John Calvin – A Heart for Devotion, Doctrine, & Doxology

Posted on October 27, 2016 by rgpriest

Mention the name John Calvin and a few thoughts immediately come to mind.

  • Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion
  • Protestant Reformation
  • Apologist
  • v  Geneva
  • TULIP

All of these are valid and are a legacy to admire. But there is more to John Calvin that those descriptions. In John Calvin  A Heart for Devotion, Doctrine & Doxology the contributors give us a much bigger picture of the man and his ministry.

I probably learned most from the first part of the book that deals with John Calvin the man. Here we read of his youth, his education, his family and friends, his conversion and his call and his growth in grace. The book also gives us a look into Calvin’s ministry as a Pastor, counsellor, community leader, mentor and friend,

This book lets us see the man. His life as a child, a father and a husband. He was very much like all of us with the same challenges and aspirations. We also get a look at Pastor John Calvin. This was the eye opener for me. John Calvin was not just an educator, theologian and apologist, all of which are part of the pastorate. Calvin was man who had a heart for Jesus Christ. It seems everything he set out to do was to either know more of Jesus or make Jesus known.

It was enlightening to see Calvin in this way. It laid the groundwork for much of the latter part of the book dealing with Calvin the theologian. I do admit there were some aspects of his life that were repeated but I guess with multiple contributors you will get that.

Calvin had a love for his family, friends, congregation and community. Calvin did not seem to set himself out to be a famous author, build a platform or pastor a mega church. Calvin’s heart was to minister to the heart and soul of people. Whether in his sermons, his politics, his personal correspondence and dealings with his opponents, Calvin wanted more of Christ to be evident and not himself.

This is not a book to make Calvin look like a saint. There is no glossing over the sins and struggles of Calvin. And to his credit even Calvin saw his sins and sought to repent of them as often as necessary.

The latter half of the book laid out some basic beliefs and teachings of John Calvin. Contrary to what some would have us believe Calvin was not all about TULIPS’s and just 5 points. Calvin’s theology was much broader than that. The truth I saw was that Calvin’s theology was not just an academic exercise but the tool that shaped his life and ministry. What we learn from this book is that for Calvin theology and doctrine were completely biblical, purposeful and practical.

Anything Calvin taught had to have its basis on Scripture. He was not out to present something new, but to proclaim something eternal and true. His teaching had to point to the Trinitarian God. There was no effort to promote himself, his ministry or his ideals. It was all to point to the redeeming work of our God. And finally, it had to be life shaping. Calvin wanted first for his heart to be shaped by the Spirit and the Word and then to be able to help his family, friends, congregation and anyone else he encountered meet the risen Christ and be shaped by His word.

  • This book is aptly titled and I would encourage anyone wanting to know more about the real John Calvin to take a look.
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ESV Men’s Devotional Bible

Posted on October 26, 2016 by rgpriest

 

I bought this as my Bible to read in 2016. I have read it enough to now review it. At first I was reluctant for a few reasons.
1. I have more Bibles than any sane person should. I don’t need another Bible.
2. I think we are saturated with niche Bibles and doubted we needed another one.
3. I am gun shy about men’s material. It seems most stuff for guys falls into certain streams. Men drive big trucks, clear a field, build a castle, catch your own food and rescue the women. Or we are told we are workaholics, lazy, brutal, passive, and don’t do enough. In fact most of the worlds problems are our fault. Finally we are told we aren’t so bright so we need something so simple even a man can understand it.

I know I am being very broad brushed here but compare the average Mother’s Day sermon and Father’s Day sermon. Men don’t hear much about the dignity, honor, joy, responsibility, and importance of manhood (unless you just slayed another dragon and saved the village.)

So why did I break down and buy this?
1. It comes from Crossway, a publisher I highly respect.
2. I am familiar with some of the contributors and I value their work. Others I have been interested in checking out and this seemed a valid way.
3. It’s the English Standard Version, my go to translation.

A Few Features.
There are devotional book introductions, some additional articles as well as an index and glossary. There is no concordance, maps, or other study helps.

The heart of this Bible is the devotional articles. They are located on the same page (or close) the related text. These are good devotionals and make this a valuable resource. While they are short, one page articles, they are not superficial. Each set of articles in a book are by the same author so there is consistency.

The articles are devotional. They do provide some background and context to make sure the article is faithful to the text. There is then the devotional application geared towards men in various phases of life. These devotionals remind us of the value, dignity, honor, joy, and responsibility of manhood. I never felt beat up or shamed but encouraged and challenged. The articles do not shy away from hard stuff but in the end the goal is moving a man’s heart towards Christ.

There are a few things I’d like to have seen. For the record I have the tru tone cover.

1. Font size. It’s readable but a little harder for my aging eyes.
2. Chapter numbers. These as well as subheadings are gold and hard to see.
3. Reading plan. I would like to see a reading plan. Following my yearly plan there were days I read multiple articles and other days none. I am sure with a little work I could have developed one but it would have been nice.
4. Available as a stand alone. I really appreciated the devotional material but I didn’t really need another Bible. I’d like more resources like this but can’t justify a new Bible every time.

In the end you will benefit from this resource, both the Biblical text and the additional materials.

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Review: The Triumph of Faith: Why the World Is More Religious Than Ever

Posted on April 10, 2016 by rgpriest

The Triumph of Faith: Why the World Is More Religious Than Ever
The Triumph of Faith: Why the World Is More Religious Than Ever by Rodney Stark

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First things first. Stark in this book is evaluating the presence of religion globally, not just Christianity. This is not a chronicle of growth or decline of Christianity but religion including all the major ones (Christianity, Judaism and Islam) as well as many other world religions including Hinduism, Buddhism and local, regional, folk religions.

Stark lays his work out geographically, not chronologically or by religion. In many places there is enough context given to connect the history and growth of a religion to its region.

Stark does a good job challenging the recent death cries of the church and religion in general. In fact he points out that the truth is religious beliefs and practices are growing worldwide. One area of note was the discussion of the growth of those who call themselves “none” (no religious affiliation). Stark points out that this number has not changed in over 40 years. These same people used to call themselves Methodist, Lutheran etc. even though they never attended religious services. In all practicality they have always been “nones”, now they just admit it. The other recent trend in religion reporting is the exodus of young people from churches. Again this number has not changed in over 40 years. Yes there is a certain age group of young adults who leave the church. What is left out is most of these same people return after marriage and kids. They may not always return to the same local church they left but they do return.

Stark does spend time in defending his sources and numbers as well as the weaknesses of some recent survey methods. (Amount of people returning surveys. Amount of people completing surveys and other factors)

Two other items to note.
1. When comparing the education levels of the religious it seems the more educated are the more religious. In fact in some Asian regions the more educated are leaving their familial folk religion for more contemporary religious systems.
2. When comparing the connection between moral behavior (stealing, cheating etc.) and religious belief there seems to be little correlation. The religious respondents had the same moral standards as the non-religious.

In the end this is a well researched and informative book. If you like charts, tables, statistics, surveys and polls there is plenty here to substantiate Stark’s claims.

For those who have been bombarded with all the funeral announcements lately about the death of religion, here is a dissenting voice. Religion (and Christianity) is alive and well on planet earth and shows no signs of decline. For those of us with strong spiritual beliefs (I am a practicing Christian in the Reformed tradition attending a non-denominational church) there is hope. People have not abandoned belief in a God, a spiritual realm or an afterlife. Many are still attempting to navigate their way through these beliefs and need reasonable voices presenting truth and not panic and doom.

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Things Are Not Always What They Seem

Posted on January 10, 2016 by rgpriest

There is a story told of an incident that occurred at the end of the Napoleonic wars. In the dots and dashes of powerful light beams, a message flashed across the English Channel brought the dire news, “Wellington defeated.” The fog was rolling in and that was all the message was visible.

Among other consequences, a disastrous financial panic swept the British Board of Trade. No error or duplicity had been involved in the sending of the news. As actually transmitted it said, “Wellington defeated Napoleon at Waterloo.”

Things were not what they seemed until the fog cleared.

Mark 5 records a series of healings Jesus performed. I want to look at the healing of a young 12-year-old girl, the daughter of a worker in the synagogue.

As Jesus is ministering a man named Jarius approached him in desperation. His 12-year-old daughter is near death. He has come to Jesus, maybe as a last resort we don’t know, but he comes to ask Jesus to heal his daughter.

During the trip, the conversation takes a detour. A woman who has been suffering with another disease for 12 years works through the crowd, touches Jesus and is healed. Jesus at that moment asks who has touched him. The disciples are confused. How can you tell in this crowd? The woman comes forward, Jesus speaks to her and explains that her faith has opened the door for her healing.

At this moment I can’t imagine what Jarius is thinking. Come on Jesus, this woman has been sick for 12 years, what’s another hour. My daughter, my 12-year-old daughter is dying. This woman can wait, my daughter can’t. I was here first. Come on, isn’t this more important. At least that’s what I would be saying. I don’t know if Jarius entertained these types of thoughts. Maybe you would too, or maybe not. But I can’t help but wonder.

After the healing of the woman with a discharge of blood the attention returns to Jarius, but now there is another development. His servant approaches and says don’t bother Jesus now.  Your daughter is dead. He can’t do anything now.

I wonder if Jarius gets angered. Jesus, if you would have come when I asked maybe you could have saved my daughter. But no, you had to deal with this other woman and now my daughter is dead. It’s too late now. We know that was the type of conversation with Jesus, Mary and Martha when Lazarus died. (Luke 11). Jesus if you would have gotten here quicker things wouldn’t have gotten this bad. These people would have been healed, saved.

Jesus chooses to accompany Jarius to his daughter’s side. Upon arrival he sees the crowds in mourning, weeping over the death of this little girl. Now Jesus speaks. Why the commotion. She is not dead, but sleeping. (Verse 39)

The crowds laughed assuming Jesus is clueless. But to Jesus death is no more than sleep. It is not the end. Jesus knows thing are not always what they seem. Jesus knows death is not the final word. Even death is not exempt from Jesus power and ability.

This was a common pattern throughout Scripture, including here in Jesus life on earth. Jews and even the disciples did not see what was happening when Jesus arrived and what He was to do. People tend to see only the very immediate thing in front of them and fail to see what God is doing behind the scenes.

Jesus tells Jarius, do not fear. Even death is no match for Jesus. He sends the crowd away, figuring doubters would be a distraction. Jesus, the girl’s parents, Peter, James and John enter the room where the girl is. He speaks the words, the girls spirit returns, life is restored and she starts walking around. They all knew she was dead and here she is walking around. Things are not always what they seem.

The text says the crowd was amazed. But remember things are not always what they seem. They may be amazed, even intrigued and impressed. But it does not say they believed.

There are many things going on around us and even to us and they are not always what they seem. Miracles were not designed to just show off power, make people happy etc. They were always designed with a purpose, to validate the ministry of Jesus.

Even the grave looked like a defeat but it was not what it seemed. The Emmaus road travelers in Luke 24 were convinced all their hopes were dashed. The disciples were hiding in locked rooms thinking everything they banked on had failed. Even when Jesus told them He was going to Jerusalem to die (and rise again) they totally missed what God was doing.

Things are not always what they seem. Jesus’ death was not a failure but a complete victory over the last enemies of sin and death.

Where are you now? Are you trapped by first impressions and the things right in front of you? Are you willing to see that things are not always what they seem?

Are you dealing with what seems like a silent God? Silence does not mean forgotten or abandoned.

Are you feeling like you’re in a desert? The desert does not mean you are alone.

A trial or heartache does not mean anger or punishment.

None of these things means God is uninvolved or unconcerned. They are exactly what God is using to grow you into becoming more like His Son.

Things are not always what they seem. I wish I could give you a simple answer for why you are going through what you are going through. But I can’t. Sometimes all anyone can tell you is whatever it is, God is working behind the scenes and there is more going on than what you can perceive.

You can know that God knows what is happening, and God cares. God is involved in the process, God sees the big picture, the details we miss, the information we don’t have. God sees where this is all going and it is all going to work out for your good and His glory.

God sees the things we do not see.

I believe it was Tim Keller who said something to the effect of we have to believe that God is big enough to allow you to go through some things you do not understand, but He does.

And you are not going through them alone.

Even the trial itself is not random, meaningless or capricious. We have to believe that there is a purpose behind the pain. And even if we never learn the purpose this side of heaven God knows.

At the end of the day this is a step of faith. For Jarius to approach Jesus was an act of faith, and confidence that Jesus could help. Then for Jarius to return to his home with Jesus was an act of faith. Even when Jesus said she was not dead but sleeping, Jarius held on to that hope and brought Jesus to the lifeless body of his daughter.

Jarius, through an act of faith, learned things are not always what they seem. Even death itself is nothing compared to the incomparable love and power of Jesus. This Jesus who is God and can see the visible, the invisible and sees things as God has designed and planned. Yes, Jesus walked in and showed Jarius how to walk by faith and not just sight.

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Peace on Earth

Posted on January 3, 2016 by rgpriest

Peace on earth. It is a customary Christmas phrase but it’s not limited to Christmas. It’s a common hope for a New Year, the goal of political summits and even the often mocked answer of beauty pageant participants. At this time of year the phrase is seen all over the place and comes from the announcement of the Saviors birth in Luke 2:13-14. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” [i]

The phrase we see on all the cards, church signs, and wrapping paper is peace on earth good will to men. But it seems in typical fashion we take a few phrases we like from a larger statement and leave out the rest. This verse is no exception. If you read the angel’s announcement closely you will see the qualifying phrase, among those with whom he is pleased.

That begs a couple important question. First, who experiences God’s peace and goodwill?

In one sense, all humanity does. It is what theologians call common grace. There are certain blessings of God that are bestowed on all mankind. God gives rest and brings you through the night. God allows you to enjoy good food and friendships. You may have an enjoyable job and a nice house. None of these things are distinctly Christian yet they are made possible by God’s grace. Jesus Himself said the rain falls on the just and the unjust. (Matthew 7:25)

God has blessed the world with many good gifts. We have medical, technological, political, and business benefits that are not just for and from Christians. It does not take a Christian doctor to heal a body or a Christian politician to work for the good of his community. God has chosen to work through many different individuals and enabled them to do what they do by His goodness.

In the world of music I can enjoy the guitar skills of Al DiMeola and Joe Satriani as well as Phil Keaggy and Wes King. Sports, medicine, art, science and the such are all valuable disciplines we benefit from but they are not distinctly Christian. God is sovereign over all and has chosen to bless people through Christian and non-Christian individuals and organizations. James writes “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” [ii] Every good gift. Music, sports, T Bone steaks as well as penicillin, harvest time and smartphones.

So peace on earth and goodwill comes to men from God through many different means. But is that the whole of what the angels were announcing? Is that the peace God offers? The bigger picture is of a world that was plunged into darkness at the Fall. Sin had entered the world and created enmity between God and man. History since then has been a system of trying to reconcile that relationship. God Himself had issued methods where sacrifices were offered in place of and by the sinner to satisfy the debt sin created. These were all temporary measures until the fullness of time when God would send a perfect, once for all sacrifice. The result of this sacrifice of a perfect life of sinless obedience would be the restoring of the broken relationship, the gift of peace and God’s goodwill. And that is the second question. Who is God pleased with?

Is it people who follow the 10 Commandments or the golden rule? People who treat their neighbors nice and give money to the Red Cross? Good people? Religious people? What about good people who believe in a different God from the Biblical one, or with no religion or belief in God at all? Is God pleased with them?

In the grand picture, God sent His Son and this announcement to the world. What if someone refuses the gift? You realize you can follow most of the 10 commandments and the golden rule and still refuse to acknowledge Jesus Christ? Can God be pleased with you if you refuse the gift God has given to achieve that peace?

The Bible speaks of a peace that goes beyond the absence of conflict or unrest, a more lasting peace. A peace Paul says in Philippians that passes human understanding. Romans 5 says through faith in Jesus Christ we have peace with God. That is the highest peace. Paul also tells us in Romans 5 that man is not naturally at peace with God. We want it our way. We want to call the shots. We are self-sufficient, autonomous individuals who think we know better about what we need, want, and what is right. Yet the Bible tells us God created us and gave us all we needed and we rebelled and for that we are enemies of God. It is in that state of being weak sinners Christ died for us. In Christ we are reconciled, we are saved.

That is a lasting peace. A peace that says I can be at rest, regardless of my circumstances, regardless of who sits in the seat of human power, or whatever eyewitness news reports. I can be at peace with those who disagree with me over gun control and political parties and taxes. I can be at peace with those who hurt me.

The reason is, I am already at peace. I have a peace that was purchased for me and offered to me in Jesus Christ. A peace that does not stand or fall on my feelings, abilities or anything else. An offer to be in a restored relationship with the God revealed in Scripture.

There are many peace movements. And there have been few, short lived times when there was peace on earth. But history proves that peace on earth has not been accomplished in thousands of years of trying. We have tried with politics, armies, summits etc. The whole reason is we are all sinners trying to create peace on our terms.

The Scripture says this gift was called the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9) and one day peace will reign. But peace has to come on the terms of the one who is peace, who has defined peace as reconciliation with Himself. The one who has been offended and still took the first and every other move to establish peace between us and Himself.

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin in Christ (because if it has to begin with me it’s not in very good hands)

 

 

 

[i] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Lk 2:13–14). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

[ii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Jas 1:17). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

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Born to Die

Posted on December 27, 2015 by rgpriest

Here is a quick post. It has been marinating in the back of my mind for a while now. I was hoping for more time to edit and expand, but I wanted to get it out there while it was still Christmas season.

“For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.”

Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’” Hebrews 10:1-7 ESV

 We are on the “tail end” on the Christmas Season. One thing that happens is it can be hard to be in awe with the story when we have heard it so many times. It comes around every year. It is also easy to just move on to the next thing and miss the big picture.

So often we think Jesus came to make us feel good, to do good things, to teach us to live a good life, and to love our neighbors. But there is oh so much more to the story. Right away we need to remember that this baby in the manger was born with the purpose of dying. Now we know we are all going to die one day even if we like to think we are the exception to the rule.

As a Christian for over twenty years, having pastored for 20 of those years (and preached twenty Christmas seasons) something struck me with awe this year. It happened a few weeks ago in the service as our Pastor was describing the manger scene. I know it was most likely a cave type area. But instead of being in a raised trough or crib-like bed Pastor Rick noted that some commentators believe this may have been more of a hole or indentation in the ground.

Unexpectedly a light went on in my mind and I suddenly saw that everything in that scene foreshadowed a similar scene that would take place about 30 years later. That scene is a grave and a burial. The same grave of the one whose birth we just celebrated. In the birth place of the Savior we see glimpses of His burial.

First, there were no accommodations in Bethlehem so they went to a manger, probably nothing more than a cave belonging to someone else and used to shelter livestock. Later, after Jesus died he was placed in a tomb belonging to someone else, Joseph of Arimathea. The tomb was nothing more than a cave, with indentations in the wall where the body was laid. Luke 2:7; 23:50

If you have ever seen a birth you know it is bloody, messy, and ugly. Fast forward to the burial of Jesus and there is a beaten, bloody, disfigured body being laid to rest. A body that had just been flogged, spat upon, crucified and pierced with a sword.

The newborn baby was wrapped in swaddling clothes and the just deceased Jesus would have been wrapped in burial cloths.

The primary person welcoming Jesus into the world was his mother Mary, accompanied by Joseph, whatever else was in the manger, and then the shepherds. The ones closest to him at his death and first to the grave were women, his disciples who were  made up of fishermen, tax collectors etc. Both events were accompanied by those that society considered the lowliest of status.

Sometime after his birth while he was still very young travelers from the middle east came to this child and presented gifts of value gold, frankincense and myrrh. At His death the burial clothes were traditionally prepared with similar spices. Luke 23:56

When these travelers, the magi first arrived they asked where is he who is born King of the Jews. Herod in his schemes to protect his throne used the same phrase. At His mockery of a trial He was called King of the Jews and Pilate placed on the crucifix a sign saying the King of the Jews. Matthew 2:2; 27:11, 29, 27

The birth of this king was missed by the crowds as wells as societies movers and shakers but was attended by angels and shepherds. The death of the king was also largely missed by the powers that be except to try and cover it up. Though later we see angels were present at the tomb.

Eventually the child left this setting and went to His (foster) fathers house. After His death Jesus rose and returned to His heavenly father’s house.

So there you have it. I do not want to make something out of nothing or see hidden messages behind every word, but I cannot help but notice the similarities between these two events, these two events that have changed the world forever. A birth and a death. Two opposite events. An event we have all had and another we will have. In between these events we are told to find our purpose in life. We are all told to decide what we want to be when we grow up. Why are we here besides biding our time between those two events?

For Jesus from the beginning, even before the actual birth took place, His purpose was clear. Jesus was born to die. And there is a purpose in His death. Scripture says;

We have all sinned and the wage of sin is death. Romans 3.

Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin. Hebrews 9

There has only been one sinless one, whose shed blood would accomplish the forgiveness of our sin once for all. 2 Corinthians 5

A body was prepared for our Lord. He inhabited that body in all of its humanity, and experienced a very real death, a death He was prepared to endure. And because of that death and resurrection we can experience a new birth through His Spirit. The lyrics to Hark the Herald Angels Sing proclaim it clearly.

Hark the herald angels sing “Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild God and sinners reconciled”
Joyful, all ye nations rise Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim: “Christ is born in Bethlehem”
Hark! The herald angels sing “Glory to the newborn King!”

Christ by highest heav’n adored Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come Offspring of a Virgin’s womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing “Glory to the newborn King!”

Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings Ris’n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing “Glory to the newborn King!”

 

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A Debt Paid

Posted on December 12, 2015 by rgpriest

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. Colossians 2:13-15 (ESV)

Here Paul by the Holy Spirit describes the cost of buying us back from slavery and breaking those chains. The reason we are in slavery is the debt we owe to God.

This record of debt is to be understood as a promissory note. It acknowledges that we are bound to keep God’s laws and satisfy his demands. We all show this sense of obligation through the many resolutions, vows and promises we make to satisfy our consciences. Deep down we know we are not all we could and should be. Our struggle is fully brought home to us only when in all seriousness we attempt to settle our accounts with God. How often do we bargain and make deals with God?

The truth is, we cannot pay the debt we owe. We can’t even begin to make a dent in the debt. Paul says the debt is paid for us. When Paul says set aside that implies the total obliteration of any debt we owed to God.

Nailed with Christ to his cross our sins went with him to his tomb, to be buried there forever, while Christ rose, having fully met the divine demands upon his people (Dick Lucas)

This is how a holy God can be just in canceling a debt. The Son paid the full debt when He died on the cross. If a judge simply sets a man free who is guilty of a crime, the judge cheapens the law and leaves the injured party without restitution. No payment has been made, no punishment meted out. God in Christ paid sin’s debt when Christ went to the cross, and He upheld the holiness of His own Law. The debt of sin is death, and the debt was paid.

There is more in this transaction then cancelling a debt. We need more than just a zero balance before God. We still have no righteousness to offer. We still need something to make us presentable. I may want to buy a house or car and can have no debt. That may make things easier. But if I have no money to buy the car or house what good is it to be debt free?

God has given us the righteousness we need. In 2 Corinthians 5:21 Paul writes For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

The principle taught here is imputation. This is a word borrowed from banking; it simply means “to put to one’s account.” When you deposit money in the bank, the computer (or the clerk) puts that amount to your account, or to your credit. When Jesus died on the cross, all of our sins were imputed to Him—put to His account. He was treated by God as though He had actually committed those sins.

The result? All of those sins have been paid for and God no longer holds them against us, because we have Christ as our Savior. But even more: God has put to our account the very righteousness of Christ! “For He hath made Him [Christ] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him”

It is not enough to have no sin. We still need righteousness. We still need a relationship. Legally God has settled our debt. But relationally He has adopted us into His family. Instead of judgment He has at great price redeemed us and made His child.

What a transaction. Our debt paid, but not just to a zero balance, His righteousness imputed. We are adopted and now have all the privileges of family and the resources that go with family

It also says God made a spectacle of spiritual beings, putting them to shame. We now can stand before the world and proclaim, not what we have to do but what God has done. We can proclaim or announce what God has done In taking away our sin, granting to us His righteousness and calling us His own.

There is one stipulation if you will and it goes back to Colossians 2:6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

To receive this gift, you must receive Christ, in Him, rooted and established. There is nothing you can do to pay the debt. Instead you must receive the gift. By faith, in Christ we receive what God in Christ has done for us not what we must do for Him.

That is a transaction that leads to worship.

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What Makes Christians Distinct

Posted on November 21, 2015 by rgpriest

The Lord said to Moses, “Depart; go up from here, you and the people whom you have brought up out of the land of Egypt, to the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘To your offspring I will give it.’ I will send an angel before you, and I will drive out the Canaanites, the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; but I will not go up among you, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people.”

When the people heard this disastrous word, they mourned, and no one put on his ornaments. Exodus 33: 1-4 (ESV)

God told Israel to go up to the land he’d promised them. He would drive their enemies out as he had promised.  It would be a delightful land –  flowing with milk and honey. You would think they would have celebrated.  Their own land, their enemies defeated, peace, milk, honey, what more could they want? Yet something about what God said made it a “disastrous word” which caused them to mourn.

What was this “disastrous word”?

“I will not go up among you.”

God had had it. This conversation with Moses takes place right after God has given the 10 commandments and while Moses was with God the people were making a golden calf to worship. How quickly they forgot their liberation from Egypt. Their sin, their unbelief, their idolatry, their whining and complaining. Yes, God would keep His promise of a land. But He would withhold something greater.

God knew if his presence went with Israel, in his holiness he would have to punish their sins and they would be destroyed. He will not tolerate sin. He loves His people and is committed to keeping His covenant to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and all Israel. So he says you can have the land, peace, and bounty, even a heavenly escort. But you won’t have me. And the people recognized that having all God’s blessings without having God himself would be disastrous.

Moses then says to the Lord: “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.  For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?” (15-16)

Moses goes to God on behalf of the people and pleads their case. Moses reminds God of His graciousness. Here is the heart of Moses’ plea. If God is not with us we are no different than any other nation, tribe or people. There is no reason to continue if God does not go with us.

It is the presence of the Lord that makes Christians distinct.

Right now Jesus mediates for us. Jesus pleads for us. Jesus stands before God and says yes, they are stiff-necked, and stubborn and slow to learn.  But I plead for them. Make them stand out. Make them distinct. Go with them.

Believing in a god and even going to church does not make us distinct. Neither does helping the poor or having a particular political views.  We are not distinct because we don’t use drugs or curse or watch certain kinds of movies.

We are distinct from all the peoples of the earth because we have the very presence of God with us, and because we have the distinct good news of God’s grace through Jesus.

The truth is there are many good people doing good things like feeding the hungry, adopting children and things like that. Those are not distinctly Christian activities.

How about attending church services? What should make a church service a distinct activity? You could go out on a Sunday and spend time with friends, share a meal and even listen to some music and a motivational speaker. So what makes the Christian church different than an Elks Lodge, the local food pantry or a series of speakers at the local library?

What would compel Moses and the Hebrew people to leave Egypt travel the desert and go to a land they had never seen, but only heard of? Sure slavery was hard but what was the appeal to leave? I AM. The presence of God Himself would accompany them.

As we approach Christmas (I am not one to push Christmas before Thanksgiving) we need to remember Christmas is all about Immanuel, God with us not Santa and snowmen. And what are the implications of God with us? Millions of people, Christian and non-christian alike will put of trees, sing songs, spend time with family take some time off from work and share gifts. They will all talk about the blessings of gifts of God but none of those things are distinctly Christian.

Look back at Moses. He was promised a mighty angelic escort. The people were promised many good gifts. We’d all like those kind of gifts. The angel armies would go with them. And Moses and the people say the gifts are not good enough. The gifts are not what we need. We want the God of Angel Armies not just the army. We want the giver more than we want the gifts.

Shouldn’t that make all the difference in the world. Yes, Christians should adopt orphans and feed hungry people and love their spouses and pay their bills. But so do agnostics, atheists, Muslims and Buddhists.

What makes us different. We are the only people on the face of the earth to ever be able to say God with us. Not watching from a distance but in our very midst.

How is God with us? In the preaching of His Word, the sharing of the bread and cup and the indwelling Holy Spirit. He is there with us because of Christ. Moses had to plead for the people before God and God agreed to go with the people. Today Christ pleads on our behalf. He presents His own perfect sacrifice as the payment for our sin. And God is now present.

The next time you are in church, if the Bible is not preached and the Holy Spirit is not present, you don’t need to be there. Go to the mall. Grab dinner with friends. Volunteer at the library. Go ahead and join lots of good people doing good things.

But if we want to be different, if we want to be distinct, if we want to be followers of Christ there is one and only one thing that makes it real. The very presence of God. If God is not going to be present, don’t waste your time.

We praise God for the blessing of his presence with us. Of all the blessings we could have, there is none like this. If we have Jesus we have all the riches of God.  Let’s ask Jesus to manifest his presence through the Holy Spirit in our churches and lives.

May it be the presence of Jesus that makes us distinct.  If he doesn’t show up in our meetings, it won’t matter if we have the best musicians, the nicest building, the most articulate inspiring messages.  Every time we get together on Sunday or in other contexts, may we say surely God is in this place through the faithful presentation of His word through His spirit.

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They Can’t Do It

Posted on November 14, 2015 by rgpriest

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. (Romans 8:5-10 ESV)

My spiritual youth and adolescence were during the days of the American Family Association, Moral Majority, Christian Coalition etc. Social action was all about boycotting Disney for strong pro-gay practices, Proctor and Gamble for satanic symbols, boycott Hidden Valley Ranch and AT&T the major networks and New York City and oh well just boycott everyone unless they wear a cross. There were some ministries with radio broadcasts that had NOTHING good to say about anything as far as I could tell.

Then Focus on the Family had the audacity to give a positive review of a Phil Collins album and the anger spewed forth. How could they endorse the music of a divorced unbeliever? To Focus On the Family’s credit they gave a very solid explanation. If Phil Collins (or other musicians) are talented in what they do why can’t we appreciate their talent and even learn something from them. They were not afraid to tell you to avoid other artists whose message and lifestyle were blatantly immoral, but they did not advocate a Christian only mentality. Would we boycott Michael Jordan also? Stop letting your kids watch him play basketball if he Is not a Christian is how that logic should have played out. Unless of course you want to pick and choose which industries and stars are legitimate targets. Sure I can give up ranch dressing and long distance service but don’t ask me to give up watching the NBA. Seems we would be selective in boycotts as long as it was not too close to home.

Here is my personal rabbit trail rant. I love the music of Kansas, Yes, Rush, early Genesis etc. (Thank you Pandora that while typing up this rough draft I have heard Kansas, Rush, Yes, King Crimson and early Genesis) Yet I see very few “Christian” musicians writing with that type of talent and creativity. Must I abandon them for three chord, capo the seventh fret worship songs? Thank you Sovereign Grace, Getty Music and many others for solid creative worship music by the way.

Here is where my conflict started. We did not like politicians for their unchristian beliefs and practices. We did not like unchristian advertisers, filmmakers, actors, businessmen, public school, higher education teachers etc. for the same reason. How can an unbeliever teach my child how to spell and add? How can I wash my clothes with a detergent made by a non-Christian manufacturer? They need to start acting more like us moral Christians. Then I realized it. Just look at Romans 8. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. (emphasis mine) They CAN’T act like good moral Christians. To live as a Christian takes the presence of the Holy Spirit, and by their/our definition as non-Christian they have no Holy Spirit therefore cannot live out Christian values.

Now I am also a firm believer in common grace. That God does give grace to others outside the fold by giving businessmen wise economic sense, doctors healing abilities, teachers with a love for children (even if they don’t love Jesus)

Meanwhile back at the church. Gay marriage is being affirmed. There are pastors in my town wanting to be chaplains for Planned Parenthood because they see abortion as a viable option. How can we demand non-Christian industries and leaders and politicians to act like Christians when church goers don’t act like Christians?

So maybe instead of demanding that Hollywood and Wall Street and Washington D.C would start acting like Christians we start demanding our Pastors, elders, and those who claim membership in a Christian church to start acting like Christians. After all, the motivation and ability to do so comes from the Holy Spirit. And only those in Christ have the Holy Spirit so therefore they are the only ones capable.

I also believe the church has the right and responsibility to be a moral voice in the culture. I believe we need to speak up to defend the sanctity of life for all, to stop the horrors of abortion and human trafficking. We have a right to call our politicians and business leaders to act with integrity and honesty looking out for the good of the people. We can call those who influence our culture (actors, athletes and the like) to remember the power they have and use t wisely for the common good.

We also have to stop being surprised and angry when unchristian people act like unchristian people. We definitely have to stop demanding unbelievers to act in ways we as Christians don’t always act.

I have seen non believing husbands love their wives and children better than some Christians. I have seen my friends and neighbors who are not church goers serve more sacrificially and generously than some Christians.

DISCLAIMER: I have seen many, many Christians, love, serve, and live a Christ like life. My concern here is the seemingly inordinate amount of energy the church has spent trying to get non-members to act like good church people while many in the church are biblically illiterate and it shows in their lives.

At the end of the day I really do not care what color cup my coffee comes in. What I do care about is the taste of the coffee brewed by a skilled barista. I’m not really worried if my cashier says Merry Christmas, God Bless you or have a nice day. I don’t think they are evil Jesus haters. It’s just not their nature and they don’t really care. Did they charge me right and give me the correct change? Did I get a good product at a fair price? If so we’re good. Does my doctor pray before my examination? I don’t know but I do hope he scrubbed his hands and knows what he is doing.

Do I hope for a chance to share the gospel? Do I hope they become a believer? Absolutely. But I am not going to insist they act like a Christian until they become a Christian.

Instead of all the energy spent on trying to get the world to act like the church, maybe we should expect the church to act like the church. Let’s have the church love and serve its neighbors, share the gospel and then disciple those new believers to be shaped into the image of Christ.

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Follow Your Heart – Not Really a Good Idea

Posted on November 7, 2015 by rgpriest

By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us. 1 John 3:19-24 (ESV)

I want to discuss a very common American phrase. A phrase that gets used to excuse all sorts of behavior. A phrase that leads people to justify many bad decisions. A phrase that guides many people every day. A phrase that is well intended, well-meaning and dangerous. Of course if used properly it can be very beneficial. But I am afraid that without the right understanding it can be superficial, and very few understand it.

The phrase is “follow your heart”. Sounds familiar doesn’t it?

John does talk about the heart here. It can be a problem when we pick up a biblical passage in the middle of a chapter in the middle of a book. Digging into scripture has an extremely important requirement. CONTEXT.

1 john 3 has to be taken in context. I want us to see what John means when he talks about the heart. And I want to be careful how we handle these types of clichés, phrases, and oh so attractive Facebook pictures.

They always seem put these phrases on a pretty background. Phrases like don’t surround yourself with negative people who don’t appreciate you. Walk away from them and walk towards those who appreciate you and live a blessed life. Sounds good. Might even hear something like that in some churches today. Now what if Jesus walked away from all those negative, unappreciative people and followed this advice. Where would we be?

Buying a house, what does your heart say? Adopting a puppy. What does your heart say? Choosing a mate? What does your heart say? Leaving your mate for someone who appreciates you more? What does your heart say? See. You have to be careful with those phrases no matter how pretty the background picture is.

CONTEXT
This is the same John of the gospel of John and the book of Revelation. John has a main purpose in this book. How can I be convinced I am a follower of Jesus Christ. He has certain tests of belief, obedience and love. Right in the middle he specifically deals with the issue of the heart. Can I trust my heart?

THE LYING HEART 19-22
Jeremiah 17:9 (ESV) says The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?. The NIV says who can cure it. Jeremiah might say don’t follow your heart.

There are two major lies of the heart
You’re not that bad. This is the typical American, pop psychology self-help we hear a lot of today even in churches. It includes those ideas of you are great. You are worth it. You deserve it. You are special. We have built such a culture of narcissism.

I am not advocating a morose, morbid. self-deprecating attitude. But most people have a very inflated sense of themselves.

You’re Way Too Bad This is just the opposite and it too can be wrapped in religion. You are too far gone, way too bad and there is no hope for you.

As Christians, we find that our hearts do often condemn us. And this is not a bad thing if we know what to do with this. Like a judge who discerns something in the prisoner which he must expose and sentence, our hearts judge us. Our hearts know things about ourselves that are unknown to others, and sometimes their accusations, unlike the accusations of Satan, is not false.

John does not encourage us to deny these things, or to shrug them off, but to meet their challenge by seeing that God knows more. God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. It is not that God minimizes or disregards our failures. In fact, He knows them better than we do, for He sees and understands us even more deeply than we can ever know ourselves. He knows exactly where our hearts are. He does not revel the issues to punish us but to heal us.

So what do we do when our heart condemns us.

Where we only know our sins in a very limited way, God knows them fully and absolutely. He knows all that there is to blame in us, where we only know it in part. By God’s grace we acknowledge there is something in us that needs correction.

Secondly, if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart in the sense that He is greater in compassion. While we may have intense feelings of unworthiness, yet God knows if we love Him and if we love His people. He knows that we are His in spite of all our failures and sins. He knows the sincerity of our faith.

All through this book John insists that our assurance is based not on our subjective feelings, on listening to our heart but on knowing God’s word, God’s truth, and God’s  love at work within us. Look at what God has said concerning you.

What is the result of this? Confidence. John says this confidence is shown in prayer. Here is the attitude of one who has a clear conscience before God. It is not that this person has been living sinless, but rather that he has been quick to confess and forsake his sins. By doing this, he has confidence before God and boldness in prayer. Thus, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.

WHAT IS A CONFIDENT HEART 22-24

A Heart In Tune With God’s Heart The first advantage of an uncondemning heart is what John calls “confidence before God.” But this must be understood, not in the sense of confidence in myself, but in the sense of confidence of one’s standing before God and therefore of access to Him.

It is a mistake to make God’s answers to prayer conditional on our obedience. Clearly these great promises about prayer do not give us carte blanche to get anything we want from God.

Prayer is not a sort of quid pro quo, by which God rewards us, answering our prayers according to what we have ‘put in’ and how pleased he is with us. Prayer is the expression of our requests to a loving, heavenly Father who loves both to hear and to answer his children, according to his wisdom as to what is best. We want his will in our lives and the lives of others, rather than pursuing our own selfish desires. No longer do we say God this is what I would like and I hope you agree with me.

HOW DO WE GET A CONFIDENT HEART
The Holy Spirit takes the historical life, death and resurrection of the Word made flesh, in the pages of the written Word of Scripture, and so awakens our minds to its truth and our wills to its priorities that we are brought to repent and to believe the good news, as we confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. To this John adds the objective evidence of a changed life, with a new concern to live righteously in obedience to Christ’s commands

‘The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children’ (Rom. 8:16). How good it is to know that all this is the gift of God, (its not a reward for proper behavior) in the Holy Spirit.

In all this we remember the great promise of 1 John 3:20: when we feel accused and condemned, we can look to Christ and know that all sin is forgiven. God’s sentence of acquittal overrules our heart’s sentence of condemnation. And that is not because God does not see all the facts or has overlooked some of our failures; quite the contrary, “he knows everything” (v. 20) but forgives us anyway!

So, don’t follow your heart, it is a liar and a deceiver. It will tell you how good you are and that you don’t need to be forgiven because you’re not that bad. Or it will tell you you’re so bad you could never be forgiven.

I believe it was Tim Keller who said something to the affect you are a worse sinner than you imagine and God loves you more than you can imagine.

Don’t follow your heart. Follow God’s heart as He revealed it in His Word, in His Son and by His Spirit.

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