“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.”
– Romans 3:23-25a
Ever hear the term, the “American dream?” Well, the idea of this “dream” is to provide yourself or your children with a better lifestyle than what your parents gave you. The idea is pretty much if you work hard and are determined you can be prosperous and achieve success. Unfortunately, this idea seems to creep into our Christian walks as well, often more than we would like. I wanted to illustrate the fact that the bar is set extremely high to be considered “righteous” before God, and no level of hard work or determination by ourselves can get us any closer, we need something outside of ourselves. Don’t misunderstand what I am saying, there is nothing wrong with hard work and determination, many times hard work and determination will payoff in our respective careers. But, if we think hard work and determination have any significance to where our souls will be for eternity, we are seriously mistaken. There is only one work that determines this, and it is not a work we have done or are even capable of doing.
This one work is the work of Jesus Christ. Notice how we are justified, it is “by his grace as a gift.” What do we need to do to receive a gift? Absolutely nothing. Yet so many times we think to receive this gift of grace we must do something to please God. Consider this, if we do something to earn a gift it is no longer a gift, it is an exchange or a purchase. Therefore, if we had to work to earn God’s grace then theoretically God would owe us a wage or payment, and we know this is not the case(see Romans 6:23). Someone had to pay for this gift though and this passage affirms that Christ was our substitute (“propitiation” literally the satisfaction of God’s wrath) who redeemed our sinful debt. If you want to do something to please God, simply accept his gift of grace! If you have already accepted it, rest in it, reflect on it, repeat it to yourself and others, and let your works be simply for His glory!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Mid-Week Encouragement
“Moved with pity, he (Jesus) stretched out his hand and touched him (the leper) and said to him, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.”
Mark 1:41-42
This week’s encouragement is going to be short and sweet. These two verses should really be read in context with the entire passage, Mark 1:40-45, in which Jesus heals a leper who begs to be made clean. Leprosy came in a variety of ways infecting the skin. An individual suffering from leprosy would be deemed “unclean” and society would refrain from any interaction with those infected. It was an entirely different life once you were diagnosed. This first chapter in the gospel of Mark moves fast. We see John the Baptist’s ministry, Jesus’ Baptism and Temptation, Jesus beginning his ministry and calling his disciples, as well as healing and preaching, all in 45 verses! (I would urge you to read this entire chapter.)What stuck out and really encouraged me is this interaction Jesus had with the leper. This was an individual nobody would touch, but Jesus looked right at him, touched him, and immediately he was made clean. With a single touch, Jesus changed this man’s life forever. So much so, all this former leper could talk about was how Jesus changed him. Isn’t it funny how many individuals in the gospels Jesus heals who are basically told to say nothing? But every one of them is so radically changed their mouths cannot cease to share about his work, thus increasing Jesus’ popularity. Remember, our work earns us no higher standing because Christ has already done the work for us!
Two things to reflect on:
1. Has Jesus touched your life in a life changing way? Have you allowed him to re-new you?
2. When is the last time you “touched” somebody with the life changing gospel of Christ, increasing His popularity?
Mark 1:41-42
This week’s encouragement is going to be short and sweet. These two verses should really be read in context with the entire passage, Mark 1:40-45, in which Jesus heals a leper who begs to be made clean. Leprosy came in a variety of ways infecting the skin. An individual suffering from leprosy would be deemed “unclean” and society would refrain from any interaction with those infected. It was an entirely different life once you were diagnosed. This first chapter in the gospel of Mark moves fast. We see John the Baptist’s ministry, Jesus’ Baptism and Temptation, Jesus beginning his ministry and calling his disciples, as well as healing and preaching, all in 45 verses! (I would urge you to read this entire chapter.)What stuck out and really encouraged me is this interaction Jesus had with the leper. This was an individual nobody would touch, but Jesus looked right at him, touched him, and immediately he was made clean. With a single touch, Jesus changed this man’s life forever. So much so, all this former leper could talk about was how Jesus changed him. Isn’t it funny how many individuals in the gospels Jesus heals who are basically told to say nothing? But every one of them is so radically changed their mouths cannot cease to share about his work, thus increasing Jesus’ popularity. Remember, our work earns us no higher standing because Christ has already done the work for us!
Two things to reflect on:
1. Has Jesus touched your life in a life changing way? Have you allowed him to re-new you?
2. When is the last time you “touched” somebody with the life changing gospel of Christ, increasing His popularity?
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Mid-Week Encouragement
Out with the old…in for eternity
Colossians 3:1-4
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
We are given here in Colossians a great picture of what happens to us when we put all our trust in Jesus Christ. Paul had just finished in chapter two of Colossians discussing how once we put out trust in Christ we are no longer held captive to man-made rules concerning our spiritual well-being. This is why Paul says “If then” at the start of chapter three. He is reminding his readers once again that if you believe in Christ, you have been raised with Christ. Charles Spurgeon (prominent pastor of the 1800’s) reminds us, “The ‘if’ is used logically, not theologically: by way of argument, and not by way of doubt.” The truth is we are now free to focus on things that are above, where He, Christ, is. Paul goes on to say we are to seek things where Christ is. Rather than pursue things of this world which we cannot take with us, seek things that are heavenly and eternal.
We are also told to set our minds on things that are above. As new creatures raised with Christ, our minds should be focused on the things He is focused on. We should be setting our minds on holiness, evangelism, and bringing glory back to God. God desires all these things, even glorifying Himself. Lest you think it wrong for God to glorify Himself, what would it say about His character if He glorified something else? He can desire His own glory because He is the one true God above all other things. If we are free to desire that which is above all things in this world, why not earnestly pursue these things? Without Christ we have no idea what these marvelous things are because we are separated from God. But because of Christ’s death, we have access to our Creator and can see Him and these things that are above.
The best part of it all is that when Christ returns, we who have been raised with him will appear with him in glory. We who were once separated from Him because of our sins will get to be with Him in glory. Seek things that are above! Set you minds on things that are above! And rest knowing that if you have accepted Christ you are risen!
Colossians 3:1-4
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
We are given here in Colossians a great picture of what happens to us when we put all our trust in Jesus Christ. Paul had just finished in chapter two of Colossians discussing how once we put out trust in Christ we are no longer held captive to man-made rules concerning our spiritual well-being. This is why Paul says “If then” at the start of chapter three. He is reminding his readers once again that if you believe in Christ, you have been raised with Christ. Charles Spurgeon (prominent pastor of the 1800’s) reminds us, “The ‘if’ is used logically, not theologically: by way of argument, and not by way of doubt.” The truth is we are now free to focus on things that are above, where He, Christ, is. Paul goes on to say we are to seek things where Christ is. Rather than pursue things of this world which we cannot take with us, seek things that are heavenly and eternal.
We are also told to set our minds on things that are above. As new creatures raised with Christ, our minds should be focused on the things He is focused on. We should be setting our minds on holiness, evangelism, and bringing glory back to God. God desires all these things, even glorifying Himself. Lest you think it wrong for God to glorify Himself, what would it say about His character if He glorified something else? He can desire His own glory because He is the one true God above all other things. If we are free to desire that which is above all things in this world, why not earnestly pursue these things? Without Christ we have no idea what these marvelous things are because we are separated from God. But because of Christ’s death, we have access to our Creator and can see Him and these things that are above.
The best part of it all is that when Christ returns, we who have been raised with him will appear with him in glory. We who were once separated from Him because of our sins will get to be with Him in glory. Seek things that are above! Set you minds on things that are above! And rest knowing that if you have accepted Christ you are risen!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Mid-Week Encouragement
Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant
“His master said to Him, ‘Well done good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” –Matthew 25:21
Last week, my father told me something that every son wants to hear, “I’m proud of you.” All I could think about after reading my Dad’s e-mail was a phrase from the Parable of the Talents (which is the verse above). In this parable found in Matthew 25, the master goes on a journey leaving his servants in charge of his property. To one servant he leaves five talents under his management, to another two talents, and to the last servant he gave one talent (basically they were entrusted with A LOT of money!). Once the master had returned, he called each servant in to return back what they had made with the money. The first servant returned ten talents back (double what was given him), the second returned four talents (again, double), but the last servant only returned the one. The last servant, out of fear, had taken what was given him and decided to bury it in the ground until the master returned. However, the other two had used what was given to them wisely and were able to return a profit to the master. So, what was the master’s response?
To the one who acted out of fear and lack of faith, the master responded by saying, “You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest.” After being rebuked by his master, he was cast out. However, to the ones who used what they were entrusted with wisely, he responded, “Well done good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your master.”
Jesus used parables to illustrate divine truths. The truth is that if you are a follower of Christ you are entrusted with obeying God’s commands. One day, just as the master in the parable returned to his servants, God will return, judging us as His servants. Don’t you desire to hear God say, “Well done my good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your master.” As I sat in my office thinking how great it felt to her my dad say he was proud of me, I was quickly brought to tears thinking about standing before my Creator and hearing Him say these words, “Well done, enter into eternal joy with me!” Only by placing our trust in the life and work of Christ and relying on His grace alone will we ever be able to hear these words from our Master.
“His master said to Him, ‘Well done good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” –Matthew 25:21
Last week, my father told me something that every son wants to hear, “I’m proud of you.” All I could think about after reading my Dad’s e-mail was a phrase from the Parable of the Talents (which is the verse above). In this parable found in Matthew 25, the master goes on a journey leaving his servants in charge of his property. To one servant he leaves five talents under his management, to another two talents, and to the last servant he gave one talent (basically they were entrusted with A LOT of money!). Once the master had returned, he called each servant in to return back what they had made with the money. The first servant returned ten talents back (double what was given him), the second returned four talents (again, double), but the last servant only returned the one. The last servant, out of fear, had taken what was given him and decided to bury it in the ground until the master returned. However, the other two had used what was given to them wisely and were able to return a profit to the master. So, what was the master’s response?
To the one who acted out of fear and lack of faith, the master responded by saying, “You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest.” After being rebuked by his master, he was cast out. However, to the ones who used what they were entrusted with wisely, he responded, “Well done good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your master.”
Jesus used parables to illustrate divine truths. The truth is that if you are a follower of Christ you are entrusted with obeying God’s commands. One day, just as the master in the parable returned to his servants, God will return, judging us as His servants. Don’t you desire to hear God say, “Well done my good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your master.” As I sat in my office thinking how great it felt to her my dad say he was proud of me, I was quickly brought to tears thinking about standing before my Creator and hearing Him say these words, “Well done, enter into eternal joy with me!” Only by placing our trust in the life and work of Christ and relying on His grace alone will we ever be able to hear these words from our Master.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Mid-Week Encouragement
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” –Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord
Many times we get anxious about things in our life. We are unsure why we are in the place we are and what God is up to. We think two ways: when times are bad, we think we have brought it upon ourselves or we think we have earned what we get when times are good. Both ways of thinking fail to acknowledge God by not recognizing you are where you are because He, before you were even created, planned it this way. Not that we always do this, but the temptation to acknowledge ourselves is always there and sometimes we give into that lie.
Notice that this verse begins by telling us to trust in the Lord with ALL our heart while not leaning on our own understanding. If we are going to understand the rest of this simple proverb we must have our trust completely in the Lord and in Christ. If we blame ourselves or take credit for ourselves we aren’t fully trusting in God’s control over all of creation. Ironically, when we blame God for things, we acknowledge Him more than when we blame ourselves. Remember what God said to his prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 55:8, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” Everything about God is on a level far above us. God is infinite, all knowing, all powerful, faithful, loving, just, unchanging, self-sufficient, and holy whereas, we are limited (finite), unfaithful, unloving, unjust, constantly changing, totally dependent upon something outside ourselves, and unholy sinners. However, by his grace He sent his son to us as a means to know and acknowledge him. While He may be far above us, we can have an intimate relationship with Him through Christ our mediator. 1 Timothy 2:5-6 reminds us “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all…”
By placing our trust completely in Him and not ourselves, we can acknowledge that He is God and what is happening in our lives is all in His hands. Not only can we gain insight as to what is happening right now, He will guide us into tomorrow. This passage in Proverbs says that He will “make straight our paths.” God declared to the prophet Jeremiah that He knows our plans (Jeremiah 29:11) and we can find comfort in those plans when we have comfort in Christ. We can live out the plans God has for us with confidence (whether good times or bad) and we can give Him all the glory (whether good times or bad). The bottom line is finding encouragement in the truths of the gospel and applying it to our everyday lives. Be encouraged by finding your identity in Christ.
Trust in the Lord
Many times we get anxious about things in our life. We are unsure why we are in the place we are and what God is up to. We think two ways: when times are bad, we think we have brought it upon ourselves or we think we have earned what we get when times are good. Both ways of thinking fail to acknowledge God by not recognizing you are where you are because He, before you were even created, planned it this way. Not that we always do this, but the temptation to acknowledge ourselves is always there and sometimes we give into that lie.
Notice that this verse begins by telling us to trust in the Lord with ALL our heart while not leaning on our own understanding. If we are going to understand the rest of this simple proverb we must have our trust completely in the Lord and in Christ. If we blame ourselves or take credit for ourselves we aren’t fully trusting in God’s control over all of creation. Ironically, when we blame God for things, we acknowledge Him more than when we blame ourselves. Remember what God said to his prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 55:8, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” Everything about God is on a level far above us. God is infinite, all knowing, all powerful, faithful, loving, just, unchanging, self-sufficient, and holy whereas, we are limited (finite), unfaithful, unloving, unjust, constantly changing, totally dependent upon something outside ourselves, and unholy sinners. However, by his grace He sent his son to us as a means to know and acknowledge him. While He may be far above us, we can have an intimate relationship with Him through Christ our mediator. 1 Timothy 2:5-6 reminds us “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all…”
By placing our trust completely in Him and not ourselves, we can acknowledge that He is God and what is happening in our lives is all in His hands. Not only can we gain insight as to what is happening right now, He will guide us into tomorrow. This passage in Proverbs says that He will “make straight our paths.” God declared to the prophet Jeremiah that He knows our plans (Jeremiah 29:11) and we can find comfort in those plans when we have comfort in Christ. We can live out the plans God has for us with confidence (whether good times or bad) and we can give Him all the glory (whether good times or bad). The bottom line is finding encouragement in the truths of the gospel and applying it to our everyday lives. Be encouraged by finding your identity in Christ.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Mid-Week Encouragement
The Truth of Calvary
“Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us and atone for our sins, for your name’s sake!” –Psalm 79:9
Narcissism. We may not have all heard this term, but we have all been infected, yes infected, as well as affected by it. This term “narcissism” comes from a character in Greek mythology that was extremely handsome, named Narcissus. As the story goes, Narcissus looked into a pool of water and fell in love with his own reflection. He could not stop admiring himself and wasted away his life staring into this pool, eventually turning into a flower. Narcissus was obviously a fictitious character, but whoever created him understood just how self-centered we as human beings are. Today, narcissism is defined as an inordinate fascination with oneself; excessive self-love; or vanity.
This verse, Psalm 79:9 is just one of many verses in Scripture which points to giving God the glory; making God bigger and us lesser. I like this verse because it says “for your name’s sake!” The Psalmist is asking God to save him not for his own sake, but for God’s sake. He wants God to get ALL the glory. Where has this idea gone today?!
Take a second to think about what you hear about Jesus in a normal day. Turn on the radio, open your email account or turn on the television and you are bound to hear things like: “Jesus thought about you on the cross” “Follow Jesus and good things will happen in your life” or my favorite one “Forward this email to 10 people and God will cause things to work in your favor!” This is what narcissism has done to us. We are so self-centered we fail to recognize the truth of Calvary; Jesus’ death on the cross was ALL about glorifying God and executing Christ’s perfect obedience to his Father.
It feels good to think that Jesus thought about me on the cross (narcissism), but it feels infinitely better knowing all He could think about was pleasing His Father. What Jesus did on Calvary was His own choice. He could have easily avoided it, but He endured it. Please do not miss how great this is! Don’t be like Narcissus and waste away your life looking at the cross thinking it was about you. Be like Jesus and give all of yourself to God’s glory. As the apostle Paul says in Philippians 4:20, “To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen!”
Stay Encouraged.
“Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us and atone for our sins, for your name’s sake!” –Psalm 79:9
Narcissism. We may not have all heard this term, but we have all been infected, yes infected, as well as affected by it. This term “narcissism” comes from a character in Greek mythology that was extremely handsome, named Narcissus. As the story goes, Narcissus looked into a pool of water and fell in love with his own reflection. He could not stop admiring himself and wasted away his life staring into this pool, eventually turning into a flower. Narcissus was obviously a fictitious character, but whoever created him understood just how self-centered we as human beings are. Today, narcissism is defined as an inordinate fascination with oneself; excessive self-love; or vanity.
This verse, Psalm 79:9 is just one of many verses in Scripture which points to giving God the glory; making God bigger and us lesser. I like this verse because it says “for your name’s sake!” The Psalmist is asking God to save him not for his own sake, but for God’s sake. He wants God to get ALL the glory. Where has this idea gone today?!
Take a second to think about what you hear about Jesus in a normal day. Turn on the radio, open your email account or turn on the television and you are bound to hear things like: “Jesus thought about you on the cross” “Follow Jesus and good things will happen in your life” or my favorite one “Forward this email to 10 people and God will cause things to work in your favor!” This is what narcissism has done to us. We are so self-centered we fail to recognize the truth of Calvary; Jesus’ death on the cross was ALL about glorifying God and executing Christ’s perfect obedience to his Father.
It feels good to think that Jesus thought about me on the cross (narcissism), but it feels infinitely better knowing all He could think about was pleasing His Father. What Jesus did on Calvary was His own choice. He could have easily avoided it, but He endured it. Please do not miss how great this is! Don’t be like Narcissus and waste away your life looking at the cross thinking it was about you. Be like Jesus and give all of yourself to God’s glory. As the apostle Paul says in Philippians 4:20, “To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen!”
Stay Encouraged.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Mid-Week Encouragement
4But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" 7So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. –Galatians 4:4-7
Recently, my Pastor went on a mission trip to Uganda. One day while visiting an orphanage, my Pastor and his wife got to do something very special. The police had brought in a baby earlier that someone had found in a trash can covered with trash and they (my Pastor’s group) were asked to name the baby. As they stood there “stunned” (as my Pastor described it) his wife spoke up and suggested they name him Samuel, because in Scripture Samuel was dedicated unto the Lord. So now this baby who was left alone and unnamed has a good name to be called by as he grows up.
This story struck my heart very hard because all I could think about was how baby Samuel’s story relates to us. Sure most likely none of us were literally left in a trashcan to die alone unnamed, but we were all at one point (or still are if you haven’t accepted Christ) separated from God. To put it more simply, we ourselves were orphans. But thankfully, as this week’s passage says, “God sent forth his son…so that we might receive adoption as sons.” As hard as it may be to accept, we were dirty and covered in the trash of our own sin and our trashcan was our own state apart from God. We deserve in every way to still be orphans, which is what makes God’s grace that much more amazing. But God accepts us as His sons and we become His heirs.
Without being adopted we would have no inheritance, but God puts his Spirit into our hearts, freeing us from the slavery of sin, and making us a son. The Apostle Paul uses the word Son because a Son, in Biblical days, was the one who received the inheritance. Had he actually wrote sons and daughters (as some translations write), he would have had some confused readers. We must understand the difference to properly grasp exactly what is being said.
Take the orphanage that baby Samuel is in as an example. It is full of boys because families would rather adopt daughters to receive dowry (money from the groom’s family) as opposed to adding another heir to the family inheritance. I am so thankful that God’s ways are higher than ours, and we who have been adopted in are all treated the same, as SONS, and we can share in His mighty inheritance. Whether you are a fellow Brother or Sister in Christ, I look forward to receiving God’s inheritance with you!
Recently, my Pastor went on a mission trip to Uganda. One day while visiting an orphanage, my Pastor and his wife got to do something very special. The police had brought in a baby earlier that someone had found in a trash can covered with trash and they (my Pastor’s group) were asked to name the baby. As they stood there “stunned” (as my Pastor described it) his wife spoke up and suggested they name him Samuel, because in Scripture Samuel was dedicated unto the Lord. So now this baby who was left alone and unnamed has a good name to be called by as he grows up.
This story struck my heart very hard because all I could think about was how baby Samuel’s story relates to us. Sure most likely none of us were literally left in a trashcan to die alone unnamed, but we were all at one point (or still are if you haven’t accepted Christ) separated from God. To put it more simply, we ourselves were orphans. But thankfully, as this week’s passage says, “God sent forth his son…so that we might receive adoption as sons.” As hard as it may be to accept, we were dirty and covered in the trash of our own sin and our trashcan was our own state apart from God. We deserve in every way to still be orphans, which is what makes God’s grace that much more amazing. But God accepts us as His sons and we become His heirs.
Without being adopted we would have no inheritance, but God puts his Spirit into our hearts, freeing us from the slavery of sin, and making us a son. The Apostle Paul uses the word Son because a Son, in Biblical days, was the one who received the inheritance. Had he actually wrote sons and daughters (as some translations write), he would have had some confused readers. We must understand the difference to properly grasp exactly what is being said.
Take the orphanage that baby Samuel is in as an example. It is full of boys because families would rather adopt daughters to receive dowry (money from the groom’s family) as opposed to adding another heir to the family inheritance. I am so thankful that God’s ways are higher than ours, and we who have been adopted in are all treated the same, as SONS, and we can share in His mighty inheritance. Whether you are a fellow Brother or Sister in Christ, I look forward to receiving God’s inheritance with you!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Mid-Week Encouragement
Over the past few weeks I have been sending out an email each Wednesday titling it "Mid-Week Encouragement" to some co-workers. I have had good feedback and have been challenged to try and continue this on a weekly basis. It encourages me that people are forwarding my emails to their friends but most importantly they are finding encouragement in the word of God. Here is what was sent today:
“And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.”
-Matthew 27:51a
This verse comes in the next to last chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, more specifically it describes something that happened immediately after Jesus died on the cross. The significance of this torn curtain is life changing.
As you may know the temple was split into various sections. The key to understanding the importance of this verse though, comes from the knowledge of two sections in particular: the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies. In the Holy Place only the Priests could enter. Within the Holy Place was another section, the Holy of Holies, which was separated by a veil/curtain. Within the Holy of Holies sat the Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat. The Holy of Holies was God’s special dwelling place, entered only by the High Priest and even the High Priest only entered once a year. The day in which the High Priest entered was the Day of Atonement, in which he would sprinkle blood over the Mercy Seat to atone for the sins of God’s people.
So, the fact that this curtain which separated everyone from God’s presence was torn in two means we all could now have direct access into God’s presence anytime. It was only because of Christ’s death that this took place. He (Christ) has given us direct access to God. John 14:6 says that no one can come to God except through Christ and Colossians 1:15 says that He (Christ) is the image of the invisible God. Be encouraged to know you can come to God at any time or any place. Hope you all have a good rest of your week!
“And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.”
-Matthew 27:51a
This verse comes in the next to last chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, more specifically it describes something that happened immediately after Jesus died on the cross. The significance of this torn curtain is life changing.
As you may know the temple was split into various sections. The key to understanding the importance of this verse though, comes from the knowledge of two sections in particular: the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies. In the Holy Place only the Priests could enter. Within the Holy Place was another section, the Holy of Holies, which was separated by a veil/curtain. Within the Holy of Holies sat the Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat. The Holy of Holies was God’s special dwelling place, entered only by the High Priest and even the High Priest only entered once a year. The day in which the High Priest entered was the Day of Atonement, in which he would sprinkle blood over the Mercy Seat to atone for the sins of God’s people.
So, the fact that this curtain which separated everyone from God’s presence was torn in two means we all could now have direct access into God’s presence anytime. It was only because of Christ’s death that this took place. He (Christ) has given us direct access to God. John 14:6 says that no one can come to God except through Christ and Colossians 1:15 says that He (Christ) is the image of the invisible God. Be encouraged to know you can come to God at any time or any place. Hope you all have a good rest of your week!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Headwind: Final Thoughts
I wanted to mention one more thing about headwind, and that is going through it with others. Over the weekend I went out to do a group ride with some guys at a local bike shop called "Bike Beat." The ride started off with three of us and grew to around nine after the first few miles. It was on this ride that I realized just how much more conditioning I need. This group rides at an A to A+ pace (21-25 mph) and will go almost 50 miles every Saturday morning. I was doing fine up until mile 17.5 and we started to go up a relatively small hill. At this point I was leading and had to pull off and drop back into the line to rest up. Unfortunately, I slowed down too much and could not muster enough strength to get back into the draft. My mind was yelling, "Go, Go, Go!" but my legs were replying, "No thanks, I've had enough for this week." As I was struggling to get back in line the group just slowly began creeping away. Eventually they went around a corner and by the time I came around the corner they were completely out of sight. So, for the next 32.5 miles I rode alone and analyzed what went wrong.
On the bright side, this is when I thought about going through headwind with others. Clinging to your brothers and sisters in Christ when you are facing trials is a lot easier than trying to face things on your own. Sometimes you will lead and take on the brunt of the wind and sometimes you will put your trust in someone else to lead you while you rest up. The first 17.5 miles with the group went much easier than the next 32.5 miles all by myself. You can bet the rest of my Christian journey I will seek community with fellow believers to not only encourage others, but to receive encouragement from them as well.
Next weeks goal: Stay with the group longer than 17.5 miles!
On the bright side, this is when I thought about going through headwind with others. Clinging to your brothers and sisters in Christ when you are facing trials is a lot easier than trying to face things on your own. Sometimes you will lead and take on the brunt of the wind and sometimes you will put your trust in someone else to lead you while you rest up. The first 17.5 miles with the group went much easier than the next 32.5 miles all by myself. You can bet the rest of my Christian journey I will seek community with fellow believers to not only encourage others, but to receive encouragement from them as well.
Next weeks goal: Stay with the group longer than 17.5 miles!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Expositional Preaching Traditional?
In conversation a few days ago with another individual about church, I was describing the type of preaching my wife and I were looking for while visiting churches last year. During conversation the question was asked, "So you guys were looking for something with a little more orthodoxy?"
ME: "Well, we were looking for a preacher who believed in expositional preaching, not someone who preached their opinions and random bible verses to fit the topic. We wanted a preacher who would use the Bible as the main focus and teach us how to interpret and apply it to our spiritual walk."
OTHER: "O, ok, so you were wanting something more traditional?"
ME: "Sure..."
This conversation made me wonder: Has expositional preaching become something of a "tradition?" The proof is there that many churches today do not practice this style of preaching, but I wonder if it would truly be considered "traditional.?" Many of us would agree most people are not looking for "traditional" style churches these days, which is somewhat alarming. Therefore, if expositional preaching is considered "traditional," and "tradition" is something the current generation is not to fond of, then this is a frightening thing. Our generation is no different than past and even future generations with regards to a need for hearing the word of God taught and preached properly.
The goal of expositional preaching is to "expose" the meaning of the Bible verse by verse. It is the opposite of what most churches do today which is topical preaching. With topical preaching a preacher will choose a topic, let's say laziness, and find verses that support points of that topic. With expositional preaching the preparation goes as such; we will study a specific passage, examing the historical context, grammar, and original intent in order to comprehend it and apply it to our walk with Christ.
Can you see the difference? If not, find a church who believes in expositional preaching and spend a few Sundays listening to the teaching. I will warn you, expositional preaching is not always the most entertaining, but if approached with an attitude of worship you will experience tremendous growth. A true expositor does not want to hear how good the sermon was, they want to know that you now understand what the text truly means. I guarantee once you hear solid expositional preaching you will not want anything else. If it means being "traditional" then be "traditional!" You will not be alone!
ME: "Well, we were looking for a preacher who believed in expositional preaching, not someone who preached their opinions and random bible verses to fit the topic. We wanted a preacher who would use the Bible as the main focus and teach us how to interpret and apply it to our spiritual walk."
OTHER: "O, ok, so you were wanting something more traditional?"
ME: "Sure..."
This conversation made me wonder: Has expositional preaching become something of a "tradition?" The proof is there that many churches today do not practice this style of preaching, but I wonder if it would truly be considered "traditional.?" Many of us would agree most people are not looking for "traditional" style churches these days, which is somewhat alarming. Therefore, if expositional preaching is considered "traditional," and "tradition" is something the current generation is not to fond of, then this is a frightening thing. Our generation is no different than past and even future generations with regards to a need for hearing the word of God taught and preached properly.
The goal of expositional preaching is to "expose" the meaning of the Bible verse by verse. It is the opposite of what most churches do today which is topical preaching. With topical preaching a preacher will choose a topic, let's say laziness, and find verses that support points of that topic. With expositional preaching the preparation goes as such; we will study a specific passage, examing the historical context, grammar, and original intent in order to comprehend it and apply it to our walk with Christ.
Can you see the difference? If not, find a church who believes in expositional preaching and spend a few Sundays listening to the teaching. I will warn you, expositional preaching is not always the most entertaining, but if approached with an attitude of worship you will experience tremendous growth. A true expositor does not want to hear how good the sermon was, they want to know that you now understand what the text truly means. I guarantee once you hear solid expositional preaching you will not want anything else. If it means being "traditional" then be "traditional!" You will not be alone!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
50 Miles!
Just got home from my Saturday ride, which is what most cyclists look forward to. Saturday is the day you go for the long ride, testing and pushing your endurance. My first goal since coming back to cycling was to be able to complete a 50 mile ride, and today I did just that.
Now I am going to eat cause 50 miles has made me hungry! Lucky for me, my wife was out shopping and was kind enough to bring home Chick-Fil-A!!! Thanks baby!
Now I am going to eat cause 50 miles has made me hungry! Lucky for me, my wife was out shopping and was kind enough to bring home Chick-Fil-A!!! Thanks baby!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Headwind: Part 1
In the headwind intro I discussed the reality of sin; how we must realize we are sinners and have "missed the mark" so to say. With that being said, how can we get through the sin and temptation in our lives.
First, if we position ourselves rightly we can cut through the headwind easier. Just as making ourselves more aerodynamic on the bike can ease the ride, so can positioning our minds spiritually. If we study God's word regularly, and are constantly in prayer, we will as Ephesians 6:11 says, "...be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." If you have time to read Ephesians 6:10-20 I would encourage you to do so. Romans 12:2 also tells us "Do not be transformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Transformation comes through spending time with God. Position yourself when you feel the temptation coming!
Another interesting tip in cycling is to drop down to an easier gear, thus increasing your cadence (pedal rotations per minute). Basically what you are doing is letting the mechanics of the bike do the work for you as opposed to staying in a higher gear and wearing yourself out faster. Often times we need to get out of our legalistic minds and realize Christ has done the work for us. If we think we can fix ourselves all we will do is tire ourselves, just as if we stayed in the high gear. Titus 3:5 tells us "He (Christ) saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy..." Don't wear yourself out! Christ has already done the work and He wants you to rest in Him!
First, if we position ourselves rightly we can cut through the headwind easier. Just as making ourselves more aerodynamic on the bike can ease the ride, so can positioning our minds spiritually. If we study God's word regularly, and are constantly in prayer, we will as Ephesians 6:11 says, "...be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." If you have time to read Ephesians 6:10-20 I would encourage you to do so. Romans 12:2 also tells us "Do not be transformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Transformation comes through spending time with God. Position yourself when you feel the temptation coming!
Another interesting tip in cycling is to drop down to an easier gear, thus increasing your cadence (pedal rotations per minute). Basically what you are doing is letting the mechanics of the bike do the work for you as opposed to staying in a higher gear and wearing yourself out faster. Often times we need to get out of our legalistic minds and realize Christ has done the work for us. If we think we can fix ourselves all we will do is tire ourselves, just as if we stayed in the high gear. Titus 3:5 tells us "He (Christ) saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy..." Don't wear yourself out! Christ has already done the work and He wants you to rest in Him!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Headwind: Intro
First of all, I was not able to get up at 5 AM and ride this morning due to my alarm clock choosing to snooze on me. However, my loving wife held me accountable by suggesting I go for an evening ride after dinner settled. So, that is what I did. And this is what came of that.
Headwind. This is something that is close to one of the least enjoyable things in cycling (crashing is easily the least enjoyable). Headwind is when the wind blows in the opposite direction you are trying to ride. In the past three days, headwind has seemed to consume most of my ride time. However, as painful as these past three rides have been, God has used this opposition for my spiritual growth. Metaphorically speaking, headwind is present in the Christian life as well. We as Christians are pursuing holiness, but our own sinful desires push in the opposite direction.
We must understand that headwind is always going to be a factor. As Romans 5:12 says, "Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned-." Sin has been around since Adam and Eve and it will not go away until Christ comes back again, establishing a new heaven and a new earth. We must recognize sin in our lives. While many will never hear the reality of sin preached on Sundays, I can assure you it is real. The first step to even becoming a Christian is understanding our depravity and our need for a Savior (Romans 3:23). And even after we give our lives to Christ, sin does not disappear. Sin is the headwind in our walk with Christ. These next few posts will examine headwind in the Christian's journey. Stay tuned!
Headwind. This is something that is close to one of the least enjoyable things in cycling (crashing is easily the least enjoyable). Headwind is when the wind blows in the opposite direction you are trying to ride. In the past three days, headwind has seemed to consume most of my ride time. However, as painful as these past three rides have been, God has used this opposition for my spiritual growth. Metaphorically speaking, headwind is present in the Christian life as well. We as Christians are pursuing holiness, but our own sinful desires push in the opposite direction.
We must understand that headwind is always going to be a factor. As Romans 5:12 says, "Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned-." Sin has been around since Adam and Eve and it will not go away until Christ comes back again, establishing a new heaven and a new earth. We must recognize sin in our lives. While many will never hear the reality of sin preached on Sundays, I can assure you it is real. The first step to even becoming a Christian is understanding our depravity and our need for a Savior (Romans 3:23). And even after we give our lives to Christ, sin does not disappear. Sin is the headwind in our walk with Christ. These next few posts will examine headwind in the Christian's journey. Stay tuned!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Welcome!
Hello and welcome to my blog! I have been watching my wife over the last few months as she has been blogging about her thoughts and our life together and decided to give it a try. Today as I was out riding I thought blogging would be a good way to share my random thoughts, things I learn about in the sport of cycling, and most importantly just a means to share what the Lord lays on my heart while I am out riding. I also thought it would be a great way to hold me accountable to continue my workouts.
I began cycling about 4 years ago, trained for/rode in one event, and have not really gotten into it ever since. Last summer (2009), I went to Conte's Bicycle Shop in Newport News looking for an inexpensive road bike to get back into the sport. Well, $750 later and I was out the door with my new bike ready to get started (sounds like a lot, but believe it or not I got a deal).
So now I am in the midst of a second summer of cycling and really enjoying the sport. As I said before, my main intention of this blog is to share how the Lord is working in my life and the thoughts He lays on my heart as I am out riding. I would also like for this to be an encouragement for cyclists I meet and to share with them about the grace of Jesus Christ.
That's all for tonight! Heading to bed now so I can get up for my 5 A.M. ride!
I began cycling about 4 years ago, trained for/rode in one event, and have not really gotten into it ever since. Last summer (2009), I went to Conte's Bicycle Shop in Newport News looking for an inexpensive road bike to get back into the sport. Well, $750 later and I was out the door with my new bike ready to get started (sounds like a lot, but believe it or not I got a deal).
So now I am in the midst of a second summer of cycling and really enjoying the sport. As I said before, my main intention of this blog is to share how the Lord is working in my life and the thoughts He lays on my heart as I am out riding. I would also like for this to be an encouragement for cyclists I meet and to share with them about the grace of Jesus Christ.
That's all for tonight! Heading to bed now so I can get up for my 5 A.M. ride!
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