary if we are to become the people God wants us to be.

There is no shortcut to a stronger faith. No magic pill exists. The formula God supplies requires constant, daily sacrifices. We must be dedicated to serving God personally and helping others to do the same. Through this painstaking practice, our faith increases. There is no other way.

 

Unity Throughout the Church- Psalm 133, Ephesians 4, and Acts 2

Last week Tassie and I had the pleasure of going to the White Pines Ski Area with the Green River congregation. Even though we did not ski, we had a wonderful time fellowshipping with them. Too often unity between congregations is an unfortunate afterthought. This was never God’s plan.

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! -Psalm 133:1

In this short psalm, David writes about the blessing of being unified. Israel was spread out, and yet the Jews viewed themselves as a single nation, a unified people, God’s people. The people of God are called to a similar type of unity today.

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. -Ephesians 4:2-6

Paul’s concern is two-fold here, the local Ephesian congregation and the church as a whole. Unity within a local congregation is good but incomplete. As we spend time together sharing our spiritual convictions, we bless and are blessed in our walks with God. This is not only true in a local congregation but in all the congregations of God’s people.

Fellowship and humility preserve and promote the unity of the Spirit. The newly formed church shows this by its actions after Pentecost.

So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved. -Acts 2:41-47

The 3,000 new Christians from Pentecost did not constitute a megachurch. They were meeting in many small groups.  Yet competition for the largest congregation was not a concern. The church sought unity through its fluidity. This unity was not a blind acceptance, however.  Its basis was the hope of their calling. Their faith was increased as they “[devoted] themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship.”

Unity matters to God, but not only within the local congregations. The church must be unified in our cities, states, and countries. Only then will we be able to be truly pleasing to God and a light to the fallen world.

Thankful Obedience- Luke 17

The Bible contains ample evidence that obedience matters to God. So obedience is obedience, right? Not exactly. Jesus’ healing of the 10 lepers sheds some light on what God desires.

As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”

-Luke 17:12-13

Leprosy’s severity and contagiousness made these men outcasts. Special communities were set up for these people to keep the healthy population safe. They were required to announce their illness to anyone approaching. The 10 lepers believed Jesus could give them their lives back and so they begged for help. Jesus’ response was direct yet simple.

Go, show yourselves to the priests. -Luke 17:14

Luke records that as these men were obeying Jesus’ command, they were healed. When this occurs, one of them technically (temporarily) disobeys and makes a u-turn.

One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.

-Luke 17:15-16

Jews were supposed to be inspected by the priest and upon being pronounced clean, he was to offer the necessary sacrifices and washings (see Leviticus 14:1-32). The Samaritans had a version of the Law of Moses that they were expected to follow as well. Whether the requirements for cleansing were identical or not, one thing is certain. Jesus’ command was directed at this man as well as the other 9. He had given these men a direct order from the Pentateuch (1st five books of the Old Testament) concerning the healing of a leper yet this man’s obedience is stopped in its tracks. Overcome with gratitude, this Samaritan returns to thank Jesus. What Jesus says next is surprising.

“Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” -Luke 17:17-19

Were the other 9 not grateful for what Jesus had done for them? After all, He returned them to their families, brought them back into the community, and healed them of a deadly disease. True, they were obeying the Law. This grateful returner probably still had to go to the priest afterward. The cleansing carried a message that only 10% of those lepers discovered. Obedience for obedience sake is not enough. God wants thankful obedience for the things He has given mankind.

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. -Colossians 3:17

God does want His people to obey, but not all willingness is the same. Jesus’ encounter with the 10 lepers highlights the type of compliance God wants. Our desire to obey needs to be based on a thankful spirit for all God has done for us. All other types are merely compliance.

Reaching the Opposition- 2 Timothy 2 and 3

In 2 Timothy 2, Paul contrasts two types of people, those who bear the Lord’s seal and those who do not. He tells Timothy how to deal with those who do not bear the seal and thus oppose the Lord’s message.

The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

-2 Timothy 2:24-26

When dealing with those inside or outside the church that are in opposition to the truth, seeking an argument is not the godly course of action. Patience and gentleness should be our teaching standards. Maybe, they will turn to God and be freed from sin. However, what Paul says next is disturbing, beginning with the proverbial “but.”

But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these. For among them are those who enter into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. -2 Timothy 3:1-7

His message to Timothy is clear. Timothy will be fighting a losing battle in most cases because people are narcissistic pleasure-mongers. The responsibility to try and reach them still remains though. How is Timothy supposed to reach these people?

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. -2 Timothy 3:16-17

Paul says that these “sacred writings” (2 Timothy 3:15) are useful for many things—reproof, correction, training, adequacy, and equipping. The word translated as “reproof” can also be translated as “conviction.” This does not carry the meaning of “condemn” but rather to “make a sinner feel guilty” moving them to seek a change of behavior. “Correction” can also be translated “restoration.” The power to move someone from disobedience and captivity to repentance and restoration dwells in the Scriptures.

Whether the opposition is inside or outside the church, we must use the Scriptures gently to reach them. It does little good to club them over the head with God’s Word. Patiently and prayerfully reasoning with them from Scripture can not only free this person from Satan’s traps but also strengthen us so we are not led astray. Let us seek to be proficient in God’s Word so we can be “equipped for every good work.” People’s souls depend on it!

Growing Spiritual Scholarship- 2 Timothy 4

In his last known letter to Timothy, Paul gave his young coworker instructions to continue the spreading of the gospel.

preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

-2 Timothy 4:2-5

Although Paul was writing to Timothy, these commands were not only directed to him. Paul had already told Timothy to “entrust [the things he heard from Paul] to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). This requires knowledge, biblical and extra-biblical (i.e. archaeology and cultural study), so we are prepared “in season and out of season.” Another term of this is biblical scholarship.

Too often, the church has the wrong idea of what a biblical scholar is. Scholars, we imagine, are formally trained academics. True biblical scholarship only requires a love of God’s Word combined with a desire to know everything we can about it.  As we pursue this, our faith and understanding is strengthened which means we will be less likely to “turn aside to myths.” Christians need to be more informed about what the Bible says than the latest television series or what their sports teams are doing. We need to be “hungering and thirsting for righteousness.”

However, since we are separated from the Bible times and cultures, we need outside information to help us better understand some things in Scripture. Scholarship that is not growing is dying.  As information is discovered and updated, it is our responsibility to update our information too. Consider archaeology. Much work has been done over the past few decades that clarifies Ancient Near Eastern culture and history. If we only rely on 1970’s archaeology, our understanding will be off-track and possibly incorrect. Each and every Christian is responsible to pursue a clear up-to-date understanding of findings related to the Bible.  Thus our congregations will be able to answer the criticisms of the non-believing communities around us.

There are well-educated people who force their ideas into the Bible; this is not true Biblical scholarship but arrogance instead. God’s people must be humble students of the Word. No matter how much we learn, our opinions do not matter. God’s opinions do.  The purpose of growing in scholarship is to understand God better not to look smarter to others. We must be “sober in all things.” Keeping a clear head is necessary. If our minds are so full of God’s Word that we seek His will in all things, the world’s allure will not tempt us as easily.

Biblical scholarship is not only for those in academia but for every Christian. It should lead us to a growing love for God and His people. It should help us to serve God better because we will understand more about who He is. This understanding does not have to lead to arrogance as long as we use it to promote God and not ourselves. Failure to grow in our biblical knowledge could have dire consequences.

God's Firm Foundation- 2 Timothy 1 and 2, Ephesians 1, and Acts 2

Life’s challenges can shake anyone’s walk with God. To combat this, we must build our faith properly.

Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” -2 Timothy 2:19a

The foundation God provides for His people is solid and the seal is certain. According to 1 Corinthians 3:11, the foundation is Jesus. According to Ephesians 1:13, the seal is the Holy Spirit. Paul addresses a number of things that God used this immovable foundation to accomplish in 2 Timothy 1.

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, -2 Timothy 1:8-10

Through the gospel, God saved and rescued those who would be obedient to Him. We were given a purpose as well as grace through the sacrifice of Jesus.  Through the gospel story God eliminated death and shone a light on true life and immortality. The obstacles built by mankind’s sin were broken apart by God’s foundation. This enabled us to be sealed with His identifying mark, the Holy Spirit.

In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.

-Ephesians 1:13-14

When do we receive this seal? Peter answers this question on Pentecost.

Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. “For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” -Acts 2:38-39

God has provided forgiveness and the seal of the Holy Spirit so what is our responsibility as Christians? Eliminating sin in our lives so we can be useful to Him.

“Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.”

-2 Timothy 2:19b

God has given us a firm foundation so that we can stand strong no matter what life throws at us. He marked us as His at our cleansing. After all He has done for us, getting rid of sin in our lives is the least we can do!

Home is Where God Is- Revelation 21 and 22

A couple of weeks ago, Allie came to me and asked if there were any pictures of Heaven in the Bible. Scattered throughout scripture there are glimpses of our awaiting glory.

Read Revelation 21:10-21 aloud and picture John’s description of the New Jerusalem—costly stones, high walls, foundation stones inlaid with precious gems, gates inlaid with pearls. Simply put, Heaven is gorgeous. No matter our social standing now, we will play the role of George Jefferson and be “movin’ on up…to that deluxe apartment in the skies!”

There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him; they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign forever and ever.  -Revelation 22:3-5

Even better, God Himself will live among us and will be the only source needed for comfort, peace, renewal, and security.  Life is crazy busy sometimes with stress levels that never seem to drop. God promises His people that a time is coming when all the struggles, pain, separation, and death will be done away with. He will wipe away His people’s tears.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” -Revelation 21:3-4

This home is a result of the sacrifice of Jesus. His blood made reconciliation with God possible. Sin’s curse was because of man’s rebellion. Yet even as God assigned punishments, He announced His plan to fix the broken relationship with man. God wanted His people to be with Him for eternity.

In the Bible’s final chapter, we see the end result of God’s plan. The curse of sin will be no more. God and man will be together. God will provide everything we need. In the midst of all life’s struggles, our Creator and Sustainer provides us a picture to strengthen and encourages His people. This is a picture of Heaven. This is where we are meant to be—with Him.

Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city. -Revelation 22:14

Focus as a Good Soldier- 2 Timothy 2

As I sit down to write this article, numerous distractions present themselves. The dog is begging for some leftover bacon from breakfast, Allie is asking questions about her schoolwork, Tassie is busily working around the house, and my attention is divided between my wandering mind and an explosive headache. Today, focus is hard to maintain. Yet focus is what God calls us to as good soldiers of Christ.

Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. -2 Timothy 2:3-4

Unfocused soldiers are dangerous. During wartime, they risk disaster and death for themselves and their platoon. They are likely to get shot by not noticing the enemy. Christians are in a war against Satan. A distracted Christian is dangerous too.  They risk spiritual disaster for themselves and for their fellow soldiers (not to mention the lost they could have reached!). As an example, these Christians may be too focused on their position on the latest “hot topic” to focus on what God has to say.

Satan uses distractions from a variety of sources: family, job, sports, money, stress, etc. He wants to take our attention off Jesus. When this happens, we are more likely to give in to temptations that promise to make our lives “easier” or “more pleasant.” Temporary pleasures are never good reasons to compromise our faith. Athletes and farmers can’t afford to give into this temptation either.

Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules. The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. -2 Timothy 2:5-6

Just as a soldier must obey orders, an athlete must obey the rules of a competition. In the same way, a Christian must obey God’s word if they are going to remain pleasing to Him. Otherwise, they run the risk of being disqualified from their eternal prize. To combat this, the people of God need to be in His word daily, seeking to learn and grow to be more like Jesus. Paul points out this fact to Timothy.

Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned. For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. -2 Timothy 2:8-10

Jesus is like the commanding officer keeping His troops focused on the upcoming mission. He is like the coach preparing the athlete for the upcoming competition. Keeping Jesus in the forefront of our minds will aid us as life attempts to entangle us. Satan is sneaky. Our salvation and the salvation of others may depend on our ability to focus.

 

Transformed Not Conformed- Romans 12

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. -Romans 12:1-2

Have Christians been conformed to the world? The people of God are offended at the thought! After all, the church is supposed to be the “pillar and support” of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15). Do we stand for the truth or have we adopted the world’s outlook? Before simply dismissing the thought, consider this example.

Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. -Romans 12:16-18

How do we handle disagreements arising within the local congregation? Unity is what is called for. How do we see fellow Christians? Paul says that we should not think too highly of ourselves. How do we treat the poor? Biblically, we should spend time with them. What do we do when people take advantage of us? God tells us not too seek revenge. How do we define “right?” Our definition should be God’s definition. How do we deal with people when problems arise? Peacemakers are called sons of God (Matthew 5:9).

Paul calls the church to unity, humility, forgiveness, and peace. The church should aim for these attitudes daily. In contrast, the world has fallen victim to Satan’s reading.

Be of the same mind toward one another as long as everyone agrees with you; humility is for the weak, there is no need to waste your time with the lowly. You are as wise as you think you are. Treat people the way they treat you. Respect those who respect you. If possible, so far as it depends on others, be at peace with all men.* 

Unfortunately, the church often agrees with the world’s selective and alternate reading of Scripture. This conformity needs to stop. It is imperative that we seek to do God’s will in every situation. The beginning of a new year is when people resolve to do better. Christians must decide to be transformed into the living, holy sacrifices God wants us to be. Conformity does not please God. Christ died to free us from the patterns of the world, opening the door for something far better—a peaceful, repaired relationship with God (Ephesians 2:11-16). Let the transformation begin!

-Kevin W. Smith

*Romans 12:16-18 rewritten from Satan’s viewpoint.

Christmas and the Promised Savior- Isaiah 7 and 9

The Christmas holidays are hectic. Shopping, decorating, traveling, baking and preparing for parties are staples within the American culture. It is also a time when an increasingly God-less society turns its attention to the Savior for a brief time. Instead of taking this opportunity to discuss the amazing miracle of Jesus’ conception and birth, too often we focus on “educating” the general public on the fact that Jesus was not born on December 25. Shouldn’t we praise God for His faithfulness and creativity in the fulfillment of a series of ancient promises? What a wasted opportunity!

For example, in the midst of an attempted siege, Isaiah the prophet foretold of God’s plan to not only rescue Jerusalem but to bring about the miraculous birth of the Savior.

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel. -Isaiah 7:14

This virgin would give birth to “Immanuel” which means “God with us.” God would be with His people like never before, walking as one of them. Two chapters later, Isaiah describes what the promised child would accomplish.

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them.You shall multiply the nation, You shall increase their gladness; they will be glad in Your presence as with the gladness of harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. For You shall break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, as at the battle of Midian. For every boot of the booted warrior in the battle tumult, and cloak rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire. For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.

-Isaiah 9:2-7

God sent Jesus, “Immanuel,” to bring hope, direction and great joy to a downtrodden, abused people. He would establish a new Kingdom built upon justice and righteousness. This Jesus would be unlike any ruler before Him. After all, Jesus was no ordinary or even extraordinary man. He was God Himself.

Was Jesus born on December 25? Probably not. Does it matter? Probably not. It does not change what God promised and later fulfilled in bringing our Savior to earth. It does not change the way God chose to work His plan. During this time of celebration, when even this increasingly pagan society pauses to remember Jesus, let us take the time to celebrate with them in hopes of having an opportunity to really introduce them to God. Even if that opportunity does not come, Christians have the added bonus of praising the Creator for His faithfulness and creativity in sending Jesus.

Confident Faith- 2 Timothy 1

Life is challenging to say the least. Our courage and even our faith can be rocked when we or those we love are called to suffer for the gospel. However, our confidence in Jesus can serve as a mighty stalwart aiding us whenever struggles come calling. The Apostle Paul confronts this issue in 2 Timothy, beginning with the young evangelist’s roots.

For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well. For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,  -2 Timothy 1:5-8

When it came to Jesus, Lois and Eunice were apparently confident and convinced. After all, they passed their faith down to Timothy. Paul encourages Timothy to have this same confidence and faithful conviction by telling him that God has not given His people a spirit of timidity. Paul uses the word δειλια (deilia) which can also be translated “cowardice.” God has not made us cowards, but given us a bold, powerful Spirit to help Christians deal with whatever suffering and challenges surface.

who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel…For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. -2 Timothy 1:9-10, 12

Paul’s confidence is based on who God is and what He accomplished through Jesus, not on his own ability or standing. After all, he is in a Roman prison as he writes this! For His own purpose, God has granted us grace; His Son has abolished death, illuminated life and offered immortality. Paul wants Timothy to know his confidence is based on Jesus and His competency to safeguard what Paul has entrusted to Him.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).  He has not changed since Paul declared confidence in His power and ability. Christians today have the same Spirit of power lodging inside them. We are capable of standing firm in our faith through sufferings and challenges as long as Jesus is the stalwart we are holding on to.

 

Standing in God's way-Jonah and Romans 5

On their own, people do not change. Everyone is broken, riddled with sin and rebellion. Yet God wants to see mankind restored to a good relationship with Him. Sometimes His people stand in the way of His Will. Jonah did…or at least tried to.

The word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh the great city and cry against it, for their wickedness has come up before Me.” But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. So he went down to Joppa, found a ship which was going to Tarshish, paid the fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. -Jonah 1:1-3

Jonah was not suffering from the Bugs Bunny syndrome! You know, always needing to take the left turn at Albuquerque. Jonah was running the other direction because he HATED the Assyrians. After all, Assyria was the most powerful nation at the time and constantly a thorn in Israel’s side. Jonah’s nationalism and hatred were getting in the way of his obedience to God. He even admits this to God after Ninevah repents!

He prayed to the LORD and said, “Please LORD, was not this what I said while I was still in my own country? Therefore in order to forestall this I fled to Tarshish, for I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, and one who relents concerning calamity.” -Jonah 4:2

Through all the disobedience and rebellion, God still took care of His wayward prophet. First God provided a great fish to save Jonah from drowning. Then He provided a large plant for shade to keep Jonah from roasting.

God gives His people hard tasks today—talking to and serving people we do not deem worthy of His saving message. Doing God’s Will in these moments can make Christians uncomfortable (at the very least) or defiant. God has not changed. His Words to Jonah still echo today.

Should I not have compassion on Nineveh, the great city in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know the difference between their right and left hand, as well as many animals? -Jonah 4:11

After all, God has gone to great measures to restore a relationship between mankind and Himself.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while 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 this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. -Romans 5:8-11

If God was willing to go to such lengths to save a sin-riddled, rebellious race, do His people have any right to stand in His way? Jonah thought so. It didn’t work out too well for him though!

God's Covenant Faithfulness- Psalm 136, 1 Timothy 6, John 1, Romans 6, and Philippians 3

The God worshiped in the Old Testament is the same God worshiped today.  Worshipping our Creator cannot be divorced from His identity and power.

In Psalm 136, the writer addresses God’s goodness (1), superiority (2-3, 26), creative power (4-9), deliverance (10-20), and provision (21-25).  The worship of our Creator is far too important for our checklists.  After all, the God that the psalmist lauds for His superiority is the same God who reigns today.

He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen. -1 Timothy 6:15b-16

The God that the psalmist lauded for His creative power and ability is the same God Christians worship today.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.

-John 1:1-3

The God that was praised for His power to deliver His people is the same God who has delivered Christians from the bondage of sin.

But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. -Romans 6:22-23

The God exalted for His faithful providing is the same God providing Christians a home in Heaven and an eternal inheritance.

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself. -Philippians 3:20-21

Psalm 136 is often referred to as a “responsive” psalm. The speaker would read a line and the people would then respond with the preset line:

For His lovingkindness is everlasting;

Repeating this line caused the people to remember how God has worked throughout Israel’s life. The word translated “lovingkindness” is the Hebrew word Hesed which carries a meaning of “covenant faithfulness.” The people’s portion of the Psalm refocused them on the most crucial reason they had to praise God-His meticulous care in keeping His part of the bargain.

The God that the psalmist lauds is the same God who reigns today.  With a God like this, Christians truly have a reason to be thankful.  Yet, He is far too important simply to be checked off.  He deserves to be actively praised as we remember His covenant faithfulness even today.

Additions, Subtractions, and Sharpening- 2 Peter 1, Ephesians 4, and Proverbs 27

Since we are from the South and lived without a car from February 2006-June 2014, moving to Wyoming brought new and interesting challenges. To counter the new challenges of snow driving as well as the wind, we have needed to add new skills to our repertoire. A Christian’s spiritual life is no different. New behaviors and skills must be added while others must be strengthened to be more pleasing to God.

Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. -2 Peter 1:5-7

Peter tells Christians to be serious about specific additions to their lives. By extension though, he also addresses subtractions that must be made. For example, if a person is adding knowledge of Scripture and God’s will to their lives, they are subtracting ignorance. If they are adding self-control, they are eliminating a lack of restraint. Peter goes on to tell his readers these qualities are not optional if we truly want to prove useful and grateful for what Christ has done for us.

For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. -2 Peter 1:8-9

The altered skills and behaviors are meant to make God’s people useful to Him. By adding these things, we reflect the glory of God to the world around us. Don’t want to change? Peter says you are blind and short-sighted regarding the sacrifice of Jesus.

Change is tough. God wants to help us. To do so, He has given us each other.

And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. -Ephesians 4:11-13

God aids us in building up the body of Christ. Paul specifically mentions evangelists, elders, and teachers. These evangelists and teachers are not necessarily in a classroom or pulpit. Instead these are people who are more spiritually mature who can guide us in our walk with Jesus. They can offer good advice because they have lived the Christian life longer. Because of them, our faith and understanding of God is strengthened. We become more faithfully mature.

Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. -Proverbs 27:17

As 2015 is quickly coming to a close, let’s reevaluate our lives. What changes need to be made to make us what God wants us to be? How can we help our Christian family make the additions that will make them useful to God? Let the sharpening begin!

Bulletin Article- Shadows of a Greater Deliverance- Exodus 12, Luke 22, and Galatians 3

Shadows are one of God’s favorite tools throughout the Old Testament. These served to help His people understand what He would do later.

For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near. -Hebrews 10:1

The Passover served as the greatest shadow of God’s plan to ultimately redeem His people from sin and death.

For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the LORD will pass over the door and will not allow the destroyer to come in to your houses to smite you. And you shall observe this event as an ordinance for you and your children forever. When you enter the land which the LORD will give you, as He has promised, you shall observe this rite. -Exodus 12:23-25

God told the people they would be saved from the destroyer through their obedience. Blood on the doorposts meant salvation. Lack thereof meant death. Just as the Passover meal was meant to spark memories of what God had done for the Israelites, Christians have been left a memorial feast lest we forget the event the Passover shadowed.

And He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He said, “Take this and share it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes.” And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.” -Luke 22:15-20

The Passover was observed yearly. It represented the historical moment when God redeemed His people. In a similar but more frequent fashion, the Lord Supper is observed as Christians remember the historical moment when the sacrifice of Jesus first brought salvation to those who obediently place the blood of Christ on our hearts in baptism.

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.

-Galatians 3:26-29

Neither Timid Nor Ashamed- 2 Timothy 1

One skit our group did during our campaigns in England was “The Bus.” During this play, an elderly woman notices a young man with a hymnal on his lap on his way to church. The lady takes the book, flips to various songs and sings some of the lines loudly while the young song leader sinks lower in his seat. The last song she flips to is I Am Not Ashamed to Own My Lord. She sings a couple of lines and asks if the young man knows this song. After he affirmed that he did, she closes the book and hits him with it exclaiming, “Then act like it you lush!”

How we view our faith in Jesus matters. Do we seek to hide our Christianity from our coworkers, friends, and family? Does our faith only come out 1 day per week for 2-4 hours? Are we ashamed of our Savior or afraid to be known as His? Fear is nothing new.

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. -2 Timothy 1:7

Timidity is too nice a word. Paul’s actual word here is better translated “cowardice.” God has not made us cowards! Instead He has given Christians the gift of the Holy Spirit who gives us power, love, and discipline. This new Spirit is a result of our baptism. This, Paul wants Timothy to realize, should make Christians bold.

Unfortunately, sometimes fear is not the only problem. Often fear is mingled with shame.

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, -2 Timothy 1:8-10

Considering what Jesus has done for Christians, there is no reason to be ashamed of calling Him our Lord. God has saved us from the eternal damnation that we had earned because of our sins. God has called us into His purpose, granting us grace. We are blessed to be able to proclaim this message to others. God wants them to come into the grace and salvation He has given to Christians.

God’s blessing through Christ does not stop there. He abolished death. This abolishing is not cancellation of death, but rather something more intriguing. The translation of this particular phrase is that God made death powerless. He removed it’s fangs! Death no longer carries the force it once carried for Christians. Mankind still faces a physical death, a separation from our physical bodies and this world. What God’s people have been freed from is spiritual death, a separation from Him for eternity.

These promises should lead us to be fearless in the face of whatever persecution may come it’s way: political, career, or physical. These promises should make the church proud of who we belong to and the message God has given us to proclaim.

For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.  -2 Timothy 1:12

Bulletin Article- Crazy, Busy Service- Matthew 14

I have a set routine so I can make sure I get everything done without dropping one of the many balls I have in midair. Some weeks though are like trying to work a jigsaw puzzle with my time. This past week was a routine-busting challenge as I attempted to keep my regular duties and activities from crashing in a heap when unexpected things popped up. Those types of weeks are exhilarating, maddening, and exhausting all rolled together. Jesus had a few of these too. One was particularly memorable.

Now when Jesus heard about John, He withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by Himself; and when the people heard of this, they followed Him on foot from the cities. When He went ashore, He saw a large crowd,

-Matthew 14:13-14a

John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin and forerunner, had been beheaded by King Herod after Herod made a very foolish oath to Herodias’ daughter. All Jesus wanted to do was be alone with His disciples, probably to mourn. The crowd had other plans. Jesus’ response was simply amazing.

and [Jesus] felt compassion for them and healed their sick. -Matthew 14:14b

There was no attempt to hide, no trying to turn them away, no loss of temper. Exhausted with grief, Jesus focused on others. Mark 6:34 adds that Jesus also taught the crowd during this time. This was no 5-minute encounter. It lasted until evening when the disciples tried to persuade Jesus to send the crowd away to food. Instead of complying, sighing, and waving good-bye while they all exit, Jesus performs one of the most well-known miracles of His earthly career. He fed 5,000 men and an undisclosed number of women and children with 5-loaves of bread and 2-fish! There was so much food provided in this miracle that the disciples picked up 12-baskets full of leftovers.

After all was said and done, Jesus finally got the peace and quiet He was seeking, and He used it to spend time with the Father.

Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. -Matthew 14:22-23

The miracle alone was unfathomably astounding. However, when we consider the context surrounding the event, it becomes infinitely more impressive. Bad, busy, crazy days happen. This certainly qualified as such. Not many would have faulted Jesus for turning the crowd away. Yet God granted Him the strength, both during and afterward, to serve in the midst of all the craziness and sorrow.

The next time things just do not shape up the way we planned, we need to respond like our Savior, compassionately seeking to honor God through placing others before ourselves. God can and will help us through whatever the world throws at us.