Cross Church Winnipeg Sermon Podcast: Recent Episodes
Cross Church Winnipeg
Luke tells us that eight days after Jesus was born, the baby was circumcised, and he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived. Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. The law of the Lord says, “If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord.” So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord—either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. We may wonder why Jesus should be subjected to this? Paul tells us in Romans 4 that the sign of circumcision included, among other things, the sign of that righteousness that was by faith. It represented two things: being cut off or separated from the world of paganism and idolatry and being set apart—consecrated—to be part of the covenant people of God. Mary and Joseph, with their child, Jesus, were fulfilling an act of faith and holiness. And second, it was a sign of person’s having his sin removed from himself, just as the foreskin of His flesh had been ceremonially removed. God still calls his people to faith and holiness.
Luke tells us what happened on the night Christ was born, “That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, Luke tells us. Almost every time the Bible records an appearance of God, an outward visible manifestation of the invisible God, it is accompanied by the shekinah. The shekinah was the blazing, brilliant, blinding glory of God. When that glory was visible, people hid their eyes from it, driven to their knees, because there was nothing in nature that could compare to the shekinah glory of God. No wonder the shepherds were terrified. But soon they would be full of rejoicing. The Angel of the Lord had come to share the Gospel—the good news—the Saviour was born in Bethlehem. The angel armies of heaven sing the fourth song of Christ’s birth, The Gloria in excelsis Deo: “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” After seeing Jesus, the shepherds became evangelists, telling everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. And like anyone who has ever met Jesus, the shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.
Luke begins the narrative of the birth of Jesus Christ with these words, “In those days.” The story does not begin with, “Once upon a time.” This is a true report with real people and real events. He is careful to give us a time reference, using the events and names of the Roman Empire. He speaks of Quirinius, the governor of Syria and Caesar Augustus, the most celebrated of all the Roman emperors. Luke two begins as follows, At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria. All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.
Christians often forget that God is faithful and has promised to meet all our needs as we seek to do His will. Jesus taught us not to worry, and instead taught, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto us.” But when we focus on ourselves, we develop a poverty mentality. When we focus on Christ we are reminded of Paul’s words, “My God shall supply all my needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Do you believe this? Focusing on yourself and on your needs is deadly. It turns you into a greedy, fearful and selfish person. When you focus on Christ you become grateful and confident in His provision which in turn produces generosity in you. The Bible Society did a study that found that 95% of Christians give and that they are twice as generous as the unbeliever. Christians are grateful to God for His faithfulness and give as a form of worship.
Our gratitude, or thanksgiving, begins with our response to God’s goodness and grace. Because the very root of the word gratitude is ‘grace,’ it is important to acknowledge the grace we have received, and continue to receive, from God. If we are to truly understand what it means to be thankful, we must acknowledge the great grace He has given to us in abundance. All that we have is because of our loving Father, including our reconciliation to God through the work of Christ Jesus. Ideally, gratitude prepares the way for us to give sacrificially and generously, as cheerful givers who sow and reap bountifully. The Apostle Paul was deeply moved when the Churches of Macedonia were so grateful for their salvation and the truth that they received through his preaching, that they gave generously to the needy Christians in Jerusalem.
When John the Baptist was born, his parents, Elizabeth and Zechariah, knew full well who their son was and what he was destined to do. Zechariah prophesies over his son John and says, “And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” And of course we know that the arrival of John into the world is a fulfillment of Malachi’s prophecy where God speaks to Israel 400 years earlier: “Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord arrives. His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers.” The arrival of John is the signal that the Kingdom of God is at hand. This was Israel’s greatest desire. And it has now begun.
All Christians recognize the beauty and wonder of the young woman, called Mary. She is a remarkable woman, endowed with the grace of God for the great calling of bearing and giving birth to the child who will be the Saviour of the world. She deserves respect and honour for her willingness to take on this great calling. All generations do indeed call her blessed. But it is important that while acknowledging her blessedness, we don’t lose the plot. She is not our mediator, and she is not the co-redeemer alongside Jesus Christ. She is a lowly servant whom God blessed with this great and holy task. Indeed, the Magnificat, her great song of praise, begins with praise to God and rejoicing in Jesus Christ, her Saviour: “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!” Mary preaches to us about our great salvation and the fulfillment of God’s promise to save His people.
The archangel Gabriel was dispatched from the presence of God on a mission to make the most important announcement in the history of the world to the young virgin, Mary, a descendant of none other than King David, Israel’s greatest king. Mary was to be the mother of the promised Messiah. Mary is the woman in Genesis 3:15, where God says, “And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.” Mary’s son, Jesus Christ, will strike the head of Satan, even as Satan strikes the heel of Jesus. In short, even as Satan attempts to kill Jesus, Jesus will eventually, successfully destroy Satan. One wonders, is Mary foretold by the prophets elsewhere in scripture? In Isaiah 7:14, God tells us/Israel, “All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us’. The end has begun. Jesus will come to establish His kingdom.
For 400 years, God had been silent. But now, we are at the dawning of a new age. The angel Gabriel appears to the priest Zechariah with the news that he will soon be a father. Not since Malachi gave his prophecy has God spoken so dramatically. The last words of Malachi are as follows: “Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord arrives. His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers.” Gabriel tells Zechariah that his son, John, will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.” This is the greatest news ever announced to humanity!
There have been many so called “sacred writings” throughout the ages. But there has never been anything like the Bible. It is self-consciously concerned with accuracy. Luke, the highly educated physician, is also a historian, theologian, and musician. Luke writes to Theophilus and says, “Many people have set out to write accounts about the events about the Lord Jesus Christ that have been fulfilled among us. They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught.” So begins the longest Gospel in the New Testament. Over the next two years, we will discover that the King of Kings has come to earth to bring mercy and eternal life to all who believe.
Psalm 117 is the exact centre chapter of the whole Bible. And Christ is the exact centre of all of history. In Psalm 117, the gentiles, those who are not considered God’s chosen people, are invited to join in praise of God with the Jews. As Christians, we view this as a fulfillment of God's promise of mercy to the Gentiles, pointing to God's promise that all nations would be blessed in the seed of Abraham, whom we know is Christ, as described in the letter to the Galatians. Paul says, “God gave the promises to Abraham and his child. And notice that the Scripture doesn’t say “to his children,” as if it meant many descendants. Rather, it says “to his child”—and that, of course, means Christ.” We rejoice in the Christ who came to gather people from every nation, tribe and tongue. And someday we will worship Christ together around His throne. Hallelujah!
The conclusion of our study in Matthew 6:33 is a reminder to walk and talk with God today and not live in the future. So many of us never really live in the moment because we are so anxious about tomorrow. When Jesus taught us how to pray in Matthew 6:9-13, he taught us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” Christianity is always lived in the now. Satan, the deceiver, would have you live in the future, lusting after and desiring things that God has not given you today. Paul understood this when he said to the Philippians, Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
Jesus promises us that when we are seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, God then provides for us all the things that we need. The author of the Proverbs says, “I’ve never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread. But here is where we get into trouble. While we are busy caring for ourselves and for our families, we can very easily, and very quickly, lose our focus on God. It is so easy to forget that life is not about getting stuff. Life is NOT about accumulating and collecting. Everything in this life will pass away. Moth and rust and robbers do their thing, stealing and devouring what we have. And besides, no one ever owns anything. We hold money and land and things for a short time and then we die. You never see a U-Haul trailer behind a hearse on the way to the cemetery. And so we are reminded by Christ our Lord and Savior to focus on our relationship with God, who reveals Himself to us as our Father who provides for us all that we need.
Our Lord Jesus understands that we need food, drink, clothing, shelter and a number of different things. He reminds us that the pagans while pursuing these things become anxious and worried and fearful. The question is, why are we Christians worrying about such things? Jesus wants us to understand that God knows what you need. In fact, God knows what you need even more than you do. So what do you need? Earlier in Matthew chapter six, Jesus teaches us to pray, “give us this day our daily bread.” Of course, Jesus is teaching us to that “all these things” that we need are the things that God has promised to provide for His children. Note that the Psalmist says, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I have all that I need.” He doesn’t say, “I have all that I want.” And later in that same Psalm he says, He anoints my head and my cup overflows. God even provides a banquet for us in the presence of our enemies. God takes care of everything, but you cannot forget that this is the result of seeking first God’s kingdom and His righteousness.
Most people have no idea what it means to be righteous. First, righteous means to be right. Most people understand on some level that it is a good thing to get life right, to live right, to do what is right, to have the right values and to have the right pursuits in life. Most people want to have right relationships with their spouse, children, friends and workmates. But it’s amazing how few people think of their relationship with God and few wonder if in fact they have a right relationship with God. And yet there is nothing more important in this life. Failing to have a right relationship with God means eternal separation from our Creator and God; it means eternal damnation. This is the most important thing in your life. Sadly, no one can achieve this right relationship with God. No one. No one, except Jesus Christ. God sent Christ to be our righteousness. All who put their faith in Christ receive His righteousness. And all who seek Christ above all else, learn to walk in the righteousness that not only pleases God, but it also brings us great joy and peace. That’s right, our joy and peace flourishes in us as we grow in righteousness. Why would you pursue anything else?
The average person when asked, what does it mean to be rich, will answer that it means having lots of money and luxurious possessions. The more sophisticated might add that being rich means that you have a good career and a good mind and good relationships. Still others will speak in terms of being lucky in life, lucky to live in a first-world country and to be healthy. They will say, “if you don’t have your health, you have nothing.” Some will speak of having a good education and good friends and some will even talk about being born with good genes…good DNA. But Jesus tells us that the greatest pursuit and the greatest possession of all is the Kingdom of God. Jesus even told parables on the subject. He tells of the man who sold everything to take hold of the Kingdom of God. There is nothing greater. And it’s shocking how many Christians go their whole life without understanding this. The Kingdom of God is a wealth of blessing now and in the life to come. Do you understand this? A simple inventory of how you spend your time and money will reveal to you if you have true riches or just empty hopes and promises, useless baubles and meaninglessness.
It is not a sin to pursue a good career or to try to make a good living. We were created to be industrious and hardworking and to exercise personal agency. At the end of the day, this is what gives us satisfaction and contentment and even joy. What is more satisfying than accomplishing tasks, especially when those tasks have eternal significance? John Wesley once said that every Christian should seek to earn as much as he can, save as much as he can and then give as much as he can. But sin is an ugly thing. It twists and distorts everything. It is so easy to pursue all the wrong things. Its easy to forget that life is about relationships, beginning with our relationship with God. It’s a sad irony, that the father who wants to care for his children—as he should—can become so distracted by his work that he loses his family and his marriage! Likewise, even the one involved in ministry can be so wrapped up in his work that he forgets about his relationship with God. Our Lord Jesus reminds us to keep our priorities straight.
Every human is created in the image of God. This means that we are not like any other creature on earth. We were created to reflect our Creator, by doing His will. This means that we are creative, hardworking, and created for relationship with God and with one another. It means that we have a purpose for living. It means that every human is precious to God. When God created Adam and Eve, He blessed them with the Garden of Eden and He gave them instructions to multiply and to govern the creation. As creatures who bear God’s image, we were hardwired to be productive and to be responsible for ourselves and for one another. Originally, Adam and Eve were only seeking to serve God and seeking to do His will. We were created to be accountable to God. But when humanity fell into sin, everything became horribly twisted. The things that we were seeking before the fall were righteousness and the will of God, but sin turned us inward so that we became self-centred and self-focused. We became more concerned about ourselves and our wants and our dreams, and we became worried and anxious.
We live in anxious times. Today, anxiety is called a mental health condition. It can cause feelings of worry, fear, or tension. For some people, anxiety can also cause panic attacks and physical symptoms like chest pain. It may surprise you, however, to learn that all humans have always lived in anxious times. Our Lord Jesus himself addressed this very thing in His Sermon on the Mount. He offered the best life-advice ever given: Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and God will give you everything you need. This summer we will study Matthew 6:33 in depth and learn what it means to live a worry-free life. It begins with understanding what makes us worry and why we shouldn’t worry. Worrying is not merely a quirky personality trait. Worrying is what pagans do. Trusting God is what Christians do.
It's that time of the year again when we celebrate our country and say, Happy Birthday Canada. Our national anthem is sung across the nation in French and in English. Part of the anthem is a prayer: “God keep our land, glorious and free, O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.” The greatest thing we can do for Canada is to pray for God’s protection and to remain vigilant in protecting the freedoms that we take for granted. The Lord can easily take it all away from us if we forget Him. And let’s not forget, these freedoms are founded on the teachings of scripture and we must also remember that this land is not our land. The Bible declares, The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths. Let’s be vigilante and prayerful and good citizens in these dark times.
Family Day Service - Youth Band Worship time followed by Pastor Andrew preaching on Prayer.
What is a good father? Our father in heaven is our example. He always takes the initiative in loving, caring, and saving His children.Imagine a world where fathers imitated God? Sadly, so many in our culture fail to see the point of men. And sadly, men are feeling useless and arebecoming immature and self-centred. God created men to carry heavy loads of responsibility. Every child needs a father who loves, nurtures, andteaches them what the Father in heaven is like. Men, God is calling you to not only ignore the message of our culture, but to wholeheartedly reject thisevil notion. The culture is healthiest when men fulfill their divine calling. Paul says, “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are hisdear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarsejokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5You can be sure that no immoral,
The young Christian Timothy was blessed to have the influence of a godly mother and grandmother, and none other than the ApostlePaul himself. In his letter, Paul addresses him, “Timothy, I thank God for you—the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Nightand day I constantly remember you in my prayers. I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy whenwe are together again. I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And Iknow that same faith continues strong in you. This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. Anddon’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the GoodNews. 9 For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before thebeginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior.He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News.”
When talking about personal finances, we all have had questions. How do we best deal with money and possessions? How do we look after our current needs? How do we plan for the future? How do we partner with God in growing His Kingdom?Thankfully, God, in His Word, gives us ample direction and guidelines that teach us to manage the resources He has so graciously given to us. There are approximately 2,350 verses in the Bible that talk about money and material possessions. 16 out of 18 parables in the Gospels deal with these issues as well. Jesus had more to say about money than He did about heaven and hell combined!How we manage what has been entrusted to us really matters to our Lord Jesus Christ. It is our belief that we are not owners of the resources God has so generously given to us. Instead, we are to be good managers, good stewards of what we have. God wants to use our resources to impact our world and His Kingdom... now, in the future, and for all of eternity. Regardless of your personal financial circumstances, it is never too late to embrace Biblical truths, learn about radical stewardship and bring honour to the Lord with your resources.
Faith in your family is always just a generation from extinction. For this reason, God warns Israel in Deuteronomy 6, “These are the commands, decrees, and regulations that the Lord your God commanded me to teach you. You must obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy, and you and your children and grandchildren must fear the Lord your God as long as you live. If you obey all his decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life. Listen closely, Israel, and be careful to obey. Then all will go well with you, and you will have many children in the land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you. “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
God takes very seriously the issue of all our relationships. John says, If anyone claims, “I am living in the light,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is still living in darkness. Anyone who loves a fellow believer is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble. But anyone who hates a fellow believer is still living and walking in darkness. Such a person does not know the way to go, having been blinded by the darkness. Jesus says in Matthew 5, “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment. But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone you are in danger of the fires of hell. So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.” You can’t worship God if you have made no effort to repair your relationships.
A mother is important. The very first human interaction our Lord had was with His mother. Luke tells us about the good mother Jesus had, “At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.” What made Mary an amazing mother? She humbly trusted in God and worshiped Him as the Hope of the world. She had a Gospel Worldview.
Luke reports on Paul’s immediate activity. Three days after Paul’s arrival in Rome, he called together the local Jewish leaders. He said to them, “Brothers, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Roman government, even though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors. They replied, “We have had no letters from Judea or reports against you from anyone who has come here. But we want to hear what you believe, for the only thing we know about this movement is that it is denounced everywhere.” So I want you to know that this salvation from God has also been offered to the Gentiles, and they will accept it.” For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him, boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him.
Paul finally arrived in Rome. Paul Arrives at Rome. Luke report, It was three months after the shipwreck that we set sail on another ship that had wintered at the island—an Alexandrian ship with the twin gods as its figurehead. Our first stop was Syracuse, where we stayed three days. From there we sailed across to Rhegium. A day later a south wind began blowing, so the following day we sailed up the coast to Puteoli. There we found some believers, who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome. The brothers and sisters in Rome had heard we were coming, and they came to meet us at the Forum on the Appian Way. Others joined us at The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and thanked God. When we arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to have his own private lodging, though he was guarded by a soldier.
Once we were safe on shore, we learned that we were on the island of Malta. The people of the island were very kind to us. It was cold and rainy, so they built a fire on the shore to welcome us. As Paul gathered an armful of sticks and was laying them on the fire, a poisonous snake, driven out by the heat, bit him on the hand. The people of the island saw it hanging from his hand and said to each other, “A murderer, no doubt! Though he escaped the sea, justice will not permit him to live.” But Paul shook off the snake into the fire and was unharmed. The people waited for him to swell up or suddenly drop dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw that he wasn’t harmed, they changed their minds and decided he was a god. Near the shore where we landed was an estate belonging to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us and treated us kindly for three days. As it happened, Publius’s father was ill with fever and dysentery. Paul went in and prayed for him, and laying his hands on him, he healed him. Then all the other sick people on the island came and were healed. As a result we were showered with honors, and when the time came to sail, people supplied us with everything we would need for the trip.
Just as day was dawning, Paul urged everyone to eat. “You have been so worried that you haven’t touched food for two weeks,” he said. “Please eat something now for your own good. For not a hair of your heads will perish.” Then he took some bread, gave thanks to God before them all, and broke off a piece and ate it. Then everyone was encouraged and began to eat— all 276 of us who were on board. The soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners to make sure they didn’t swim ashore and escape. But the commanding officer wanted to spare Paul, so he didn’t let them carry out their plan. Then he ordered all who could swim to jump overboard first and make for land. The others held on to planks or debris from the broken ship. So everyone escaped safely to shore. God’s will was done and Paul is seen as God’s man. A man of authority, value and spiritual insight. How do people see you?
Sometimes God exalts a man to accomplish His purpose. Joshua 4:14 says, On that day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they stood in awe of him just as they had stood in awe of Moses, all the days of his life. God does this for Paul. On the journey to Rome, the weather grew dangerous. “Men,” Paul said, “I believe there is trouble ahead if we go on—shipwreck, loss of cargo, and danger to our lives as well.” But the officer in charge of the prisoners listened more to the ship’s captain and the owner than to Paul. The storm was horrific. No one had eaten for a long time. Finally, Paul called the crew together and said, “Men, you should have listened to me in the first place and not left Crete. You would have avoided all this damage and loss. Paul is now the recognized authority on the ship. What follows next is astonishing.
Paul stood before the Governor and the King sharing his testimony, “And so, King Agrippa, I obeyed that vision from heaven. I preached first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that all must repent of their sins and turn to God—and prove they have changed by the good things they do. Some Jews arrested me in the Temple for preaching this, and they tried to kill me. But God has protected me right up to this present time so I can testify to everyone, from the least to the greatest. I teach nothing except what the prophets and Moses said would happen—that the Messiah would suffer and be the first to rise from the dead, and in this way announce God’s light to Jews and Gentiles alike.” Suddenly, Festus shouted, “Paul, you are insane. Too much study has made you crazy!” But Paul replied, “I am not insane, Most Excellent Festus. What I am saying is the sober truth." This is the truth: Jesus rose from the dead and holds the power of eternal life in His hand. Will you believe?
Paul shares his testimony with King Agrippa of how he was the most religious, yet in his heart he was dead. He begins as follows, “As the Jewish leaders are well aware, I was given a thorough Jewish training from my earliest childhood among my own people and in Jerusalem. If they would admit it, they know that I have been a member of the Pharisees, the strictest sect of our religion. Now I am on trial because of my hope in the fulfillment of God’s promise made to our ancestors. In fact, that is why the twelve tribes of Israel zealously worship God night and day, and they share the same hope I have. Yet, Your Majesty, they accuse me for having this hope! Why does it seem incredible to any of you that God can raise the dead? A man has come alive when he puts his hope in Christ. On this Palm Sunday, the crowds worshipped Christ as the fulfillment of the Prophets words concerning the coming of the Messiah. Paul came to recognize that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, the Hope of Israel.
A few days later King Agrippa arrived with his sister, Bernice, to pay their respects to Festus. During their stay of several days, Festus discussed Paul’s case with the king. “There is a prisoner here,” he told him, “whose case was left for me by Felix. When I was in Jerusalem, the leading priests and Jewish elders pressed charges against him and asked me to condemn him. I pointed out to them that Roman law does not convict people without a trial. They must be given an opportunity to confront their accusers and defend themselves. “I’d like to hear the man myself,” Agrippa said. And Festus replied, “You will—tomorrow!” The irony is that the man held captive—that is, Paul— is now holding captive Governors, Queens, and Kings. The Lord knows what He is doing even when we are not quite sure!
The mature Christian learns to see things from God’s perspective. Beginning with God is what good doctrine and godly living is all about. By now, we all recognize that Paul is a powerful instrument in the hands of God. Paul imitates Christ in his pursuit of and acceptance of the will of God. Paul denied the charges brought against him. “I am not guilty of any crime against the Jewish laws or the Temple or the Roman government,” he said. Then Festus, wanting to please the Jews, asked him, “Are you willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there?” But Paul replied, “No! This is the official Roman court, so I ought to be tried right here. You know very well I am not guilty of harming the Jews. If I have done something worthy of death, I don’t refuse to die. But if I am innocent, no one has a right to turn me over to these men to kill me. I appeal to Caesar!” Festus conferred with his advisers and then replied, “Very well! You have appealed to Caesar, and to Caesar you will go!” The big picture? God wanted Paul to preach in Rome!
We all need to grow up; to be mature in our understanding of the ways of God. We must understand that we Christians have a calling to do God’s will, even if it means personal disappointment. A few days later Felix came back with his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish. Sending for Paul, they listened as he told them about faith in Christ Jesus. As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened. “Go away for now,” he replied. “When it is more convenient, I’ll call for you again.” He also hoped that Paul would bribe him, so he sent for him quite often and talked with him. After two years went by in this way, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And because Felix wanted to gain favor with the Jewish people, he left Paul in prison.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is an offense. There is no good reason for Paul to be arrested except that His message of salvation through Christ infuriated sinners everywhere. Paul says, “But I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult. I worship the God of our ancestors, and I firmly believe the Jewish law, and everything written in the prophets. I have the same hope in God that these men have, that he will raise both the righteous and the unrighteous. Because of this, I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people. “After several years away, I returned to Jerusalem with money to aid my people and to offer sacrifices to God. My accusers saw me in the Temple as I was completing a purification ceremony. There was no crowd around me and no rioting. But some Jews from the province of Asia were there—and they ought to be here to bring charges if they have anything against me! Ask these men here what crime the Jewish high council found me guilty of. And of course the Gentile court can find no crime committed.
Paul may not have understood all the reasons why he had to suffer, but Luke in his record of events shows us the unfolding of God’s purposes. Luke says, Then the commander called two of his officers and ordered, “Get 200 soldiers ready to leave for Caesarea at nine o’clock tonight. Also take 200 spearmen and 70 mounted troops. Provide horses for Paul to ride and get him safely to Governor Felix. This is a fulfillment of what we read about in Acts 9. We are told that God had great plans for Paul. But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.” And the first leader among the Gentiles to hear the Gospel is the Governor Felix, in Caesarea.
The 18th century preacher, George Whitfield said, “We are immortal until our work on earth is done.” Many times over, Paul discovered that this maxim is true! The next morning a group of Jews got together and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. There were more than forty of them in the conspiracy. They went to the leading priests and elders and told them, “We have bound ourselves with an oath to eat nothing until we have killed Paul. So you and the high council should ask the commander to bring Paul back to the council again. Pretend you want to examine his case more fully. We will kill him on the way.” There were many attempts on Paul’s life, but the Lord spared him until his work on earth was finished. What does this mean for us?
Paul realized that some members of the high council were Sadducees and some were Pharisees, so he shouted, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, as were my ancestors! And I am on trial because my hope is in the resurrection of the dead!” This divided the council—the Pharisees against the Sadducees— for the Sadducees say there is no resurrection or angels or spirits, but the Pharisees believe in all of these. So there was a great uproar. Some of the teachers of religious law who were Pharisees jumped up and began to argue forcefully.” As the conflict grew more violent, the commander was afraid they would tear Paul apart. So he ordered his soldiers to go and rescue him by force and take him back to the fortress. That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well.”
Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.
I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.
I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!
Watch out for those dogs, those people who do evil, those mutilators who say you must be circumcised to be saved. For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort, though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more! I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.
Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith.
Before we may enjoy the rule of Christ in this world, we must enjoy His rule in our hearts. We cannot have one without the other. God speaks through Isaiah the prophet and invites mankind to accept His promised Son. Who is His Son? you may ask. Its Jesus Christ. Isaiah tells us of His birth, “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” So on that night that Jesus is born, the Angel Armies appear to the Shepherds watching their flocks of sheep by night. And they sing a song that reflects Isaiah’s prophecy: “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” God is pleased with all who put their faith in the boy child, Jesus Christ.
We live in dark days, in a world that is out of control. We may be tempted to despair, but we must not. In fact, Jesus Christ tells us to not let our hearts be troubled. How can we remain at peace while the whole world is at War and full of hatred? Every Christian who reads his Bible knows that Jesus is coming again to conquer Satan and those who choose to follow him. He is coming to establish a new heaven and a new earth. As Isaiah says, The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen! This Christmas we reflect on this glorious reality.
"But the Lord said to me, 'Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles!'" The crowd listened until Paul said that word. Then they all began to shout, "Away with such a fellow! He isn't fit to live!" The soldiers who were about to interrogate Paul quickly withdrew when they heard he was a Roman citizen, and the commander was frightened because he had ordered him bound and whipped. The next day the commander ordered the leading priests into session with the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high council. He wanted to find out what the trouble was all about, so he released Paul to have him stand before them. As we will see in chapter 23, this is how Paul ends up in Rome, fulfilling the word of the Lord: “I will send you far away to the Gentiles!”
"Brothers and esteemed fathers," Paul said, "listen to me as I offer my defense." When they heard him speaking in their own language, the silence was even greater. Then Paul said, "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, and I was brought up and educated here in Jerusalem under Gamaliel. As his student, I was carefully trained in our Jewish laws and customs. I became very zealous to honor God in everything I did, just like all of you today. As I was on the road, approaching Damascus about noon, a very bright light from heaven suddenly shone down around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' Who are you, lord?" I asked. "And the voice replied, 'I am Jesus the Nazarene, the one you are persecuting.'"
When Paul and his companions arrived, the brothers and sisters in Jerusalem welcomed us warmly. The next day Paul went with us to meet with James, and all the elders of the Jerusalem church were present. After greeting them, Paul gave a detailed account of the things God had accomplished among the Gentiles through his ministry. The Elders of the Church warned Paul that the Jewish leaders were convinced that Paul was preaching against the Law of Moses and so they recommended acts of appeasement, hoping that this might convince people otherwise. But a riot broke out and Paul was beaten then arrested. And the crowd followed behind, shouting, "Kill him, kill him!" But then Paul asks permission of the soldiers to preach to the people.
After saying farewell to the Ephesian elders, we sailed straight to the island of Cos, on the way to Jerusalem. Paul and his companions then sailed to Tyre where they stayed for a week with the Christian disciples. While there there is a prophecy that he should not go to Jerusalem for there his life will be in danger. Paul and his company then arrive in Caesarea where this time Agabus prophesies of the same danger to Paul’s life. But Paul knows that he must go to Jerusalem. All the Believers are weeping over the danger to Paul. But he said, "Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus." When it was clear that we couldn't persuade him, we gave up and said, "The Lord's will be done."
Paul sent a message to the elders of the church at Ephesus, asking them to come and meet him in Miletus When they arrived he declared, "You know that from the day I set foot in the province of Asia until now I have done the Lord's work humbly and with many tears. I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews. I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes. I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike-the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus. Paul says, consider the consistency of my message, my life, my example and my tears for you, for these are my credentials. And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself."
When the uproar in Ephesus was over, Paul sent for the disciples and encouraged them. Then he said good-bye and left for Macedonia. While there, he encouraged the believers in all the towns he passed through. Then he traveled down to Greece, where he stayed for three months. Then he went to Macedonia, to Troas where he kept the Christians—who were called disciples—awake all night encouraging and teaching them what to believe and how to follow Jesus. A young man by the name of Eutychus was so tired that he fell out the window to his death, but Paul prayed for him, served communion, and then kept on teaching. Why? Because discipleship was Paul’s chief concern.
This is a song of thanksgiving for pilgrims going to Jerusalem to Worship God. I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
Praise the Lord! I will thank the Lord with all my heart as I meet with his godly people. How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in him should ponder them. Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails. He causes us to remember his wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our Lord! He gives food to those who fear him; he always remembers his covenant. He has shown his great power to his people by giving them the lands of other nations. All he does is just and good, and all his commandments are trustworthy. They are forever true, to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity. He has paid a full ransom for his people. He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever. What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has! Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever!
Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
About that time, serious trouble developed in Ephesus concerning the Way. It began with Demetrius, a silversmith who had a large business manufacturing silver shrines of the Greek goddess Artemis. He kept many craftsmen busy. He called [the Ephesians] together, along with others employed in similar trades, and addressed them as follows: “Gentlemen, you know that our wealth comes from this business. But as you have seen and heard, this man Paul has persuaded many people that handmade gods aren’t really gods at all. And he’s done this not only here in Ephesus but throughout the entire province! I’m also concerned that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will lose its influence and that Artemis—this magnificent goddess worshiped throughout the province of Asia and all around the world—will be robbed of her great prestige!”
But some became stubborn, rejecting his message and publicly speaking against the Way. So Paul left the synagogue and took the believers with him. Then he held daily discussions at the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This went on for the next two years, so that people throughout the province of Asia—both Jews and Greeks—heard the word of the Lord. God gave Paul the power to perform unusual miracles. So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect.
While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior regions until he reached Ephesus, on the coast, where he found several believers, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” he asked them. “No,” they replied, “we haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” “Then what baptism did you experience?” he asked. And they replied, “The baptism of John.” 4 Paul said, “John’s baptism called for repentance from sin. But John himself told the people to believe in the one who would come later, meaning Jesus.” As soon as they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in other tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all.
26 When Priscilla and Aquila heard Apollos preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately. 27 Apollos had been thinking about going to Achaia, and the brothers and sisters in Ephesus encouraged him to go. They wrote to the believers in Achaia, asking them to welcome him. When he arrived there, he proved to be of great benefit to those who, by God’s grace, had believed. 28 He refuted the Jews with powerful arguments in public debate. Using the Scriptures, he explained to them that Jesus was the Messiah.
19 They stopped first at the port of Ephesus, where Paul left the others behind. While he was there, he went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews. 20 They asked him to stay longer, but he declined. 21 As he left, however, he said, “I will come back later, God willing.” Then he set sail from Ephesus. 22 The next stop was at the port of Caesarea. From there he went up and visited the church at Jerusalem and then went back to Antioch. 23 After spending
Then Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 There he became acquainted with a Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently arrived from Italy with his wife, Priscilla. They had left Italy when Claudius Caesar deported all Jews from Rome. 3 Paul lived and worked with them, for they were tentmakers just as he was. 4 Each Sabbath found Paul at the synagogue, trying to convince the Jews and Greeks alike. 5 And after Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul spent all his time preaching the word. He testified to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah.
We don’t like to speak of the Day of Judgment, yet all of humanity must know that there will be a day when we must give an account to The Creator. Paul preaches to the Athenians saying, God commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man, Jesus, whom he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead.” When they heard Paul speak about the resurrection of the dead, some laughed in contempt, but others said, “We want to hear more about this later.” That ended Paul’s discussion with them, but some joined him and became believers.
While Paul was waiting for Silas and the team in Athens, he was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city. He went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and he spoke daily in the public square to all who happened to be there. Then they took him to the high council of the city. “Come and tell us about this new teaching,” they said. “You are saying some rather strange things, and we want to know what it’s all about.” Luke says, “It should be explained that all the Athenians as well as the foreigners in Athens seemed to spend all their time discussing the latest ideas.” So Paul presents Christ.
By New Testament times, Rome’s Caesar claimed worship as “Lord”. There could only be one “Lord,” so to say Jesus was king and lord was risky. Paul and Silas said Jesus was the true Lord of all. “Paul and Silas have caused trouble all over the world,” the mob shouted, “and now they are here disturbing our city, too. And Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all guilty of treason against Caesar, for they profess allegiance to another king, named Jesus.” With Rome’s military might pitted against Jesus’ seemingly naïve witnesses, the contest looked ridiculously uneven. It was—but 2,000 years of history shows that it was Caesar, not Jesus, who was overmatched.
After being thrown into jail illegally the city officials were alarmed to learn that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. So they came to the jail and apologized to them. Then they brought them out and begged them to leave the city. When Paul and Silas left the prison, they returned to the home of Lydia. There they met with the believers and encouraged them once more. Then they left town. What a grand display of the power of Almighty God. These new Believers were sheltered in the knowledge that God was sovereign—greater than the all of the city officials—and they were able to worship God and practice their knew faith with boldness.
Paul and Silas landed in Philippi, the first European city to have converts. All seems to be going well for Paul and Silas, but Satan is not standing idly by. Satan incites a mob and the next thing they know, the Preachers of the Gospel are arrested, stripped and beaten publicly with rods, then thrown into prison. Who wouldn’t be tempted to despair in these circumstances? But rather than grumble, the preachers began to pray and sing songs of praise and God did extraordinary things. Satan was subdued and God’s will and kingdom were further advanced.
Paul and Silas reached Philippi, a major city of that district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. They stayed there several days. Here is the account in their own words: “On the Sabbath we went a little way outside the city to a riverbank, where we thought people would be meeting for prayer, and we sat down to speak with some women who had gathered there. One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying. She and her household were baptized, and she asked us to be her guests. “If you agree that I am a true believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my home.” And she urged us until we agreed.” The Macedonian call was very real!
Despite our best efforts and our best plans and strategies, ultimately, we must follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time…eventually, Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there, pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” So we decided to leave for Macedonia at once, having concluded that God was calling us to preach the Good News there. We must learn to stop resisting the Spirit and humbly follow His leading. And by the way, it is at this point that Luke, the author of the Book of Acts, joins Paul on his journey.
The dynamic missionary duo, Paul and Barnabas have a disagreement so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus, and Paul chose Silas for his second missionary journey. Paul went first to Derbe and then to Lystra, where there was a young disciple named Timothy. His mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was a Greek. Timothy was well thought of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium, so Paul wanted him to join them on their journey. The Lord raises up teams of people to advance His Kingdom.
Timothy didn’t have a Christian Father. Nothing negative is said about Timothy’s dad. But neither was anything good said about Timothy’s dad. How very sad. Perhaps his father was hostile to his faith. We don’t know. At best, Timothy’s father remained indifferent to Christianity. This too is sad. Thank God for the Apostle Paul who was a father figure to the young man. In a letter to Timothy, Paul says, to Timothy, “I am writing to Timothy, my dear son…I thank God for you…Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again. Fathers! The best thing you can do for your kids is embrace Christ and, secondly, embrace your children so they know they are loved!
In the Apostle Paul’s second missionary journey, Paul went first to Derbe and then to Lystra, where there was a young disciple named Timothy. His mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was a Greek. Paul saw great promise in Timothy and began to invest in him. Paul recognized that even though Timothy was very young and inexperienced, he was also godly, teachable and had real leadership gifts and talents. But the young need lots of special encouragement. Paul says to the young man, For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. It’s just what a young person needs to hear!
Timothy had the benefit of being taught the faith of God by his mother and grandmother. Paul reminded him, "I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also”. Notice that only these two female caregivers are praised and acknowledged for the excellent example they provided at home to young Timothy. Beginning with Timothy's grandmother Lois, and then on to his mother Eunice, they were able to make a difference in teaching Timothy as a boy. He would grow up to be one of the first leaders in the early Church and a faithful companion and co-worker alongside the Apostle Paul. And, by the way, this was achieved in spite of the negative influences of living in a gentile nation and in a home with an unbeliever. The obedience of Lois and Eunice will echo in eternity because of what God was able to do through Timothy.
The Jerusalem Council concludes and then the apostles and elders together with the whole church in Jerusalem chose delegates and they sent them to Antioch of Syria with Paul and Barnabas to report on this decision of the Church in Jerusalem. The Gentiles are “officially in,” and they do not have to be circumcised. The messengers went at once to Antioch, where they called a general meeting of the believers and delivered the letter. And there was great joy throughout the church that day as they read this encouraging message. Christian faith, in practice and in doctrine, is being established for thousands of years.
Paul and Barnabas made their way to Jerusalem to report on their missionary work. But many are unhappy about the idea of Gentiles coming to God and not being circumcised. The first council of Jerusalem is convened. After Peter, Paul and Barnabas defeat the argument for circumcision, asking, why are you now challenging God by burdening the Gentile believers with a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors were able to bear? James, the brother of Jesus makes the historic final decision as follows, “And so my judgment is that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Instead, we should write and tell them to abstain from eating food offered to idols, from sexual immorality, from eating the meat of strangled animals, and from consuming blood. Its official. Gentile believers do not have to become Jewish.
Paul and Barnabas are coming to the end of their first missionary journey. Before they return to the sending Church in Antioch of Syria, they strengthened the believers in all the new churches. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God. Paul and Barnabas also appointed elders in every church. With prayer and fasting, they turned the elders over to the care of the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. Upon arriving in Antioch, they called the church together and reported everything God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles, too
While they were at Lystra, Paul and Barnabas came upon a man with crippled feet. They prayed and he was healed. What happened next was a test for Paul and Barnabas. The people went wild, believing that the gods Zeus and Hermes had appeared in human form. They wanted to make sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard what was happening, they tore their clothing in dismay and ran out among the people, shouting, “Friends, why are you doing this? We are merely human beings—just like you! We have come to bring you the Good News that you should turn from these worthless things and turn to the living God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. Some hostile Jews turned the crowd against the preachers: They stoned Paul and dragged him out of town, thinking he was dead.
Everything seemed to be going very well. But as we all know, Satan never sits back and just watches as the Gospel advances. Luke tells us, *The following week almost the entire city turned out to hear them preach the word of the Lord. But when some of the Jews saw the crowds, they were jealous; so they slandered Paul and argued against whatever he said. Then Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and declared, “It was necessary that we first preach the word of God to you Jews. But since you have rejected it and judged yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we will offer it to the Gentiles. From now on, Paul will be the Apostle to the Gentiles.
This is Paul’s first official Missionary tour with Barnabas and with their assistant, John Mark. Surprisingly, it was the Church in Antioch, not Jerusalem, that sent them on their way, with prayer, fasting and resources. It is a thrilling moment in Christianity. The Church is on the march, militant, prepared to go anywhere God leads and do whatever it takes to get the job done. And it is at this point that Saul becomes known as Paul. The Lord does amazing things through Paul and Barnabas who were full of the Holy Spirit. With signs and wonders, people heard the Gospel and put their faith in Christ Jesus. Paul and Barnabas are deserted by John Mark, but the mission continues in Asia Minor, in the other Antioch, of Pisidia. Their habit is to begin with the Synagogue, bringing the Gospel to the Jews first and the Gentile converts to Judaism. Paul preaches from the Old Testament revealing how the Old Testament points to Jesus Christ. These men know the Word of God and so it is not surprising that they are able to persuade the Jews of Antioch of Pisidia. They preached Christ, His resurrection, and the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ. Luke tells us, "Many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, and the two men urged them to continue to rely on the grace of God."
The resurrection is the pivotal moment in human history when the fabric of our bondage to sin, death and the grave was torn apart. The resurrection of Jesus Christ means that death has been conquered and that death no longer has power over those who trust in Christ for their salvation. No religion or philosophy in this world offers what Christ does through His resurrection. Christ and His resurrection is the foundation of Church. Think about this, if there is no resurrection, there is no Church, we remain dead in our sin, we remain in the grave, there is no hope of eternal life and there is no resurrection power to strengthen us and enable us to live a life that please God. The resurrection is in short, our only hope!
In looking at human need, God saw what we really needed. He did not send us an educator because we are ignorant. He did not send us a politician because we are victims of the system. He did not send us a psychologist because we are victims of our upbringing. He did not send us a sociologist because we confused about our identity. He did not send us a banker because we are poor. God sees what our real need is. Our real problem is the spiritual state of our heart. God sent us a Saviour because of our great sin, and if we are honest, we must admit that this really is our problem. We see it in our estrangement from God and from others. Our hearts are prone to wander away from our God and prone to radical self-centredness.
Acts 12 begins with the martyrdom of the first Apostle. King Herod Agrippa persecutes the church and has James, brother of John, publicly killed with the sword. It looks like the powers of hell are putting a stop to the spread of the Church. But what follows is a mighty display of the power of God in answer to the prayers of the early Church. Peter is imprisoned and is also slated for death. But God overrules and once again sends an angel to deliver Peter from prison. What follows next is the very powerful vengeance of God upon the blaspheming King Herod who receives worship from the people. God strikes him down publicly and is consumed by worms for all to see. Meanwhile, the word of God continued to spread, and there were many new believers.
We see the Church maturing by Acts chapter 11. Several major things happen. The Church that was born in Jerusalem is now spreading to the Gentiles. When famine is predicted, Luke tells us, the believers in Antioch decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea, everyone giving as much as they could. This they did, entrusting their gifts to Barnabas and Saul to take to the elders of the church in Jerusalem. Paul and Barnabas spend a year teaching the believers in Antioch, helping them get a solid grip on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.
Soon the news reached the apostles and other believers [a] in Judea that the Gentiles had received the word of God. 2 But when Peter arrived back in Jerusalem, the Jewish believers [b] criticized him. 3 “You entered the home of Gentiles [c] and even ate with them!” they said. 4 Then Peter told them exactly what had happened. 18 When the others heard this, they stopped objecting and began praising God. They said, “We can see that God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sins and receiving eternal life.”
In Caesarea, there lived a Roman army officer named Cornelius, who was a captain of the Italian Regiment. He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God. One afternoon about three o’clock, he had a vision in which he saw an angel of God coming toward him. “Cornelius!” the angel said. Cornelius stared at him in terror. “What is it, sir?” he asked the angel. And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering! What follows next is the transformation of Peter’s heart. He is directed by God to bring the Gospel to the Gentile, Cornelius and his household. It’s official. God loves the Gentiles too!
Meanwhile, Peter traveled from place to place, and he came down to visit the believers in the town of Lydda. There he met a man named Aeneas, who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years. Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you! Get up, and roll up your sleeping mat!” And he was healed instantly. Then the whole population of Lydda and Sharon saw Aeneas walking around, and they turned to the Lord. And, There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas. She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor. About this time she became ill and died. Turning to the body Peter said, “Get up, Tabitha.” And she opened her eyes! When she saw Peter, she sat up! The news spread through the whole town, and many believed in the Lord. And Peter stayed a long time in Joppa, living with Simon, a tanner of hides.
Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!” All who heard him were amazed. “Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?” Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus. So Saul stayed with the apostles and went all around Jerusalem with them, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. The great nemesis of the Church has now become her champion!
Do you remember the vicious Saul? He seems to have the upper hand. Persecuting. Spewing hatred. Imprisoning believers. But then Jesus appears to him. As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me? “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”* The murderous Saul is converted and becomes Paul the mighty Apostle. God reveals Himself as Sovereign, merciful and full of grace. Paul’s story gives us all hope.
Mysterious and thrilling things happen in the days of the early Church. Philip, one of the men appointed along with Stephen to care for the needy widows in Jerusalem, is forced out of the city. As so often happens, after the appointment, God has other plans. Philip is called to preach the Gospel to an Ethiopian Eunuch, servant of his Queen, who is returning home after worshipping God in Jerusalem. He just happens to be reading Isaiah 53 out loud on his journey when Philip asks if he knows what he is reading. Philip has the privilege of leading the man to Christ and baptizes him right on the spot. Philip goes down in history as Philip the Evangelist. And this Ethiopian takes the Gospel with him back to Ethiopia. Ethiopia becomes the first country to adopt Christianity as its national religion.
After Stephen was stoned to death, Luke records the following: Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. It looks like Saul may have the final word about the future of the Church. Luke says, A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. However, the Church is not stopped, rather, the spread of the Gospel is accelerated all over Samaria! Philip, one of the men appointed along with Stephen to care for the needy widows in Jerusalem, is used by God to preach throughout Samaria. Also, Peter and John stopped in many Samaritan villages along the way to preach the Good News.
The blind beggar could not be shaken. He had encountered God in Jesus Christ. John records what happened next: 24* So for the second time they called in the man who had been blind and told him, “God should get the glory for this, because we know this man Jesus is a sinner.” 25 “I don’t know whether he is a sinner,” the man replied. “But I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!” 26 “But what did he do?” they asked. “How did he heal you?” 27* “Look!” the man exclaimed. “I told you once. Didn’t you listen? Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?”
Pastor Andrew Sapozhnykov My Story - Part 3: Ignore the Doubters How easy it is to be overcome by doubt and especially by doubters. Who hasn’t faced this? 17 Then the Pharisees again questioned the man who had been blind and demanded, “What’s your opinion about this man who healed you?” The man replied, “I think he must be a prophet.” 18 The Jewish leaders still refused to believe the man had been blind and could now see, so they called in his parents. 19 They asked them, “Is this your son? Was he born blind? If so, how can he now see?” 20 His parents replied, “We know this is our son and that he was born blind, 21 but we don’t know how he can see or who healed him. Ask him. He is old enough to speak for himself.”
What do you do when Jesus saves you? You boldly share your testimony. Listen to what John records about the man born blind: "His neighbors and others who knew him as a blind beggar asked each other, “Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?” Some said he was, and others said, “No, he just looks like him!” But the beggar kept saying, “Yes, I am the same one!” They asked, “Who healed you? What happened?” He told them, “The man they call Jesus made mud and spread it over my eyes and told me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash yourself.’ So I went and washed, and now I can see!” The boldness of this blind beggar is inspires us all to tell what Jesus has done for us, for he kept saying, “Yes, I am the one!”
As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. 2 “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” 3 “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God (WORKS OF GOD) could be seen in him. 6 Then he spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and spread the mud over the blind man’s eyes. 7 He told him, “Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam.” So the man went and washed and came back seeing! For this man, his blindness led to his salvation. He would say, “Thank God I was born blind!”
But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. 3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. 4 Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.” 7 So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too. All of this was made possible because of the appointment of the first Elders and deacons. Deacon means servant. When you serve at Church, you help advance the Kingdom of God.
Crowds came from the villages around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those possessed by evil spirits, and they were all healed. The high priest and his officials, who were Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But an angel of the Lord came at night, opened the gates of the jail, and brought them out. Then he told them, “Go to the Temple and give the people this message of life!” When the captain of the Temple guard and the leading priests heard this, they were perplexed, wondering where it would all end. Then someone arrived with startling news: “The men you put in jail are standing in the Temple, teaching the people!”
This is one of the most frightening passages in scripture. We read in Acts 5, *But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest. Then Peter said, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God!” As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died. Everyone who heard about it was terrified. Sadly, his wife Sapphira went along with her husband’s deception, Instantly, she fell to the floor and died. When the young men came in and saw that she was dead, they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Great fear gripped the entire church and everyone else who heard what had happened.
The leaders in Jerusalem freed Peter and John after their arrest, 23 As soon as they were freed, Peter and John returned to the other believers and told them what the leading priests and elders had said. 24 When they heard the report, all the believers lifted their voices together in prayer to God: “O Sovereign Lord, Creator of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them—29 And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. 30 Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”31 After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.
Whenever we preach the Gospel, we will face severe and angry opposition. While Peter and John were speaking to the people, they were confronted by the priests, the captain of the Temple guard, and some of the Sadducees. These leaders were very disturbed that Peter and John were teaching the people that through Jesus there is a resurrection of the dead. They arrested them and, since it was already evening, put them in jail until morning. But many of the people who heard their message believed it, so the number of men who believed now totaled about 5,000. The leadership tried to stop the disciples, but the Holy Spirit emboldened Peter and John said, *“Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.” The council then threatened them further, but they finally let them go because they didn’t know how to punish them without starting a riot. For everyone was praising God for this miraculous sign—the healing of a man who had been lame for more than forty years.
A crippled beggar cried out to Peter for help. But Peter had neither silver nor gold. What he was far greater. He offered the man Jesus. Instantly the man was healed. 11 A crowd rushed out in amazement to Solomon’s Colonnade, where the man was holding tightly to Peter and John. 12 Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd. “People of Israel,” he said, “what is so surprising about this? And why stare at us as though we had made this man walk by our own power or godliness? 13 For it is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the God of all our ancestors—who has brought glory to his servant Jesus by doing this. For God said to Abraham, ‘Through your descendants[f] all the families on earth will be blessed.’ 26 When God raised up his servant, Jesus, he sent him first to you people of Israel, to bless you by turning each of you back from your sinful ways.”
The Firstfruits of the Gospel were 3,000 converted men and women on the Day of Pentecost. The first thing they did was form a community of Believers. We call this community, “The Church.” Over the years, Cross Church has tried to imitate the first Church. Here is what they did: 42* And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47* praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
The transforming power of Jesus Christ is truly on display in the lives of those who have traded self-ishness for self-lessness. In 1 Peter chapter 4 (10-11) we read "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms."
Peter is telling all followers of Christ to recognize that we are speaking and serving others on behalf of God, we are Christ's ambassadors. What a privilege! And it is God Himself thru the power of the Holy Spirit that gives the ability and strength for us to do so. What a blessing!
When we direct any glory towards God instead of accepting it for ourselves, we move in the complete opposite direction from those who's M.O. is simply "what's in it for me?". That difference in our lives causes people to examine the life-changing nature of a relationship with Jesus Christ. It validates our faith to those around us.
In Romans 12:1 Paul says, “Dear brothers and sisters,[a] I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him." Paul is so passionate in his expression to those who have been saved by the blood of Jesus. He knows it only makes sense to honor Him by serving others because of what He has done for us! It’s only reasonable that we would obediently serve others with gratitude to the One, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who has provided the greatest service of all: salvation from our sin, a life of partnership with Christ and and the blessed gift of Eternal Life with Him!
There is no doubt that poverty is both widespread and devastating, especially when we understand the level of poverty around the world compared to what we are blessed with here in Canada. As Christians, we cannot be indifferent toward those in need, because God's expectations for us in regard to taking care of the poor are seen throughout the Bible. Listen to God’s words about the goodness of King Josiah in Jeremiah 22:16: “He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me, declares the LORD?” Moses also instructed the Israelites to treat the poor and needy well: “Give generously to [them] and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this, the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to” (Deuteronomy 15:10). The heart of God is perfectly captured in Proverbs 14:31: Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy, he truly honors The Lord God.
The Day of Pentecost reflects the Jewish celebration of Shavuot, meaning "weeks". Fifty days after Passover, the Jewish population would come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Weeks, which was the season of the wheat harvest, and a time of giving thanks for the harvest of God’s provision. This outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost also marked the first harvest of souls. After Peter preached his first Gospel sermon, Luke records the following in Acts 2:41: Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. And so today marks a good day to give thanks for the Holy Spirit and for the harvest of souls.
Peter tells us of the coming of the Holy Spirit, quoting Joel 2:28-32. Peter says in Acts 2:17-21 reads, ‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. 18 In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants—men and women alike—and they will prophesy. 19 And I will cause wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below—blood and fire and clouds of smoke. 20 The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red before that great and glorious day of the Lord arrives. 21 But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ This is what happened on the day of Pentecost!
Acts 1:14-15 reads, “They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus. 15 During this time, when about 120 believers were together in one place.” These first Believers were known for their prayer. But it must be noted that this prayer was not just private prayer. We notice several things about these praying disciples of Christ. This prayer was constant. This prayer was with the other Believers. This prayer was offered in unity among the Believers. And finally, this prayer was in response to Jesus’s instructions to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit that was to be poured out on all Believers. Prayer is critical to the life and advancement of the Church.
After the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the disciples thought that Jesus was about to free Israel and establish His Kingdom in Israel. But Christ had other plans. Before Christ ascended into Heaven—which is God’s Holy Presence—He gave what is known as the Great Commission, a variation of Matthew 28:16-20. Acts 1:7-8 reads, He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” We have work to do until Christ returns.
The birth of the Church is known as the Day of Pentecost. It is 50 days after the resurrection of Christ from the dead. Jesus anticipated this important date and gave clear instructions to His disciples about what they must do. Acts 2:4-5 reads, “Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, ‘Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’” The disciples do not know what is about to happen, but they will discover that followers of Christ must be empowered by the Holy Spirit in order to do the work that Christ commands us to do.
The last characteristic listed in Galatians 5:22-23 as a fruit of the Spirit is self-control. The fruit of the Spirit is the change in our character that happens because of the Holy Spirit’s work in us. We do not become a Christian on our own, and we cannot grow on our own. Paul tells us in Philippians that "it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." Every good thing we do is the fruit of the Spirit’s work in our lives. Self-control or “temperance” in the KJV, is, of course, the ability to control oneself. It involves moderation, constraint, and the ability to say “no” to our evil desires and carnal lusts. One of the proofs of God’s working in our lives is the ability to control our thoughts, words, and actions. It’s not that we are just naturally weak-willed, but rather our fallen nature is under the influence of sin.
The Holy Spirit works in us to be more like Christ, and part of the Fruit of the Spirit, or results, of that work, is gentleness. Gentleness, also translated “meekness,” does not mean weakness. Rather, it involves humility and thankfulness toward God, and polite, restrained behavior toward others. The opposites of gentleness are anger, a desire for revenge, and self-aggrandizement. It takes a strong person to be truly gentle. Jesus gave us the perfect picture of gentleness: “See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey,” and now He offers us His gentleness as a gift. If we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us, we will be filled with the fruit of gentleness.
The Fruit of the Spirit - Part 7: Faithfulness
The Faithfulness in the fruit list can be described as steadfastness, constancy, or allegiance; it is carefulness in keeping what we are entrusted with; it is the conviction that the Scriptures accurately reflect reality. Biblical faithfulness requires belief in what the Bible says about God: His existence, His works, and His character. Faithfulness is the result of the Spirit working in us. But the Spirit is also our seal of faithfulness. He is our witness to God’s promise that if we accept the truth about God, He will save us. Faithfulness is believing that God is Who He says He is and continuing in that belief despite the vagaries of life. Functionally, that means we trust what God says in the Bible, and do what he says! This means that we do not necessarily believe what the world, or our own eyes, tell us.
The Fruit of the Spirit - Part 5: Kindness
The fifth fruit in Paul’s list is kindness. In the King James Version, kindness is called “gentleness.” The best way to understand this is by looking at the One who is perfect kindness, namely, Our Father in Heaven. Kindness is the characteristic that led God to provide salvation for us. Kindness leads God to give us green pastures, quiet waters, and the restoration of our souls when we’re weary. God’s tender care makes Him want to gather us under His wings, to protect us and keep us close to Him. And when the Spirit works in us, the resulting character is of one allowing the Holy Spirit to develop maturity in their life. The Greek word for “kindness” means “benignity, tender concern, uprightness.” It is the kindness of heart and kindness in action.
The Patience in Galatians 5:22 literally means “long temper,” in the sense of “the ability to hold one’s temper for a long time.” The King James Version translates it as “long-suffering.” A patient person is able to endure much pain and suffering without complaining. A patient person is slow to anger as he waits for God to provide comfort and punish wrongdoing. Since it is a Fruit of the Spirit, we can only possess patience through the power and work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. James urges believers to be patient and not to complain as we wait for Jesus to return. James holds up the prophets as models of patience. The opposite of patience is agitation, discouragement, and a desire for revenge. God does not want His children to live in agitation but in peace.
We are born at war. At birth, our sinful nature has already declared war on God and His truth. Our heart’s desire is to be separated from Him, and if we persist in this desire until death, He will give us what we want. In Romans 12:8, Paul exhorts, "If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men." This Spirit produces the fruit of peace in us as we yield our will to His leading and our actions to His Word. Only God can create peace in our lives through the work of the Holy Spirit. And the peace mentioned in Galatians 5 is the peace of a harmonious relationship with God.
The "Fruit of the Spirit" is what happens when the Holy Spirit indwells a believer. The "fruit" is the product of the Holy Spirit’s cultivation of character in a heart. The second characteristic listed is joy. Joy expresses God’s kingdom—His influence on earth. The Spirit’s production of joy can manifest in several different ways: the joy of deliverance, the joy of salvation, the joy of spiritual maturity, and the joy of God’s presence. The Greek word for joy is chara and is closely related to [charis], which means “grace” or “a gift.” Chara is the normal response to charis*—we have joy because of God’s grace. The next step in the progression is to allow our joy to become an action as we express it.
Being a good son or daughter does not come easy to children. Our sinful, selfish nature needs training and instruction. Therefore, we are called to imitate Christ in all things; this is what it means to deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow Jesus. With this in mind, Paul tells children, And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” Children are prepared for Christian adulthood through learning to respectfully submit to their parents.
Being a good father does not come easy to men. Our sinful, selfish nature needs training and instruction, because by nature we can be impatient, angry, and even vengeful. We are called to imitate Christ in all things; this is what it means to deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow Jesus. With this in mind, Paul tells us 21 And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. It’s interesting to note that Paul does not give the same instruction to mothers. As fathers exercise their authority and give leadership in their homes, they are to be mindful that their authority is to be used lovingly and gently, but firmly, just as God is loving and firm with each of us.
Being a good wife does not come easy to women any more than being a good husband comes easy to men. Our sinful, selfish nature needs training and instruction. We are called to imitate Christ in all things; this is what it means to deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow Jesus. With this in mind, Paul tells us, 21 And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. 22 For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23 For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. 24 As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything. 33 So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Paul is assuming that the man in this marriage is the chief servant in his home, faithfully laying down his life for his wife and children, just as Christ did for the church.
Being a good husband does not come easy to men. Our sinful, selfish nature needs training and instruction. We are called to imitate Christ in all things; this is what it means to deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow Jesus. With this in mind, Paul tells us, "And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." It is always easy to respect anyone who is utterly unselfish and totally devoted to serving others.
Let’s be blunt, the Apostle Paul could not have done his great work without the generosity of Christians. He closes this letter with these words: Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty. As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Gospel and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness. At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen.
Paul shares his secret of contentment, regardless of circumstances. He says, "How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. A life lived in union with Christ produces contentment and confidence that Christ is all we need!"
Practical Christianity is not complicated. It just means that we must be united with Christ in our attitude and in the way we think. Paul says, Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
Paul addresses a feud between two women in the Philippian Church. He calls on the whole church to assist in bringing peace so that the advancement of the Gospel is unhindered. He says, Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work. 2 Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. 3 And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Gospel. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life.
When life is easy and good, it’s easy to forget that this world is not our home. Paul reminds the church for the second time in this letter, that our citizenship is not in this world. He says, Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.
Paul wants us to understand that this world has nothing to offer us; that what must occupy our desires and pursuits is the Kingdom of God. But it means that we must forget the past and keep our eyes on Jesus. He says, I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.
Paul reminds us that all that matters in this life is that we know Christ and the mighty power of the resurrection at work in us. He says, I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!
Paul teaches us what matters most, and it’s not our achievements or privilege. Paul says, Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith. Watch out for those dogs, those people who do evil, those mutilators who say you must be circumcised to be saved. For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort, though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more! I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.
Paul holds up Timothy and Epaphroditus as examples of dependable servants of God. Timothy is an example for us of what it means to be a Christian of great worth. Paul says, I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy's proven worth…And of Epaphroditus, Paul says, I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier…that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. So, receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
Paul teaches us how to be bright shining lights for the glory of Christ. He says, Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
Paul teaches us what it means to have the mind of Christ, *So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Two times in this letter to the Philippians, Paul reminds them that this world is not our home. He says, Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Gospel. Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.
Paul teaches us how to live a Spirit-controlled life. He says, *Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard-pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
The Apostle Paul is single-minded in his ambition: he wants the Gospel proclaimed to everyone, everywhere. He sees that everything in his life serves this great purpose. He says, 12 And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Gospel. 13 For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. 14 And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear. 15 It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives…Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice.
Paul gives us insights into what is most important for the believer. In fact, he shares with us his prayer for all believers: *I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God. This is what the Pastors pray for the members of Cross Church, and this is what you should pray for yourself and your friends and family!
The work of God is tough. Really tough! Evangelizing, preaching and teaching the Gospel is a direct assault on Satan and his kingdom of darkness. It is spiritual warfare, and again, it’s really tough work. No wonder Paul says, I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. If you are busy doing the work of God and feeling the tension, don’t despair, rejoice that you are partners with Christ and with the saints who are obediently carrying out the Great Commission. We pray that you are a partner in the Gospel.
In 61 AD, the Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Philippi, wishing them grace and peace from God. These Christians brought Paul great joy. He says, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all, making my prayer with joy.” These believers are called his, “joy and crown.” For the next four months we are going through the book of Philippians, verse by verse. You will learn to live the Christian life with great courage and faith and joy. This book includes many verses that have given us all courage to face the struggles of life, such as, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength,” and “my God shall supply all my needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Prepare to be revived.
About Today’s sermon:
Stewardship - Part 5: Stewardship of Talent
Special Guest Speaker Pastor Chris Zielke
Peter understood the Church just about better than anyone else. After all, it was to Peter that Jesus revealed His plan to build the Church. When He asked, “Who do people say that I am,” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The Church is a family of men, women, and children who have been saved to serve God. Peter tells all believers to love one another by showing hospitality and says, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.” And we do this “in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” You are not an owner of your talents and gifts. They belong to God. Are you using your gifts to bless the family of God and the world in general?
Money plays a key role in all our lives. There is not a day that goes by that we don’t deal with money! The world view on money is far different than the Biblical view. We will be exploring Biblical principles in personal finances, covering “how to save money”, “how to reduce and get out of debt”, and “planning for retirement”. We also look into and assist in preparing Wills and Power of Attorney documents. The Bible contains over 2350 verses that deal with money. It instructs us on how to manage our money, assets, and resources. The topic of money is second only to the topic of Love in the number of times mentioned in Scripture. Jesus said more about money and possessions than almost any other subject, dedicating two-thirds of the parables to this topic.
🧍♂️This Sunday at Cross Church we are welcoming Rev. Clarence Mitchell! He is the Stewardship Director at the national PAOC office, and he'll be sharing about Radical Stewardship. Rev. Mitchell frequently travels throughout Canada and specializes in financial matters. He also assists people in creating their will and offers this service to our congregation at no charge.
This Week's Message: Stewardship - Part 3: Stewardship of Treasure Special Guest Speaker: Dennis Wiebe (an elder at Cross Church) Jesus said, Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. Too many believe that in essence, the motivation for giving was, “Give to get.” But that’s not what Jesus meant, at all! Having a generous heart, and being generous givers, isn’t a personal investment scheme. It’s a revelation of the character of God, who loves to give. It’s a demonstration of the power of the Gospel, which turns selfish hoarders into cheerful givers. It’s an artesian spring of grace in a city square, overflowing for the benefit of others. We will never regret being generous with our time, talent, and treasure. We’re not owners, we are stewards. When we give anything, we’re just sharing what God has entrusted to us.
Today's Speaker: Barry Maurer Today's Message: STEWARDSHIP: Week 2 - Stewardship of Time
Christians are not owners, we are stewards. Our time is not our own. The time that the Lord gives us while we live on this earth, is a gift. The scriptures are abundantly clear, we are called to be wise in the way that we live. The Apostle Paul says to the Christians in Ephesus, Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. This is a subject of which little is spoken. No wonder Jesus teaches us to pray—everyday—“Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” James teaches us to use our time according to God’s will, not our own, “Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”
We are stewards. Christians are not owners. If you are true follower of Jesus Christ, then Jesus describes you as a steward. But what is a steward? The dictionary says it is “a person who manages another's property or financial affairs; one who administers anything as the agent of another or others.” In Jesus’ parables He describes the stewards who share in their Master’s happiness and the lazy stewards who face punishment for failing to faithfully steward what was entrusted to them. Are you a faithful steward? At Cross Church, we are teaching you to live in a way that guarantees Master’s praise, “Well done good and faithful servant!”
All the Rabbis and Teachers of the Law knew where the Messiah was to be born. Micah 5:2 and 2 Samuel 5:2 make it clear that Bethlehem would be the birthplace of the King of the Universe: “And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, […]
That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! Though shepherding was the most ancient profession of God’s people, the Israelites, it was not a particularly desirable one. It was a dirty job, and according to the Bible, it was considered “detestable” in cultures like Egypt. When considering the shepherds of the Christmas story, the shepherds stood for the average Judean — quite literally, ‘the man on the night shift.’” Shepherds had a difficult job that earned no rank in society. Yet, God chose shepherds to receive the glorious angelic announcement of the birth of Christ. Jesus didn’t come for the rich, or the elite, or the healthy, He came for those who understood their need of the Savior!
When we tell the Christmas story, we speak of shepherds, mangers, Wisemen and Angels, but no mentions the Dragon of Christmas. Yes. You heard right. Revelation 12 tells us about the Dragon and his attempt to kill the Baby Jesus. A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. 2 She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth. 3 Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on its heads. It’s a terrifying picture. Matthew 2:13-23 tells us how the attack on Jesus and Mary was carried out by Israel’s King Herod. Because Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Herod had all the boys of Bethlehem, two years and younger, put to death. This too was prophesied in Jeremiah 31:15.
The Magi are interesting men. For many they seem as remote and as enigmatic as Santa Claus. Some see the story of the wisemen as nothing more than mythology that surrounds the Christmas story. But you would be dead wrong if you believe that this is mere fiction. The Magi were a very real class of important men. Magi were called wisemen because they were learned scholars. More than that, they were powerful men who were priests of the Medes, the Persians and the Babylonians. (They were not Kings.) We first here of the Magi in the Old Testament. It was Daniel who would have added to the learning of the Magi, foretelling the coming of the King of Israel. The Magi read the stars and so God spoke to them by giving them a star that leads them to the King of the Universe. The name of this great King is none other than Jesus the Messiah of Israel.
This Week's Message: Word Made Flesh: Part 3 - The Prophet
The very last book of the Old Testament, in the last chapter, in the last two verses, we read of the coming of a Prophet like Elijah: “Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord arrives. After these words are written, there are 400 years of silence from heaven. For 400 years Israel waited to hear from God again. They were waiting for God’s prophet. And then suddenly it happened. A prophet appeared in the desert, John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. (Mrk 1:4-5) Then Jesus himself identifies John as the Elijah written about in Malachi: “And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.” This is the most momentous announcement from heaven, in 400 years. What does this mean?
Why did Mary have to be a Virgin? Some feel that this is not an important doctrine of the Church. Some believe that in fact Mary got pregnant because of a lack of virtue and holiness. This is the line that many enemies of the church use. Those who would mock Christianity always attack the Virgin Mary as a liar. Matthew 1:23 quotes the prophesy of Isaiah 7:14, which came to us 700 years before the birth of Jesus: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel.” Mary’s fiancé is in agreement with her virginity because he reports of the angelic visitation of Gabriel who tells him, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21)
John the Evangelist reported that “the Word became flesh”. Matthew the Evangelist begins his Gospel, “This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham.” Mark begins his account with, “This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. It began just as the prophet Isaiah had written…” Finally, Luke begins with the angelic announcement, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”
Gratitude to God for His provision and mercy and grace is an act of worship that pictures God on His Eternal Throne. It is so easy to forget that you and I are not the centre of the Universe. God is. The Apostle Paul wants Christians to understand the critical importance of seeing God enthroned above the Creation. Self-centredness is to often the lens through which we view God and this life. This is a deadly view, because when things don’t go our way or if God doesn’t answer our prayer, we assume that He doesn’t love us, or worse, is incapable of giving us what we want. God is not a magic genie. His purpose is not to do what we say nor is it to give us what we demand. This self-centred approach to God is the demonic lie that ensnared Adam & Eve. Paul keeps hammering home to us the doctrine of God and our appropriate response to the God of the universe. Praise and thanksgiving must fill our hearts daily and moment by moment.
Paul frames idolatry in ways that most of us have never considered. Paul says, “3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.” When we focus on our Holy God and His doing His will with the appropriate response of gratitude and worship, we live as the holy people we are called to be. But when our focus is on self and the things of this world, we become greedy, idolators who worship the things of this world. Give Him thanks and be free of idols.
Last minute advice is usually brief, authoritative and to the point. How can I live as an authentic Christian? Assuming his audience is actually Born Again with the Spirit of God living in them, the Apostle Paul gives some excellent last minute advice in his letter to the Greek Christians who live in the city of Thessaloniki. He is specifically addressing their personal relationship with God and how to maintain a rich, authentic Christian life. This advice addresses what is so often wrong about our Christian witness, namely, unchristian attitudes, speech and behaviours. Paul tells Believers everywhere: 16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 19 Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. (1Thess. 5:16-19)
“Be thankful” (Colossians 3:15) is a recurring exhortation in the letters of the Apostle Paul. 62 times Paul speaks to the theme of thanksgiving. No other New Testament writer gives such a sustained emphasis on Thanksgiving—and yet, major modern studies of Paul fail to grapple with this aspect of Christian worship. Paul’s theology of thanksgiving is deeply embedded in all his letters, and in the gospel itself. Let us take time and to do some self-examination, repentance, and ask God for a new resolve to be thankful. Of all people, Christians have by far, the most for which to be grateful! Have you counted your blessings lately? If you do, you will be surprised by what the Lord has done for you!
Paul tells young Timothy, “God uses scripture to prepare and equip His people to do every good work.” If you are not being prepared and equipped to do God’s work, according to scripture, then you are probably a nominal Christian. Nominal means, “in name only.” Jesus makes a shocking statement in the closing of His Sermon on the Mount: “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’ Being made complete and equipped by scripture, is a matter of life and death.
Scripture reveals to us God’s will and purpose and is therefore profitable for our transformation. Paul tells Pastor Timothy about the power of the Scriptures to transform us into the image of Christ, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” Paul is essentially saying the same thing to the Christians in Rome, Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. If you are not being transformed by scripture, then you are being transformed by the culture which stands in violent opposition to God.
Only scripture teaches us—and gives us—the wisdom to embrace salvation through Jesus Christ. Addressing the young Pastor Timothy, Paul reminds him, You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. The Apostle Peter would concur with the Apostle Paul, “For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” Jesus teaches us the way of salvation and it begins with faith in Him. All of scripture, Old Testament and New Testament, points to Christ Jesus as the source of Salvation. For this reason, we must know Jesus according to scripture and thereby become one with Him.
Some foolishly wonder if it pays to live the Christian life. Why bother? Wisdom tells us why we ought to pursue the wisdom and fear of God, “Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. 10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. 11 Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. 12 Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted. 13 These men turn from the right way to walk down dark paths. 14 They take pleasure in doing wrong, and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil. 15 Their actions are crooked, and their ways are wrong. -Proverbs 2:9-15” The fruit of the life that is devoted to wisdom is the fruit of joy. This joy is ours because we are protected against evil people and we have wisdom to make right decisions. While foolish people have no idea how to live, the wise are confidant and sure of themselves. It’s not because of pride, but because of clear protection of God. While fools seek the guidance of fortune tellers and psychics, the wise person has the guidance of the Lord. How foolish it is to be a fool!
For those who consistently seek God and the Wisdom of Heaven, Solomon declares that God will give great gifts to that person, priceless gifts beyond our comprehension. Wisdom says, “My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. 2 Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. 3 Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. 4 Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. 5 Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. 6 For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. 7 He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. 8 He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. -Proverbs 2:1-8 What a comfort to read such words. Who wouldn’t want God’s wisdom and common sense and protection? When Solomon asked God for wisdom, God gave him wisdom AND wealth. Practically speaking, this is the Christian life. It’s a tough life, but is it ever good!!
Thankfully peace and joy and what we often call “happiness”, is not as elusive as we may think. But if you’re going to be happy, you will have to let go of your pride and be a humble learner. Solomon understands human pride and he continues quoting the words that Wisdom would preach, “When they cry for help, I will not answer. Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me. 29 For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the Lord. 30 They rejected my advice and paid no attention when I corrected them. 31 Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes. 32 For simpletons turn away from me—to death. Fools are destroyed by their own complacency. 33 But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.” -Proverbs 1:28-33” It is a frightening thing to get to the point of no return. The point of no return. These are terrifying words. Yet so many get to that place. God help us to turn to God before its too late!
Solomon says that Wisdom continues to cry out to us our whole life through. As though wisdom were an actual person, Solomon quotes the words of Wisdom: “I called you so often, but you wouldn’t come. I reached out to you, but you paid no attention. 25 You ignored my advice and rejected the correction I offered. 26 So I will laugh when you are in trouble! I will mock you when disaster overtakes you—27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster engulfs you like a cyclone, and anguish and distress overwhelm you. -Proverbs 1:24-27” It sounds nasty, but let’s face it, when we begin to reap the grim and rotten fruit of foolishness in our lives, it’s as if wisdom is indeed mocking us. Sadly—and foolishly—when things go badly for us, we want to blame God. But the Lord so often uses the consequences of our bad decisions to point us back to Him.
Solomon makes it very clear that wisdom is not just for the elite and the learned and for people of noble birth. He says, Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square. 21 She calls to the crowds along the main street, to those gathered in front of the city gate: 22 “How long, you simpletons, will you insist on being simpleminded? How long will you mockers relish your mocking? How long will you fools hate knowledge? 23 Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise. -Proverbs 1:20-23” According to Solomon, the simpleminded are not merely handicapped and unfortunate. No, he is being bold in his proclamation. He is saying that anyone may be wise. The simpleminded are stupid people. The fool has made a decision to reject wisdom and personal responsibility for his or her life. The Gospel message declares that through Christ we may be wise if only we will take responsibility for our life. Wisdom is crying out for us. It is God himself. All we have to do is cry out to God for wisdom.
Solomon continues his warnings against being a fool. He says, “My child, don’t go along with [assassins]! Stay far away from their paths. 16 They rush to commit evil deeds. They hurry to commit murder. 17 If a bird sees a trap being set, it knows to stay away. 18 But these people set an ambush for themselves; they are trying to get themselves killed. 19 Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money; it robs them of life. -Proverbs 1:15-19” Solomon shows us how foolish we are when we are greedy for money. The fate of the greedy is that while they may gain financially, they are robbed of life! Think about it, what good is wealth if you have no life? To press the foolishness of this way of living, Solomon says that even simple birds are wise enough to avoid being trapped. Are you wise enough to avoid the fate of the greedy? God will help everyone who cries out for wisdom.
Solomon understands too well the temptations that every human experiences. And so he gives warning, “My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them! 11 They may say, “Come and join us. Let’s hide and kill someone! Just for fun, let’s ambush the innocent! Let’s swallow them alive, like the grave, let’s swallow them whole, like those who go down to the pit of death. Think of the great things we’ll get! We’ll fill our houses with all the stuff we take.14 Come, throw in your lot with us; we’ll all share the loot.” -Proverbs 1:10-14 There so many ways that we kill people. Jesus said that hating people is like murdering them. Then there is gossip and character assassinations that happen in and out of the Church—a disgrace to be sure! We think that we can somehow gain something from destroying others. How shocking and how sad that there are people who call themselves Christians who act like this. Thankfully, wisdom protects us from such evil.
When we speak of the wise we can’t help but contrast them with the foolish. The foolish stand out like a sore thumb. So often they look foolish and sound foolish and make foolish decisions. But the wise stand out as exceptional. The wise seem to be in another class. Solomon says, “My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. 9 What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck. -Proverbs 1:8-9” Yes, the wise are noble people. They stand out as extraordinary people. Wisdom is not necessarily the fruit of education or privilege or fame or fortune. Wisdom is the fruit of the man or woman who has taken to heart the godly instruction of parents, teachers, pastors and mentors. John Adams once said, “there is a natural Aristocracy among men…” To be a virtuous person who is naturally honored and respected by all, we must humbly learn from the wise.
Solomon continues with his opening statement about the power of wisdom. He says, “Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance 6 by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. 7 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. -Proverbs 1:5-7” The fear of the Lord is an old idea that is usually very much misunderstood today. “The fear of the Lord” means that we have a personal bias, and passion, to submit to the Lord’s will above all else. Can you say that about yourself? It is impossible to be wise if you don’t care about doing God’s will. The fool is the one who gives lip service to God but is intent on pursuing his own will. Let us pray that the Lord will give us the grace to be wise through fearing God. Remember fools despise wisdom and discipline.
No one likes to talk about discipline. Discipline is a difficult thing to embrace because it requires personal sacrifice and we by nature are self-centred. We don’t like to be deprived of what we want. Solomon begins the book of Proverbs with these words: “These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel. Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. 4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young.” Well, it’s not just the young that need discernment and knowledge. Sadly, too many of us have never really grown up. We are still infantile in our thinking and in the way that we live. Let us pray that the Lord will do a profound work in our lives as we seek to gain the wisdom of God.
Today is the international day of prayer for the persecuted church. Today we are focusing on our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering for their faith and obedience to Christ. There is a saying, “Out of sight; out of mind.” But the scriptures don’t permit us to use this excuse. The author of Hebrews says, “Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.” And our Lord Jesus Christ warns us in Matthew 25: I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’ “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’ “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’
Pastor Chris Zielke, Discipleship Pastor at Cross Church, shares a special Father's Day message.
The wisest man who ever lived said, “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 direct your path.” This is one of the most inspiring and mysterious proverbs. Imagine this for a moment. GOD, the creator of the Universe, is available to all and any who will look to Him for guidance in their lives. The Lord knows the way of the righteous. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. He has promised to not leave us like sheep without a Shepherd. No! He is the Good Shepherd and He will faithfully lead us home. But not so the wicked. “The way of the wicked will perish.” Life is very difficult and we need help to navigate it. Thanks be to God, He gave us His Son who leads us home. And by the way, God’s definition of a righteous man is not what you think. A righteous man is the man who puts his total trust in Jesus Christ. The evidence that you have put your faith in Jesus is this: you believe everything HE says and you are committed to doing everything He says.
The saddest thing in all of the world is the waste of a human life. Why? Because humans were created in the image of God, with dignity and a capacity to do great things for God’s glory and honour. We were all created for sweet communion with God and His people. Pity the one who rejects the path of God and chooses the way of sin and rebellion and wickedness. His life is a string of sorrows, pain and suffering. Because of his sin, he cannot enjoy the beautiful fellowship of righteous people, instead he is left wretched and fearful, knowing that terrifying judgment awaits him. But it doesn’t have to be this way. The wicked may come to God at any time and repent and be set free from the horrifying path they are on. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him, will not die, but have eternal life.”
Those who love the Lord and obey Him enjoy an unusual level of prosperity and flourishing. Why, because we are plugged into the streams of living water. Israel’s first King, Saul, was jealous of David. David was righteous and loved God’s law. 1 Samuel 18:14 says, “David was prospering in all his ways for the Lord was with him.” However, King Saul did not have a love for God or His Word. He was rebellious. 1 Samuel 18:15 says, “When Saul saw that David was prospering greatly, he dreaded him.” When you and I are focused on seeking God’s will and His Kingdom, we become a powerhouse for God. We become a blessing to all who know us. We cause our spouse and children, and our friends and family to be blessed. 3,500 years ago, God said to His people in Deuteronomy 30:15, “See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, and death and adversity.” There are two paths before us. One leads to destruction and the other leads to life. We must decide which path we shall take.
Meditation has more than one definition. The pagan’s idea of meditation is emptying one’s mind and then focusing on an object, a person, or an activity. God’s people have a very different understanding of this ancient practice. Mediation for a Christian is thinking about a passage of scripture and allowing the Holy Spirit to apply it to our lives. Joy always comes to those who love scripture and love to commune with Almighty God. Why meditate on God’s word? Because it is God’s Word! God speaks through His word. He speaks to all who hunger and thirst for truth. Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. And so all who take the time to reverently reflect on what God says in His word will have utter satisfaction and joy.
C.S Lewis once wrote, “Human history is the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God, which will make him happy.” God broke into human history to reveal the way of life and the resulting joy and peace that comes to us if only we would believe in Him and obey. Psalm one tells us of two paths; one is righteous, and one is evil. This simple Psalm gives us clear instruction on what will bring us joy and what will bring us despair. Charles Spurgeon said, “…every man is seeking after happiness. If it is so, then every man should read Psalm one, for this directs us where happiness is to be found in its highest degree and purest form.” We begin with verse one: Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. We have a path before us. We must choose which we will take.
What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever. 51 But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! 52 It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. 53 For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. 54 Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 56 For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. 57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
But someone may ask, “How will the dead be raised? What kind of bodies will they have?” 36 What a foolish question! When you put a seed into the ground, it doesn’t grow into a plant unless it dies first. 42 It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever. 43 Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. 44 They are buried as natural human bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies. For just as there are natural bodies, there are also spiritual bodies. 45 The Scriptures tell us, “The first man, Adam, became a living person.” But the last Adam—that is, Christ—is a life-giving Spirit. 48 Earthly people are like the earthly man, and heavenly people are like the heavenly man. 49 Just as we are now like the earthly man, Adam, we will someday be like the heavenly man, Jesus.
And why should we ourselves risk our lives hour by hour? For I swear, dear brothers and sisters, that I face death daily. This is as certain as my pride in what Christ Jesus our Lord has done in you. And what value was there in fighting wild beasts—those people of Ephesus—if there will be no resurrection from the dead? And if there is no resurrection, “Let’s feast and drink, for tomorrow we die!” 33 Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” Think carefully about what is right, and stop sinning. For to your shame I say that some of you don’t know God at all.
For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless. 15 And we apostles would all be lying about God—for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave. But that can’t be true if there is no resurrection of the dead. 16 And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins. 18 In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! 19 And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.
3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 11 Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.
,000 years ago, our Lord Jesus Christ taught us how we as Christians ought to live. Our Lord never sugar-coats or backs away from tough. Jesus concludes His Sermon on the Mount with these words of wisdom that will carry us through to Eternity if we will do what he says. Jesus said, “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes. Will you choose to live wisely, on the solid rock of His teachings?
,000 years ago, our Lord Jesus Christ taught us how we as Christians ought to live. Our Lord never sugar-coats or backs away from tough subjects. He makes many very upsetting statements in His Sermon on the Mount, and here He does it again: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” Notice that the key to eternal life is doing the will of the Father in Heaven.
2,000 years ago, our Lord Jesus Christ taught us how we as Christians ought to live. Our Lord never sugar-coats or backs away from tough subjects. Jesus knows that His beloved sheep will come under attack from false teachers. So Jesus gives a warning and then teaches them a simple test that can be used to know who are good and who are bad. He says, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.”
2,000 years ago, our Lord Jesus Christ taught us how we as Christians ought to live. Our Lord never sugar-coats or backs away from tough subjects. What Jesus says in Matthew 7:13-14 is one of his most sobering statements. Perhaps fear-provoking is a better way to say it. Jesus warns us that only a few will find eternal life. “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” This passage is especially relevant today because our whole culture has now officially rejected God. We live in a post-Christian world and it has had a shocking effect on the Church.
2,000 years ago, our Lord Jesus Christ taught us how we as Christians ought to live. Our Lord never sugar-coats or backs away from tough subjects. In Matthew 7:12, Jesus teaches what has come to be known as the Golden Rule. Here is His rule: “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” In another place Jesus said that the Law and the Prophets are also summed up in these two great commands: Love God with all your heart and strength and love others as you love yourself. It becomes clear that the Christian ideal of love is truly the best rule to govern any society.
2,000 years ago, our Lord Jesus Christ taught us how we as Christians ought to live. Our Lord never sugar-coats or backs away from tough subjects. Jesus teaches us that the Father wants us to learn to depend on Him daily. This is a consistent theme in the Sermon on the Mount. He says in Matthew 7:7-11, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
2,000 years ago, our Lord Jesus Christ taught us how we as Christians ought to live. Our Lord never sugar-coats or backs away from tough subjects. Humans are too quick to speak before we think. Jesus commands us in Matthew 7:6 to be careful of what we say to people, discerning first who is open to receive truth: “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.” Remember, Jesus demands unswerving loyalty to Him and to His Kingdom standards, because only His way produces the abundant life in us.
2,000 years ago, our Lord Jesus Christ taught us how we as Christians ought to live. Our Lord never sugar-coats or backs away from tough subjects. Humans are too quick to judge others, causing strife and bitterness. Jesus commands us in Matthew 7:1-5 to be humble and to seek to help others with a spirit of grace and kindness. “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Jesus demands unswerving loyalty to Him and to His Kingdom standards, and it is for our sake!
2,000 years ago, our Lord Jesus Christ taught us how we as Christians ought to live. Our Lord never sugar-coats or backs away from tough subjects. Your goals, dreams and desires are to be surrendered to the will of God. Jesus teaches us in Matthew 6:33-34 how the Christian lives life on a daily basis. That’s right, Christianity is a daily religion. He says: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So, don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Jesus demands unswerving loyalty to Him and to His Kingdom standards. You have one pursuit, and it is God and His will!
2,000 years ago, our Lord Jesus Christ taught us how we as Christians ought to live. Our Lord never sugar-coats or backs away from tough subjects. He commands us in Matthew 6:25-32 not to worry or be anxious about anything: “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? “So, don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.” Jesus demands unswerving loyalty to Him and to His Kingdom standards.
2,000 years ago, our Lord Jesus Christ taught us how we as Christians ought to live. Our Lord never sugar-coats or backs away from tough or offensive subjects. Bob Dylan wrote, “You’re gonna have to serve somebody. Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord, But you’re gonna have to serve somebody.” Dylan understands humans; he understands himself. Here is what Jesus says about servitude and commitment in Matthew 6:24: “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” Jesus demands unswerving loyalty to Him and to His Kingdom standards.
2,000 years ago, our Lord Jesus Christ taught us how we as Christians ought to live. Our Lord never sugar-coats or backs away from tough subjects. Jesus demands unswerving loyalty to Him and to His Kingdom standards. He teaches us in Matthew 6:22-23 how to make right decisions, full of wisdom and truth in this dark world: “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!”
2,000 years ago, our Lord Jesus Christ taught us how we as Christians ought to live. Our Lord never sugar-coats or backs away from tough subjects. Jesus demands unswerving loyalty to Him and to His Kingdom with its values. Here is what He says about money and possessions: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Sermon on the Mount, Part 13 - Forgive to be Forgiven
Jesus’ teaching is just as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tackles tough issues head-on. When we think of the wonderful things that God has given us, we know that the gift of Jesus Christ and the salvation that comes through Christ is the greatest gift humanity has ever received. Perhaps the second greatest gift humanity has ever received is this magnificent prayer called, “The Lord’s Prayer.” We easily forget that all of us were born lost and estranged from God. The miracle of Jesus' birth was the beginning of reconciliation. We sing, “God and sinner reconciled.” The story of Christmas is about God the Father forgiving all who come to Him in full repentance, putting their faith in Jesus. Jesus teaches us the glorious truth that God forgives. But we must never forget that we who are Christians are called to forgive just as our Father forgives us.
Jesus’ teaching is just as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago. He tackles tough issues head on. When we think of the wonderful things that God has given us, we know that the gift of Jesus Christ and the salvation that comes through Christ is the greatest gift humanity has ever received. Perhaps the second greatest gift humanity has ever received is this magnificent prayer called the Lord’s prayer. Here is what Jesus says about HOW to pray: “Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.”
Jesus’ teaching is just as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago. He tackles tough issues head on. Here is what Jesus says about HOW to pray: Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. Jesus adds a footnote: By the way, “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Jesus’ teaching is just as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago. He tackles tough issues head on. Before our Lord Jesus tells us how to pray, first He tells us HOW not to pray: “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!” Babbling prayer has more to do with superstition and mindless religious activity. Babbling prayer supposes that God is impersonal and not caring. Babbling prayer is about human wisdom and human effort trying to reach the heart of God. We are reminded that we need Jesus to teach us how to communicate with the God of the universe in a way that is acceptable to Him.
Jesus’ teaching is just as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago. He tackles tough issues head on. Here is what Jesus says about how NOT to pray: “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
Jesus’ teaching is just as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago. He tackles tough issues head on. Here is what Jesus says about giving to the needy: “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. 2 When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. 3 But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. 4 Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
Jesus’ teaching is just as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago. He tackles tough issues head on. Here is what Jesus says about what to do with people who are, or seem to be, our enemies: “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Jesus’ teaching is just as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago. He tackles tough issues head on. Here is what Jesus says about revenge and how Christians cope with the yearning to get even: “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.
Jesus’ teaching is just as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago. He tackles tough issues head on. Here is what Jesus says about makes vows and taking oaths: “You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’ But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black. 37 Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.
Jesus’ teaching is just as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago. He tackles tough issues head-on. In an age when marriage is no longer revered as sacred and holy, and in a time when divorce is just as prevalent among Christians as non-Christians, it's important to remember that God says that He hates divorce and to hear what Jesus says about it: “You have heard the law that says, ‘A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.’ But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery.
Jesus’ teaching is just as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago. He tackles tough issues head on. Here is what He says about lust and sexual purity: “You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. So if your eye—even your good eye—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your hand—even your stronger hand—causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
The Kingdom of God and the personal life of the Christian are described in the highest standards. It is a standard that is impossible for mere humans to live up to. But Jesus lived up to His own standards perfectly and then He insists that His followers also live up to these standards. Thank God that by His grace and the empowering of the Holy Spirit, we can live out these perfect standards. Jesus calls us to the highest standard of peace between one another. Christians do not call people “fools.” Christians do not hate or allow themselves to be angry at others. Christians are devoted to making peace immediately with everyone. Christians do not allow hurts and offenses to fester. Christian relationships are always marked by love and kindness, even when it is not returned. As we see here, it is easy to say, “Love one another,’ but this an impossible command to keep unless we have supernatural help from above.
Most Christians are quick to declare, “I’m under grace; I’m not under the Law.” But Jesus emphatically declared, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” The law of God given to Moses is a set of guidelines to ensure that the Israelites' behavior reflected their status as God’s chosen people. It encompasses moral behavior, their position as a godly example to other nations, and systematic procedures for acknowledging God’s holiness and mankind’s sinfulness. In an attempt to better understand the purpose of these laws, Jews and Christians categorize them. This has led to the distinction between moral law, ceremonial law, and judicial law, which is the foundation of so much of western law. The Puritans loved to say that, “the law leads us to Christ to be made righteous and then Christ sends us back to the law to learn what it means to be holy.
In the beginning, God said, “let there be light.” In darkness there is death. In the light there is life. The Jewish people were supposed to be the light of the world. To the Jews, God said, “I, the Lord, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness. I will take you by the hand and guard you, and I will give you to my people, Israel, as a symbol of my covenant with them. And you will be a light to guide the nations.” It was always God’s intention to bring light to the whole world through His people. God sent His son Jesus to carry out His will by calling people to follow Christ in bringing light to a dead world, lost in darkness. The mark of every true believer is that he or she reflects the light, who is Jesus Christ. Today we learn what it means to be salt and light.
Jesus says, “Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.” We crave the praises and the glory that humans give. It’s a sign of the sin that resides in every human. Since the fall of humanity, we have wanted to be like God. In fact that was the very temptation: “You shall be like God.” The follower of Jesus Christ understands that it is God’s praise and recognition and pleasure that we must seek. The praises of humans will always lead us away from God and the Truth, because, as Paul says, humans were born enemies of God. For this reason, Solomon says that the fear of humans, or the concern for what humans think, is a deadly trap. Paul tells the Galatians, “Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.” The ways of Christ are not the ways of this world. For this reason, things like social media and Youtube and all forms of media that Christians are engaged in, are very dangerous. Afterall, who wants to be hated publicly? Yet Jesus said we would be hated if we were His disciples. This is why Jesus says, “What sorrow awaits you who are praised by the crowds, for their ancestors also praised false prophets.”
Jesus says, “Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.” Our Lord’s brother, James reminds us of this when he says, 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (James 4:9-10) The world loves comedy and loves to laugh. We all know that laughter is like a drug. It cheers us up and helps us to forget our troubles. Solomon said, “Laughter does good like a medicine.” But laughter alone is not the solution to our deep spiritual problems. The Holy Spirit is constantly at work drawing us to Christ, convicting us of our sin, reminding us of the teachings of Christ. But people would rather laugh and mock and be sarcastic and ironic than surrender to Jesus. Here is the Lord’s warning to us, What sorrow awaits you who laugh now, for your laughing will turn to mourning and sorrow.
Jesus says, “Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry.” In the parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25, Jesus is speaking about the judgment of God. Those who refuse to meet the needs of the hungry and the thirsty, the imprisoned and the sick and the naked will be rejected by God. Jesus says, “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” We all live within a tension, regardless of how much money you have. The tension we must all wrestle with is this: “am I giving enough to those who are hungry and in need. We must not compare ourselves to others, rather we must go before the Lord and ask what He would have us do. Some day we will stand before the throne of God and we will have to give an account for the way that we used the resources He entrusted to us. Remember we are stewards of what we have. It all belongs to the Lord. For this reason, Jesus tells us, “What sorrow awaits you who are fat and prosperous now, for a time of awful hunger awaits you.”
Jesus says, “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.” Jesus teaches the Beatitudes in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. In Matthew it is part of the Sermon on the Mount. In Luke it is part of the Sermon on the Plains. But our Lord adds four woes, or words of sorrow, immediately following the beatitudes in Luke. The woes are a warning to all who reject or disregard Christ’s instructions concerning the beatitudes. Here Jesus says, “What sorrow awaits you who are rich, for you have your only happiness now.” Imagine trading an eternity of spiritual happiness for a few measly years of happiness on earth! People do it all the time. People who call themselves Christians do it all the time! It is the saddest thing that happens on earth. Jesus warned us, “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul?” Jesus calls that person a fool. It’s time to start laying up treasures in heaven!
heaven.” All the Beatitudes demonstrate God’s reversal of the world’s values, but perhaps none so markedly as this eighth one. How can being persecuted be “blessed”? Persecution is never pleasant but involves suffering and often severe pain. The key is Jesus’ qualification that the blessed persecution comes “for righteousness’ sake.” Jesus wasn’t offering a general blessing to all victims of persecution for any cause. No, He offered it only to those who were persecuted for actively pursuing the kingdom of righteousness and because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Peter put it this way: “If you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God” (1 Peter 2:20). Rather than feeling discouraged, dismayed, enraged, or depressed, believers who find themselves persecuted for openly living for Christ and His kingdom have good reason to rejoice and be glad—for their reward in heaven is great. Our Lord offered this potent dose of hope and encouragement to those whose stubborn pursuit of righteousness makes the enemies of God’s kingdom try to stop it and extinguish it.
Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Traditionally, "peacemakers" has been interpreted to mean not only those who live in peace with others, but also those who do their best work to promote friendship among humans and between God and humanity. In the fourth century, St. Gregory of Nyssa, interpreted it as "Godly work", which is an imitation of God’s love of humans. John Wesley said the peacemakers’ endeavour is to calm the stormy spirits of humans, to quiet their turbulent passions, to soften the minds of opposing parties, and, if possible, reconcile them to each other. Peacemakers use all of their godly ability and employ all their strength—all the talents which God has given them—to preserve peace where it is, and to restore it where it is not. And of course, Jesus Christ was the supreme peacemaker. Jesus taught us how to live at peace with one another, but more importantly, He reconciled humans to God.
Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”
The Greek word for “pure” is katharos. It means to be “clean, blameless, unstained from guilt.” Interestingly, the word can refer specifically to that which is purified by fire or by pruning. John the Baptist told people that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. Malachi speaks of the Messiah as being like a “refiner’s fire.” The Greek word for “heart” is kardeeah. This can be applied to the physical heart. But it also refers to the spiritual center of life. It is where thoughts, desires, sense of purpose, will, understanding, and character reside. So, to be pure in heart means to be blameless in who we actually are. Being pure in heart involves having a singleness of heart toward God. A pure heart has no hypocrisy, no guile, no hidden motives. The pure heart is marked by transparency and an uncompromising desire to please God in all things. It is more than an external purity of behavior; it is an internal purity of soul. The only way we can be truly pure in heart is to give our lives to Jesus and ask Him to do the cleansing work.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. To be merciful is to show forgiveness and compassion to those in need. Jesus frequently spoke of this trait. In the Lord’s Prayer, He says, “Forgive us our sins, as we also have forgiven those who sin against us.” Jesus instructs the Pharisees, “Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” We are blessed if we are merciful because mercy is something God Himself displays. God’s children are to reflect God’s mercy and are therefore merciful themselves. The merciful in this world are blessed in the sense that they know God’s joy. The person who is merciful will be eternally happy because not only will God show Him mercy, others will too! This really is a blessed way to live. Again, only the mind that has been brought to life by the Holy Spirit can understand this truth.
King Jesus always begins with the heart, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. When He pronounced a blessing on those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, He touched on the inner condition of our hearts. Those listening were living under the oppressive rule of the Roman Empire. They were experiencing excessive taxation, denied freedoms, and persecution. The servants of God’s kingdom desperately needed the heavenly perspective, and hope, of an eternal inheritance that Christ presented in the Beatitudes. Those who thirst for righteousness receive the water Jesus offered to the woman at the well: “But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life” (John 4:14) This beatitude could be paraphrased as follows: “Deeply joyful and spiritually whole are those who actively seek right relationship with God and, in so doing, discover that He alone can completely save and satisfy their souls.”
Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Meekness is submissiveness and humility. It’s easy to see how people would naturally reject this as a way of life. Although this Beatitude concerning being meek has been much praised, even by many non-Christians, such as Mahatma Gandhi, some view the admonition to meekness with great skepticism. Friedrich Nietzsche in his book called, On the Genealogy of Morals, considered Jesus’ call to meekness as the embodiment of what he perceived as a slave morality. Nietzsche, like every unconverted person, cannot understand the wisdom of Christ. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. Jesus personified meekness. And don’t be fooled. Meekness is not weakness. Only the one empowered by the Holy Spirit can fully embrace this truth and live it out.
Jesus said, "Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted." It is important to remember that this portion of Jesus’ teaching was directed toward His closest friends, not the general population. The beatitudes are the opening words of Jesus’ sermon on the Mount and is a collection of truths designed to prepare His followers for His kingdom, which involved a lifestyle radically different from the world’s. The beatitudes are meaningless without faith in Christ. The term mourn means “to experience deep grief.” In keeping with His theme of spiritual blessedness, Jesus seems to indicate that this mourning is due to grief over sin. The people who agree with God about the evil of their own hearts can attain an "enviable state of blessedness," due to the comfort they receive from communion with the Holy Spirit. Christians do not seek happiness as the world does.
Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Poor in spirit" does not mean lacking the Holy Spirit or religious awareness. Jesus is talking about poverty as not only a physical condition, but also a spiritual one. In fact, the more self-aware a person is of his or her own spiritual poverty, caused by the inborn human condition of the sinful nature, the more one is humbly aware that they are "poor in spirit." The poor in spirit understand they are in a state of poverty without Jesus Christ as Savior. Without Jesus the Christ alive and active in one's soul, we remain in a completely impoverished spiritual state; once a person declares Jesus as Lord and Savior of his or her life, Jesus sustains them through a daily renewing of their poor spirit: "Then Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.'" (John 6:35).
Fathers are so important in our society today and they often get a bad rap. Dads, you are so vital to the development of your children. Do not take your task lightly!
David committed adultery with Bathsheba at the height of his kingship. The luxury, freedom and powers he enjoyed had blinded him to his sin. This is a common danger to us all. His sin had blinded him to what matters most, which is a close relationship with God. And David knew this! He wrote many Psalms about being close to the heart of God. David followed the seductions of sin and it took hold of his life. He began going through the religious rituals, offering an abundance of animal sacrifices, but in his heart, he was far from God. It was in the depths of his sin that God confronted him and David knew that he had walked away from the One who loved Him, His God. David wrote Psalm 51 to commemorate his repentance and to remind all God’s people of every generation about what God really wants. Its not burnt offerings God wants, it’s a sacrifice of a broken spirit. Why? Because by nature we desire what is sinful and we want to do as we please. There is a real sacrifice involved.
Sharing is something that we have to be taught. Most of us learned a little about sharing when we were just children in nursery school. In the sandbox, we were taught to share. In the playground, we were taught to share. Amazingly, however, most of us never really got good at it. If the truth be known, must of us prefer not to share. Why is this? Because we are selfish by nature. If this were not so, the Lord would no need to tell us to share. These Old and New Testament scriptures are full of commands about sharing with the poor, the foreigner, the widow, the orphan, the priests, and with God Himself. The last book of the Old Testament is a rebuke to Israel for their unwillingness to share a small portion of their income and harvest with God. The glory of the Church is Christ and in Christ is the example of generosity that all of us are called to imitate. Christ calls us to give of our time, treasure, and talent. Sharing like this is not just profitable on this earth, it echoes in eternity, where Jesus says we store up treasure. There is sacrifice involved.
No one is saved or goes to heaven just for doing good works. There is no good-works-sacrifice that is big enough for that! Faith in the sacrifice of Christ is still the only way to heaven. Everyone on earth, Christian or otherwise, understands that altruism—doing good—is what makes humans noble. But the good works that Christians are called to are not occasional and not for human glory. NO! Christians are called to do good works for the glory of God. Paul says, "So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1 Cor 10:31). We could easily say that doing good is not what we do, its who we are. To the Ephesian Christians, Paul says, For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10) At Cross Church, we work hard at providing opportunity for Christians to do good here and around the earth, but we also teach the importance of doing good in order to cause all people to praise our Father in heaven. There is sacrifice involved.
We cannot make sacrifices for our sins. We cannot do penance for our sin. We cannot pay for our sin or do anything in payment for our sin. Jesus Christ alone was and is the sacrifice for our sins. But……we are called to offer spiritual sacrifices to God. Hebrews tells us to offer a sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to Christ. Today we discover how to live this out from day to day. We are not just talking about singing songs of praise. We are talking about living a life of gratitude to God, praising God daily for Jesus’ death, and the removal of our sins.
But there’s more, we praise God by telling everyone we know about our wonderful Saviour. A sacrifice of praise is a celebration of the forgiveness of our sins through Christ!
Some Christian traditions teach that we can reduce our time in purgatory if we do certain acts of personal sacrifice and contrition. The problem is, this is not biblical. The sacrifice of Jesus’ life for our sins was sufficient to bring about reconciliation between God and humanity. We don’t have to flog ourselves or walk on our knees or doing anything to atone for our sin. We have a restored relationship with God because of Jesus work on the cross and it was sufficient. But there are spiritual sacrifices that we are taught to offer to God that are expressions of love for God and not our own efforts of payment for our sin. The apostle Peter tells us that Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, we offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. (1 Peter 2:5) The first spiritual sacrifice we make is giving our lives to Christ.
We are notorious for looking backward and for looking only at our present circumstances. We too often fail to see the good things that God wants to do in our future. Paul is not focused on prison and he is not focused on his discomforts, obstacles and aggravations. Paul sets a wonderful example for us as one who is pressing on. He is making plans. He expects that God has much work for him to do and he is persuaded that his present sufferings will pass. Too many of us are persuaded that our present afflictions will never end and that the future looks bleak. We must learn to look ahead and have the attitude of Paul who, while he was imprisoned said, “But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind me, I strain toward what is ahead.” Paul is looking so far ahead that he is envisioning heaven and his reunion with Christ. Hey! Its time to start making plans. Future plans always give us hope and purpose and joy. Pray. Ask the Lord for His guidance. He will lead and guide you. Pray more and then watch what the Lord will do!
Sometimes we just need to be out of commission for a while so that we can do some of the minor things that need to get done. Paul did a lot of reflecting and writing and preaching when he was locked up. One of the great things he did was speak up on behalf of Onesimus. Onesimus was a slave of Philemon who had skipped town, leaving his master behind. Because he was a slave, Onesimus was literally at Philemon’s mercy. Philemon could have done anything to Onesimus, even to the point of killing him. But Onesimus had become a Christian and a great help to Paul and so we find Paul pleading to Philemon on behalf of the runaway slave to forgive him and show Onesimus mercy. Paul was a busy man and had many important matters to attend to, but Paul had time on his hands because he was locked up. God used this downtime, prompting Paul to use his powers and influence to make a difference in the life of a wretched slave who had put his faith in God. What good can you do during this downtime?
Complaining to God and to anyone who will listen is the first thing we do when things are not going our way. As Christians, we should be better than that. Much better. Jesus never complained. Complaining is a sin. Paul tells us to “do everything without complaining…so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.” Paul wrote that when he was locked up in jail. As followers of Jesus Christ, we need to follow the example of Christ and of His servant Paul. Don’t complain about your circumstances, breakout into prayer, thanksgiving and praise. Paul and Silas were in jail in Philippi and they began to sing and the jail was broken open. Paul was given the chance to lead the Jailer and his family to Christ. What great good could you do if you started praying, praising God and giving thanks?
The disciples watched as Jesus was taken away to be crucified. They knew what was to come. They saw it many times. Jesus was going to a cruel death, nailed to a cross followed by exhaustion and asphyxiation. Four three years they listened to His message of hope and His declaration that the Kingdom of Heaven […]
When we look at Israel in the time of Christ, we can see ourselves. Israel is occupied by Rome and is at the mercy of this foreign power. These are extremely difficult times. It all seems so hopeless. People are being taxed to their limit. In some cases, they didn’t even have enough money to […]
Some of us have waited a long time for Jesus’ return and we may be tempted to be lazy in our walk with God or worse, to just give up. Peter helps us by reminding us, “But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the […]
Heaven is a place reserved for all that is Holy and all who are Holy. God is Holy. And all who put their faith in Jesus Christ are called God’s Holy-ones, or saints. Those who do not want to go to heaven will not be there. Jesus said, Blessed are the pure in heart, For […]
We don’t like to speak about hell, but according to scripture, it is very real and very necessary. The Lake of fire is the destination of all and anything that sets itself up against the God of the Universe. Listen carefully to this: the lake of fire is reserved for Satan, the False Prophet, Antichrist, death, all evil and all whose names are not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Jesus came to this earth as a Lamb who shed His blood to wash away the sins of all who put their faith in Jesus Christ. If you have not put your faith in Christ, then hell is your destination. There are no exceptions to this rule. The good news is that God is just and fair and it’s not His will that any should perish in the Lake of Fire, and for this reason, He has given us a way of escape. The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life—that is, Heaven—through Jesus Christ.
When you see the proliferation of evil all around, wondering where God is and tempted to despair, read Revelation chapter 19. One day, the world as we know it will come to an end. John tells of the coming of the Rider on the White Horse, on his robe is written: “King of all kings and Lord of all lords!” Then John sees a glorious thing: “Both the beast and his false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. Their entire army was killed by the sharp sword that came from the mouth of the one riding the white horse. And the vultures all gorged themselves on the dead bodies. This is a mighty clash between heaven and hell and Jesus wins! Hallelujah!
The Revelation of Jesus Christ as told through John the Apostle is considered by some to be too difficult to understand. Yet, we are told in Revelation 1:3 that, “God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.” For the one who is a true Christian—really Born Again—Revelation is one of the most exciting books in the Bible. Revelation tells us of the defeat of Satan, of the False Prophet and the antichrist. It tells us of the judgment that is coming to a world that is violently opposed to Christ and His Church. God gives us warnings that we must pay careful attention to or else we will be caught in the same judgment that is coming to this world. You’ve been warned!
It is so easy to lose sight of what matters to God. We can so easily embrace the things of our faith that are pleasing and attractive and even fun; like worship, and fellowship and volunteering. But James, the author of the book that has his name, tells us what pure and genuine religion is. Caring for orphans and widows in their distress, and refusing to let the world corrupt us is the hard part. It would be safe to say that one of the clearest signs that we have been corrupted by the world is our refusal to care for the orphans and the widows. Cross Church is devoted to the work of caring for orphans and widows because this is what it means to pastor our church responsibly. We help Christians fulfill their duty to God by helping them fulfill their duty to the helpless.
There is such a thing as harmful charity. Giving should always point people to Christ otherwise our giving can very easily enable people to stay in their poverty. And so we must be wise in our giving. Jesus tells us that our first priority is to our brothers and sisters in need. “Whatever you have done for the least of these my brothers, you have done it unto me!” Wow! This comes as a shock for many of us, because we always thought that giving to the needy—any needy person—was a fulfillment of Jesus’ expectation of charity and kindness from us. No. Our priority is always believers…people who belong to Jesus, and the orphans who have no family and no one to teach them the way to Christ. At the final judgment, God will consider how we cared for fellow believers in need as proof of our love for Christ.
God is utterly trustworthy and deserves our love and trust. This is what Habakkuk discovered. After delving into deep conversation with the Almighty, the Prophet Habakkuk comes to an amazing conclusion: “Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.” In other words, if God is with you, you have all that you need, you just need to put your faith in Him.
No complaint or question ever stumped God. Just because we don’t understand the ways of God does not mean that God has lost control or doesn’t know what He is doing. In fact, God challenges us to come to Him with our questions and complaints. To the Prophet Isaiah He said, “Come, let us reason together.” You will quickly discover that God is acting as our loving Father and He is teaching us to believe Him and obey Him. He is teaching us true faith. Sometimes the love of our Heavenly Father is a tough love—someone called it severe mercy. Ultimately, God is concerned about the thoroughness of his children’s salvation and about the reputation of His Name. When we understand this, we begin to understand the ways of God; which are not as mysterious as we may think. In fact God sums up the life of a true child of God: “The righteous will live by faith.”
Who hasn’t wondered, “What on earth is God doing?” Some have given up on God and the Church and the family of God because of suffering and pain, disappointments and unanswered prayers. Poor Habakkuk was furious because it seemed that the God of Israel was not behaving as a loving God. Lives are in danger, provision is lacking and Habakkuk addresses his concerns over the fact that God will use the Babylonian empire to execute judgment on Israel for their sins. Perhaps you can relate to Habakkuk in his complaints to God. Where are you, Lord? What you are doing doesn’t make sense, Lord! Habakkuk teaches us that we can come and pour our hearts and hurts to God. We, like Habakkuk, need to learn that God is our Father and we can bring our confusion and pain to Him.
At the start of each new year, Pastors and pundits give advice about how to have a successful and productive new year. The usual theme is simple, set goals for yourself and then come up with a strategy to meet those goals.
As Christians, however, we are called to fulfill one goal: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be given to you.” –Matthew 6:33. What wants and wishes fill your thoughts? Jesus warns us, “These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.” It takes great faith to make the will of God your primary goal.
The author of Hebrews understands the Christian life.
He says, “…shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?… No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” (Hebrews 12:9-11)
The right way to begin the new year is to submit to the will of the Father, who is—right now—training us in right living. Good habits in the life of the believer always flow out of a good relationship with the Father.
The first day and month of a new year often marks newness and a fresh start. Some believe that Jesus was actually born on the first day and month of the Jewish religious calendar (Nisan 1 or Aviv 1) which by the way marks the first day of creation.
Being a Christian means living in the newness that Jesus the Messiah brings to all who believe in Him.
Paul the Apostle puts it like this: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Our prayer is that 2020 will be a fresh start and full of newness.
As we come to the close of the year and look to 2020, we are reminded that time slips by quickly. The thinkers and idea-people of the world, along with many preachers, tell us that this is the time of the year to dream big dreams, be clear about our life-vision and set big goals for 2020 and for the rest of our lives. It all sounds very noble—in fact it sounds really wise, progressive and maybe even spiritual. (long pause) But its not biblical! Jesus is our example, our teacher; He is our Master and our Lord. Jesus never taught his disciples—or us—to dream big dreams or to have a vision for our lives. Quite the opposite. He taught us to pray, “Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” In the Garden of Gethsemane before going to die on the cross for our sins, He taught us to pursue God’s will and not our own will. After all, who dreams of dying young or who has a life-vision that includes dying a horrific and cruel death? Who has life goals that include serving God, serving others and serving the community and the world? Jesus taught us to pray, “Lord, not my will, but Yours be done.” This is how we must enter the New Year: ready, willing and enabled by the Holy Spirit to obey God.
We were created for communion and fellowship with God. To love God and to be loved by God is what this life is about. But sin broke that bond leaving us adrift and estranged from God for thousands of years. With the birth of Jesus everything changed. The fourth gift from God is reconciliation with Him. 600 years earlier, the prophet Isaiah looked forward to the coming of Jesus. “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”(Isaiah 7:14) And, For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
The third gift is peace through Christ. The angels actually bring the message to the shepherds and all humanity that for the first time since Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, peace had come to the earth. But this peace is only for those with whom God is pleased. The shepherds who were despised as “unclean” by the religious leaders, would understand that they were the ones who were to receive God’s peace. This was mind-blowing. They believed that peace with God was out of reach for them. Sadly, where there is no peace with God there is no peace in life. Jesus came to change all that. The armies of heaven—praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” (Luke 2:13-14)
The second Christmas gift is joy. Jesus gives us a reason to rejoice and be glad, for He is the one who takes away our sins and gives us His spirit to live in us. The shepherds got a taste of what was to come: That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” (Luke 2:8-11)
Our first Christmas gift is hope. Hopelessness is a deadly thing. People die because of a lack of hope. God gives us hope through Christ. Listen to this: An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. (Matthew 1:18-24) Jesus gives us the hope of sins forgiven and eternal life for all who open the gift. When we say “for all who open the gift” we mean there’s hope for all who put their faith in Christ!
One of the most sobering passages of scripture in the Bible is also a warning: “When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.” Jesus does not go easy on His disciples (and by the way, a disciple is […]
Our treasures are out of this world, at least they should be. Jesus said what sounds like crazy stuff, especially to us rich North Americans!
“Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes.”
Once again, the thought that comes to mind is, “this is impossible!” Once again, you would be right in thinking this, but remember what Jesus says, “with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
If you are a real Christian, the question is this, “What are you pursuing?” Remember that Jesus also told us that we cannot love God and money. You will hate one and love the other. By this standard who or what do you really love?
Jesus makes an amazing promise to every Christian, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and God will give you everything you need.”
To help us understand what this means, He tells the story of a rich man who is pursuing the acquisition of lots of money. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!” But God said to him, “You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?” Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.
To merely say, “Don’t worry!” is not enough to make us stop focusing on our provisional needs—what we will eat and drink and wear. A real Christian makes the focus of his life, Jesus, not money.
It seems like an impossible command, but Jesus is adamant, “I tell you not to worry about everyday life.” Who can possibly live like this? The answer is every true believer. Prior to telling his disciples not to worry, He points out the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. Hypocrisy is pretending to be something you are not. It’s acting. Real Christians do not act. True Christians are empowered by the Holy Spirit to trust and obey the Master, our Lord Jesus Christ. If we worry, we are not trusting God. The Christian life is impossible to live under our own power. The Good News is that we have to Holy Spirit to teach us and to empower us to live worry-free. Jesus is clear, with mere humans this way of life is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.
The greatest thing that God has done for us is give us His Son, Jesus, and giving thanks for Christ has been enshrined in Christian worship from day one in the form of Communion. There are a number of titles used to describe this sacrament such as The Lord’s Supper, the Breaking of Bread, Communion and Eucharist. Eucharist comes from the Greek and literally means “thank you.” Giving thanks is what this sacrament is about. Jesus Himself instituted this sacrament along with one other, namely, baptism. Notice that thanksgiving and rejoicing always accompany these Christ practices? Why? Because of the new life and the communion that is established been God the Father and us. Jesus makes this possible. Through Christ we come into communion—or fellowship—with God and we become part of His family. This family is sacred. It is called the Church and its called the Body of Christ. We are called to be grateful for Jesus work on the Cross and we are called to be grateful for our Church family.
Last minute advice is usually brief, authoritative and to the point. How can I live as an authentic Christian? Assuming his audience is actually Born Again with the Spirit of God living in them, the Apostle Paul gives some excellent last minute advice in his letter to the Greek Christians who live in the city of Thessaloniki. He is specifically addressing their personal relationship with God and how to maintain a rich, authentic Christian life. This advice addresses what is so often wrong about our Christian witness, namely, unchristian attitudes, speech and behaviours. Paul tells Believers everywhere: 16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 19 Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. (1Thess. 5:16-19)
There is so much to be grateful for, where do we even begin? Perhaps the thing that should cause us the greatest joy and gratitude is God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises. If you’ve read the scripture you know that it is full of God’s marvellous promises. One of the glorious things about our God is that he never breaks his promises. Joshua said, “Soon I will die, going the way of everything on earth. Deep in your hearts you know that every promise of the Lord your God has come true. Not a single one has failed!” (Josh 23:14). This is a time to pause and consider God’s faithfulness to you. If He did not keep His promises we would all be lost and we would have no peace or confidence to face each day. Obedience to God and gratitude are the marks of true worship.
Jesus tells us in the Sermon on the Mount, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father (Mt. 5:16). This is what we do as Christians, by the way that we live we cause people to praise our Father in Heaven. Paul takes up a collection of money for Believers in need and he says that two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God (2 Cor 9:12). Giving is a way for us to express gratitude to the Lord for His great provision for us. It is the one who does not trust God who has a poverty mentality and is unwilling to share. God help us to be grateful for His great provision by sharing with others.
The story of Cornelius is that he shouldn’t have been saved, or at least that’s what Peter thought. Cornelius and his family and his servants were not Jews. They were Gentiles. They were pagans. Heathens. Cornelius was a Roman soldier occupying the Promised Land! Surely God would not accept this foreigner who represented such evil in the land of Israel. These people were not the religious people that Peter was used to. In Peter’s mind they were all spiritually “unclean” and unfit to receive God. But God had other plan that shook Peter to the very core of his being. Not only did God want to accept Cornelius into His family, God actually foretold the salvation of the Gentiles (non-Jews) through Isaiah. “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” –Isaiah 49:6. This story tells us of the great lengths that God will go to for the salvation of people from every nation.
Paul’s story is truly one of the most dramatic in Church history! One day he is murdering Christians and then the next day he is preaching so as to win people for Jesus! No wonder no one believed him at first. On his way to wreak havoc in Damascus among the Christians, Paul—or Saul, as he was called then—was blinded by a light from heaven. From the light Jesus asked Paul why he was persecuting Him. Long story short, Paul was temporarily blinded until someone prayed for him, and he put his faith in Jesus and then immediately became a preacher for Jesus. This was a conversion that shook the Jewish world. The great and zealous Pharisee, Saul of Tarsus, was now Paul the preacher with no known address. The world was his parish and his job was planting churches and writing books that would become part of our Bible today! Mind-blowing!
Two thousand years before Star Trek even thought of the idea of teleporting people, the Holy Spirit was already doing that. Philip had been led by the Holy Spirit to be in the right place at the right time to intercept the truth-hungry Ethiopian official who was on his way home from worship in Jerusalem. Philip didn’t know the details of the mission; he just knew that he had to be on the desert road that goes from Jerusalem to Gaza. What a conversion story this is! It became obvious to Philip as he overheard the Ethiopian Eunuch reading Isaiah 53. He saw this as his opportunity. He asked the man if he understood what he was reading and the rest is history. Isaiah 53 is the Gospel of the Old Testament and once he understood it, he believed and was baptized. Philip was immediately transported to Azotus. Who says witnessing isn’t fun?!
Miraculous conversion stories followed the early church. Too often we focus on the miracles of tongues, healings, deliverance from jail, etc., but we miss the most important miracle of all, namely, the salvation of lost people. The Gospel was and still is central to the Christian faith. In this series we will be exploring the stories of people who were miraculously saved against all odds. We want everyone to think of his or her own conversion story and consider sharing it (watch for details). We want to make sure that you are ready to go to heaven, and by God’s grace, that you will bring someone with you. Imagine the stories we’ll hear in heaven.
Not everyone who is baptized and part of the church and is witness to miracles is converted. Simon’s story is shocking. He seems to be converted, but he’s not. At first, we read that Simon believed and was baptized, but then we see an ugly side of him, a greedy, power-hungry side. The Apostle Peter declares that his heart is not right with God, that he is evil; that he is full of bitter jealousy and that he is held captive to sin. Peter was able to discern this because of what Jesus taught: “Not all who sound religious are really godly people. They may refer to me as ‘Lord,’ but still won’t get to heaven. For the decisive question is whether they obey my Father in heaven. 22 At the Judgment many will tell me, ‘Lord, Lord, we told others about you and used your name to cast out demons and to do many other great miracles.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘You have never been mine. Go away, for your deeds are evil.’
God’s people are His beloved. Jesus reveals to us what is subtly revealed in the Old Testament, that is, that our God is a loving Father. First He wants us to know how precious we are to Him. We are His children!
He is training us and teaching us what it means to be His child. Perhaps the most stunning aspect of this Psalm is the reminder that not one of us is an accident. Every one of us is on this earth according to His sovereign plan and each of us bears His image. Every one of us has a job to do, but as His beloved, we must first be in a right relationship with our Father in Heaven.
David has committed adultery with the wife of one of his faithful soldiers. He has become so cold spiritually that he is calloused by his sin. It is the prophet Nathan who comes to David to reveal his sin. David teaches us how to repent. He does not protest his innocence or get angry with Nathan.
Instead, he confesses his sin in this Psalm, taking full responsibility for his sin. Repentance is a lifestyle, not a one-time event. David should have walked closely with the Lord, obeying Him, doing His will and repenting over the “small stuff” so that his sin never fell to such extreme depths of depravity.
Sin. It's a big word and it immediately makes us uncomfortable. It condemns us. It makes us feel guilt and shame. For the one who actually cares about pleasing God, sin is the enemy of our peaceful state of mind. Sin depresses us. Sin sucks the oxygen out of the room, leaving us hopeless and even lifeless. Those who are calloused to their sinfulness are hardened, cynical and angry people who lack a conscience. But those who have known the mercy and friendship of God are sensitive to their spiritual condition. They want God’s forgiveness and grace to live sin-free. Says David, I am on the verge of collapse, facing constant pain. But I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done.
Sometimes life seems just so unfair. We are tempted to think that honesty doesn’t pay. David has his moments when he sincerely wonders if living according to God’s laws is ultimately beneficial. David is speaking to those of us who perhaps doubt God and His justice and sovereignty. This Psalm reminds us to keep our […]
Anyone who has ever faced a crisis or great danger knows the great sense of relief when someone steps in to help. This is exactly what David is experiencing in His life. David is running for his life from King Saul who wants to kill David, so David goes over to enemy territory to hide. Unfortunately someone recognizes him and reports him to the philistine king Abimelech—also called Achish. Abimelech has David in his hands, but God inspires David to act insane, and then what happens is miraculous. Abimelech lets David go. God is merciful and His mercy is made manifest in so many different ways! You can count on the mercy of God.
Joy is fruit of the Spirit. There can be no joy until God’s Spirit fills us to overflowing. But how does this happen? When we walk with Him in holiness and full surrender. Jesus puts it like this: “deny yourself, take up your cross daily and follow Me.” If your life lacks joy, you need to run to the source of your joy and see what’s wrong. What is missing? Could it be that you are living the selfish life? Could it be that you are carrying a burden of sin and guilt? The greatest joy in this life comes from the forgiveness of God.
King David wanted to be the one who built the stone temple, but he Lord would not allow it because David had been a warrior. The task fell to his son Solomon. Instead, David accumulates the wealth, gold, silver and bronze and other precious metals and stones, and lumber. Perhaps his greatest contribution was this […]
This is the best-loved and best-known Psalm of all. It speaks of the loving guidance of the Good Shepherd, Jesus. Its a supernatural in that it brings peace, calm and great assurance to one who meditates on these verses. Why? Because we are reminded here that we are beloved sheep in the sovereign care of a loving Shepherd who never fails His sheep. He calls us to surrender control of our lives and allow Him to guide us in all that is best for us. It doesn’t get better than this.
The Psalms are often prophetic in nature. Some yell of Jesus the Messiah and his death. Psalm 22 tells us about the suffering of our Lord Jesus. There is a prophecy about the everlasting endurance of the throne of David, a throne that the Messiah will occupy. Did David see the suffering of the Messiah, Jesus Christ? We don’t know for sure, but we do know that Our Father in Heaven, who loved David, saw His Son Jesus occupying David’s throne after Jesus’ suffering on the cross.
The Psalms are often prophetic in nature. Some yell of Jesus the Messiah and his death. Psalm 22 tells us about the suffering of our Lord Jesus. There is a prophecy about the everlasting endurance of the throne of David, a throne that the Messiah will occupy. Did David see the suffering of the Messiah, Jesus Christ? We don’t know for sure, but we do know that Our Father in Heaven, who loved David, saw His Son Jesus occupying David’s throne after Jesus’ suffering on the cross.
The best thing parents can do for their kids is love each other whole-heartedly. This goes against the wisdom of our culture which says, give them a great education, get them into sports, make sure they can play an instrument, make sure they have lots of friends, and the list goes on. It’s amazing how […]
Fathers have a high calling to model and teach the heart of our Heavenly Father to their children.
Fathers you are an example to your children and like it or not, your children will do what you do and say what you say.
For some of you that is reassuring because you have a vibrant relationship with our Heavenly Father. Professor Vern Bengtson reports that 56% of kids who have a close relationship with their dads share his level of religious commitment, while just 36% of kids with a weaker relationship to their father can say the same thing. The closer and stronger the relationship with children the better! There are lots of statistics to support the out-sized importance of fathers and their influence on their kids’ faith.
For centuries in many Christian families, Family Altar or Family Devotions was the norm. Sadly, this is rare today. We’re all too busy doing things that seem important—temporal things that have no eternal value. It’s been said that the family that prays together, stays together. There is truth in this maxim. Staying together as a loving […]
Jesus said, “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.”
The Apostle Paul says, Dear brothers and sisters, I want you to understand that the gospel message I preach is not based on mere human reasoning. I received my message from no human source, and no one taught me. Instead, I received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ. Good theology must be grounded not […]
The Apostle Paul says, Dear brothers and sisters, I want you to understand that the gospel message I preach is not based on mere human reasoning. I received my message from no human source, and no one taught me. Instead, I received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ. Good theology must be grounded not […]
Every true Christian is an agent of God. God has His heavenly agents, called angels and He has earthly agents called saints. The Bible tells us that every true Christian is a saint (meaning, holy one). Saints and angels are set apart for God’s purposes. The greatest longing every human has is to have a purpose. We were created for a purpose to do His will on earth as it is in heaven. Here is what gives us hope in this life, being useful. Paul reminds us of this, “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” You were created to do great things for God’s glory! Eternity will be be a time of celebrating what we do today for His glory!
Are you afraid of dying? No need to be. Because Jesus killed death, Paul says, “Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” For sin is the sting that results in death... But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This is what we call The Gospel—the Good News—that we have access to eternal life and our Father in Heaven by believing in the One who arose from the dead. Understand this, eternal life begins now and not just when our mortal bodies die. We can enjoy fellowship with God as in Eden; its heaven on earth, now!
We can say that Jesus’ resurrection is fact. Not just because we wish it to be true, but because of the multitude of eye-witnesses. The first creed of the early church is found in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 and in it is the fact of Jesus death, burial and resurrection. Added to these events of the first Easter weekend is the list of all those who saw Jesus again, at least 550 people! Why is the resurrection so important? Because as Paul tells us, “And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless.” (1 Cor 15:14) Paul says further, “It is this Good News that saves you if you continue to believe the message I told you…” (1 Cor 15:2) Hallelujah! Christ lives and our hope lives!
Today is Palm Sunday. It marks the day that Jesus listened to the Father and went to the place where He would be crucified. God has been speaking to men and women through out the millennia. The Bible is a record of numerous moments when God spoke and humans either listened or refused to hear the heart of the Father. Adam and Eve heard God speak, but they refused to listen to His directives. It brought us all down to destruction. Thankfully we’ve learned a few things since Eden. Thankfully our merciful Father has not given up on us and we are still of great value to Him. In fact He still speaks and he still has a purpose for us. Sadly, we are not always careful to listen to His promptings and guidance. We become unusable when we fail to listen to our Lord, but we come alive when we are listening and cooperating with the God of the Universe. He wants to use you so listen up!
The wise understand that they need help in this life. That’s why the Prophet Elisha stuck so close to Elijah; he wanted to learn! The fool declares his independence, shutting himself off from mentors and teachers. The Proverbs are full of wisdom about listening. “Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others. (Proverbs 12:15) Who is mentoring you? The humble person proves his wisdom by learning from everyone. Solomon says, “Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.” (Proverbs 19:20) And, “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance. (Prov. 1:5). You can’t learn if you’re doing all the talking, so listen up!
We all know the frustration of not being heard. Being heard makes us feel loved or at least valued. We all know people who don’t listen to a word we say, but demand to be heard. When we examine the life of Christ, we see the supreme example of one who listens carefully, even hearing when words are not adequate to express the deepest thoughts and feelings of the heart. The Samaritan woman at the well is a prime example. We need to learn to listen to what is in the hearts of those we love if we are to have true intimacy and close relations. Its definitely not easy, but it produces the best results on earth. Stop talking for change. Listen up!
No one would keep fruit vines or fruit trees if they were not fruit-producing. Some still wonder what that fruit should be. We know that there should be fruit of the Spirit…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control. There should be the fruit of righteousness, which is holy living. There should be the fruit of our testimony, which is souls saved. There should be mature fruit, which living as citizens of heaven, acting and speaking as Christ did, growing in faith and depending less on self and becoming more unselfish. The life that produces fruit that pleases God, is the one that dies to self, takes up the cross and follows Jesus, loving God and loving others. We know when we are producing this fruit because we will be full of joy.
Jesus tells us that He is the vine, we are the branches and God the Father is the Gardener. He says, “When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.” –John 15:8 A good gardener knows how to make his garden flourish. No one knows better than God the Father. Jesus warns us that the branches that produce nothing will be cut off, while the productive branches will be pruned so as to produce even more. Once again we must examine ourselves to see if we are about to be cut off or if we are in the process of being pruned so that we can be more productive. As Christians we always know where we are in our relationship to our God. God makes Himself and His ways known to us through Jesus Christ.
The grapevine is the source of life and fruitfulness. No branch can live apart from the vine. We know when a branch is unhealthy or disconnected from the vine because the branch yields no fruit and actually begins to wither and dry up. Now Jesus says that He is the vine and we are the branches, and for this reason, every believer must stay firmly connected to Jesus. It really is a matter of life and death, spiritually speaking. We need to examine our lives and see if we are flourishing or withering. More than that, we need to determine whether or not we are producing fruit. After all, what good is a fruitless branch on grapevine.
The grapevine is the source of life and fruitfulness. Jesus says that He is the Vine and that every true Christian is a branch connected to Jesus. Jesus tells us that we branches must produce fruit or we will be cut off. The only way that we can be fruit-producing branches is by remaining in Christ. Abiding in Christ is another way of saying the same thing. To remain in Christ means we are careful about being nourished by Christ. How easy it is to go to church your whole life, seeming to be connected to the Vine, while all the while, we are utterly disconnected to Christ. The lack of fruit in our lives is the giveaway. Jesus promises to remain in us if we remain in Him. As long as we are connected to Jesus we will be produce much fruit. Jesus says, “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” Are you joyful?
The Holy Spirit is the most enigmatic member of the Trinity. Jesus gives the gift of His Spirit to all Believers when they are Born Again and is therefore called “the paraklete,” which is Greek for helper or comforter. “Paraklete means “the one who is alongside.” The Holy Spirit is definitely a person in that we can grieve Him and we can delight Him. He points everyone to Christ and reminds us of everything Jesus taught. His main role is to glorify Christ by helping us live out the life that Christ calls us to live. We know He is at work within us by the fruit that we produce. Romans calls us to “walk in the Spirit” and not give into our natural, sinful, instincts. The Holy Spirit prompts us not only to avoid evil, but He guides us to do God’s will, making us agents of God.
The Lord Jesus Christ is God. He is co-equal with the Father. He was not created, but He created all things. Jesus said and did some shocking things when He came to earth. He received the worship of His followers. He forgave sins. He said things like this, “I and the Father are one” and “if you have seen me, you have seen the Father,” and “Before Abraham was, “I am.” The religious leaders of His day tried to kill him repeatedly because they believed He was blaspheming God. He was beyond a shadow of a doubt declaring that He is God, and yet He humbled Himself, submitting to His Father’s will. He taught us to follow His example and to obey Him even as we would obey the Father.
Jesus reveals the Father to us as the One who’s will we are called to do on earth, as it is in heaven. As our Father, He tells us what to do and what not to do and then disciplines us when we fall short of His will. Hebrews reminds us that God disciplines those He loves. Before the Fall of Humanity, God walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, as a Father who lovingly fellowships with His children. After The Fall, fellowship with God was cut off and men only knew God from a distance. Humanity’s new-found love of self made it impossible for fellowship with God. The Bible is the story of man’s journey back to God the Father and His dwelling place.
At the start of each new year, Pastors and pundits give advice about how to have a successful and productive new year. The usual theme is simple, set goals for yourself and then come up with a strategy to meet those goals. As Christians, however, we are called to fulfill one goal: “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be given to you. –Matthew 6:33. What wants and wishes fill your thoughts? Jesus warns us, “These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.” It takes great faith to make the will of God your primary goal.
The author of Hebrews understands the Christian life. He says, “…shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?… No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” (Hebrews 12:9-11) The right way to begin the new year is to submit to the will of the Father, who is—right now—training us in right living. Good habits in the life of the believer always flow out of a good relationship with the Father.
The first day and month of a new year often marks newness and a fresh start. Some believe that Jesus was actually born on the first day and month of the Jewish religious calendar (Nisan 1 or Aviv 1) which by the way marks the first day of creation. Being a Christian means living in the newness that Jesus the Messiah brings to all who believe in Him. Paul the Apostle puts it like this: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Our prayer is that 2019 will be a fresh start and full of newness.
Its widely accepted that the real birth of Christ our Messiah is not December 25, 0 AD. His real birthday will surprise you. We look at the significance of His birth and see that the day of His birth represents a real, new beginning and the birth of real hope. This is an exciting study that includes the latest scholarship on the subject. Jesus was not born by chance or by the choice of a man and a woman. He was born according to God’s will through the Virgin Mary in fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah (7:14, 8:8, 10). The birth of Jesus is a celebration of all things becoming new.
And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” –Rev. 21:5 Jesus is called Emmanuel, God with us. His birth signalled a new day; the day He came to dwell among us.
Hanukkah is not the Jewish Christmas as some suppose. Its true that their celebration includes candles, gift giving and that it happens at around the same time as Christmas, but that’s where the similarity ends. However, it has been said that without Hanukkah, there would be no Christmas. It will surprise you that the celebration of Hanukah is prophesied in the Book of Daniel but there is no record of it being celebrated in the Old Testament. It was celebrated though—in the New Testament—by our Lord Jesus, our Messiah. Hanukah helps shed light on the hope that Jesus brings to all who put their faith in Him. The birth of Jesus was the beginning of the end of Satan’s tyrannical rule of planet earth. Hanukkah celebrates the hope that is ours in God alone.
Satan knows that Jesus Christ is the Messiah and that Jesus has come to destroy him, and so Satan attempts to assassinate Jesus. This is the one very distasteful part of the Christmas narrative that no one wants to talk about. However, if we are to be truly open to all that our God wants us to know and understand, we need to lean into this scripture to understand what is at stake. There is a cosmic battle raging in the spiritual realm to which most of us are oblivious. It's a battle between God’s will and the will of the Prince of Darkness. For a moment, this battle in the spiritual realm bleeds into the our realm and thus we see the attempted assassination on baby Jesus’ life. Satan’s failure here is a glorious signal of the future victory that is ahead, though Christ, our Messiah.
800 Years before our Lord Jesus was born, the Prophet Isaiah prophesied his coming. Isaiah chapter 9:1-7 tells us of the coming of the Messiah. No one knew it at the time—not even the devil—that this would be the first coming of the Messiah. 200 years later, the prophet Daniel would prophecy the second coming of the Messiah. The King that would eventually rule forever came first to rule in men’s hearts. The Lord Jesus accepted the title “King of the Jews,” but many Jews did not! All who trust in the Lord Jesus to wash away their sin will worship Jesus as their King. In fact we get a taste of this when the Jews worshipped him at His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Incidentally, this happened a week before He was crucified. Make no mistake about it, Jesus was crucified for our sin so that He could become King of our hearts and lives.
The essential truth of Christianity is that the Eternal God was born among us. It's the only truth that can save us from being eternally lost. The Christmas message as recorded by in the Gospel of John is that God was born. While John deals with the supernatural aspect of Christmas, Matthew and Luke speak of all the natural elements of the birth of Christ—the shepherds, the manger, the star, the Magi, Mary and Joseph, and the list goes on. It is critical that we read the Gospel of John to understand exactly just how essential it was that Jesus was born 2,000 years ago. While Matthew and Luke tell us the “what” and the “how” of Jesus’ birth, John tells us clearly the “why” of His birth. Were is not for His birth we would have no hope of eternal life and no idea how to live this life.
Opinions about the end of time are too numerous to track. This does not diminish in any way the truth about Christ’s second coming and the end of our era. What we need to do is focus on what we know for sure. Jesus tells us clearly what we need to do to be ready for His coming. We are to keep busy serving Him—advancing His Kingdom—and we are to keep watching for His return. Some have grown weary of watching and some even say, “He’s not coming!” Or, “I’ve been hearing this stuff for years! Jesus still hasn’t returned!” This kind of cynicism is typical of those who are apostate. We are warned to keep our hearts burning brightly for Christ as we wait for His return. Jesus want’s us to be ready, even if His return is not in your lifetime.
Israel is the major player in end-times discussions. The budding and sprouting of the leaves of the fig tree is Israel as a nation coming back to life. For over 1,900 years Israel didn't exist, but contrary to all anthropological and sociological logic, the Jewish people retained their Jewishness in every part of the world, refusing to be assimilated. At the appointed hour and in fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy, Israel became a nation again on May 14, 1948. This is a miracle and it is a wake-up call to the church and to every believer to be prepared for Christ’s return. The End really is near. We will look deeper into this and ask what does it have to do with us?
Wikipedia has a page called, “List of Messiah Claimants” of which there are at least 66 individuals over the centuries. In recent years there have been hundreds more. People are desperate for a strong leader, and so people are being misled all the time, and Jesus warns us about this. Something even more troubling is the way we have re-created the Messiah in our own image and according to our own ideas and philosophies. We are rebellious by nature and we don’t want to submit to the authority of God or the scripture. So when the Anti-Christ appears, he will be a perfect match for what people want in their messiah. They will follow him and they will happily consume the teachings of the False Prophet who will act like a John the Baptist, preparing the way for the Antichrist. We must know Christ and His teaching so that we are not deceived. And many will be deceived! Pray it's not you.
Jesus said, “Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.” The signs around us of His coming increase almost by the week. Jesus is coming again and He has given us the signs in advance. The problem with so many of us is that we have been watching for such a long time that we have grown a little cynical and have lost interest. We must not allow our hearts to be dulled. We must stay attentive. And so we review the signs of His coming once again.
We need the Thanksgiving season. It jolts us out of our self-absorption which comes in many forms: guilt, entitlement, manipulating others, never being able to say you’re sorry, inability to let go of anger, brooding, fears, anxiety, greed. When it’s “all about me,” I can’t be grateful. Gratitude requires an open heart focused on God and His kindnesses. It is, therefore, possibly the most spiritual celebration of the year. Let’s open our hearts to the Father who continues to prove His love for us.
An old Rabbinic teaching says: "In the coming Messianic age all sacrifices will cease, but the thanksgiving offering [todah in Hebrew] will never cease." What is it about this sacrifice that makes it stand alone in such a way that it would outlast all other sacrifices after the redemption of the Messiah? A todah sacrifice would be offered by someone whose life had been greatly blessed or helped by God. What does the word "todah" mean? It is Hebrew for "thanksgiving," although it also connotes a confession of praise in addition to gratitude. For example, Leah gave thanks to God when she bore her fourth son, and so she named him yehudah—or Judah—which is the verbal form of todah—to give thanks. Today we are going to offer our thanks to God by giving to those in need.
Some are from a Christian heritage that celebrates the Eucharist, which we call Communion. Eucharist comes from the Greek word for “Thank you.” Jesus gave thanks to God when he broke the bread to feed the multitude in John 6 and elsewhere. We read that Jesus on the night he was betrayed by Judas, gave thanks and broke the bread celebrating the last Passover with with His disciples. He tells us to continue to do this as an act of remembrance and thanksgiving for what He would do at the Cross. Today we remember Jesus broken body and blood and we give thanks for the salvation that is ours through Him. To all who believe in Him, He gives us new life, abundant life and eternal life. These are the greatest gifts on earth.
Because of our sinful human nature, we are so very prone to whining, complaining, grumbling, lashing out, blaming God and blaming others for the struggles and inconveniences we endure. This may be common among unbelievers, but there is no place for this bad attitude among the regenerate. If you are a New Creation as the Bible declares that you are, you ought to have the mind and attitude of Jesus. Paul says that we need to be rejoicing always, praying continually and giving thanks in all circumstances, because this is the will of God. There are no excuses for a bad attitude. A thanksgiving-lifestyle is what we are called to. The good news is that science has proven that grateful people are at the minimum 25% happier and we are told are all-round healthier people. Rejoice, give thanks and enjoy good health!