I lived most of my life not trusting that God loves me... even though it's the foundation of the good news found in the Bible. The church mostly reinforced that misguided perception and gave me religious prescriptives on how to better myself to earn and merit blessing and favor. "Do's and don'ts... Rules... Laws... Etc." A complete guide on how to earn and merit blessing and favor. THE most important day in my life was when I finally turned my back on these misguided and useless means of getting Gods attention and simply said to myself, "His promise is enough!" If God cannot make me and KEEP me in good standing with himself through faith alone... I have nothing else sufficient to accomplish that fact. No currency, no gift, no sacrifice, no offering, no work... nothing. It wasn't easy to come to that conclusive place, or to rest in that decision after years of depending on my own religious self-improvement (or self-righteousness). But, in time, it slowly began to sink in. I often feared when knowing I had done something wrong, out of character, or hurtful to others, as we all do from time to time, and would consider opportunities to take matters back into my own hands to try and fix things that I needed to trust God alone to accomplish. We've all found ourselves in that place. Left unchecked it can lead to becoming more deeply entrenched in every kind of irrelevant and destructive religious practice and pattern that, when applied, makes us feel better about ourselves through pride of accomplishment, but truly brings no greater position of right standing with God. What it DOES do is frustrates His goodness and grace in our lives, and cancels out the need to trust His love. There is no need to trust the promise or accomplishment of another when we depend on our own merit. And with God, you can't have a little of both!
After all these years I'm still not without that urge to fall back into this practice. I'm human... But it's become much easier to trust Gods love than it used to be, even though I'm not perfect and often get it wrong. I no longer have to live with a self-inflated notion that I am such a "good Christian" and, as a result, I am much happier and at peace for having a more realistic outlook on myself and life in general, and how it all relates to a relationship with a God who has and always will love me. I'm no longer trying to follow all the religious prescriptions for being "holy" but living to know the heart of Him who did not come to condemn the world, but to save it. Romans 5:1 "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through of Lord Jesus Christ..."
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Monday, August 10, 2015
Monday, October 10, 2011
True Righteousness
Since my last entry I've been giving a lot of thought to the concept of Righteousness. Not as in the common street vernacular of "he's a righteous dude" but rather the sense of right-standing one has with God that has been bestowed as a free gift. It's the great theme of the New Testament, yet probably remains one of the hardest concepts I have ever tried to wrap my own head around. For over forty years I have parroted the phrase, "I am the righteousness of God in Christ!" as if I had a full understanding of the height, depth and width of its meaning. The older I get and the more I continue to meditate on the subject, I have to admit the less I comprehend this amazing provision and its theological perspective. Why would I say something like that? After all these years of study, schooling, practical application and ministry... one might suppose that it would become all the more clear. In some ways it has, but the journey has taken much time. The reason I unashamedly give admission to this personal matter is because, though I have claimed this truth, I have continued to try and earn good standing with God, as so many are taught to do in fundamental religious circles and denominations. In spite of this glorious truth we confess with our lips, along with the rest of Christendom, there remains an underlying distrust of its foundational tenet as spoken by God Himself.
This is most distressing when we consider the fact that what the scriptures claim God is seeking from us is FAITH, which some Bible translations define as "absolute assurance or confident trust" regarding his promised provisions. Humanity has never really been all that great at putting their faith in God. Our history has been more about us running scared than standing firm in absolute assurance or confident trust. The book of Romans is clear in chapter 3 where the Apostle Paul clarifies the condition of the human heart from God's perspective regarding this matter. The Living Bible puts it this way, "...all men alike are sinners, Jew and Gentile... No one is good - no one in all the world in innocent. No one has ever really followed God's paths, or even truly wanted to. Every one has turned away; all have gone wrong. No one anywhere has kept on doing what is right, not one. ...and they have never known what it is to feel secure or enjoy God's blessing. They care nothing about God or what he thinks of them." In so many conversations I've had through the recent years on this premise, I am responded to with a lot of, "Yes... but... "
The thought of God putting all of humanity in the same boat, so that he can show mercy upon all alike, is not appreciated by many in Christian circles, or so it appears. When our religious denominations or affiliations hold us to a standard of performance, observances and works to maintain or uphold righteousness, it creates a false sense of security that can only be measured against ourselves. This is one of the most critical issues facing the church today. The false sense of security created by this notion is repetitively addressed by the Apostle Paul in his letters to the newly established churches in the region. It was obvious by his content and intent that there were people infiltrating the Body of Christ with unscrupulous and false teachings about "true righteousness." One might think the bearers of such unwelcomed news may have sounded something like this, "...of course we believe in salvation by grace through faith! HOWEVER... there are things we MUST DO to ensure we don't lose it!" What usually follows is a list of house rules as long as a roll of toilet paper that have to be upheld according to the scrutiny of some over-seeing religious umpire chomping at the bit to wield "spiritual authority" and disqualify us from the prize. (Another topic altogether!)
It has occurred to me that any attempts at better securing a lasting divine provision though external activities, observations, religious rigor, rules, regulations, etc. is as deeply inordinate as assuming that, by putting on a dress, wig and high heels, a man can be transformed into a woman. Although I have applied a bit of levity to the matter, it should resonate with a greater sense of how genuinely preposterous it is to be self-assured that our feeble and fleshly religious efforts can manufacture the outcomes that only faith in God's grace was meant to secure. As I see it, only faith in Christ can result in the gift of applied grace and transforming righteousness that makes a fallen humanity into beloved children of God. Confidence in the promise of God to do ALL he has responsibly committed to accomplish on our behalf, including the ultimate end of bringing us lovingly to himself for an eternity of rest and peace is the only hope for us all. So easy... yet we resist... we run... we hide... we appeal by sacrificial offerings of promises and vows to "be good" or "try to do better." It's all unnecessary and does nothing to make the provision of God's everlasting love more secure or safe.
We should thank God daily that he is our Great Shepherd and we shall lack no good thing. Every need he fully and responsibly supplies, starting with an on-going right relationship. Even the "faith" required of us to appropriate this gift is the byproduct of the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence. We can rest in the peace that passes understanding, assured that a "righteousness from God, apart from law, has been revealed... this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe... there is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." (Rom. 3)
Well said, brother Paul...
But I must ask before I sign off... do we really believe these words? Do we read such passages, take a breath and "WISH" that it were true, as written? Or do we close the book and act like a man who has just looked into a mirror only to walk away and forget what he looks like? Are we desiring of such right-standing and favor with God, yet fearing that, due to the trappings of everything that makes us human, resign ourselves to a misconception that only in another life can such a relationship be realized? Do we continue to make promises to try harder, do better, pray more, go to church more, or faulter less in hopes of striking a deal with God to better soothe our inner guilt and secure our eternal outcome? So many of us do... and none of it is necessary, much less helpful. (AS IF OUR PROMISES TO GOD CAN ACCOMPLISH MORE THAN GOD'S PROMISES TOWARD US!!) Beloved, we are instructed in the New Testament to understand, "faith IS the victory." Faith is sufficient for receiving the on-going right standing from God we so desperately need. As our Sovereign Lord, Redeemer, Savior, Justifier and Sacrifice, he is also quite capable of KEEPING you in his loving care. John points out so clearly regarding the righteousness we lovingly abide in when he said, "Beloved, NOW we are the children of God." It doesn't get any more real or secure than that. Trust God's view of a RIGHTEOUS YOU! In other words, have faith...
Drink Deeply
This is most distressing when we consider the fact that what the scriptures claim God is seeking from us is FAITH, which some Bible translations define as "absolute assurance or confident trust" regarding his promised provisions. Humanity has never really been all that great at putting their faith in God. Our history has been more about us running scared than standing firm in absolute assurance or confident trust. The book of Romans is clear in chapter 3 where the Apostle Paul clarifies the condition of the human heart from God's perspective regarding this matter. The Living Bible puts it this way, "...all men alike are sinners, Jew and Gentile... No one is good - no one in all the world in innocent. No one has ever really followed God's paths, or even truly wanted to. Every one has turned away; all have gone wrong. No one anywhere has kept on doing what is right, not one. ...and they have never known what it is to feel secure or enjoy God's blessing. They care nothing about God or what he thinks of them." In so many conversations I've had through the recent years on this premise, I am responded to with a lot of, "Yes... but... "
The thought of God putting all of humanity in the same boat, so that he can show mercy upon all alike, is not appreciated by many in Christian circles, or so it appears. When our religious denominations or affiliations hold us to a standard of performance, observances and works to maintain or uphold righteousness, it creates a false sense of security that can only be measured against ourselves. This is one of the most critical issues facing the church today. The false sense of security created by this notion is repetitively addressed by the Apostle Paul in his letters to the newly established churches in the region. It was obvious by his content and intent that there were people infiltrating the Body of Christ with unscrupulous and false teachings about "true righteousness." One might think the bearers of such unwelcomed news may have sounded something like this, "...of course we believe in salvation by grace through faith! HOWEVER... there are things we MUST DO to ensure we don't lose it!" What usually follows is a list of house rules as long as a roll of toilet paper that have to be upheld according to the scrutiny of some over-seeing religious umpire chomping at the bit to wield "spiritual authority" and disqualify us from the prize. (Another topic altogether!)
It has occurred to me that any attempts at better securing a lasting divine provision though external activities, observations, religious rigor, rules, regulations, etc. is as deeply inordinate as assuming that, by putting on a dress, wig and high heels, a man can be transformed into a woman. Although I have applied a bit of levity to the matter, it should resonate with a greater sense of how genuinely preposterous it is to be self-assured that our feeble and fleshly religious efforts can manufacture the outcomes that only faith in God's grace was meant to secure. As I see it, only faith in Christ can result in the gift of applied grace and transforming righteousness that makes a fallen humanity into beloved children of God. Confidence in the promise of God to do ALL he has responsibly committed to accomplish on our behalf, including the ultimate end of bringing us lovingly to himself for an eternity of rest and peace is the only hope for us all. So easy... yet we resist... we run... we hide... we appeal by sacrificial offerings of promises and vows to "be good" or "try to do better." It's all unnecessary and does nothing to make the provision of God's everlasting love more secure or safe.
We should thank God daily that he is our Great Shepherd and we shall lack no good thing. Every need he fully and responsibly supplies, starting with an on-going right relationship. Even the "faith" required of us to appropriate this gift is the byproduct of the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence. We can rest in the peace that passes understanding, assured that a "righteousness from God, apart from law, has been revealed... this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe... there is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." (Rom. 3)
Well said, brother Paul...
But I must ask before I sign off... do we really believe these words? Do we read such passages, take a breath and "WISH" that it were true, as written? Or do we close the book and act like a man who has just looked into a mirror only to walk away and forget what he looks like? Are we desiring of such right-standing and favor with God, yet fearing that, due to the trappings of everything that makes us human, resign ourselves to a misconception that only in another life can such a relationship be realized? Do we continue to make promises to try harder, do better, pray more, go to church more, or faulter less in hopes of striking a deal with God to better soothe our inner guilt and secure our eternal outcome? So many of us do... and none of it is necessary, much less helpful. (AS IF OUR PROMISES TO GOD CAN ACCOMPLISH MORE THAN GOD'S PROMISES TOWARD US!!) Beloved, we are instructed in the New Testament to understand, "faith IS the victory." Faith is sufficient for receiving the on-going right standing from God we so desperately need. As our Sovereign Lord, Redeemer, Savior, Justifier and Sacrifice, he is also quite capable of KEEPING you in his loving care. John points out so clearly regarding the righteousness we lovingly abide in when he said, "Beloved, NOW we are the children of God." It doesn't get any more real or secure than that. Trust God's view of a RIGHTEOUS YOU! In other words, have faith...
Drink Deeply
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Though None Go With Me...
An old song we used to sing in church services, camp meetings and revivals comes to mind when I consider the thoughts I am attempting to write about. The song "I Have Decided To Follow Jesus" was often used during what was referred to an an "altar call" at the end of the sermon just before closing. It was a heart clincher and would be sung repetitively until every possible emotion had been wrung out of the congregation in case that ONE person needed a trip to the front to repent of their many sins and, at last, find the flood-gates of heaven open upon them with the mercy of Jesus filling their soul. Ah, yes... those were the days. Like many people, who had more concern for the condition of their pot roast in the oven at home than attempts made by those preachers doing their due diligence to ensure that every possible sinner made it home, I would roll my eyes when another stanza would begin with "Though None Go With Me... Still I Will Follow." After five choruses the song became maudlin and sappy to me. A mere sentimental ploy by the religious professionals in hopes to increase the numbers that made them look good when it came time for turning in their reports to the district offices. No doubt many people have even considered making the trip forward to give a public profession of faith just to help make the meeting look like a success and bring it to a close! I know I have.
Since then, I've changed much of my attitudes on some of those matters. Although I realize that there are those religious professionals who use tactics to try and earn their quotas, I also know that there are many more who sincerely desire to do something that we in the church world have forgotten about in the last several decades, and that is evangelize. That's right, the "great commission" where Jesus said, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature of the human race." It seems that the idea of "preaching the Gospel" has become irrelevant and even politically incorrect in this so-called "post Christian era." The notion of proclaiming that there is only one God, one Son, one faith, one baptism, with a reward for believing and a penalty for not accepting makes most people uncomfortable. After all, we have become highly educated. Accepting a more global "spirituality" that takes offense with the idea of concrete truth, where matters of faith are concerned, and embraces an "I'm OK, You're OK" philosophy has taken the place of former belief systems that upheld Christ being the only "Way" for all humanity. "Whatever works for you! " is the mantra of many in the Christian faith today. We are now taught that obeying Jesus' command to take the message of the love of God to every creature is imperialistic and intolerant, condescending and hateful towards those who live by a different religious faith. Truth is no longer relevant in our social consciousness where faith is concerned, and ridicule is the best response toward those who believe such ideas still exist, much less matter.
But now I am beginning to see myself at a juncture in life. A "crossroads" that is compelling me to once again choose the things that have importance and value in the whole sphere of my existence. The Christian faith is rising to the surface more profoundly than ever before in my consciousness, even though I previously held to the belief that it was already at the forefront. Funny how those things happen. It's almost as if I can hear that song "I Have Decided... To Follow Jesus..." being played in some corner of my mind challenging me to weigh in on these matters once again for personal clarity. Possibly because there is a new awakening in my life that is vastly different than the earlier understanding I was given about what it means to be a Christ follower. The former was based on a burdensome consciousness of my "sin" that presented God as in a state of eternal anger toward me. He sent his son to die on my behalf, so that if I would repent of my sins, I'd be given the second chance to "do better" and merit favor and blessing by keeping a volume of rules, regulations, laws and ordinances until I died. THEN he would throw my life's efforts and doings into the weights and scales to determine if I had earned my right to enter the pearly gates. That seemed fair in my earlier years and, after sins I had committed that were exposed in black and white, it was obviously the workable resolution to my guilt before God. Certainly if God commanded me to an aspired life of sinless perfection and the practice of holiness, I could certainly offer my best attempt to be and do all that. After all, now knowing that Jesus died to equip me with the power to be a better person, then a better person I would be.
Even though I had "decided to follow Jesus" I had no idea the kind of oppressive burden I would take upon my shoulders by trying to uphold such notions as "being a good christian" or following the standards of "holiness" required by certain denominations in my sphere of religous culture. It soon became clear that my greatest attempts were futile and empty to meet the prerequisites of maintaining favor with God and man. My new awareness, after years of personal study of the scriptures, is polar to that former concept, actually it stands in opposition to it. I have grown to learn that, while we were his enemies and dead in our sins, there is a LOVE that was given to the world by God backed by a promise (and God doesn't lie) to love us eternally. The promise was accompanied with proof by giving his only son as the atonement for our offenses and trespasses. This love that God offered was founded upon an oath he swore by himself and ratified with Christ so that the legal covenant could not be broken by the shallow frailty and inconsistency of man. Regardless of our personal inability to live for him, by being dead in our trespasses, how we have sinned, or how deep our guilt over wrong-doing, or hurt through victimization, we are fully justified and released to freedom from these bondages by the response of FAITH from our heart. Simple believing has changed the course of our eternal direction. Continued believing is the "work" that is required for our ongoing relationship and we are assured that even this faith is a gift from God's own heart. We even get the promise that when our faith falters, God remains unchanged, ensuring that the work he began in us will be faithfully completed. How can we NOT believe?
These provisions and claims given to a population the Bible calls "wicked, sinful, falling short, unrighteous, gone astray, lacking understanding, unprofitable, worthless, deceitful, misleading, treacherous, destructive, miserable, lacking peace and possessing no fear of God" (need I say more?) showcases that mercy must abound in God's heart. It is also obvious that mankind has a universal understanding of the dilemma we face through what the Bible reveals as a "fallen" nature. Every religion addresses the issues of human frailty, sin, and imperfection, yet fail to offer any real cure or hope for the innate brokenness we all observe at some point in life. What they DO offer is opportunity to obligate people to a path of redemption through self-help by believing in the human potential. This only engages the seeker in a chance to give themselves a "leg up" spiritually by making obligatory offerings and sacrifices for atonement by doing the works, etc. that will hopefully provide eternal bliss, Nirvana, heaven, etc. Christ offered nothing of the sort. John 6:28,29 when asked "...What are we to do to carry out what God requires?" Jesus replied,"This is the work (service) that God asks of you, the you BELIEVE in the One Whom He has sent." Jesus taught that by merely "believing" we would be not only forgiven all our sins, but transferred from eternal death unto eternal life. Why is this no longer considered "good news" for ALL mankind?
Jesus said, "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by ME." This very verse used to be foundational to the Christian's understanding of the necessity of spreading the good news. No doubt that some of the sayings of Jesus are hard to embrace and more difficult to accept in a politically correct society that wants to respectfully promote all things as equal in all people. Therefore, many Christians believe that all we're doing by preaching the gospel is exchanging one religion for another. If all we are offering is an opressive condemning religious life of man-made rules and regulations as a self-help prescription to cure social ills by becoming good people, then I would have to agree that we shouldn't bother. We cannot afford to become an esoteric club or private society of intellectual subscribers who see no need of others being brought to the light of Christ. It is obvious that they do not take into consideration that Christianity is about being reborn from the spiritually dead, enriched with the blessings of being God's children and the profound transformational benefits it offers by living in his kingdom. Yet more and more of todays churches are becoming mere social networking clubs more interested in recruiting for programs than evangelizing to make disciples. That is just one reason I am beginning to see more clearly why the concept of God loving us FIRST, and therefore doing the necessary work we could not do for ourselves necessary to bring us into an eternal relationship with Himself by grace through faith alone, is legitimately far superior to any other philosophy. Mere religion places the responsibility for the hope of eternal life upon our shoulders, not God's. Faith in Christ gives me the freedom to know that I am forgiven once and for all. That I have no need to fear what comes after this life is over. That I can have peace in the assurance that God loves me. And, if God is for me, who can be against me? This knowledge compels me to share it with others who also need this as much as I do. Years of study has opened my eyes to the vast number of people world-wide that have none of this assurance as a result of their fervent religious practice. So I stand by the belief that the good news must be proclaimed to every one in all the world in every generation. Call it imperialistic, call it intolerant, call it what you will. I BELIEVE that Jesus Christ is the living embodiment of truth, and who the scriptures referred to as the "desire of all nations." For one, I didn't know what I needed until I was told. That is why I must, in turn, TELL! Personal darkness is overcome when the knowledge of the Light of Truth is proclaimed. If I embrace the notion that every religion holds equal merit and offers nothing better or greater than any other, that Christ has not risen, then I possess nothing and am to be pitied above all men. The blood of Christ as an offering for the sins of the world holds no meaning if it is no greater than, or just equivalent to, anything else in any other religious belief system. Sincerely, I will live my life with respect for all who differ with this opinion, and aspire to continue to grow in love and understanding toward those who do not embrace this faith in Christ. But as for me... I have decided to follow Jesus. The one mediator between God and man. And I will continue this path without shame or apology towards those who are offended by what seems to many in this day and age a foolish notion.
Though none go with me... still I will follow.
Drink deeply...
Since then, I've changed much of my attitudes on some of those matters. Although I realize that there are those religious professionals who use tactics to try and earn their quotas, I also know that there are many more who sincerely desire to do something that we in the church world have forgotten about in the last several decades, and that is evangelize. That's right, the "great commission" where Jesus said, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature of the human race." It seems that the idea of "preaching the Gospel" has become irrelevant and even politically incorrect in this so-called "post Christian era." The notion of proclaiming that there is only one God, one Son, one faith, one baptism, with a reward for believing and a penalty for not accepting makes most people uncomfortable. After all, we have become highly educated. Accepting a more global "spirituality" that takes offense with the idea of concrete truth, where matters of faith are concerned, and embraces an "I'm OK, You're OK" philosophy has taken the place of former belief systems that upheld Christ being the only "Way" for all humanity. "Whatever works for you! " is the mantra of many in the Christian faith today. We are now taught that obeying Jesus' command to take the message of the love of God to every creature is imperialistic and intolerant, condescending and hateful towards those who live by a different religious faith. Truth is no longer relevant in our social consciousness where faith is concerned, and ridicule is the best response toward those who believe such ideas still exist, much less matter.
But now I am beginning to see myself at a juncture in life. A "crossroads" that is compelling me to once again choose the things that have importance and value in the whole sphere of my existence. The Christian faith is rising to the surface more profoundly than ever before in my consciousness, even though I previously held to the belief that it was already at the forefront. Funny how those things happen. It's almost as if I can hear that song "I Have Decided... To Follow Jesus..." being played in some corner of my mind challenging me to weigh in on these matters once again for personal clarity. Possibly because there is a new awakening in my life that is vastly different than the earlier understanding I was given about what it means to be a Christ follower. The former was based on a burdensome consciousness of my "sin" that presented God as in a state of eternal anger toward me. He sent his son to die on my behalf, so that if I would repent of my sins, I'd be given the second chance to "do better" and merit favor and blessing by keeping a volume of rules, regulations, laws and ordinances until I died. THEN he would throw my life's efforts and doings into the weights and scales to determine if I had earned my right to enter the pearly gates. That seemed fair in my earlier years and, after sins I had committed that were exposed in black and white, it was obviously the workable resolution to my guilt before God. Certainly if God commanded me to an aspired life of sinless perfection and the practice of holiness, I could certainly offer my best attempt to be and do all that. After all, now knowing that Jesus died to equip me with the power to be a better person, then a better person I would be.
Even though I had "decided to follow Jesus" I had no idea the kind of oppressive burden I would take upon my shoulders by trying to uphold such notions as "being a good christian" or following the standards of "holiness" required by certain denominations in my sphere of religous culture. It soon became clear that my greatest attempts were futile and empty to meet the prerequisites of maintaining favor with God and man. My new awareness, after years of personal study of the scriptures, is polar to that former concept, actually it stands in opposition to it. I have grown to learn that, while we were his enemies and dead in our sins, there is a LOVE that was given to the world by God backed by a promise (and God doesn't lie) to love us eternally. The promise was accompanied with proof by giving his only son as the atonement for our offenses and trespasses. This love that God offered was founded upon an oath he swore by himself and ratified with Christ so that the legal covenant could not be broken by the shallow frailty and inconsistency of man. Regardless of our personal inability to live for him, by being dead in our trespasses, how we have sinned, or how deep our guilt over wrong-doing, or hurt through victimization, we are fully justified and released to freedom from these bondages by the response of FAITH from our heart. Simple believing has changed the course of our eternal direction. Continued believing is the "work" that is required for our ongoing relationship and we are assured that even this faith is a gift from God's own heart. We even get the promise that when our faith falters, God remains unchanged, ensuring that the work he began in us will be faithfully completed. How can we NOT believe?
These provisions and claims given to a population the Bible calls "wicked, sinful, falling short, unrighteous, gone astray, lacking understanding, unprofitable, worthless, deceitful, misleading, treacherous, destructive, miserable, lacking peace and possessing no fear of God" (need I say more?) showcases that mercy must abound in God's heart. It is also obvious that mankind has a universal understanding of the dilemma we face through what the Bible reveals as a "fallen" nature. Every religion addresses the issues of human frailty, sin, and imperfection, yet fail to offer any real cure or hope for the innate brokenness we all observe at some point in life. What they DO offer is opportunity to obligate people to a path of redemption through self-help by believing in the human potential. This only engages the seeker in a chance to give themselves a "leg up" spiritually by making obligatory offerings and sacrifices for atonement by doing the works, etc. that will hopefully provide eternal bliss, Nirvana, heaven, etc. Christ offered nothing of the sort. John 6:28,29 when asked "...What are we to do to carry out what God requires?" Jesus replied,"This is the work (service) that God asks of you, the you BELIEVE in the One Whom He has sent." Jesus taught that by merely "believing" we would be not only forgiven all our sins, but transferred from eternal death unto eternal life. Why is this no longer considered "good news" for ALL mankind?
Jesus said, "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by ME." This very verse used to be foundational to the Christian's understanding of the necessity of spreading the good news. No doubt that some of the sayings of Jesus are hard to embrace and more difficult to accept in a politically correct society that wants to respectfully promote all things as equal in all people. Therefore, many Christians believe that all we're doing by preaching the gospel is exchanging one religion for another. If all we are offering is an opressive condemning religious life of man-made rules and regulations as a self-help prescription to cure social ills by becoming good people, then I would have to agree that we shouldn't bother. We cannot afford to become an esoteric club or private society of intellectual subscribers who see no need of others being brought to the light of Christ. It is obvious that they do not take into consideration that Christianity is about being reborn from the spiritually dead, enriched with the blessings of being God's children and the profound transformational benefits it offers by living in his kingdom. Yet more and more of todays churches are becoming mere social networking clubs more interested in recruiting for programs than evangelizing to make disciples. That is just one reason I am beginning to see more clearly why the concept of God loving us FIRST, and therefore doing the necessary work we could not do for ourselves necessary to bring us into an eternal relationship with Himself by grace through faith alone, is legitimately far superior to any other philosophy. Mere religion places the responsibility for the hope of eternal life upon our shoulders, not God's. Faith in Christ gives me the freedom to know that I am forgiven once and for all. That I have no need to fear what comes after this life is over. That I can have peace in the assurance that God loves me. And, if God is for me, who can be against me? This knowledge compels me to share it with others who also need this as much as I do. Years of study has opened my eyes to the vast number of people world-wide that have none of this assurance as a result of their fervent religious practice. So I stand by the belief that the good news must be proclaimed to every one in all the world in every generation. Call it imperialistic, call it intolerant, call it what you will. I BELIEVE that Jesus Christ is the living embodiment of truth, and who the scriptures referred to as the "desire of all nations." For one, I didn't know what I needed until I was told. That is why I must, in turn, TELL! Personal darkness is overcome when the knowledge of the Light of Truth is proclaimed. If I embrace the notion that every religion holds equal merit and offers nothing better or greater than any other, that Christ has not risen, then I possess nothing and am to be pitied above all men. The blood of Christ as an offering for the sins of the world holds no meaning if it is no greater than, or just equivalent to, anything else in any other religious belief system. Sincerely, I will live my life with respect for all who differ with this opinion, and aspire to continue to grow in love and understanding toward those who do not embrace this faith in Christ. But as for me... I have decided to follow Jesus. The one mediator between God and man. And I will continue this path without shame or apology towards those who are offended by what seems to many in this day and age a foolish notion.
Though none go with me... still I will follow.
Drink deeply...
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Unfounded Expectancy
In my thirty-five plus years of ministry I have come to the conclusion that the greatest potential for sidetracking a believer from the “sacred path” is when simple trust/faith in God's promises start to become overshadowed and replaced by the keeping of religious laws, rules and regulations. This causes trust/faith to be exchanged for an unfounded expectancy that God will reward our works with the blessings that faith alone provides. Not to mention, this confidence in our capability and strength creates a greater sense of FEAR that we will be punished according to our sins and failures when we miss the mark. And will we ever miss it.
Galatians 5:2,4 (Amplified) "...for if you distrust Him, you can gain nothing from Him. If you seek to be justified and declared righteous and to be given a right standing with God through the Law, you are brought to nothing and so separated (severed) from Christ. You have fallen away from grace - from God's gracious favor and unmerited blessing." Sounds to me like Paul was clearly addressing the fact that the capacity to reach our potential gets fully short-circuited when we seek to please God by following any kind of "law" as a means of gaining His approval, favor, blessing, and provision of salvation.
This is certainly one of the MOST practiced and required pitfalls in Christendom, that carries the greatest approval rating among religious brethren and peers, but the Bible seems to imply that God "cuts the umbellical cord" when we take these measures.
Isn't it odd that Paul was not telling the Galatians that their "sins" were getting in the way of their relationship with God, (for there is a provision for sin) but that keeping the law (which IS holy) rather than trusting God's promise to justify the wicked was the culprit for their demise? No provision for that. How can the law help us when the Bible declares metaphorically that we've died to it and married another? Great food for thought...
In our lack of understanding, we continue embracing religious notions insisting that the law be upheld and practiced to "maintain" righteousness. But, mind you, not the whole of the law, (as required by God for those who insist it be followed (Gal. 5:3) but "selective enforcement" of hand-picked rules and laws that appeal to our sense of morality and uprightness. Even new laws have been created and put in place that was never a part of the original intent of the churches founding requirements. Weren't there enough laws given through Moses without trying to heap some other mans requirements upon them?
Do you want to live your potential to its maximum? Walk daily according to the leading of the Holy Spirit and follow the cardinal "law" of LOVE. (God and neighbor as yourself.)
Quit following Judaic laws, rules and regulations, and put your faith wholly in the one (Jesus) who has the capacity to help you.
By holding fast (in faith) to the "HEAD" (Christ) you will grow with a growth that is from God. (Col.2:19) Counting on God to bless your rigorous intensity to please Him by keeping rules, laws and rituals will only end in frustration and defeat. Haven’t we had enough of that in life? Let’s get on with real living and let faith stand on it’s own as the means of embracing all the goodness that God has to offer in this life and the next.
Let faith take hold of the sufficiency that grace provides.
Then take a sigh of relief and drink deeply.
You are so loved.
Galatians 5:2,4 (Amplified) "...for if you distrust Him, you can gain nothing from Him. If you seek to be justified and declared righteous and to be given a right standing with God through the Law, you are brought to nothing and so separated (severed) from Christ. You have fallen away from grace - from God's gracious favor and unmerited blessing." Sounds to me like Paul was clearly addressing the fact that the capacity to reach our potential gets fully short-circuited when we seek to please God by following any kind of "law" as a means of gaining His approval, favor, blessing, and provision of salvation.
This is certainly one of the MOST practiced and required pitfalls in Christendom, that carries the greatest approval rating among religious brethren and peers, but the Bible seems to imply that God "cuts the umbellical cord" when we take these measures.
Isn't it odd that Paul was not telling the Galatians that their "sins" were getting in the way of their relationship with God, (for there is a provision for sin) but that keeping the law (which IS holy) rather than trusting God's promise to justify the wicked was the culprit for their demise? No provision for that. How can the law help us when the Bible declares metaphorically that we've died to it and married another? Great food for thought...
In our lack of understanding, we continue embracing religious notions insisting that the law be upheld and practiced to "maintain" righteousness. But, mind you, not the whole of the law, (as required by God for those who insist it be followed (Gal. 5:3) but "selective enforcement" of hand-picked rules and laws that appeal to our sense of morality and uprightness. Even new laws have been created and put in place that was never a part of the original intent of the churches founding requirements. Weren't there enough laws given through Moses without trying to heap some other mans requirements upon them?
Do you want to live your potential to its maximum? Walk daily according to the leading of the Holy Spirit and follow the cardinal "law" of LOVE. (God and neighbor as yourself.)
Quit following Judaic laws, rules and regulations, and put your faith wholly in the one (Jesus) who has the capacity to help you.
By holding fast (in faith) to the "HEAD" (Christ) you will grow with a growth that is from God. (Col.2:19) Counting on God to bless your rigorous intensity to please Him by keeping rules, laws and rituals will only end in frustration and defeat. Haven’t we had enough of that in life? Let’s get on with real living and let faith stand on it’s own as the means of embracing all the goodness that God has to offer in this life and the next.
Let faith take hold of the sufficiency that grace provides.
Then take a sigh of relief and drink deeply.
You are so loved.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
He Knows Everything
Just like everyone else on the planet, I have issues with faith. I relate fully to the man who said to Jesus, "Lord, I believe... help my unbelief." Who (being truthful) cannot sincerely identify with the person who spoke these words to the Master? I have never and probably never will relate to people who profess great faith any more than I relate to people who flag wave a profound standard of personal righteousness. I've been in too many situations where preachers, pastors, evangelists and ministry personalities who do profess such great faith hide from view in situations of great conflict, so those they "teach" won't see them "under the circumstances" they publicly claim to live above. As for me, I can't lay claim to living above circumstances. I live in them. And I am convinced that God lives there with me, guiding, leading, empowering and uplifting me through each and every situation giving sufficient grace for the need.
Truth is... I can't see Jesus. I can't truly "feel" Jesus. I can't "call him up and tell him what I want" as the song implores us to do. This relationship requires faith for operation, but the journey is all about starting with little and learning how to put it to work in every human situation possible. Then, just when I think I've got a better handle on faith, a new situation comes into play that totally challenges and trumps my previous faith experience. To take it a step further... it's not even our faith we're working with, but the faith God gives us for the task of making this relationship effective. I'm grateful for it, but because of my humanity and need for all things tangible through the senses to feel secure... I fall short of using that gift of faith to its potential. I don't always know how to use it or apply it correctly, even though I've read most every five to seven step book on how make faith work. And... like most people, my heart condemns me when I fall short. Through the years I've tried to pick myself up and do better after failing before taking it to Jesus for consideration. Then I have to use the faith I've been given when I confess my shortcomings to trust that God keeps me plugged-in to right relationship. Almost like a viscious circle. The Bible says have faith, my mind says "do better" and my church friends give me umpteen million rigorous spiritual exercises to undertake that are guaranteed to make me more spiritually fit and fail proof than before. And I stand before God wanting to do my best, and feel condemned for not acheiving the goal.
Consider this. The Bible teaches us in Romans 5 "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This verse was the writers golden opportunity to speak the truth and tell it like it really is. It could have read, "Therefore being justified by BEING GOOD... or justified by being RELIGIOUS... or justified by keeping the LAW... or justified by paying your TITHES... or justified by going to CHURCH... or justified by sacrificing your first born child into the fires of... " The eternal truth was cemented in that verse. We have peace with God by the simple means of being justified by faith. Faith alone. Not faith PLUS something else.
God knows everything about us and is fully aware of our inability to continually do the right thing the right way at the right time in the right place for the right reason. But, he still loves us. We have to have faith in the fact that he knows all about us and sees everything we do. Good and bad. And he still loves us. While we were his enemies, he loved us. Herein is love, not that we loved him, but that he loved us first...
I was always taught to believe that what gets in the way of my relationship with God is sin. That somehow each time I sin I short-circuit the lifeline of his connection to my being, causing the need to start all over from the beginning. In the church I grew up in, we just got saved over and over again to compensate for our inability to keep getting it right. That perspective became like a concrete block around my neck and impossible to carry. I just couldn't get it right all the time, not to mention the unbearable weight of my heart under the condemnation of my own mind telling me, "There you've gone and done it again!" But I've come to relate to the Apostle Paul who explained his own struggle so clearly in Romans chapter 7. "When I want to do what's right... I don't. I'm forever doing the wrong..." Paul's insights should help us all to grasp the fact that sin is not the factor that causes us to become separated from God. However, a lack of FAITH, preventing us from resting in the assurance that he loves us is detrimental to the foundations of our relationship. Faith dares us to look at ourselves in light of the mirror of the Word of God and stand assured in the truth that his love is unchanging for us when we are good or bad. He has made the provisions we need available on a daily basis through the sacrifice of Jesus as the only spotless substitute. If we say we have no sin, we call God a liar and the truth is not in us. If we sin, we confess our moral and spiritual failures, and the blood of Jesus continually cleanses us of our unrighteousness. Simple. Sin doesn't seem to get in the way, but only a lacking of confidence in God's ability to provide in the situation.
Our best efforts to maintain a sense of perfect uprightness will always be met with futility and frustration. We are just not made up of the stuff necessary to accomplish such a noble task. We may have good intentions, but we just don't have the moral currency to acquire such perfection. But, we never cease to strive for following the perfect example of our heavenly Father whose ways are above our own. His perfection compels us to be elevated in our efforts to be the best with all that we've been given, to showforth the praises of him, while never accepting for a moment the arrogant need to believe that we have the means to achieve that goal in and of ourselves. I don't even believe that we have the means with God's help... not in this body. The body we live in will forever draw us away from all that is right, good, holy and righteous. That is why in the eternal relationship we have with God here and now, the just shall live by FAITH. (Never by works, lest we boast.) For all these things, he has given us GRACE. And grace is sufficient.
All this said, we come to the conclusion that 1 John 3:19,20 is deeply relevant to our human and spiritual condition and needs. "...so we will be confident when we stand before the Lord, even if our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything."
God is good. We can't fool him, or hide anything from him. Face it... our best efforts are always less than perfect. But perfection is not key for pleasing God. Faith is the key. We continue daily to walk by faith during the good and bad times, success and failure, when openly upright or utterly fallen and remain constantly aware that when trying our best to live in love we can stand before the Lord in all confidence, even when our hearts condemn us. He is still faithful and greater than our hearts. And he knows everything. And he still loves us. Faith can have a foundation in our hearts and lives if we embrace his everlasting love. Fear and condemnation fade into the background when our minds become fixed on God's love. After all, it's not my works, or goodness, or religious fervor, etc. that matters here, but the assurance or faith that God loves us in our best efforts and our worst failures. So, even when our hearts condemn us, we can still stand confidently in his unsearchable love. He knows everything.
May the God who knows us and made it his perfect will to justify the wicked, cause our hearts to believe in his eternal love and rely on his eternal Word of truth.
Drink deeply,
JP
Truth is... I can't see Jesus. I can't truly "feel" Jesus. I can't "call him up and tell him what I want" as the song implores us to do. This relationship requires faith for operation, but the journey is all about starting with little and learning how to put it to work in every human situation possible. Then, just when I think I've got a better handle on faith, a new situation comes into play that totally challenges and trumps my previous faith experience. To take it a step further... it's not even our faith we're working with, but the faith God gives us for the task of making this relationship effective. I'm grateful for it, but because of my humanity and need for all things tangible through the senses to feel secure... I fall short of using that gift of faith to its potential. I don't always know how to use it or apply it correctly, even though I've read most every five to seven step book on how make faith work. And... like most people, my heart condemns me when I fall short. Through the years I've tried to pick myself up and do better after failing before taking it to Jesus for consideration. Then I have to use the faith I've been given when I confess my shortcomings to trust that God keeps me plugged-in to right relationship. Almost like a viscious circle. The Bible says have faith, my mind says "do better" and my church friends give me umpteen million rigorous spiritual exercises to undertake that are guaranteed to make me more spiritually fit and fail proof than before. And I stand before God wanting to do my best, and feel condemned for not acheiving the goal.
Consider this. The Bible teaches us in Romans 5 "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This verse was the writers golden opportunity to speak the truth and tell it like it really is. It could have read, "Therefore being justified by BEING GOOD... or justified by being RELIGIOUS... or justified by keeping the LAW... or justified by paying your TITHES... or justified by going to CHURCH... or justified by sacrificing your first born child into the fires of... " The eternal truth was cemented in that verse. We have peace with God by the simple means of being justified by faith. Faith alone. Not faith PLUS something else.
God knows everything about us and is fully aware of our inability to continually do the right thing the right way at the right time in the right place for the right reason. But, he still loves us. We have to have faith in the fact that he knows all about us and sees everything we do. Good and bad. And he still loves us. While we were his enemies, he loved us. Herein is love, not that we loved him, but that he loved us first...
I was always taught to believe that what gets in the way of my relationship with God is sin. That somehow each time I sin I short-circuit the lifeline of his connection to my being, causing the need to start all over from the beginning. In the church I grew up in, we just got saved over and over again to compensate for our inability to keep getting it right. That perspective became like a concrete block around my neck and impossible to carry. I just couldn't get it right all the time, not to mention the unbearable weight of my heart under the condemnation of my own mind telling me, "There you've gone and done it again!" But I've come to relate to the Apostle Paul who explained his own struggle so clearly in Romans chapter 7. "When I want to do what's right... I don't. I'm forever doing the wrong..." Paul's insights should help us all to grasp the fact that sin is not the factor that causes us to become separated from God. However, a lack of FAITH, preventing us from resting in the assurance that he loves us is detrimental to the foundations of our relationship. Faith dares us to look at ourselves in light of the mirror of the Word of God and stand assured in the truth that his love is unchanging for us when we are good or bad. He has made the provisions we need available on a daily basis through the sacrifice of Jesus as the only spotless substitute. If we say we have no sin, we call God a liar and the truth is not in us. If we sin, we confess our moral and spiritual failures, and the blood of Jesus continually cleanses us of our unrighteousness. Simple. Sin doesn't seem to get in the way, but only a lacking of confidence in God's ability to provide in the situation.
Our best efforts to maintain a sense of perfect uprightness will always be met with futility and frustration. We are just not made up of the stuff necessary to accomplish such a noble task. We may have good intentions, but we just don't have the moral currency to acquire such perfection. But, we never cease to strive for following the perfect example of our heavenly Father whose ways are above our own. His perfection compels us to be elevated in our efforts to be the best with all that we've been given, to showforth the praises of him, while never accepting for a moment the arrogant need to believe that we have the means to achieve that goal in and of ourselves. I don't even believe that we have the means with God's help... not in this body. The body we live in will forever draw us away from all that is right, good, holy and righteous. That is why in the eternal relationship we have with God here and now, the just shall live by FAITH. (Never by works, lest we boast.) For all these things, he has given us GRACE. And grace is sufficient.
All this said, we come to the conclusion that 1 John 3:19,20 is deeply relevant to our human and spiritual condition and needs. "...so we will be confident when we stand before the Lord, even if our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything."
God is good. We can't fool him, or hide anything from him. Face it... our best efforts are always less than perfect. But perfection is not key for pleasing God. Faith is the key. We continue daily to walk by faith during the good and bad times, success and failure, when openly upright or utterly fallen and remain constantly aware that when trying our best to live in love we can stand before the Lord in all confidence, even when our hearts condemn us. He is still faithful and greater than our hearts. And he knows everything. And he still loves us. Faith can have a foundation in our hearts and lives if we embrace his everlasting love. Fear and condemnation fade into the background when our minds become fixed on God's love. After all, it's not my works, or goodness, or religious fervor, etc. that matters here, but the assurance or faith that God loves us in our best efforts and our worst failures. So, even when our hearts condemn us, we can still stand confidently in his unsearchable love. He knows everything.
May the God who knows us and made it his perfect will to justify the wicked, cause our hearts to believe in his eternal love and rely on his eternal Word of truth.
Drink deeply,
JP
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Peace with God
From the beginning of time mankind has been on a search to try and figure out how to get in touch with forces beyond their knowing to gain favor and help for things outside their control. People began to sacrifice their crops, livestock, wine, their own blood, body parts and first born children in hopes of securing a better outcome on serious issues in life. It's a rather morbid history, but nonetheless true. The Bible is a perfect historical account of such matters, and deeply misunderstood by many in western culture. The need to "do something" in hopes of hooking God's eye and ear to better secure our ongoing relationship is from time immemorial.
However, in our religious culture, we still do the same things, maybe in different ways than described in the Old Testament, but follow after the same need to try and gain favor with an invisible God whose attention we so desperately need to gain. We go about it with the same religious fervor and zeal as both Hebrew and pagan peoples attempted to merit favor. We still sacrifice, observe ordinances, serve rules and regulations, create new never before prescribed laws to follow, give till it hurts, attend services till we're worn out and jump through every religious umpires hoops in hopes of not being disqualified from the prize of winning the gold medal of God's approval.
It's obvious that we have a deeply seated need for something we just can't reconcile ourselves to in our minds and hearts. That being, peace. An inner conflict is created because of our knowing that we have not measured up to God's standard either makes us ashamed and unwilling to approach him, or we cover our naked sins with the fig leaves of self-righteous deception in hopes that God won't notice and accept our perspective that we're "good people." Both deadly spiritually.
The old archaic and useless system and methods of sacrifices as a means of appeasing God's justice and granting temporary approval is over. The sacrifice of one greater than any bull or goat ultimately put to rest the need for offerings, rules, regulations, laws, religious observances, etc. that cushion our conscience toward our idea of what's necessary for favor with God.
There is no need to follow rules...
There is no need to observe laws...
There is no need to do special works....
All of these create a greater anxiety in our hearts and minds, because these observances cannot secure the one essential byproduct of peace, which is ASSURANCE.
There is, however, a means by which a human soul can be firmly fixed in the matter of knowing where we stand with God. FAITH.
The book of Romans chapter 5 verse 1 declares; "Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ has done. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand... confidently...."
Can we trust God with a promise like that?
Can we embrace a simple truth and be forever set free from the uncertainty, fear, anxiety and pain of being outside of God's favor?
Can it really be this easy? Obviously... in our minds and hearts... it's not.
Then again, the Old Testament story of Abraham clearly given for our benefit. Romans 4:21,22 "He (Abraham) was absolutely convinced that God was able to do anything he promised. And because of Abrahams's faith, God declared him to be righteous."
Will you drop your heavy load of baggage you've been clinging to that's made you weary from trying to accomplish what only God can do for you? Come before him without it this time empty-handed and say, "I believe... help my unbelief. Give me faith to trust that in Christ your promise is enough to give me once and for all time the PEACE that passes understanding."
Then take the next step. REST in the confident assurance that God will accomplish what he said he would do without your assistance and efforts. THAT, my friend, is peace.
Trust him.
Peace be unto you.
Drink deeply.
JP
However, in our religious culture, we still do the same things, maybe in different ways than described in the Old Testament, but follow after the same need to try and gain favor with an invisible God whose attention we so desperately need to gain. We go about it with the same religious fervor and zeal as both Hebrew and pagan peoples attempted to merit favor. We still sacrifice, observe ordinances, serve rules and regulations, create new never before prescribed laws to follow, give till it hurts, attend services till we're worn out and jump through every religious umpires hoops in hopes of not being disqualified from the prize of winning the gold medal of God's approval.
It's obvious that we have a deeply seated need for something we just can't reconcile ourselves to in our minds and hearts. That being, peace. An inner conflict is created because of our knowing that we have not measured up to God's standard either makes us ashamed and unwilling to approach him, or we cover our naked sins with the fig leaves of self-righteous deception in hopes that God won't notice and accept our perspective that we're "good people." Both deadly spiritually.
The old archaic and useless system and methods of sacrifices as a means of appeasing God's justice and granting temporary approval is over. The sacrifice of one greater than any bull or goat ultimately put to rest the need for offerings, rules, regulations, laws, religious observances, etc. that cushion our conscience toward our idea of what's necessary for favor with God.
There is no need to follow rules...
There is no need to observe laws...
There is no need to do special works....
All of these create a greater anxiety in our hearts and minds, because these observances cannot secure the one essential byproduct of peace, which is ASSURANCE.
There is, however, a means by which a human soul can be firmly fixed in the matter of knowing where we stand with God. FAITH.
The book of Romans chapter 5 verse 1 declares; "Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ has done. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand... confidently...."
Can we trust God with a promise like that?
Can we embrace a simple truth and be forever set free from the uncertainty, fear, anxiety and pain of being outside of God's favor?
Can it really be this easy? Obviously... in our minds and hearts... it's not.
Then again, the Old Testament story of Abraham clearly given for our benefit. Romans 4:21,22 "He (Abraham) was absolutely convinced that God was able to do anything he promised. And because of Abrahams's faith, God declared him to be righteous."
Will you drop your heavy load of baggage you've been clinging to that's made you weary from trying to accomplish what only God can do for you? Come before him without it this time empty-handed and say, "I believe... help my unbelief. Give me faith to trust that in Christ your promise is enough to give me once and for all time the PEACE that passes understanding."
Then take the next step. REST in the confident assurance that God will accomplish what he said he would do without your assistance and efforts. THAT, my friend, is peace.
Trust him.
Peace be unto you.
Drink deeply.
JP
Friday, March 27, 2009
Expectancy!
The definition of the word “Expectancy” is as follows:
Excited anticipation: excited awareness that something is about to happen.
Excited anticipation: excited awareness that something is about to happen.
- an air of expectancy hung over the crowd.
If the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit is not being manifested in our services, there is no one to point a finger at but ourselves. Well-intending church goers have told me for years that if someone would change the style of music played in a worship service to more suit their liking or preferences, or if the pastor wouldn’t preach, etc. etc., then the Spirit of God would be free to do something powerful. Maybe there is some truth in their words. Still, I can't quite perceive that whether the music is traditional hymns, country/western, Hebraic, Contemporary, Rock n' Roll or Black Gospel, that God's potential to accomplish something hinges on our cultural preferences. We've replaced the necessity of FAITH with the desire for ENJOYMENT.
However, when believers assemble or attend church, without bringing a sense of expectancy, the emphasis is invariably placed on the service content and those who conduct it for its perceived success or failure. And the success or failure inevitably hinges on whether the service was "enjoyed." The ritual, tradition or service has no power in itself. To follow the rituals and traditions of a Church service requires nothing but being there. Faith is not a key ingredient to the participation of a worship service. It’s not necessarily the ritual or the tradition at fault, but the lack of EXPECTANCY in the hearts of those who are gathered for worship. That stands true for the leadership and the congregation alike.
Those who meet together with faith and expectancy will see great manifestations of God’s presence and power. God never promised that those who attend Church would find Him or see Him revealed on any level. I have seen some of the greatest demonstrations of the presence of God in services with the worst music conceivable. Musical quality or style is irrelevant to the Holy Spirit’s being present. But… FAITH is required. The Bible says, “...and you will seek Me and you shall find Me, when you search for Me with ALL YOUR HEART.” God’s Spirit operates in full potential of power and demonstration when and where PEOPLE decidedly bring a sense of EXPECTANCY to whatever ritual or tradition they practice. We should EXPECT God’s Spirit to be present. EXPECT miracles. EXPECT signs and wonders. EXPECT the gifts to operate. EXPECT power. Waiting on the ritual or tradition to change to suit your liking will only leave you waiting. EXPECTANCY is the key YOU possess that the Holy Sprit can USE every time believers assemble together. What shall it be?
Anytime you come before God... come EXPECTING
With all your heart, come EXPECTING.
Drink deeply,
JP
Friday, March 20, 2009
Welcome to the New Wine Bar
Greetings... I've thought for the longest time that I should NOT join the millions of those who feel compelled to put their thoughts and ideas online. The idea that my contributions would be buried under vast mountains of cyber sand and gravel without ever being discovered and read by anyone was my essential cause for demotivation. But lately I've had a change of heart. Certainly the Apostle Paul (one of my great heros, along with Luther, Calvin and other great reformers and free-thinkers who impacted history) would have loved the possibilities available through the Internet. The people that could have been reached and touched at the click of a keyboard. Endless...
Not that I think my perspectives, ideas, viewpoints and insights are equal to those as Paul, Calvin, Luther, etc. but heck, you never know until you lay it out there who will be touched or provoked by my offerings until they're given.
With that in mind... I present the "New Wine Bar." I unapologetically use the term "bar" in my blogspot title and affiliate it with things "Christian, spiritual, religious, etc." with a purpose. It is meant to be what it is... a bar... a place where people gather to partake in something they enjoy... a place where conversation is optimum and ideas are welcomed, heard and laid out among friends. A place where people come to DRINK IN the New Wine of Jesus and be filled. Satisfied. Refreshed. If the concept offends you, there are certainly countless other blogs online that are more suitable to your taste. Find them.
The themes that will be reoccuring are LOVE, GRACE, MERCY, FAITH, RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE, JOY, ABUNDANT LIFE, FREEDOM, LIBERTY, SPIRITUAL GIFTS, PRAISE and WORSHIP.
There will be times when the ideas offered will be as simple as a children's Sunday school lesson, others will be as controversial as it can possibly get. Some will certainly find the entries more offensive than my blogspot title. But that's OK.
My grandfather used to love to look at me and quote the Bible saying, "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and they that dwell therein..." The smile that remained on his face long after quoting that verse always left me knowing that his faith in the God who owns EVERYTHING meant him too... and also me. He never let me forget that. It established hope in my heart and joy in my soul. My future belongs to the Lord who owns everything and reigns over all his creation with great love.
Check back with me now and then... leave me your thoughts and reflections on postings whether you agree or not.
But always remember that Christ is our mediator and common denominator as well.
I will not judge you, who does or doesn't serve the same Lord.
But I will LISTEN to your views. I may respond by agreeing or disagreeing. That is my choice and priviledge.
Together we will drink deep at the New Wine Bar.
JP
Not that I think my perspectives, ideas, viewpoints and insights are equal to those as Paul, Calvin, Luther, etc. but heck, you never know until you lay it out there who will be touched or provoked by my offerings until they're given.
With that in mind... I present the "New Wine Bar." I unapologetically use the term "bar" in my blogspot title and affiliate it with things "Christian, spiritual, religious, etc." with a purpose. It is meant to be what it is... a bar... a place where people gather to partake in something they enjoy... a place where conversation is optimum and ideas are welcomed, heard and laid out among friends. A place where people come to DRINK IN the New Wine of Jesus and be filled. Satisfied. Refreshed. If the concept offends you, there are certainly countless other blogs online that are more suitable to your taste. Find them.
The themes that will be reoccuring are LOVE, GRACE, MERCY, FAITH, RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE, JOY, ABUNDANT LIFE, FREEDOM, LIBERTY, SPIRITUAL GIFTS, PRAISE and WORSHIP.
There will be times when the ideas offered will be as simple as a children's Sunday school lesson, others will be as controversial as it can possibly get. Some will certainly find the entries more offensive than my blogspot title. But that's OK.
My grandfather used to love to look at me and quote the Bible saying, "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and they that dwell therein..." The smile that remained on his face long after quoting that verse always left me knowing that his faith in the God who owns EVERYTHING meant him too... and also me. He never let me forget that. It established hope in my heart and joy in my soul. My future belongs to the Lord who owns everything and reigns over all his creation with great love.
Check back with me now and then... leave me your thoughts and reflections on postings whether you agree or not.
But always remember that Christ is our mediator and common denominator as well.
I will not judge you, who does or doesn't serve the same Lord.
But I will LISTEN to your views. I may respond by agreeing or disagreeing. That is my choice and priviledge.
Together we will drink deep at the New Wine Bar.
JP
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