This week's question is timely. "Why is it taking so long for Jesus to return?"
I am sure in the wake of the events of this past Friday in Newtown, CT more of us are asking that same question today. During advent we traditionally look backward and forward. We look back to imagine what it was like for God's people to await the coming of the Messiah, and we look forward as we realize that we too are waiting for Jesus to come back and make all things new. So this is a particularly good question during advent.
In order to explore the dimensions of this question, I invite you to read 2 Peter 3:1-18.
(Read 2 Peter 3:1-18)
The first thing we notice as we read through this chapter is that our question is not new. Even Peter's contemporaries (who lived within 50 years after Jesus died, rose, and ascended) were wondering the same thing. So this question is an important one, and it comes out of the existential experiences of real life.
Peter's contemporaries were persecuted, and their friends mocked them because of their hope for Jesus' return (see verses 3-4), and I imagine they felt the same way we often do. So what should we do?
The Bible tells us two things in particular about the timing of the end of all things. First, "It is not for you to know the times or the dates the Father has set by His own authority." (Acts 1:7) Second, "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:14)
Now these might be less than satisfactory as answers, but it is all we can say because it is all God has said. Therefore, the question we must ask is this: "If it is not for us to know when, then what is it for us to know?"
Well, Acts 1:8 answers Acts 1:7 by telling us: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be My witnesses from Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
So our first response is to obey Jesus' call for us to be His witnesses.
And this is in line with Jesus' words in Matthew 24: "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world ... and then the end will come."
This does not mean we can force God's hand, and move up the timeline by working for these things to happen, but it does mean these things (preaching the gospel of the kingdom to all nations) should be our priority.
But how? How do we obey Jesus' call to be witnesses?
Peter answers that for us in 2 Peter 3. While he talks about the end, and the Lord's patience (see verses 8-9), and a day being like a thousand years to God and a thousand years like a day, he also offers instruction on how we should live as Christ's followers as we wait for His return.
"I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking." (2 Peter 3:1)
"Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live wholesome and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming." (11-12)
"So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with Him." (verse 14)
"Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen." (verses 17-18)
So you can see that Peter urges us to live godly and seek more of Jesus as we await His return, and as we do that, we will also see God transforming us into Jesus' likeness by the Holy Spirit's power so that we can become true witnesses in obedience to Jesus' call.
So what about you? Do you have anything to add? Please feel free to share your comments. I know this is a significant question, and it certainly deserves our time and attention as together we listen for God's voice in the midst of the noise that so often surrounds us. Thank you.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Monday, December 3, 2012
December 3, 2012 - Real Questions People Ask
In a document called "The Heidelberg Catechism" in Question and Answer 21, true faith is defined as: "not only a knowledge and conviction that everything God reveals in His word is true, it is also a deep-rooted assurance, created in me by the Holy Spirit through the gospel, that, out of sheer grace earned for us by Christ, not only others but I too have had my sins forgiven, have been made forever right with God, and have been granted salvation."
And the question I have, especially when it comes to today's topic, is what does it mean to have "a knowledge and conviction that everything God reveals in His word is true"? It seems the authors of the Heidelberg Catechism assume that definition of faith and move onto develop it into the source by which we receive God's salvation in Christ. But what they assume, I think we need to carefully consider.
Today's topic is a real question referred to me. "If the Bible's account of the creation of all things is true, then what do we do with dinosaurs and cavemen?"
In order to answer this question, we will have to deal carefully with what "God reveals" in His word.
(Read Genesis 1:1-2:3)
The first question we have to ask is: "What is God revealing in His word?"
Clearly God is revealing, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This is the indisputable fact revealed in Genesis 1. Everything else is less clear. In other words, the "Who" is very clear, the "When" is less so (In the beginning), and the "How" is framed in the language of poetry (e.g. Light is created on the first day, but the lesser light and greater light not until the 4th day).
So we need to think carefully about what exactly God is revealing and why, so that we do not speak beyond what God Himself has revealed to us.
What God is revealing is not framed in the language of science (i.e. "what about dinosaurs and cavemen?") In Genesis 1, God does not tell us precisely "how" He created all things. Yet science is concerned with learning "how", and so science studies God's creation to discover what God is revealing in and through His creation (what we call "general revelation"). This is appropriate and fitting to the nature of scientific discovery, and we should applaud these efforts because science discovers what God is revealing through His creation.
However, since "what" God is revealing in Genesis 1 is not framed in the language of science, (i.e. dinosaurs and cavemen) then we should not expect Genesis 1 to offer scientific answers. After all it is not God's intention to do so.
So what exactly IS God revealing in Genesis 1, and why?
As I said previously, God reveals that "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth". So now the question we must ask is "why" does God choose to reveal that truth in Genesis 1? This is not now the language of science, but the language of theology (a study of what we call "special revelation" which is what God reveals about Himself and His operations in the world in the Bible)
In theology, we see that Genesis 1 has a context. It speaks of "the beginning" but it does so to people who are many years removed from that significant creation event. Therefore, we must ask: "What did those people (the ones addressed many years after the creation event) need to know?"
They needed to know "why" they should worship their God, and not the gods of other nations. They needed to know that their God was greater, higher, and more powerful than all other so-called gods. Thus, in the language of poetry, the writer communicates the truth of the supremacy of God to the people who are called to worship Him and Him alone.
Other nations worship things (sun, moon, and stars for example), but God's people are called to worship God and God alone. The sun and moon had names (for example, chemosh was the name of the sun god in the Ancient Near East), and the nations around God's people worshiped them by name. In the Hebrew language "shemesh" is the name given to the sun. Yet in the creation account in Genesis 1, the author does not name the sun and moon, instead he calls them the "greater light" and "lesser light" (see verse 16). Why? It was because the author of Genesis 1, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wants God's people to know that the gods of the nations are nothing more than creations of the one true Almighty God; their God: Yahweh.
So in conclusion, we must be careful to think clearly about "what" God is revealing in His word and "why" so that we can best understand exactly what He wants us to know about Him and His operations in this world as He reveals them.
Hopefully this makes things a little clearer. I am sure there are objections and questions you want to share, so please do. Let's continue this conversation as we seek truth in the service of God and the advancement of Christ's reign here on earth.
And the question I have, especially when it comes to today's topic, is what does it mean to have "a knowledge and conviction that everything God reveals in His word is true"? It seems the authors of the Heidelberg Catechism assume that definition of faith and move onto develop it into the source by which we receive God's salvation in Christ. But what they assume, I think we need to carefully consider.
Today's topic is a real question referred to me. "If the Bible's account of the creation of all things is true, then what do we do with dinosaurs and cavemen?"
In order to answer this question, we will have to deal carefully with what "God reveals" in His word.
(Read Genesis 1:1-2:3)
The first question we have to ask is: "What is God revealing in His word?"
Clearly God is revealing, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This is the indisputable fact revealed in Genesis 1. Everything else is less clear. In other words, the "Who" is very clear, the "When" is less so (In the beginning), and the "How" is framed in the language of poetry (e.g. Light is created on the first day, but the lesser light and greater light not until the 4th day).
So we need to think carefully about what exactly God is revealing and why, so that we do not speak beyond what God Himself has revealed to us.
What God is revealing is not framed in the language of science (i.e. "what about dinosaurs and cavemen?") In Genesis 1, God does not tell us precisely "how" He created all things. Yet science is concerned with learning "how", and so science studies God's creation to discover what God is revealing in and through His creation (what we call "general revelation"). This is appropriate and fitting to the nature of scientific discovery, and we should applaud these efforts because science discovers what God is revealing through His creation.
However, since "what" God is revealing in Genesis 1 is not framed in the language of science, (i.e. dinosaurs and cavemen) then we should not expect Genesis 1 to offer scientific answers. After all it is not God's intention to do so.
So what exactly IS God revealing in Genesis 1, and why?
As I said previously, God reveals that "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth". So now the question we must ask is "why" does God choose to reveal that truth in Genesis 1? This is not now the language of science, but the language of theology (a study of what we call "special revelation" which is what God reveals about Himself and His operations in the world in the Bible)
In theology, we see that Genesis 1 has a context. It speaks of "the beginning" but it does so to people who are many years removed from that significant creation event. Therefore, we must ask: "What did those people (the ones addressed many years after the creation event) need to know?"
They needed to know "why" they should worship their God, and not the gods of other nations. They needed to know that their God was greater, higher, and more powerful than all other so-called gods. Thus, in the language of poetry, the writer communicates the truth of the supremacy of God to the people who are called to worship Him and Him alone.
Other nations worship things (sun, moon, and stars for example), but God's people are called to worship God and God alone. The sun and moon had names (for example, chemosh was the name of the sun god in the Ancient Near East), and the nations around God's people worshiped them by name. In the Hebrew language "shemesh" is the name given to the sun. Yet in the creation account in Genesis 1, the author does not name the sun and moon, instead he calls them the "greater light" and "lesser light" (see verse 16). Why? It was because the author of Genesis 1, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wants God's people to know that the gods of the nations are nothing more than creations of the one true Almighty God; their God: Yahweh.
So in conclusion, we must be careful to think clearly about "what" God is revealing in His word and "why" so that we can best understand exactly what He wants us to know about Him and His operations in this world as He reveals them.
Hopefully this makes things a little clearer. I am sure there are objections and questions you want to share, so please do. Let's continue this conversation as we seek truth in the service of God and the advancement of Christ's reign here on earth.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Going Deeper for the week of November 18, 2012
Today's topic involves "mystery". Now we should recognize that "mystery" is not so much a problem to be solved, as it is a greater reality to be appreciated. We should appreciate that God's ways are not our ways, and that His ways are beyond our ability to trace out.
So with this in mind, let's dive deep into the mystery of this week's reading.
(Read Romans 11:1-36)
It is very timely for us to discuss these things right now. This weekend attacks have occurred between Hamas in Palestine and the Israeli military. Unfortunately, many civilians on both sides of the "fence" have suffered loss. So it is of utmost importance that we embrace this mystery regarding the "remnant of Israel" even as we pray for peace in that region of God's world.
So clearly Paul says, "God did not reject His people", but why? Some might argue that it appears God has indeed rejected His people since earlier Paul had said, "What then shall we say? That the Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness has not attained it." (Romans 9:30-31) So why can Paul now say, "God did not reject His people"?
Well, the reason is because of the remnant. The "remnant" is the "7,000" who have not turned their backs on God, but have instead embraced His promise in the person of His Son Jesus. Jesus is the true "seed" of Abraham (see Galatians 3:16) and the fulfillment of all of God's promises.
This is how we can also understand the imagery of the olive tree. (see verses 11-24) Jesus is the olive tree. Wild olive branches (Gentiles) were grafted into Jesus through FAITH (i.e. believing God; particularly His promise fulfilled in Jesus), and the natural branches (Jews) can also be grafted in through that same FAITH. (see verse 23) However, without FAITH no one is included in Jesus, and no one is grafted in, no matter whether they are "wild" or "natural" branches. The Bible says clearly, "Without FAITH it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6).
So back to today's situation in Israel, and the conflict between Hamas and Israel. We should not believe that Israel has a divine right to do whatever it pleases. Yes they can defend their borders, their citizens, and their interests. However, we should not think that the current nation of Israel has God on their side. The question, as has been asked time and time again, even when Joshua encountered the "commander of the army of the LORD" is not "Is God on our side?" but rather "Are we on God's side?"
All who place true FAITH in Jesus (Believing God; particularly His promise fulfilled in Jesus) are on God's side, but all who persist in unbelief have rejected God and His promise fulfilled in Jesus. This is the bottom line, and it is, in my humble opinion, the best way to embrace this "mystery".
So what do you think? Do you agree or disagree? Why or Why not? Let's discuss.
p.s. I will take the week off next week due to the short week and the Thanksgiving holiday, and I will start fresh in December with a new focus. I would like to wrestle with real questions your family, friends, and neighbors have asked when you have spoken about your FAITH. What are their objections? What questions have they asked that you feel ill equipped to answer? Let's discuss those questions together. So either comment on this blog, or comment on Facebook. Together we will seek God's answer as we continue to go deeper into God's Word together. Thank you!
So with this in mind, let's dive deep into the mystery of this week's reading.
(Read Romans 11:1-36)
It is very timely for us to discuss these things right now. This weekend attacks have occurred between Hamas in Palestine and the Israeli military. Unfortunately, many civilians on both sides of the "fence" have suffered loss. So it is of utmost importance that we embrace this mystery regarding the "remnant of Israel" even as we pray for peace in that region of God's world.
So clearly Paul says, "God did not reject His people", but why? Some might argue that it appears God has indeed rejected His people since earlier Paul had said, "What then shall we say? That the Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness has not attained it." (Romans 9:30-31) So why can Paul now say, "God did not reject His people"?
Well, the reason is because of the remnant. The "remnant" is the "7,000" who have not turned their backs on God, but have instead embraced His promise in the person of His Son Jesus. Jesus is the true "seed" of Abraham (see Galatians 3:16) and the fulfillment of all of God's promises.
This is how we can also understand the imagery of the olive tree. (see verses 11-24) Jesus is the olive tree. Wild olive branches (Gentiles) were grafted into Jesus through FAITH (i.e. believing God; particularly His promise fulfilled in Jesus), and the natural branches (Jews) can also be grafted in through that same FAITH. (see verse 23) However, without FAITH no one is included in Jesus, and no one is grafted in, no matter whether they are "wild" or "natural" branches. The Bible says clearly, "Without FAITH it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6).
So back to today's situation in Israel, and the conflict between Hamas and Israel. We should not believe that Israel has a divine right to do whatever it pleases. Yes they can defend their borders, their citizens, and their interests. However, we should not think that the current nation of Israel has God on their side. The question, as has been asked time and time again, even when Joshua encountered the "commander of the army of the LORD" is not "Is God on our side?" but rather "Are we on God's side?"
All who place true FAITH in Jesus (Believing God; particularly His promise fulfilled in Jesus) are on God's side, but all who persist in unbelief have rejected God and His promise fulfilled in Jesus. This is the bottom line, and it is, in my humble opinion, the best way to embrace this "mystery".
So what do you think? Do you agree or disagree? Why or Why not? Let's discuss.
p.s. I will take the week off next week due to the short week and the Thanksgiving holiday, and I will start fresh in December with a new focus. I would like to wrestle with real questions your family, friends, and neighbors have asked when you have spoken about your FAITH. What are their objections? What questions have they asked that you feel ill equipped to answer? Let's discuss those questions together. So either comment on this blog, or comment on Facebook. Together we will seek God's answer as we continue to go deeper into God's Word together. Thank you!
Monday, November 12, 2012
Going Deeper for the week of November 11, 2012
How can anyone (no matter who they are) be saved?
(Read Romans 10:1-21)
How can anyone (no matter who they are) be saved? Paul cuts through the controversy and confusion by offering a clear answer in verse 13, "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved."
So calling on the name of the LORD, and more specifically believing God's promise fulfilled in Jesus is the ONLY way to be saved. And that way is open to "everyone" no matter who they are!
Unfortunately, too many folks try to make things more complicated than they need to be.
Some will promote the idea of "replacement theology" when it comes to God's relationship with Jews.
"Replacement theology" says basically that Christians have taken the place of Jews as God's people.
"Replacement theology" has unfortunately been used to commit many atrocities against Jewish people from pogroms to the holocaust some form of "replacement theology" has been used to justify injustice.
Others will promote the idea of what I will call "two covenant theology". In an attempt to avoid the pitfalls of "replacement theology" they posit that God has two covenants (unbreakable promises), which are ongoing and exist side by side still today. They believe God's promise to the Jews will yet be fulfilled. They will once again receive the promised land, the temple will be rebuilt, and the Jewish religion will flourish in the sovereign nation of Israel. In addition, they believe Gentiles (non-Jews) have been "grafted in" to the people of God through faith in Jesus.
However, this does not make sense either. If this were true, then why would Paul make it his "heart's desire and prayer to God" that the Israelites might be saved? If they were already going to inherit God's promises through being Jewish, then why would they also need to be saved?
There is much more to say here, and I hope some of you will take time to respond and offer your own thoughts, but before I end let me offer you mine.
Paul is very clear in Romans 10:13, "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved." He is also very clear that the identity of the LORD is Jesus (see verse 9). So anyone who calls on Jesus (believing God's promises fulfilled in Christ - see II Corinthians 1:20) will be saved no matter whether they are Jew or Gentile, everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved!
_________________________________________________________________________________
p.s. While I would appreciate your comments on today's blog post, I would also request that you share with me some real questions you have been asked by non-believers or skeptics when you have engaged them in conversations about Christianity. I would like to offer a series of posts, which grapple with some of these very difficult questions and propose a framework for discussing them with grace and truth. So please share your questions. I would love to hear what challenges you have been facing in your attempts at bringing Jesus to others, and I would be honored to join you in that significant journey.
Thank you!
(Read Romans 10:1-21)
How can anyone (no matter who they are) be saved? Paul cuts through the controversy and confusion by offering a clear answer in verse 13, "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved."
So calling on the name of the LORD, and more specifically believing God's promise fulfilled in Jesus is the ONLY way to be saved. And that way is open to "everyone" no matter who they are!
Unfortunately, too many folks try to make things more complicated than they need to be.
Some will promote the idea of "replacement theology" when it comes to God's relationship with Jews.
"Replacement theology" says basically that Christians have taken the place of Jews as God's people.
"Replacement theology" has unfortunately been used to commit many atrocities against Jewish people from pogroms to the holocaust some form of "replacement theology" has been used to justify injustice.
Others will promote the idea of what I will call "two covenant theology". In an attempt to avoid the pitfalls of "replacement theology" they posit that God has two covenants (unbreakable promises), which are ongoing and exist side by side still today. They believe God's promise to the Jews will yet be fulfilled. They will once again receive the promised land, the temple will be rebuilt, and the Jewish religion will flourish in the sovereign nation of Israel. In addition, they believe Gentiles (non-Jews) have been "grafted in" to the people of God through faith in Jesus.
However, this does not make sense either. If this were true, then why would Paul make it his "heart's desire and prayer to God" that the Israelites might be saved? If they were already going to inherit God's promises through being Jewish, then why would they also need to be saved?
There is much more to say here, and I hope some of you will take time to respond and offer your own thoughts, but before I end let me offer you mine.
Paul is very clear in Romans 10:13, "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved." He is also very clear that the identity of the LORD is Jesus (see verse 9). So anyone who calls on Jesus (believing God's promises fulfilled in Christ - see II Corinthians 1:20) will be saved no matter whether they are Jew or Gentile, everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved!
_________________________________________________________________________________
p.s. While I would appreciate your comments on today's blog post, I would also request that you share with me some real questions you have been asked by non-believers or skeptics when you have engaged them in conversations about Christianity. I would like to offer a series of posts, which grapple with some of these very difficult questions and propose a framework for discussing them with grace and truth. So please share your questions. I would love to hear what challenges you have been facing in your attempts at bringing Jesus to others, and I would be honored to join you in that significant journey.
Thank you!
Monday, November 5, 2012
Going Deeper for the week of November 11, 2012
The identity of the true people of God has been up for debate for quite some time. We have seen in Paul's letter to the Galatians how this issue has shaped the discussion concerning the "good news". Is it the natural children of Abraham (i.e. Jews) who are the people of God, or some other group?
As I have come to understand God's Word, the true identity of the people of God is found in Jesus. Jesus is the true Israel (Abraham's seed) and all who are in Christ (by God's grace received through faith) are also the people of God.
So in order to further support this understanding I invite you over the next few weeks to join me in
"going deeper" into part of Paul's letter to the Romans; specifically chapters 9 to 11. This first week we will "go deep" into chapter 9.
(Read Romans 9:1-33)
Let me start by saying this is a very complex part of scripture. It is filled with mystery because it deals with something as unknowable as the mind of God. We cannot fully know God's mind, but guided by the Holy Spirit and with God's word as our compass we will seek to "go deep" into truth.
Also to frame this discussion it is clear that Paul is passionate and filled with anguish in his heart as he speaks (v. 1). These are not easy subjects, and they are not intended to be handled without emotion.
I think for this first week, the key components for our discussion are found in verses 1-8 and 30-33.
In verses 1-8, Paul speaks of all that belongs to the people of Israel: "Theirs is the adoption as sons, theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises ..." (v. 4-5) Clearly the people of Israel have had a special relationship with the living God.
But not all of them. This is where the argument gets difficult. We must imagine Paul holding back tears as he says the following words. "For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham's children ... In other words, it is NOT the natural children who are God's children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham's offspring." (verses 6b-8)
As Paul has said in Galatians, "Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham." (Galatians 3:7) Clearly those who believe in Jesus (specifically God's promises fulfilled in Jesus) are the children of the promise and regarded not only as children of Abraham, but also children of God!
Now we will move to verses 30-33 to see how Paul sums this up.
"What then shall we say? That the Gentiles (non-Jews), who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but Israel who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the "stumbling stone".
And the "stumbling stone" is Jesus. So then all who place true faith in Jesus (specifically God's promises fulfilled in Jesus) are the true people of God. Jesus is the narrow door which leads to God.
We will talk more about this next week, but for now what are your thoughts? Do you agree? If not, what is God's relationship to the "natural children" of Abraham today? Also, if this is true, how does it make you feel to know that in Jesus you have become forever a child of God?
As I have come to understand God's Word, the true identity of the people of God is found in Jesus. Jesus is the true Israel (Abraham's seed) and all who are in Christ (by God's grace received through faith) are also the people of God.
So in order to further support this understanding I invite you over the next few weeks to join me in
"going deeper" into part of Paul's letter to the Romans; specifically chapters 9 to 11. This first week we will "go deep" into chapter 9.
(Read Romans 9:1-33)
Let me start by saying this is a very complex part of scripture. It is filled with mystery because it deals with something as unknowable as the mind of God. We cannot fully know God's mind, but guided by the Holy Spirit and with God's word as our compass we will seek to "go deep" into truth.
Also to frame this discussion it is clear that Paul is passionate and filled with anguish in his heart as he speaks (v. 1). These are not easy subjects, and they are not intended to be handled without emotion.
I think for this first week, the key components for our discussion are found in verses 1-8 and 30-33.
In verses 1-8, Paul speaks of all that belongs to the people of Israel: "Theirs is the adoption as sons, theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises ..." (v. 4-5) Clearly the people of Israel have had a special relationship with the living God.
But not all of them. This is where the argument gets difficult. We must imagine Paul holding back tears as he says the following words. "For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham's children ... In other words, it is NOT the natural children who are God's children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham's offspring." (verses 6b-8)
As Paul has said in Galatians, "Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham." (Galatians 3:7) Clearly those who believe in Jesus (specifically God's promises fulfilled in Jesus) are the children of the promise and regarded not only as children of Abraham, but also children of God!
Now we will move to verses 30-33 to see how Paul sums this up.
"What then shall we say? That the Gentiles (non-Jews), who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but Israel who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the "stumbling stone".
And the "stumbling stone" is Jesus. So then all who place true faith in Jesus (specifically God's promises fulfilled in Jesus) are the true people of God. Jesus is the narrow door which leads to God.
We will talk more about this next week, but for now what are your thoughts? Do you agree? If not, what is God's relationship to the "natural children" of Abraham today? Also, if this is true, how does it make you feel to know that in Jesus you have become forever a child of God?
Monday, October 29, 2012
Going Deeper for the week of October 28, 2012
In a few days we will remember the Reformation, which occurred primarily in Europe in the 16th century. At the heart of the Reformation was a desire to reclaim "the truth of the gospel". So in that same vein I would like to explore this same "truth" in light of what the apostle Paul says in Galatians 2 and Ephesians 2.
(Read Galatians 2:1-21 and Ephesians 2:1-22)
Twice in Galatians 2, Paul mentions "the truth of the gospel" and in both instances he describes actions he took in order to protect it against false teaching and unChristian practice. In verse 5, he refuses to give into the false teachers "so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you", and in verse 14 he rebukes Peter and Barnabas because he "saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel".
So what is the truth of the gospel which Paul is protecting?
Certainly it is the truth that salvation comes from God by grace through faith in Jesus (His life, death, and resurrection) for us. But I think there is more.
When we read Ephesians 2, we see the same thing. In verses 8-9, Paul says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast."
Clearly this is the truth of the gospel, but there is more.
If we read verses 11-18, the more becomes readily apparent. Paul is not simply talking about reconciliation between God and human beings, but also reconciliation between human beings and human beings as the truth of the gospel. Listen to how he develops this thought in verses 14-18:
In Jesus, we are one (both Jews and Gentiles). And in Jesus we "both have access to the Father by one Spirit." So the "truth of the gospel" goes beyond just personal salvation but to the greater truth that God is reconciling "all things" to Himself in Christ (see Colossians 1:19-20).
So what do you think? Is there more to "the truth of the gospel" than what we usually emphasize?
If so, what is it? Why do you think we have not emphasized it?
(Read Galatians 2:1-21 and Ephesians 2:1-22)
Twice in Galatians 2, Paul mentions "the truth of the gospel" and in both instances he describes actions he took in order to protect it against false teaching and unChristian practice. In verse 5, he refuses to give into the false teachers "so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you", and in verse 14 he rebukes Peter and Barnabas because he "saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel".
So what is the truth of the gospel which Paul is protecting?
Certainly it is the truth that salvation comes from God by grace through faith in Jesus (His life, death, and resurrection) for us. But I think there is more.
When we read Ephesians 2, we see the same thing. In verses 8-9, Paul says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast."
Clearly this is the truth of the gospel, but there is more.
If we read verses 11-18, the more becomes readily apparent. Paul is not simply talking about reconciliation between God and human beings, but also reconciliation between human beings and human beings as the truth of the gospel. Listen to how he develops this thought in verses 14-18:
"For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit."
So what do you think? Is there more to "the truth of the gospel" than what we usually emphasize?
If so, what is it? Why do you think we have not emphasized it?
Monday, October 22, 2012
Going Deeper for the week of October 21, 2012
(Read Luke 18:9-14)
The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector has always spoken directly to my heart. You see, I am a recovering Pharisee. I am one of those who tends to "look down on everybody else". So I have to ask myself, "Am I confident in my own righteousness, or does my confidence come from somewhere else?"
This is not really an easy question to answer. It is rather difficult to discern my own heart and seek to discover where my real confidence lies. I pray that my confidence is found in Jesus alone, but I cannot always be sure.
But here's the good news: whether I am confident in Jesus alone, or whether some semblance of confidence in my own righteousness still exists, I know that I belong to Christ, and His finished work on my behalf is enough even to cover my own tendency towards self-righteousness! To God be the glory! Great things He has done!
But how can I say that? Well, let's look at another scripture. This is one I find gives me incredible comfort when I feel I am falling back into my pharisaical tendencies.
(Read II Timothy 2:11-13)
"Here is a trustworthy saying, ... if we are faithless, He will remain faithful ..."
That small verse from God's enduring, eternal, living word gives me great hope. It is all about what God has done and not what I have done! Jesus saves! Hallelujah! Praise God!
So in response to Jesus' words,"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted", this is my prayer: "Lord, help me to humble myself so that you can lift me up.
Amen."
What about you? Do you tend to be more like the Pharisee or the Tax Collector? Where then do you find your confidence?
The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector has always spoken directly to my heart. You see, I am a recovering Pharisee. I am one of those who tends to "look down on everybody else". So I have to ask myself, "Am I confident in my own righteousness, or does my confidence come from somewhere else?"
This is not really an easy question to answer. It is rather difficult to discern my own heart and seek to discover where my real confidence lies. I pray that my confidence is found in Jesus alone, but I cannot always be sure.
But here's the good news: whether I am confident in Jesus alone, or whether some semblance of confidence in my own righteousness still exists, I know that I belong to Christ, and His finished work on my behalf is enough even to cover my own tendency towards self-righteousness! To God be the glory! Great things He has done!
But how can I say that? Well, let's look at another scripture. This is one I find gives me incredible comfort when I feel I am falling back into my pharisaical tendencies.
(Read II Timothy 2:11-13)
"Here is a trustworthy saying, ... if we are faithless, He will remain faithful ..."
That small verse from God's enduring, eternal, living word gives me great hope. It is all about what God has done and not what I have done! Jesus saves! Hallelujah! Praise God!
So in response to Jesus' words,"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted", this is my prayer: "Lord, help me to humble myself so that you can lift me up.
Amen."
What about you? Do you tend to be more like the Pharisee or the Tax Collector? Where then do you find your confidence?
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