For "whoever calls upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they be sent? Romans 10:13-15
As a writer, I know that the last word in a sentence and the last thought in a paragraph are the ones which carry the most weight. I've rewritten many sentences carefully making sure that the idea I want the reader to remember comes last. Consequently, when I read Romans 10:13-15, I saw "preach" and "sent" but little else.
Perhaps that is why I was surprised when Jerry Bridges (Holiness Day by Day) suggested the reader select four key verbs and study them in reverse order. He said, Preach, hear, believe, and call form a path leading seekers to the entryway of a new life.
Preach: Our culture is permeated by Christian language, customs, messages and music. Admittedly not all of this "preaching" is either good or accurate but, just the same, most people have been exposed to the basics of Christian doctrine. Even a debate over whether or not a nativity scene can be displayed on the courthouse lawn exposes others to the basic claims of Christianity. However, if we want to be born again, our experience must go beyond this rudimentary level. Someone must not only preach at us, we must also hear, believe and call.
Hear: The word means to give attention to what is being said. When someone is exposed to preaching, they must understand the claims being made and pause to consider them. Jesus said He was God. He came to our planet with a mission, fulfilled it, and left to go back where He came from. That is amazing.
Believe: To believe something is to accept it as true. In order to become a Christian we accept both what Jesus claimed about Himself and what He claimed about us: He said He is God and that we are sinners. Because of this truth, a vast gulf separates us from Him.
Call: This is an act of faith. To "call" is to reach out from our inner being and trust that Someone on the other side can hear and respond to our plea. We ask God to forgive our sins and grant us the holiness of Jesus because we cannot be good enough to merit heaven on our own.
If you have been exposed to preaching, will you hear (give the claims of Christ your attention), believe (accept that what He said was true) and call (reach out asking Him to accept and make you pure)? If you will, He is loving and waiting to receive you.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Christmas Lights
The people who sat in darkness saw a great light, / And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2 & Matthew 4:16
It is not by accident that Christians celebrate the birth of Christ with lights. Since the moment angels appeared on Bethlehem hillsides announcing a Son was given to the world, light piercing darkness has signified peace and joy and hope to a weary world.
The first lights of celebration were probably simple oil lamps. It is not beyond imagination that before candles or Christmas trees or cards or gift giving or even a day called “Christmas,” early Christians occasionally remembered the birth of our Lord. These “would have been spontaneous, casual celebrations” observed by individual families. And, as they remembered, it would be natural for them to watch the lamp and think of the scripture promising that when Messiah (Jesus) comes those who sit in darkness will see a great light.
Candles came into more or less common use around 800-900 AD and shortly after we find the first references to nativity scenes being placed in Christian houses of worship. Also--although the exact roots are lost in antiquity--it may have been roughly this time when what we now call “Christmas” began to be celebrated on a specific day.
Over time, being “Christian” became the socially acceptable norm and Christian holiday, including Christmas, were more culturally bound. Decorations became increasingly more common place, expensive, complex and light-filled, causing some devote individuals to feel the holiday had lost all meaning and to doubt the celebration’s worth. When Puritans took control of the English government in the mid 1600’s, lights, decorations and all other forms of celebration were banned. Christmas was to be no more.
Yet the celebration of Christmas—with all its flaws—has endured and when electric light bulbs came on the scene in the late 1800’s they were almost immediately employed as part of the Christmas celebration. They proliferated until today in city streets and country lanes, windows, yards, rooftops and buildings edges twinkle and glimmer. A blow-up Grinch is just down the road from my house and one neighbor has a brightly lit model T displayed complete with Mr. Claus at the wheel and Mrs. Claus riding shot-gun.
For myself, would be easy to agree with the Puritans and declare that the holiday has lost all meaning. In fact, for several years I have not put up decorations, but this year I think I have a better idea: I’ll dig out the 3’ tall, plastic tree that has served the family so well, dust off a string of colored lights, attach a little tinsel and a few ornaments, then turn out the lamps and enjoy. After all, He really is the light of the world and it’s nice to be reminded of that fact. Especially at Christmas.
It is not by accident that Christians celebrate the birth of Christ with lights. Since the moment angels appeared on Bethlehem hillsides announcing a Son was given to the world, light piercing darkness has signified peace and joy and hope to a weary world.
The first lights of celebration were probably simple oil lamps. It is not beyond imagination that before candles or Christmas trees or cards or gift giving or even a day called “Christmas,” early Christians occasionally remembered the birth of our Lord. These “would have been spontaneous, casual celebrations” observed by individual families. And, as they remembered, it would be natural for them to watch the lamp and think of the scripture promising that when Messiah (Jesus) comes those who sit in darkness will see a great light.
Candles came into more or less common use around 800-900 AD and shortly after we find the first references to nativity scenes being placed in Christian houses of worship. Also--although the exact roots are lost in antiquity--it may have been roughly this time when what we now call “Christmas” began to be celebrated on a specific day.
Over time, being “Christian” became the socially acceptable norm and Christian holiday, including Christmas, were more culturally bound. Decorations became increasingly more common place, expensive, complex and light-filled, causing some devote individuals to feel the holiday had lost all meaning and to doubt the celebration’s worth. When Puritans took control of the English government in the mid 1600’s, lights, decorations and all other forms of celebration were banned. Christmas was to be no more.
Yet the celebration of Christmas—with all its flaws—has endured and when electric light bulbs came on the scene in the late 1800’s they were almost immediately employed as part of the Christmas celebration. They proliferated until today in city streets and country lanes, windows, yards, rooftops and buildings edges twinkle and glimmer. A blow-up Grinch is just down the road from my house and one neighbor has a brightly lit model T displayed complete with Mr. Claus at the wheel and Mrs. Claus riding shot-gun.
For myself, would be easy to agree with the Puritans and declare that the holiday has lost all meaning. In fact, for several years I have not put up decorations, but this year I think I have a better idea: I’ll dig out the 3’ tall, plastic tree that has served the family so well, dust off a string of colored lights, attach a little tinsel and a few ornaments, then turn out the lamps and enjoy. After all, He really is the light of the world and it’s nice to be reminded of that fact. Especially at Christmas.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Because He Came
And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. John 1:14
I’m almost never at a loss for words, but when asked about a “life verse” or my “favorite” portion of the Bible, I can seldom do more than mumble incoherently. However, if the question changes slightly and I’m asked which verse I most often turn to for comfort, the answer is easy: And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.
There is just something about John 1:14 that never fails to minister peace to my soul. Remembering that God came to earth and walked where I walk, instills hope like nothing else. Through the human body of Jesus, God laughed, cut his finger, smelled the morning and when He walked along the shore of Galilee, God left footprints in the sand. A marvelous, comforting truth.
Perhaps that is why I am so given to listening to Christmas carols. Since I use background music to help me concentrate, I spend most of my writing hours with headphones on. Carols are a vital and ever present part of my life. I have heard of others who leave the Christmas tree up year round; I leave CDs spinning as they fill the air with Joy to the World and Silent Night. Even if the month is July.
As our society enters a “Holiday” season where Santa Clause fights for shelf space beside left over monster heads and artificial blood while the time of giving thanks is squeezed out by football, I feel an even stronger need to crank up the music.
It’s time to celebrate.
It’s time to turn attention away from the nightly news of doom and gloom and look up.
It’s time to be reminded that although this world is not our permanent home, it is a beautiful and hopeful planet. God thought so much of this place and the people who walk around on its surface that He reached out and became one of us. With our sins and lacks and wars and terrorism and addictions and weaknesses, He embraced us and offered restoration. Because He came, I know He understands my ways even though I may not always understand His.
When I feel the shame of guilt and blush before His holiness, I can find cleansing because He came and took my sins upon Himself.
When I struggle with hopelessness and the days seem futile, I can look up and know life has reason and purpose because He walked here demonstrating His plan for redemption.
When the world seems to be spinning in a crazy, repeating loop of fear and threats are on every hand, I can sleep in peace because He proved Himself to be stronger than all the forces of evil when He resurrected from the dead.
When I feel a lonely emptiness, I can find comfort in the fact that because He came, I am never truly alone.
He came, He came, He came! Thank God for Christmas! He CAME!
I’m almost never at a loss for words, but when asked about a “life verse” or my “favorite” portion of the Bible, I can seldom do more than mumble incoherently. However, if the question changes slightly and I’m asked which verse I most often turn to for comfort, the answer is easy: And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.
There is just something about John 1:14 that never fails to minister peace to my soul. Remembering that God came to earth and walked where I walk, instills hope like nothing else. Through the human body of Jesus, God laughed, cut his finger, smelled the morning and when He walked along the shore of Galilee, God left footprints in the sand. A marvelous, comforting truth.
Perhaps that is why I am so given to listening to Christmas carols. Since I use background music to help me concentrate, I spend most of my writing hours with headphones on. Carols are a vital and ever present part of my life. I have heard of others who leave the Christmas tree up year round; I leave CDs spinning as they fill the air with Joy to the World and Silent Night. Even if the month is July.
As our society enters a “Holiday” season where Santa Clause fights for shelf space beside left over monster heads and artificial blood while the time of giving thanks is squeezed out by football, I feel an even stronger need to crank up the music.
It’s time to celebrate.
It’s time to turn attention away from the nightly news of doom and gloom and look up.
It’s time to be reminded that although this world is not our permanent home, it is a beautiful and hopeful planet. God thought so much of this place and the people who walk around on its surface that He reached out and became one of us. With our sins and lacks and wars and terrorism and addictions and weaknesses, He embraced us and offered restoration. Because He came, I know He understands my ways even though I may not always understand His.
When I feel the shame of guilt and blush before His holiness, I can find cleansing because He came and took my sins upon Himself.
When I struggle with hopelessness and the days seem futile, I can look up and know life has reason and purpose because He walked here demonstrating His plan for redemption.
When the world seems to be spinning in a crazy, repeating loop of fear and threats are on every hand, I can sleep in peace because He proved Himself to be stronger than all the forces of evil when He resurrected from the dead.
When I feel a lonely emptiness, I can find comfort in the fact that because He came, I am never truly alone.
He came, He came, He came! Thank God for Christmas! He CAME!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Are You A Pilgrim?
To the pilgrims . . . elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father. Peter 1:1
Several years ago my daughter and her husband were far from home when a business acquaintance invited them share Thanksgiving dinner. They were glad for the invitation, but also slightly uneasy. New to both the area and the people, they were not sure what traditions might be observed.
They were quickly put at ease when the meal was served and the host said familiar words; “Shall we give thanks?” But, when they bowed their heads, they quickly realized they were not at home. All around the table the guest turned to each other to express appreciation for the past year. Business had been good, kind deeds had been done, friendships had grown. “Thank you” was said over and over as smiles passed from one to the other and all congratulated themselves on a year well spent.
Carefully yielding to the lead of their host, they joined in the expressions of mutual appreciation, but with both the pilgrims and God missing, the holiday did not feel much like “Thanksgiving” any longer.
The dictionary defines a “pilgrim” as “one who journeys a long distance to some sacred place.” It is a definition that fits for both the early Puritans who left England hoping for freedom in a new land as well as the modern Christian moving heavenward through this often unfriendly world.
Christians are called “pilgrims” twice in the Bible. Both the author of Hebrews (11:13) and First Peter (1:1) use the word to comfort and encourage those who have become weary with their journey. By addressing them as “pilgrims” they were reminded that they were not home yet and for a true pilgrim, thankfulness is the concrete evidence that their future home is real and can seen through the eyes of faith.
During the years my children were home, I tried to instill only two Thanksgiving traditions. The first was a pair of six inch dolls made from corn shucks. One wore a black dress with white apron and bonnet, while the other was dressed all in black with a tall, buckled hat. They were pilgrims. The second was gratitude verses from the Bible written in various forms and placed around the room.
These traditions were not elaborate. Not much effort was spent on preparation and only a small amount of time was dedicated to discussing either the dolls or the scripture passages. But, through the years the message of those silent witnesses must have taken root. When among strangers it was easy for my daughter to remember that the holiday was more than mutual pats on the back while dinner companions expressed gratitude toward each other. It was about remembering historical pilgrims and the fact that every Christian is personally a pilgrim, too. Then, because of that memory, we aim thankfulness upward toward the God who made them both.
Several years ago my daughter and her husband were far from home when a business acquaintance invited them share Thanksgiving dinner. They were glad for the invitation, but also slightly uneasy. New to both the area and the people, they were not sure what traditions might be observed.
They were quickly put at ease when the meal was served and the host said familiar words; “Shall we give thanks?” But, when they bowed their heads, they quickly realized they were not at home. All around the table the guest turned to each other to express appreciation for the past year. Business had been good, kind deeds had been done, friendships had grown. “Thank you” was said over and over as smiles passed from one to the other and all congratulated themselves on a year well spent.
Carefully yielding to the lead of their host, they joined in the expressions of mutual appreciation, but with both the pilgrims and God missing, the holiday did not feel much like “Thanksgiving” any longer.
The dictionary defines a “pilgrim” as “one who journeys a long distance to some sacred place.” It is a definition that fits for both the early Puritans who left England hoping for freedom in a new land as well as the modern Christian moving heavenward through this often unfriendly world.
Christians are called “pilgrims” twice in the Bible. Both the author of Hebrews (11:13) and First Peter (1:1) use the word to comfort and encourage those who have become weary with their journey. By addressing them as “pilgrims” they were reminded that they were not home yet and for a true pilgrim, thankfulness is the concrete evidence that their future home is real and can seen through the eyes of faith.
During the years my children were home, I tried to instill only two Thanksgiving traditions. The first was a pair of six inch dolls made from corn shucks. One wore a black dress with white apron and bonnet, while the other was dressed all in black with a tall, buckled hat. They were pilgrims. The second was gratitude verses from the Bible written in various forms and placed around the room.
These traditions were not elaborate. Not much effort was spent on preparation and only a small amount of time was dedicated to discussing either the dolls or the scripture passages. But, through the years the message of those silent witnesses must have taken root. When among strangers it was easy for my daughter to remember that the holiday was more than mutual pats on the back while dinner companions expressed gratitude toward each other. It was about remembering historical pilgrims and the fact that every Christian is personally a pilgrim, too. Then, because of that memory, we aim thankfulness upward toward the God who made them both.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Prodigal Unaware
And there he wasted his possessions with prodigal living. Luke 15:13b
For many years I heard “The Prodigal Son” story and thought what a shame it was that the father’s resources had been wasted. Then, I noticed a subtle possessive pronoun in the last half of verse 13 and my perspective changed.
Jesus said that the son “wasted his possessions.” Those possessions had been the father’s, but once given away they truly, completely belonged to the son. They were no longer called the father’s, but boy’s. All the benefits had been earned by the father, were lawfully part of the father’s estate and under the full control of the father, but when he “gave,” the father freely and completely released ownership to the control of the boy.
Our Father, God has given us many gifts: relationships, food, physical bodies, jobs, friends, opportunity, cars and breath. Many of these gifts are scattered freely to all people (Mat. 5:45) but others are carefully chosen for specific followers (I Cor.12:9). Yet, in each case, because these things were truly gifts, we can do with them as we will. If we waste the gifts, it grieves the father, but He has plenty more where those came from. The primary loss is not His, but ours.
One general gift bestowed on all living is the gift of time; something of which most of us feel we have too little! There are schedules and obligations which can’t be avoided. Our time is committed to jobs, commuting and social responsibilities. We have to use time for personal care and sleep. We need some of it to pick up children, find something to eat and make it to the next soccer game. But, in truth, time is our personal possession. It was freely given us by the Father and we can do with it what we will.
While demands swirl around us, it may not always feel like time is our own, but it is. We can choose to horde, give, enjoy, use or waste our time. It is a gift from our father.
Think of how you spent your last twenty-four hours. Were you faithful to the responsibilities that came your way? Did you prioritize and willingly let go of those things for which no time was available? Were you able to enjoy your gift of time without guilt when you spend some of it on yourself?
As I looked at the last phrase of verse 13, I found myself grieving. How often had I let my resources slip away with neither notice nor care? It is wonderful to know that the Father always welcomes us home and never turns away a repentant heart, but the loss of life and time can never be retrieved. The realization made me determined to never let the days slip through my hands while I became a prodigal unaware.
For many years I heard “The Prodigal Son” story and thought what a shame it was that the father’s resources had been wasted. Then, I noticed a subtle possessive pronoun in the last half of verse 13 and my perspective changed.
Jesus said that the son “wasted his possessions.” Those possessions had been the father’s, but once given away they truly, completely belonged to the son. They were no longer called the father’s, but boy’s. All the benefits had been earned by the father, were lawfully part of the father’s estate and under the full control of the father, but when he “gave,” the father freely and completely released ownership to the control of the boy.
Our Father, God has given us many gifts: relationships, food, physical bodies, jobs, friends, opportunity, cars and breath. Many of these gifts are scattered freely to all people (Mat. 5:45) but others are carefully chosen for specific followers (I Cor.12:9). Yet, in each case, because these things were truly gifts, we can do with them as we will. If we waste the gifts, it grieves the father, but He has plenty more where those came from. The primary loss is not His, but ours.
One general gift bestowed on all living is the gift of time; something of which most of us feel we have too little! There are schedules and obligations which can’t be avoided. Our time is committed to jobs, commuting and social responsibilities. We have to use time for personal care and sleep. We need some of it to pick up children, find something to eat and make it to the next soccer game. But, in truth, time is our personal possession. It was freely given us by the Father and we can do with it what we will.
While demands swirl around us, it may not always feel like time is our own, but it is. We can choose to horde, give, enjoy, use or waste our time. It is a gift from our father.
Think of how you spent your last twenty-four hours. Were you faithful to the responsibilities that came your way? Did you prioritize and willingly let go of those things for which no time was available? Were you able to enjoy your gift of time without guilt when you spend some of it on yourself?
As I looked at the last phrase of verse 13, I found myself grieving. How often had I let my resources slip away with neither notice nor care? It is wonderful to know that the Father always welcomes us home and never turns away a repentant heart, but the loss of life and time can never be retrieved. The realization made me determined to never let the days slip through my hands while I became a prodigal unaware.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Resting Where Glory Abides Isaiah 10:11
Americans are busy people. Work, home, civic duties, sports, kids, social activities and school all demand a share of our time. When Christians add to that mix a variety of church activities and responsibilities, it’s a wonder any of us find time to even bathe and sleep. Busy is not just our nature, it is our culture and demanded by modern life!
That isn’t all bad. There is joy in activity and value in feeling productive. Laziness was considered by the early church to be one of the seven deadly sins. Paul gave honor to all activity when he instructed the Corinthian Christians that whatever they did they should “do all to the glory of God” (I Cor.10:31). His statement almost equates doing with glorifying God, and if we had no other scriptures on the subject that might surely be the case.
But, good things can end up becoming detrimental when we let them drift out of balance and I suspect we may have done just that with our highly prized busyness. It is not only “doing” that glorifies God, but “resting” as well.
When God designed commands for moral behavior and worship attitudes, He included instruction that one day of the week was to be devoted to rest. Resting on that day was a way of bringing honor and glory to God. It was as much a good thing to rest as it was to refrain from stealing.
We should not be surprised at this because God, Himself, takes time to rest (Gen. 2:2). Although He does not need physical refreshment like we creatures of clay, He found rhythm and balance of work/rest to be a valuable thing and declared it “good.” Isaiah tell us that the resting place of God is a glorious thing (Isaiah 10:11b). Just as the day has one type of glory and the night another (I Cor. 15:41) so giving God glory through our work is one way we honor Him, but it is also true that we glorify Him by resting.
How sad when we only see activity as a way to glorify God and miss the glory of resting. In the classic, Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster considers the word of Satan and states, “In contemporary society our Adversary majors in three things: noise, hurry and crowds. If he can keep us engaged in “muchness” and manyness,” he will rest satisfied.”
That is a sobering thought we should all take to heart.
That isn’t all bad. There is joy in activity and value in feeling productive. Laziness was considered by the early church to be one of the seven deadly sins. Paul gave honor to all activity when he instructed the Corinthian Christians that whatever they did they should “do all to the glory of God” (I Cor.10:31). His statement almost equates doing with glorifying God, and if we had no other scriptures on the subject that might surely be the case.
But, good things can end up becoming detrimental when we let them drift out of balance and I suspect we may have done just that with our highly prized busyness. It is not only “doing” that glorifies God, but “resting” as well.
When God designed commands for moral behavior and worship attitudes, He included instruction that one day of the week was to be devoted to rest. Resting on that day was a way of bringing honor and glory to God. It was as much a good thing to rest as it was to refrain from stealing.
We should not be surprised at this because God, Himself, takes time to rest (Gen. 2:2). Although He does not need physical refreshment like we creatures of clay, He found rhythm and balance of work/rest to be a valuable thing and declared it “good.” Isaiah tell us that the resting place of God is a glorious thing (Isaiah 10:11b). Just as the day has one type of glory and the night another (I Cor. 15:41) so giving God glory through our work is one way we honor Him, but it is also true that we glorify Him by resting.
How sad when we only see activity as a way to glorify God and miss the glory of resting. In the classic, Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster considers the word of Satan and states, “In contemporary society our Adversary majors in three things: noise, hurry and crowds. If he can keep us engaged in “muchness” and manyness,” he will rest satisfied.”
That is a sobering thought we should all take to heart.
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