Faithful Brothers

I am part of a group of guys that meets each Friday morning to explore things Christian.  It is a good and diverse group, which brings different perspectives and thought.   I am so excited as we have embarked on a study and discussion on the book of Colossians. N. T. Wright describes Colossians as one of the shortest of Paul’s letters, and also one of the most exciting. Further he says; “It is more like a flower, growing from a small bud and then gradually opening up to reveal, layer upon layer.”

I am so looking forward to this study.  Even the first two verses have caused me to pause.

Paul, and apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.

Paul’s letters were usually written to instruct, to answer or out of concern for issues rising up, all of which apply even today.  Of these first two verses R. C. Lucas writes; “The danger to ‘faithful brethren’, rooted and grounded in Christ lies not so much in false teaching from outside the boundaries of the Christian church…No the danger for the enthusiastic young converts comes from error within the Churches.”  Ouch, can we see this today?

I pray for our churches that we will focus on the gospel, on Christ and His finished work for our salvation.  I pray that we will develop community and relationships with Christ at the center and I pray we know the difference between sound doctrine and self-righteousness.  Maybe it is me, but lately I see Churches taking stands on big issues; issues like politics and abortion and you all need to know and believe I agree with the Christian worldview on such subjects, but as I think back to what attracted me to Church, it was the fact that it was a safe environment for all; the lost, the non-believer, the spiritually mature.  All welcomed, all loved, all growing.

I try to think that if we are truly trying to reach the lost; are they going to feel safe or welcome if the first thing they see is a table with a political petition involving one of these major issues of the day.  And as I think about it where are the tables and petitions against gossip, self-righteousness, idolatry, and the sins I struggle with every day?

I don’t know if any of this makes sense, but when I see these things, I try to put myself in the shoes of the lost (since I once was lost) coming to church for the first time.  So what if someone shows up broken and searching and desperately seeking grace and forgiveness and love and that person is greeted with a table and a political petition?  Will we ever have a chance to know and love them, will we ever have a chance to enter into their suffering and guide them toward Christ as the answer, will we ever have a chance to establish a relationship with this person so that we are there with them as they come to recognize their sin and the need for a savior?

Again, not sure I am making sense, but if we are serious about being a more outward facing church I feel strongly we need to face outward with hearts full of love, hospitality, serving; offering grace and hope (1 Peter 4:8-10). We should teach (especially the lost) with patience and gentleness (2 Tim 2:24-25).

I recently was reading a pastor's blog and he made the statement; "strength without sensitivity hurts the wrong people".  I thought that was such great insight. We ought be asking ourselves in our efforts; who will we hurt? 

Now all this said, please understand I do believe we desperately need the whole truth, we need all of the Word, but to me it is more of how that truth and Word is presented, taught, expressed.  This sinner is so thankful that for me these truths were presented in the context of the great Love of Jesus; full of grace bringing such peace!

Father, oh how we need you now!  Help us to know the way, help us to reach out in love and show others the only true hope; our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Father, I am so glad You are God and we are not!

Grace and Peace!

Under Great Pressure

2 Corinthians 1:8b-11

We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.   Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.  He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

What a great and encouraging passage.  A passage we can learn and take so much from.  This is a message for all.  No matter our stage in life, our vocation, our location there is pressure.  Seems to me this pressure is greater than ever.  As we face the great pressures of life what are we to do? 

In this passage Paul shares that the pressure he was facing was beyond his ability to endure.  It was a crushing and defeating pressure and Paul points in the right direction.  Although Paul went through much greater trials, I still can relate to that feeling!  Paul tells us that when we find ourselves facing great pressure and circumstance we should not rely on ourselves, but we should turn to God.  We should rely on God; so simple, yet so profound.

When we stop and think about it God has delivered us and will deliver us from trying circumstances and as such we should trust Him.  Further, Paul shows us the importance of prayer.  Intercessory prayer is important and why is it we are reluctant to ask for our friends and family to pray for us?  This prayer provides help, support and in the end will provide praise and thanks as we are delivered.  Honor and Glory to God seems appropriate. 

As these two vital things are linked; reliance on God and prayer we see this wonderful thing.  A thing called hope!  So everyone, no matter where we are, no matter the circumstance, no matter the great pressure; may we all rely on God and may we all pray for each other in times of need.  On Him may we set our hope!

Grace and Peace!

It is Finished!

John 19:30a: When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.”

This particular verse has been sticking with me for a while.  I am dwelling on it, praying about it, learning from it.  It is really difficult to describe the impact this verse is having on me, the emotion, the realization, the weight and what good news it is.

Stop and think about this verse, immerse yourself in it and ask yourself what is finished? You know believers and non-believers alike have turned from God, we are broken, self centered and I know I have come to recognize my total brokenness; my sinful nature.  As such I know I have such a debt to be paid.  What can I possibly do to make it up; absolutely nothing – It is finished!

The phrase it is finished in Greek means to complete, to carry out, to perform, execute, complete, fulfill – it is rich in it’s meaning.  It is also an accounting term used to designate that the debt is paid in full.  Isn’t that just amazing.  Christ has paid our debt in full; there is nothing we need do.  That is the gospel, that is the good news.  In response, I am just filled with awe, wonder and joy! 

Charles Spurgeon once gave a sermon on this verse and to paraphrase; Spurgeon encourages us to tell the world it is finished.  When someone comes to you saying they are not good enough, tell them it is finished; when someone says the struggle with sin is too great, tell them it is finished; when someone is struggling with doubt and fear, tell them it is finished! When we struggle with faith we must remind ourselves even daily that it is finished!  Amen

Finally, Collin Wittaker tells the story of the Christian missionary to China; Hudson Taylor’s conversion;

Finding himself with time on his hands and bored he went into his father's study to find a book to read. Failing to find one that interested him he flipped through a little pile of pamphlets. A gospel booklet attracted his attention and he picked it up but only with the intention of reading the story part. It was a warm June day and he retreated with it into the old warehouse behind the shop and curled up in a corner, fully intending to stop reading when he came to the religious bit. But one sentence suddenly struck him and made him think. The phrase was, 'The finished work of Christ'. Immediately the words 'It is finished' came into his mind. He had struggled to be a Christian in his own strength and failed; he had got the idea that one's bad deeds had to be somehow balanced or paid for by one's good deeds. Now the question came into his mind, 'What was finished?' Suddenly, like a light shining into his heart, the Holy Spirit revealed the truth to him. It was as clear and bright and warm as the rays of the summer sun shining outside. He realized that the debt of sin was paid in full by Christ for us, for the whole world. Then came the thought, if the whole work was finished and the whole debt paid, what was there left for him to do? The way of salvation dawned upon Hudson at that moment. He realized there was nothing to be done except to fall down on his knees and accept the Savior and His salvation, and to praise Him forever.  There and then he fell on his knees and was praising God.

May we all come to realize the great debt that has been paid for each of us in every way.  May we see that this debt has been paid in full, it is finished and as this realization overcomes us, may we all fall on our knees, praising and worshipping our Lord!

Grace and Peace!