Saturday, March 31, 2018

Friday Faith

In Max Lucado’s book, Six Hours one Friday, he speaks about the disciples being paralyzed in the Upper Room. They came back there after Jesus’ arrest and death on the cross.



John 20:19a - On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders,

-         Trained and taught but didn’t know what to say

-         Marched for 3 years but now they sat

-         As they looked at the walls of the upper room they also looked inside themselves in self examination

-         They could not forget Jesus and even though they fled, they came back together

-         This was the beginning of the first church



Upper room futility

-         enough religion to come together but not enough passion to go out

-         a little bit of faith but no fire

-         good people, ideas, plans, meetings, and intentions but the door remained locked



John 20:19b-22 - Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. 21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.



Only one thing can change this futility – They saw Jesus and received His joy, forgiveness, peace, and Holy Spirit.



The same is true for churches today. May we always seek the risen Lord. Amen?

Friday, March 30, 2018

Friday Good

Good Friday – What’s so good about it? The day that Jesus, Son of God, dies for the world in the cruelest of ways, and we call Good Friday. The Sunday School answer would be it is good for what Christ did for me! I think there is more to it as we look at the Bible, and what it has to tell us.


1. All was completed! – Jesus had completed the mission He came to earth for. Philippians 2:5-11- Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 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.



2. Scripture was fulfilled! – From Jesus’ birth to the resurrection was prophesied. Matthew 26:52 - Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” At that time Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me.  But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.”



3. It is finished! – tetelesti! (transaction/deal was complete)- death has been defeated

1 Corinthians 15:55 - “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.



Jesus gave up His Spirit in order that we can receive the Holy Spirit.

John 14:26 - But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.



Thank God that He is good all the time. Amen?

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Easter Covenant

Today is Maundy Thursday – the Latin word for “mandated”. Many of us will experience during this Easter season and throughout the year, communion (or Lord's supper).  In Matthew 26:17-30 Jesus talks about this "new covenant" that is made with His bodily sacrifice. Read this Scripture on your own but think about the terms, cost, and benefits of entering in to this promise (contract, agreement) with Jesus.



1. The TERMS of the new covenant.

- we must receive this offer from Christ

- we must take Him as our substitute

- we must claim Him as our Savior

- we must trust Him as our Lord



2. The COST of the new covenant.

- we need to understand the pain Christ went through

- we need to understand the horror of our sin

- we need to understand how much Christ loves us



3. The BENEFITS of a new covenant.

- we are forgiven and allowed to be friends with God

- we are given the Holy Spirit and eternal life

- we are given unlimited access to God in prayer

- we are given promises by God

- we are made “new” and part of the Christian family



23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. – 1 Corinthians 11:23-26



There is no better agreement or covenant to be in than the one with Jesus. Amen?

Mandated

Today is Maundy Thursday. It's where we get the word mandate. Most would like to jump over these days of betrayal, pain, and death to Easter but God mandated it. 
Come experience a Passover Seder service and drama with us tonight at the Hopewell Baptist Church in Holton at 7pm. All are welcome.

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Weeping For


Yesterday I wrote about Jesus weeping with us in our sorrows. Jesus also weeps over our sins, and He is troubled by our blinded eyes. Read the account of Jesus' Triumphal Entry in Luke 19:28-40 when Jesus comes to Jerusalem as king.



Most of our sermons and lessons for this day have to do with the crowds, shouts of hosannas, the parade, the excitement, etc. But Jesus knew that all of it was a sham. In a few short days the crowds would turn on Him – cheers turn in to jeers – hosannas in to Crucify Him!



Can you picture Him that day? Prophecy was fulfilled. The Messiah riding on a donkey, over palm branches, and people's coats. He had the praise of the people and was the center of attention. How would you have felt? The closes thing I could imagine would be in a convertible in the Macy's Thanksgiving parade route. Jesus reacted different than we would. Luke 19:41-42 tells us, As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. This is referring to the desolation of Jerusalem and future refusal of Him because of their hard hearts, stiff necks, and blinded eyes.

  

You see the crowds wanted a military general type king. A week later they realized that wasn't what Jesus was about. So they crowned Him with thorns instead of a golden crown. His Kingdom was not of this world. Jesus wept for a blind sinful world. His weeping here is different than in Bethany (a gentle sobbing). The word here entails a loud sobbing, wailing, groaning, and cries that could be heard far away. Jesus was pouring out His heart over our spiritual neglect and sin. Note in Bethany He was joined in His weeping, but today He wept alone.



Sadly the church of Jesus Christ doesn't seem to be weeping over the sins of those around them or even our own sins. We are hardly troubled by blinded eyes. What are you blinded from? Do you need to be shedding tears over someone or something in your world? Jesus is weeping. Will you join Him?

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Weeping With


Our world and lives are filled with pain and hardships. How we handle it plays out in our emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. 



Jesus suffered, and He understands our tears. There are two passages in Scripture that reveal Him actually weeping. Both take place on the Mount of Olives. On the eastern slope in a little town called Bethany we find Jesus weeping over the grave of His friend Lazarus. John 11:35 Jesus wept. On the western slope we find Jesus on Palm Sunday weeping over humanity’s sins. Luke 19:41; Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it. One can’t help but wonder if Jesus is still crying today. The tears of our Lord speak volumes to us in the dispensation of His grace. 



Jesus Weeps over our sorrows: He is touched by our broken hearts. We see the occasion of His weeping in John chapter 11. His friend Lazarus had died, and his sisters Martha and Mary were very sad. You see tears touch God’s heart. When we hurt, are in pain, lose hope, brokenhearted, or lost – He weeps with us. Our great God is touched by our own hurts and brokenness. The psalmist says that God keeps our tears in a bottle (Psalm 56:8). If you need attention try tears. We serve a Lord who weeps with us in our sorrows and is touched by our broken hearts. Jesus weeps with us, but He also desires to heal us. Remember what happens to Lazarus?  When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”  The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.

Jesus mourns and cries with you.
Allow Him to comfort and direct you through it. Amen?

Monday, March 26, 2018

Afraid of


I find it rather ironic that for the last 2,000 years the world has fought so hard to reject Jesus yet will still acknowledge Him. Holidays, laws, organizations, and society in general has been greatly changed and influenced by Jesus Christ. The reaction to Lazarus being raised from the dead was met with scorn by the religious authorities.

Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.  But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.  Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin.

“What are we accomplishing?” they asked. “Here is this man performing many signs.  If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.”

 Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at all!  You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.”

 He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation,  and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one.  So from that day on they plotted to take his life. - John 11:45-53

Maybe it comes down to this: What are you more afraid of - man or God? The right answer is found throughout the Bible like: For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. - Psalm 96:4

Honor God with your life. Solomon said: "I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him."

Sunday, March 25, 2018

Time to Shout


The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” 11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” - Matthew 21:6-11



The people's cries of 'Hosanna' came from Psalm 118:25-26 25 LORD, save us! LORD, grant us success! 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you.



Hosanna means "save now." Despite what Jesus had foretold about his mission, the people were looking for a military Messiah who would overthrow the Romans and restore Israel's independence.

When we say “Hosanna” are we looking at the temporal or the eternal (today or forever)?



Praise God! He can save us from our sin and punishment, so that we may be with Him forever and ever. Hosanna!

Saturday, March 24, 2018

In the Planning


For a long time, over 400 years after Israel returned from Babylonian captivity, God was silent. But there was hope. In the midst of being taken over by the Persians, then Greeks, and then the Romans God’s promises were still true. His greatest promise of sending a Savior to the world was yet to come, and His people longed for this coming King.



The prophets foretold of God coming in the form of a man that would create a kingdom that would last forever. Then as now people had their own ideas about what God should and would do. The Jews wanted a conquering King to destroy the enemy and make Israel the mightiest nation on earth. Today many have the wrong expectations of God. They expect Him to be like a genie in a bottle, and grant all our wishes to give us happy lives.



God always knows what is best for us, and we need to be more in tune with His plans and purposes for our lives.



The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them because they take refuge in him. Psalm 37:9-40



Praise God today and always for knowing what’s best for us Amen?

Friday, March 23, 2018

Turn to Messiah


Jesus predicts His death a third time and the mystery of the resurrection in  Luke 18:31-34.

31Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. 32He will be delivered over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him and spit on him; 33they will flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.”

34The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about. 
The disciples were dazed and confused – unwilling or unable to grasp what Jesus was saying to them. The Old Testament prophesied the Messiah's crucifixion and raising from the dead, but the disciples focus was on the glorious kingdom and not pain, suffering, and death (which led to the resurrection).
Let's be honest we miss things all the time. We don't want to focus on the bad things that can happen but the good. A week from today is Good Friday. Commit to meditate and learn more about God's ways and plans between now and then. 
Jesus has something to tell you that you need to hear.

Thursday, March 22, 2018

Delighting God

The word delight means "joy, gratification., satisfaction, gives great pleasure."

What gives delight to God? The prayers of a righteous person, someone who knows and understands Him.



How to Delight God in Your prayer Life:

Desire – Proverbs 15:8 The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked,

       but the prayer of the upright pleases him.

Edify - Psalm 121:1-2 I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Lead – Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the LORD leads to life:

       Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

Intercession – 1 Timothy 2:1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone

Grow – James 1:4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything

Hear – James 1:25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.

Thanks – Psalm 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;give thanks to him and praise his name.



Of all the motivations to pray, none is greater than this. Think of prayer differently. Instead of a duty or drudgery, it's a delight. Amen?

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

The Right Direction

Going up? I would hope that would be everyone's goal! I teach a lot about the vertical relationship we should have with God, and how we need to look up. Here are three things to consider today about opening, showing, and growing up.



When we open up – Jesus shows up,

You must make Jesus Christ Lord and Savior of your life.

All who call on the Name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:13



When Jesus shows up – we will grow up.

We will want our lives to change and that means getting rid of the junk and baggage!

The bible supports this in 1 Peter 2:1-3 - Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.



When we grow up, the church will be built up!

It’s not about us! When we do it God’s way great things will happen.

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21



Keep looking up! Amen?

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Take a Look

According to the Willow Creek Reveal Study there are mainly 4 kinds of people at your church on Sunday. There are those that are:

 – Exploring – They are looking to meet Jesus.

- Growing – They have accepted Christ and are learning more about Him.

- Close – They allow God to give direction to their lives

- Christ Centered – Jesus makes the decision for them in all areas of life



   We can look at this like driving a car with the automobile representing our lives. Four steps:

- We see Jesus through the window but no contact

- We ask Jesus in to the car but put him in the back seat

- We have Jesus move to the front and let Him be our “co-pilot”.

- We let Jesus take the wheel and control our lives





Matthew 16:24-26 - Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. 26What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?



Jesus take the wheel! Amen?

Monday, March 19, 2018

God's Family


We serve and worship a God who loves us, never changes, and desires an intimate relationship with us! As Paul declared to the church, "God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." - Corinthians 1:9



Some of us were born in to good families. Others were born in to dysfunctional, unhealthy, or broken families. Praise God that He calls all of us, regardless of our biological upbringing, to a perfect family with God, Himself, as our Father!



As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”  12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,  for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” – Romans 10:11-13



May we strive to love Him (and His family) more each day. Amen?

Sunday, March 18, 2018

Above all Else

There are so many pressures on us these days. As believers we should want to be the very best at so many duties and titles we have: Husband, Wife, Mom, Dad, Son, Daughter, Brother, Sister, Worker, Christian, Neighbor, Friend, etc.. But let’s be honest, sometimes it wears us out, and then we can feel defeated.



In Matthew 6:33 Jesus instructs us to: Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.



You cannot be the “best” at any of those things mentioned above unless you are right with God. We need to focus on just one thing – being a man or woman of God who loves and follows Him with all our heart. Then everything else will fall in to place. 



Take a deep breath, say “Thank You Jesus”, and work on that relationship. You’ll be amazed how things will fall in to place when you get that one right.



Love God with all you got. He's got great plans for you.

Saturday, March 17, 2018

Destiny Discovered


Listen to the words of Jesus: “Then Jesus cried out, "Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. "If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say." – John 12:44-50



Jesus came so we (sinners) can be reconciled to God! To see and believe in Jesus is to know God. It is a 180 turn from the darkness to the light, and condemnation to forgiveness. Jesus’ offer to “follow Him” is available to all.



What does “turning to your destiny in Christ” look like in your life?

Discover it and follow Him today. Amen?

Friday, March 16, 2018

Turn to Your Destiny

John’s death marks a turn toward the cross in Jesus’ ministry. This was His destiny.  John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.  When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns.  When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick – Matthew 14:12-14



 Using Jesus’ example let’s look at three markers that occur as we fulfill our destiny:



1. Turning Point (towards your destiny) - Alone on that mountain in prayerful mourning, Jesus grieved John’s death, as He anticipated His own. What events happen in our lives that can become “turning points”?



2. Change in Behavior (to purposeful ministry) - From this point forward, Jesus more intensely taught upon and demonstrated the revolutionary nature of His “upside down” kingdom. What kind of changes happen as we give ourselves to Jesus?



3. Resistance increases (world vs. Christ) - Consequently, the religious tension that eventually nailed Jesus to the cross dramatically escalated. What do we experience in the form of resistance by those who do not follow Jesus?



Turn to your destiny – turn to Christ.

Thursday, March 15, 2018

Rise


We have all heard the saying, “I’ve fallen but I can’t get up!” The person could not stand up by their own power. They were crying out for help and assistance to get them back on their feet again. We have a choice; to get up with God’s forgiveness, healing, promises and direction - or stay down; broken, hopeless, and lost.



Paul writes in Philippians 4: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”



Victory comes when you let go of the past so you can look forward to the future. It is only by His grace that you can truly forget what has been done to you. You have to say: “God, give me the grace” - To let go of my past - To forgive what has happened to me - That when I mess up – I can Get Up!

Christ will give you strength – Amen?

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Reveals

We used to live at one of the higher elevations in Butler Co., Ohio, and on a clear night the sky is awesome with countless number of stars. One thing that my wife watches is the moon, and no she isn’t a moon worshiper but a creator worshiper! In the course of 30 days the moon appears to change. Sometimes it is just a sliver of light. Then it will grow as the days go by to a quarter, half, then 3 quarters of light. Then especially it seems in the Fall the whole moon will be glowing and would light up our whole farm!

This is not light created by the moon. It cannot generate any illumination on its own. The light that we see is based on how the moon is turned toward the sun. We see a little or a lot. When it is positioned just right we get the whole effect.



God wants us to position ourselves so that we will be turned just right with God and on His path of righteousness that we will be illuminating the full light of Jesus Christ in our lives, in our homes, in our families, and at our church. We cannot generate any light of our own. It all comes from God’s son, Jesus Christ!



In Matthew 5:14, Jesus tells us, “You are the light of the world



Pray for and allow God to reflect the Son's light in your life. 
A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. - Matthew 5:14-16

Amen?

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Welcome


In 1 John chapter 2 we see God’s protection - “If anybody does sin, we have One who speaks to the Father in our defense - Jesus Christ, the righteous One." It is because of our relationship with Jesus Christ that we can stand before the Father and get to heaven. We would not stand a chance without Him.



There is a story about a poor boy many years ago who had heard that the great evangelist, Dwight L Moody, was going to be preaching for one night at a church way across town. The boy so wanted to hear him that he took off bright and early and it took him the whole day to get to that big church across town. When he got there he saw a big staircase leading to a big door. He made it up the stairs and as he was walking in the door a big hand came down and grabbed him, and said what do you think your doing? He explained that he had taken all day to get there a and he was there for the services. The big man said you cannot come in here looking like that so be gone!

The boy was crushed, but decided he had not come all this way to be turned back out to the street. So he tried the side doors, the windows, and all around the building, but could not find a way inside. He walked back to the bottom of the big staircase sat down and began to cry. He did not notice but another big man was standing in front of him. “What’s  wrong son?” he asked. The boy still sobbing explained what had happened. When he was through with his story the big man put out his hand, and said, “Take my hand and come with me”. He did and climbed the big stairs again, but this time the big door was opened and he was allowed in. He walked hand in hand with the man to the front of the church where the big man and him sat on the front pew. A few minutes later the service started , and the big man walked up to the pulpit as Dwight L Moody was introduced.



Jesus Christ will do the same to us. We just have to put our hand in His! Amen?

Monday, March 12, 2018

Reflected

We are to follow and show the light of  Christ to the world. In John 8:12 , Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”.  


I graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 1982. One of my best friends from High School also went there. He was a Criminal Justice Major, and I a History Major. We always wanted to take a class together, but it never worked out. Until our Sr. year and final quarter before graduation. I needed an elective class and Gary was taking a class he said I could get in to. It didn’t matter to me, so I signed up. It was a class on abnormal Psychology. I had no business being there because this was a graduate level class and the total of my training had been Intro to Phsyc.101 as a freshman. For 5 weeks I was totally lost and was starting to become concerned because I had to pass this class in order to graduate. Then my opportunity came. 60% of our final grade came from writing a paper based on a case study of any theory that had been discussed. I really only understood one: BIRG - which stands for Basking in Reflected Glory. Simply put this is when someone takes pride & glory for another individual’s or group’s achievement in which they had absolutely no hand in.  My paper was about my boss at the time. He always spoke of his alma matter, Elder HS, and how exciting it was to play at “the Pit”. I figured he must have been on the basketball team, but in reality, he was playing the clarinet in the band!

I've shared this story before, but it's a great reminder that we are commanded to bask in the reflected glory of our Lord, Jesus Christ! In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus tells us, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” This is how we are supposed to live. Amen?

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Turn to the Cross


In some ways, we have become too accustomed to the cross.  We see crosses every day of our lives.  We do see them in churches, but also in many other forms: necklaces, earrings, tattoos, and all sorts of clothing. I am not against seeing the cross; but like any other symbol, it can lose its power in our lives if we become too familiar with it.  In other words, we can become desensitized to the cross.
     Think about this: For many, the cross is nothing more than a piece of jewelry that is used to adorn the ear or the neck.  For some, the cross is an icon designed for worship; they kneel before the cross and pray to it.  Some see the cross as an amulet that contains supernatural power; they hang it over their bed or carry it around to ward off evil. Let’s take a look at what Paul writes about the cross and the crucified Christ in 1 Corinthians chapter one:

22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

     The cross is offensive to some people. In, Paul calls it a “stumblingblock”.  This word comes from the Greek word “skandalon” which meant a trap or a snare.  It came to mean something that trips a person up and causes them to fall.  We get the English word “scandal” from this word.  To the Jews, the cross was a scandal!  They could not conceive of the Messiah being nailed to a cross!  They literally stumbled over the cross!

     The cross is foolishness to some people.  Paul uses tells us that the Greeks considered the cross to be “foolishness”.  This word comes from the Greek word “moria”, which gives us the English word “moron”.  The sophisticated Greeks looked at a Savior dying on a cross and they declared it to be “moronic foolishness”.

     But, for a few, the cross is an object of power and wisdom, Paul says that those who have grasped the true message of the cross understand that it is not weak or foolish.  It is instead, the power of God and the wisdom of God.  It is the power of God because through the cross God forever destroyed the kingdom of Satan and broke the grip of sin.  It is the wisdom of God because in the cross, God used a tool that neither man nor devil could have ever foreseen to accomplish salvation for His people. 

Have you turned to the cross?

Saturday, March 10, 2018

Calvary Cross


The Calvary cross has three steps that lead us to Jesus.

1. The step of Love. Look at 1 Corinthians 13, but especially the last verse (when it’s all said and done): And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

2. The step of Hope. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans 5:1-5

3. The step of Faith. “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” - Hebrews 11:1-3

Have you experienced the love and hope that only come from Jesus? Do you have the faith to believe and follow Him? I pray you do.

Friday, March 9, 2018

Redemption


We can all appreciate new beginnings and starting off with a clean slate. In our relationship with God He calls us to obedience in following His standards. We all fall short but praise God He has made a provision for forgiveness.



 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:9



What if you violated God’s standards? 

Here's four things that the Bible instructs us to do:



1. Repent – agree with God and change

2. Receive forgiveness – restoration and release of your sin

3. Refocus and replace sinful activities with Godly ones

4. Request help daily – God is faithful



God’s way is always the best way – all the time! Amen?

Thursday, March 8, 2018

Recovery Principles

Today let’s look at the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-10, Jesus said:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 

Blessed are the pure in heart,  for they will see God. 

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 



We are all in some need of recovery look at these Eight Recovery Principles based on the Beatitudes:



Realize that you’re not God (5:3)

Earnestly believe that God exists (5:4)

Consciously choose (5:5)

Openly examine and confess (5:8)

Voluntarily submit (5:6)

Evaluate all my relationships (5:7)

Reserve daily time with God (5:9)

Yield yourself to be used by God (5:10)



Apply Godly principles to your everyday life. It will change you and the world around you. Amen?

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Hindsight

I remember a trip I took a few years ago that required a little more patience that I was prepared for. The drive was a lot longer, 90 miles, twice the distance of my normal airport. It took over 20 minutes to find a parking spot followed by a 45 minute security line!



I had just enough time to get a cup of coffee before going to my gate, and no one was in line at the Duncan Donut. As I stepped to the counter the server turned and said, “One moment please”. I could have got mad but decided to laugh at my hurriedness instead. “In a moment” I was enjoying a great cup of java with a smile on my face. I thought later that a lot can happen in a moment - both good and bad.



The Bible gives us good news about what can happen in a moment.



In a Moment:

- Through Christ you can cross from hopelessness to hope.

- We can be taken from this life in to eternity with God.

-  Christ will return (In the twinkling of an eye).



Slow down, take a deep breath, and take your moment with God today.

Amen?