Chosen…

Chosen…

For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His people, His treasured possession. ~ Deuteronomy 7:6

What does it mean to be “chosen”? The Oxford Dictionary defines the verb this way: “Having been selected as the best or most appropriate.” Notice that the word indicates past tense. Chosen is an action that has already taken place. The Collins Dictionary states the adjective means: “Picked out by preference.” Further, Vocabulary.com defines the noun as “One who is the object of choice; who is given preference.” I especially like the Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition: “One who is the object of choice or divine favor – an elect person; one who selected or marked for favor or special privilege.”

From the beginning, Scripture informs us of this theological concept of divine election:

Genesis 6:7-8 (NIV)

So, the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.” But Noah found favor (grace) in the eyes of the Lord.

Genesis 18:18-19 (NIV)

Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him. For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what He has promised him.

Throughout the Old and New Testaments, we see that God chose certain individuals to accomplish His purposes for His creation. And because God is omniscient, knowing the end from the beginning, His elect were ordained before the creation of the world. As Paul affirmed: “For He (God) chose us in Him (Christ Jesus) before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will— to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves. (Ephesians 1:4-6)

In this biblical context, I ask again, “Do we as believers truly understand the implications and significance of being chosen by God?” Is not the thought of being chosen by God for redemption and eternal salvation one of miraculous wonder? As I mediated on this reality this morning, I became overwhelmed in my heart. To understand that we are “chosen” by the Creator brought a deep, reverential fear to my soul. While I felt immense gratitude and praised the Lord for His unmerited kindness and grace; I realized the gravity of responsibility that election brings with it….

When I was a child and played outdoors with my neighborhood friends, we would gather to play a game of baseball, basketball, or football. The best players would be team leaders, and they would choose other players for their teams. I would be anxious because I was not usually selected first, second, or even third round. Still, I would be chosen for a team. I can remember how desperately I wanted to make a big play, score points, or otherwise prove my ability to contribute to our success … to demonstrate worthiness for my selection … to be the winner at the end of the game.

This morning, I was confronted with the same conviction during my prayer time. The God of the Universe had chosen me to be on His team … to bring and use the talents that He sovereignly gifted me for this life, and to contribute those talents in such a way as to do His will on earth as it is done in heaven. Indeed, “For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” (Romans 8:29) Needless to say, I was filled with tears of regret and remorse. Father God often wanted to put me in the game, but too often I was content to sit on the bench. Lord Jesus, I pray you would forgive me this wrong….

1 Peter 1:1-2 (NIV)

To God’s elect … who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with His blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

1 Peter 2:9-10 (NIV)

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

My friends, I pray that we will reflect deeper on our election. We were chosen for an ordained purpose – to commit our lives to His service and to fulfill our individual roles in the Kingdom of God. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10) Therefore, let us be even more diligent to make our calling and election sure. (2 Peter 1:10) Yes, we have graciously been chosen for eternal redemption; and our Father has ordained that we should serve Him with our whole being. Amen.

1 John 4:9-11 (NKJV)

In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the atonement for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

Have a Blessed Day!

Great…

Great…

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love for us, made us alive together with Christ even when we were dead in trespasses – it is by grace you have been saved… ~ Ephesians 2:4-5

In 1984, Whitney Houston recorded a popular song that became a huge success in her music career. Entitled Greatest Love of All, the song extols the importance of self-worth – proclaiming that “learning to love yourself … is the greatest love of all.” And while there can be merit in affirming ourselves as humans because we are made in the image of God, I do not believe that self-love is the greatest love of all.

There is something far more profound that Jesus taught; and it should impact our thinking in this regard. He said, “Greater love has no man than this – that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) Indeed, before Jesus even made this statement, we read these words:

John 15:9-12 (ESV)

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

Jesus asserted there is no greater love than self-sacrifice! And this is the indescribable depth of love that He demonstrated to us … a love of far greater worth than our minds can conceive! Paul, inspired by the greatest love of all, reflects on the words of Jesus:

Romans 5:6-11 (NIV)

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Think about what John wrote – his words of great encouragement through the message of the cross:

1 John 4:9-11 (NIV)

This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

My friends, the greatest love of all will not be found inwardly; rather, learning the love of God through His Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is the greatest pursuit you or I could ever embark upon. The Scriptures often declare the great love of God for those who fear Him – reminding us that His great love is higher than the heavens, and that His faithfulness reaches to the skies and endures forever. (Psalm 57:10) Yes, I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. (Psalm 89:1) This I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness! (Lamentations 3:21-23)

Have a Blessed Day!

Consider…

Consider…

But be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you. ~ 1 Samuel 12:24

The Word of the Lord came to Ezekiel: “Son of man, how is the wood of a vine different from that of a branch from any of the trees in the forest?” (Ezekiel 15:1) It is an interesting question to consider given that the nation of Israel was viewed as the vineyard of the Lord Almighty, and the people of Judah His delighted vines. (Cf. Isaiah 5:7) So, is there anything different about the composition of the wood in a vine than that of a tree?

I believe there is only one thing that distinguishes the vine from the tree. What makes believers different from world is the kindness and grace of God Himself. There is nothing different in our own nature than any other woody plant. But God, who is rich in mercy, uprooted us from the world and made us alive with Christ. (Ephesians 2:1-5) He cultivated the soil of our hearts; planted the seed of His Word; and nurtured us into a productive, fruitful vine. Jesus affirmed this familiar metaphor when He declared: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.” (John 15:1) He said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

Are you humbled by these words? Do you ever take time to consider what your life might have been had God not redeemed you from the forest of this world and planted you in His vineyard? What would you be without the life-giving sap of God flowing within you? Would you be able to bear any fruit if the Holy Spirit were not abiding in you? Take a moment to look back on who you once were. Consider what you would have been had the grace of God not encountered you and brought you to the true vine. “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” (1 Corinthians 4:7)

My friend, let us remember the days of long ago; meditate on all the works of God, and consider what His mighty hand has done for those who believe. (Psalm 145:5) “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:8-10) Indeed, there is no place for pride to be rooted in our hearts; rather, let us consider with deep humility that our names have been written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. (Revelation 21:27) Amen.

Have a Blessed Day!

Grace…

Grace…

The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. Out of His fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:14, 16-17)

The Apostle John had great insight and wisdom into the deep significance of the Son of God … His origin in eternity past; His intimate relationship with the Father; and the ordained purpose for which He was sent into the world. The grace of the Law given through Moses was sufficient; and yet, a greater grace was sent from heaven to be received in faith by those who believe. As Paul articulated: “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. (Cf. Romans 5:1-2)

The grace of God is rooted in His Being. It is just as inherent as His great compassion, His unfailing love, and His enduring mercy. His utmost purpose from the beginning has been for us, His treasured possession, to experience the delight of His goodness and love; to abide in His glorious presence through intimate fellowship; and to walk in the beauty of holiness just as He is holy. It is apparent that grace has been integral to the plan of God to see the desires of His heart come to pass. “For if righteousness could be gained through the Law, then Christ Jesus died for nothing.” (Cf. Galatians 2:21)

Our Lord Jesus is the expressed grace of God! As Paul explained: “Because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:4-9)

My friends, “God has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done, but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior. (2 Timothy 1:9-10) Therefore, I urge us all to embrace the fullness of His grace! For His grace is more than sufficient for us! His power is made perfect in our weakness!” (Cf. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

Have a Blessed Day!

Created in Christ Jesus…

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Our Verse of the Day is one that I often quote in our studies and commentaries. I believe its revelation of purpose for our lives remains true and unchanged. It is a straightforward declaration that forms a framework in which to view our lives in the light of the transforming message of the Gospel. Let’s look closer at the context:

Ephesians 2:1-10 (NIV)

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh (sinful nature) and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But God, because of His great love for us, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

When Paul uses the phrase “we are God’s handiwork” (also translated workmanship), I think he is referring to His loved-filled power to make us alive in Christ … to become new creations in Him. As Jesus explained, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So, it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” (Cf. John 3:5-8) And Paul affirmed, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (Cf. 2 Corinthians 5:17) And, “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.” (Cf. Galatians 6:15) In other words, it is not about what or who you were before you came to faith in Christ Jesus, it is about the new creation you have become through faith in Him … and that is not of yourself. It is the gift of God!

Yes, in Christ we are spiritual creations … the workmanship of God the Father; and He has ordained for our identities to formed apart from our physical characteristics … our ethnicities … our biological determinants … or our social status. “So, in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Cf. Galatians 3:26-28) Indeed, in Christ Jesus we have received new identities as united members of His Body. We have been gifted and equipped to serve and minister to others; yes, we are saved to serve and to do those good works which God prepared in advance for us to do. I truly believe this is how we should view ourselves … and submit ourselves to God and to one another. As Paul expounded:

Romans 12:1-8 (NIV)

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ²Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

My friends, it is my prayer that we will always remember our salvation through faith in Jesus is a precious gift of grace. We have been saved to serve! This is our identity as new creations, and we are inseparable from the Father who created us in His own image. That image is manifested in His Son, Jesus, because He is the exact representation of the Father. (Cf. Hebrews 1:3) As Jesus told Philip, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” (Cf. John 14:9) Indeed, let us remember that whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did. (Cf. 1 John 2:6)

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. ~ Ephesians 4:22-24

Honor God With Your Body

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.

Our Verse of the Day presents an important concept for us to understand regarding our walk of faith in Christ Jesus. The call to holiness in our lives is the spiritual expectation of a “new creature”. In John 3, Jesus spoke about the requirement to be born-again … born of the Spirit … in order to see the Kingdom of God. In our verse, Paul develops this prerequisite further for us and expounds on its implications. Although the immediate context is focused on sexual immorality, the broader application is admonishment against all unrighteous behavior in our lives. We have received redemption through the blood of Christ, and it was confirmed by His resurrection from the dead. When we understand and embraced what God has done for us in Christ, it follows that we would seek to thank and honor God with our bodies and souls … with our very beings. Let’s break down our verse for additional perspective:

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?

We can only receive the Spirit of God when we receive Jesus and put our faith in Him as Lord and Savior of our lives. There is no other mechanism for His presence to indwell you … to abide inside your being … except that you abide in Him through faith. Consider that Jesus affirmed we must be born of water and the Spirit or we cannot enter the Kingdom of God. (Cf. John 3:5) Further, Jesus promised us the gift of the Holy Spirit when He assured the disciples: “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of Truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. (Cf. John 14:15-18)

You are not your own; you were bought at a price.

We were purchased by God. The payment was the atoning sacrifice of His One and Only Son – Jesus. He offered up His life in order to redeem us from condemnation and eternal separation from God. There was not anything we did to deserve it or earn it. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Cf. Romans 3:23) But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Cf. Romans 5:8) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. (Cf. Ephesians 2:8) When we realize that we are not our own … that God created us and gave us His commands for life to the fullest … and then forgave the rebellion of our sinful hearts so that we would not be condemned forever; I think then we will attain the power to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ! The price of redemption is beyond our ability to conceive! So, I join with Paul in his prayer:

Ephesians 3:16-19 (NIV)

¹⁶I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Therefore, honor God with your bodies.

This is the bottom line of our faith in action here upon the earth. We are to honor God with our bodies – the ones He fashioned and gave us as gifts and breathed life into – so that we might live in step with His Holy Spirit in our inner beings. Paul urged, “In view of God’s mercy, we should offer our bodies as living sacrifices; holy and pleasing to God – for this is our true and proper worship.” (Cf. Romans 12:1) And, “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like unbelievers, who do not know God.” (Cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)

I think Paul does a great job explaining this concept of the indwelling Spirit and His purposeful work within us, so I have reprinted a couple of passages for our consideration here:

Romans 8:1-14 (NIV)

¹Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, ²because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set us free from the law of sin and death. ³For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so, He condemned sin in the flesh, ⁴in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. ⁵Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. ⁶The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. ⁷The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. ⁸Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. ⁹You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. ¹⁰But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. ¹¹And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you. ¹²Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. ¹³For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. ¹⁴For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.

Galatians 5:16-25 (NIV)

¹⁶So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. ¹⁷For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. ¹⁸But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. ¹⁹The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;²⁰idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions ²¹and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the Kingdom of God. ²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.²⁴Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

I think the above passages explain why we are called to live by the Spirit and to put to death the works of the sinful human nature. Though we know that there is a great and ongoing conflict between our flesh and our spirit, Paul brings an interesting perspective on this fight when he asserts: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Cf. Ephesians 6:12) Indeed, we need the spiritual armor of God to prepare and protect ourselves in this battle … and having done all … to stand (persevere) through faith. The role of the Holy Spirit is to guide us into the Truth. What He receives from the Father and the Son is imparted to us. (Cf. John 16:13) Why? So that we will be instructed and directed into a life of holiness … to be conformed to the image of Jesus. Spiritual holiness is manifested through our bodies … how we live! And as John informed us: “This is how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.” (Cf. 1 John 2:6)

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” ~ 1 Peter 1:14-16

No More Condemnation…

John 3:17 (NIV)

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.

Our Verse of the Day is perhaps the greatest news we could share with anyone who is struggling with their past failures and feeling unworthy of the redemption and reconciliation Father God has offered to the world through Jesus Christ! Self-condemnation can be a vicious stronghold to break if our concept of a God is one of judgment and wrath alone. To be sure, Scripture reveals both the judgment and wrath of God … but both are reserved for those who reject Christ Jesus and do not place their faith in Him. Indeed, this verse declares the kindness and love of God so that each person is given the opportunity to repent of their sins and failures. Let’s look at this verse in the surrounding context:

John 3:16-21 (NIV)

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

God sent Jesus to be the atonement for the sins of the world. That is the purpose for which God gave Him to us. It is the atonement of His blood that we are to believe and receive … to place our faith in Him and to proclaim His self-sacrifice as all-sufficient to pay our sin debt and to redeem us from the condemnation of sin. Whoever believes in Him is no longer condemned! Believers have been set free … forgiven … released. Believers are no longer under the law of sin (Cf. Romans 7:23-25) … but now abide under the law of liberty! (Cf. James 1:25) So the application here is to believe! Believe the testimony of God regarding His Son whom He sent to be our Savior. “Or do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? (Cf. Romans 2:4) As the Apostle John expounded: when we reject the testimony of God about His Son, Jesus, we have in essence called God a liar….

1 John 5:9-12 (NIV)

We accept human testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which He has given about His Son. Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made Him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about His Son. And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

God does not want us to live under the weight of condemnation, but God has made it clear that each human must make their personal decision about Jesus. Believe and receive eternal life OR reject and remain in condemnation. God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Cf. Romans 5:8) A person is not condemned for what they have done … the sin they have committed … or their failure to live up to the moral law God has decreed; rather, a person remains under condemnation for rejection of God’s grace … for refusing the forgiveness and redemption He has offered to us through the death of His Son. Think about it a moment! God willingly sacrificed His One and Only Son for the sin of the world. Jesus is the only atonement God would accept because of His own holiness. The blood of an animal sacrifice is insufficient to purge sin. (Cf. Isaiah 1:11; Isaiah 66:1-4; Hebrews 10)

So, when a person rejects what God has done … what has God ordained for true life in Him … He allows that person to remain in condemnation because they refused to receive the propitiation provided on their behalf. When a person rejects Jesus Christ … they reject the Father as well. (Cf. John 5:22-24; 1 John 2:22-23) It is not a loving God that sends a person to hell; rather, it is a loving God who makes provision for a person to be saved from the condemnation and wrath of sin. That provision is His Son … Jesus! And this is the message that we who are ambassadors of Christ are called to share. As Paul asserted: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, that person is a new creation. The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” (Cf. 2 Corinthians 5:17-20)

Romans 8:1-10 (NIV)

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set us free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so, He condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.

Do you know anyone who feels condemned or has fallen into self-condemnation? Share this good news with them! God has made provision to remove all condemnation through Christ Jesus. Let condemnation be replaced with conviction! Yes, let conviction bring confession … so that we agree with God that His Word and righteous decrees are holy and just. Oh, there is hope for the sinner who feels condemned! There is freedom for the captive and the broken-hearted! For the kindness of God is intended to lead us to repentance! God sent His light into the world, and His light has overcome the darkness! (Cf. John 1:5) I pray we will share that light with whosoever will listen; and pray God will grant them the gift of repentance and bring them to a knowledge of the Truth….

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! Nor can the gift of God be compared with the result of one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. ~ Romans 5:15-19

Rejoicing Over You…

Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)

The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.

Our Verse of the Day is quite an intriguing verse for us to ponder. And, of course, we should examine it within the surrounding context, so I encourage you to read the entire chapter.

In Zephaniah 3, the prophet is dealing with the “character” of the city of Jerusalem, and its inhabitants in general. Even more pointed, he calls out the princes, judges, prophets, and priests – leaders of the people and exposes their hardness, impenitence, and shamelessness. The prophet indicates that these people knew better (the Lord being among them); who taught them through His Word and warned them of judgment and punishment through His Prophet if repentance did not ensue. Yet despite His attempts at correction; Jerusalem remained unrepentant, and God declared a day of wrath would come upon them. Yet, the prophet reveals the heart of God is to preserve those who fear Him … the remnant who trust in the name of the Lord … who clothe themselves in righteousness. When God gathers and restores His people, we see how compassionate God is with those who love Him … the excitement He “feels” for them … the grace He lavishes upon them … and the restoration He will initiate for all that was lost!

To me, this chapter (and this verse in particular) is a reflection of how God longs for His people to seek and respond to Him. God delights in our obedience more than sacrifice. (Cf. 1 Samuel 15:22) His commandments are intended for wisdom and light. His discipline is for our understanding and correction. His presence is for our protection; and His power is for our salvation! Think about how awesome the love of God is that He will rejoice over you with singing! Now consider some related parables that Jesus taught:

Luke 15:1-7 (NIV) Parable of the Lost Sheep

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Luke 15:8-10 (NIV) Parable of the Lost Coin

Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

Luke 15:17-31 (NIV) Parable of the Prodigal Son

When he came to his senses, the son said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So, he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So, they began to rejoice.

Throughout His Word, God affords us insight into His nature and character. God is holy; and He has ordained for us to be holy. His commandments communicate how sincere love is the standard. Yet, God is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness; and forgiving of the disobedience, rebellion, and sin committed against Him. God knows how we are formed and remembers that we are but dust. (Cf. Psalm 103:14) He knows we are imperfect, but His desire is that we would but turn our hearts toward Him and respond to correction. This is the message God has sent to His people through all generations; and in these last days, He offers this grace to those who will place their faith in Christ Jesus – His Son … the One whom He sent! Every prodigal … every wayward sheep … needs to know the Father will rejoice over them when they return to Him. Jesus said, “The Son of Man came to seek and to save that which is lost!” (Cf. Luke 19:10) And that purpose has not changed! The will of the Father has not changed. Jesus has commissioned His Church to be His Body upon the earth. He charges every disciple … every follower … to “go and make disciples of all nations.” (Cf. Matthew 28:19)

My friends, I pray that as we meditate upon the Word of God brought to us by the Prophet Zephaniah, we will see its relevance in historical terms and its application for us today. God rejoices over those who respond to His correction. He delights in those who repent and place their trust in the name of the Lord. Indeed, the Father is concerned for each lost soul He sent Jesus to find and save! In Zephaniah 3, I believe we can see a picture of Jesus – who has taken away our punishment and turned back our enemy. We can see that Jesus is for us; and we should no longer fear the surrounding armies or forces of darkness. Jesus is our light! He is our Savior … the Mighty Warrior who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of God. (Cf. Hebrews 12:2) In His love, the Father will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing when you accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Selah.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? ~ Romans 8:31-35

A Man on a Mission

Luke 19:10 (NIV)

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

In our Verse of the Day, Luke records for us a concise, one sentence mission statement. Jesus understood and made the purpose of His mission clear: “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” And we, as born-again believers, are the evidence of His successful mission … a mission that was completed through His life, death, and resurrection! Indeed, the great news is that He found us and we are secure in Him! As we studied before: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” (Cf. John 10:27-29)

But the message of the mission Jesus began did not end with His ascension into heaven. No, Jesus ordained that His disciples … His followers … His sheep should continue the mission:

Matthew 28:16-20 (NIV)

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Acts 1:6-9 (NIV)

Then they gathered around Jesus and asked Him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After Jesus said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight.

My friends, as believers we too have been commissioned to witness not only with spoken words but with actions that demonstrate our sincere love for others. In this matter, Paul urges us “to live a life worthy of the calling you have received; to be completely humble and gentle; to be patient, and to bearing with one another in love. We are to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Cf. Ephesians 4:1-3) Paul further instructs us to speak the truth in love so that we will grow together to form a mature Body of Christ on earth. (Cf. Ephesians 4:15-16) These are powerful thoughts for our consideration; and I hope they stir each of us to be intentional today in our desire to fulfill and accomplish the mission statement of our Lord Jesus. He has sent us to seek and to direct the lost to Him for salvation; and I pray we will follow His lead each day. Amen.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Citing Isaiah 52:7) But not all the Israelites accepted the Good News. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” (Citing Isaiah 53:1) Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. ~ Romans 10:14-17

Grace Has Appeared…

Titus 2:11-12 (NIV)

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age….

Our Verse of the Day illuminates the reason for the First Advent … the purpose of His “appearing”. FOR THE GRACE OF GOD HAS APPEARED! Yes, it has already happened! Jesus, the grace of God, has already come. There is no other Messiah … nor ever will be. The Holy One of Israel … the Son of God has appeared already. And what does this grace of God teach us? His grace teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age…. Notice that these “lessons” are responses to the work God initiated for us. Let’s put our verse in its context:

Titus 2 (NASB) – Paul Addressing Titus

¹But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. ²Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in steadfastness. ³Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, ⁴so that they may train the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, ⁵to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored. ⁶Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; ⁷in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with soundness in doctrine, dignified, ⁸sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us. ⁹Urge bondservants (employees) to be subject to their own masters (superiors) in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, ¹⁰not stealing, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect. ¹¹For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all mankind, ¹²instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, ¹³looking for the blessed hope and the (second) appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, ¹⁴who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good works. ¹⁵These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

From the context we can readily see that the grace of God through Jesus Christ is bringing salvation AND it is teaching or instructing us in the righteous conduct for our response to His appearing. Verse 11, it seems to me, is a summary of all the “instructions” in godly conduct written before it in the prior verses. Our change of conduct … our change of disposition is what the instruction envisions in practical terms when a person is born of the Spirit and becomes a “new creation” in Christ. Behold, the old has gone … the new has come! So, I encourage each of us to look at these instructions … and to self-check our conduct to see if it conforms to the “sound doctrine” outlined for us here. And this brings to mind Paul’s exhortation when dealing with sinful misconduct in the Corinthian church. He challenged: “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” (Cf. 2 Corinthians 13:5)

My friends, we need to exercise self-control in our lives; and our self-discipline should be driven by a spirit aligned and submitted to the Holy Spirit. When we are diligent in our intimate time with Jesus Christ, He will show us the truth within our hearts, and His Spirit will guide us into repentance and correction of what He reveals. But this process requires submission … a willing spirit and self-discipline.

As we move forward with our corporate “Daniel Fast” this month, I pray that its self-imposed physical discipline will awaken His call for spiritual discipline within us. If we are to be ministers to those in need of healing and deliverance, we need to live out the response to the Gospel ourselves in spirit and in truth. As Paul admonished: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Cf. Romans 12:1-2)