Biddeford Church of Christ

I find myself almost compelled to take last week’s lesson further and talk a little about the battle between the old man and the new man.  Concerning the struggle, I do not want to suggest that it is for salvation that we fight, for our confidence rest in the security of Christ Jesus.  There is tremendous comfort in knowing that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have been passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2nd Corinthians 5:17).  That said, I often find someone in the mirror looking back at me, revealing that change is needed.  My quest now is His likeness in every area of my life. So, I ask you to indulge me, but once again, I share some thoughts about the battle of transformation.

But you have not so learned Christ if indeed you have heard Him and

have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus.

                                                                                                                                    Ephesians 4:20            

As he encourages these new Gentile and Jewish Christians, he does so by reminding them that the gospel they had learned concerning Christ is “incompatible” with the futile walk of the unbelieving Gentiles.  It reminds me of what Paul says to the church in Rome, “that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin” (Romans 6:6).  In Christ, the sin that once shackled us, we now have been freed.  Once again, Paul’s words cry out, “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace” (Romans 6:14).  Their new Master, Jesus Christ, replaces their old master of selfish and unrestrained lives. Thus, their endeavors in life have changed as well.

“…that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which

grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts…”

                                                                                                                                    Ephesians 4:22            

This idea of Christians actively involved in their transformation is found many times in the scriptures.  Peter urges his readers that they engage in “laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking” (1st Peter 2:1).  James says something similar, “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness….”  Few would argue the fact that faith in Christ includes the often-arduous task of personal transformation.  A real-life battle where our fleshly side (old man) battles with the Spirit within (new man).  I believe it is a battle only because we need to “put off” that old man so often.  I know this battle all too well.  If left there, hope would seem so distant.  But there is more to learn.

“…and be renewed in the Spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new

man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”

                                                                                                                                    Ephesians 4:23-24            

The battle is not on me alone; that is, I need not fight it by myself.  This word “renewed” brings forth the idea of renovating, that is, to reform.  But it is something that is being done through you by God.  As one person put it, “the renewal here urged is not ‘self-renewal’ but that which is worked in the believer by God’s renewing power.”  I indeed assume some level of responsibility because God calls me to “put on the new man.”  That said, it appears that I choose transformation, and God empowers me to accomplish it.           

So, what is the point of all this?  For me, it is simple yet challenging.  The message that called me so many years ago still speaks to me now.  This message reminds me of the amazing grace provided through Christ. Yet, that same message of hope also reveals to me that change is needed.  So often, that is where the battle is most fierce.  Thank You, Lord, for providing the truth and power to change.  Now Lord, increase my faith so change can take place.

Dennis

I would like to begin with a question that I had to ask myself, “Has the pandemic effected your walk with Christ in any negative fashion?”  Clearly, the fact that we as a body have spent far less time together speaks to the challenges we were confronted with.  For me, the fact is, it has impacted me in many ways, some of which I may not be fully aware of yet.  Less time in the word.  Decrease in prayer time.  Less serving others and the list can go on.  For me, if I am not intentionally engaged in the transformation process, it usually means I am unwittingly being conformed by the world around me.  Our ability to effectively move forward might be helped by our willingness to honestly and thoughtfully answer such questions.

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk

worthy of the calling with which you were called.

                                                                                                                                    Ephesians 4:1           

As the apostle Paul seeks to encourage the church in Ephesus, he does so by reminding them of something amazing; that is, “that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 3:10).  What an honor and opportunity!  It makes sense then that he prays that the church receive strength from God (3:16), that their faith be focused (3:17) and that they would deepen their understanding of Christ’s love (3:19).  For through Him and because of Him the church is able to bring glory to God (3:21).  Thus, we walk with purpose “worthy of the calling” (4:1), seeking “seeking unity of the Spirit in the bound of peace” (4:3).  Unity is part of the church’s quest here in this realm.  It’s not about me, it is about us. Thus, we seek to grow in His likeness, knowing that each of us offer some essential element that helps provide for the work of the whole (4:16).  If there is anything this past year has taught me, it is how much I need all of you. 

This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer

walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind…

                                                                                                            Ephesians 4:17           

It is here that I grasp anew the importance of us being together and working together and growing together. At the core of this letter is the reality, “…that He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation” (Ephesians 2:14).  Christ has made both Jews and Gentiles one!  As one, yet individuals in Christ, they are exhorted to walk in a certain fashion, avoiding the “futility” of the unbelieving world.  That word is fascinating, for it carries the idea of being transient; that is, lasting only a short time.  It brings with it the idea of depravity, which is moral corruption, wickedness.  Oh, how relevant the scripture is some 2000 years later.  The unbelieving world pushed them and pushes us now.  Conform!  Schools, business, neighborhoods, all being challenged to conform.  Paul would write to Timothy these words, “And from such people turn away” (2^nd Timothy 3:5).  Why?  2^nd Corinthians 15:33 says it simple in the ETRV, “Don’t be fooled: ‘Bad friends will ruin good habits.’” 

The truth is, we are not exempt from such pressure, just as those were in the early church. For the last year or so, I have felt that pressure, have you?  So, like the church in Ephesus, we are exhorted to pay close attention to our walk, because my walk is not just about me, it is about us.  It is about our purpose as the Body of Christ.  So, let’s help each other to walk worthy of the marvelous grace that has been given to us.  Let’s walk aware that the world around us seeks to conform us.  Let’s walk to bring Him glory.

Dennis

Are you at all like me?  There are times that the situations of life begin to dominate my mind, often it results in me losing sight of my future.  Okay, so what is my future?  Our future?  Your future?  Well, if you are in Christ, there is a lot to say about your future, more about that in a moment.  Without question, the last year or so has been difficult for so many with the pandemic, job issues, health issues, family issues and the list goes on.  Inflation is being projected, gas prices going up, let alone that our society is changing at such a rapid pace.  The drumbeat of life’s adversities can consume the mind, robbing us of hope, peace, and anticipation. What anticipation you ask?  It is that which I desire to share with you this day.   In the face of all we encounter, it would benefit us to always anticipate what awaits us as believers.  If you have been following my meditation for the last few days, you know where I am going.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to

His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the

resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead… (1st Peter 1:3)           

Peter says that God is “blessed” or as the ETRV translates it, “praise.”  Psalm 34:1, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”  Habakkuk 3:17-18, “Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls– Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”  When was the last time you genuinely praised God?  Especially when faced with adversity.  That is the setting in which Peter shares these thoughts.  There will be times when believers will face “various trials that the genuineness of your faith…may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1st Peter 1:6-7).  It would seem the point here by Peter is to not lose sight of the prize.  Through the giving of His Son and our faith in His sacrifice and resurrection, we have been given “a living hope.”  Hope here means expectation, trust, confidence.  In what?  Let’s continue.

…to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away,

reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith

for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  (1st Peter 1:4-5)

Okay, so let’s talk about anticipation.  I am going to show my age, but I can remember the Heinz ketchup ad from 1970’s.  The ad closes with someone saying, “Sorry you had to wait.”  The response was, “I’m not.”  People don’t like waiting for anything it would seem.  But when you understand what you are waiting for, it makes it easier.   I like the ETRV translation, “Now we wait to receive the blessings God has for his children.”  Peter wants his readers to look forward with anticipation of what is down the road.  And what is down the road is worth waiting!   As heirs (Romans 8:17; Ephesians 1:14) we have an inheritance that awaits us all who are in Christ.  Jesus told His disciples just prior to His death that “In My Father’s house are many mansions” and that He must go to “prepare a place for you” (John 14:1-4).  Those early Christians who faced such incredible adversity, were convinced that they had “a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven” (Hebrews 10:32-36).  Something that Peter says is “incorruptible…undefiled and does not fade away.”  Their hope was not only in His redemptive work for sinful man now, but also in what awaits them later.

It is true, life can be overwhelming and frustrating at times.  You can feel like throwing your hands up in the air and say, “What is the sense of all this?”  When seemingly trapped in the cycle we call life, it can be difficult to see beyond the now.  That is why we would benefit from a little faith driven anticipation.  See with our faith what God says to be true and that awaits us.  Realize that this is all temporary and the real eternity is just around the corner.  May God strengthen us to keep our eyes on the prize.

Dennis

When it comes to the subject of faith driven water baptism and its role in God’s redemptive plan, a bible verse is often quoted to suggest it plays no role in salvation.  That text is Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”  I find great comfort in these two verses, for it reveals that my hope rests securely in that amazing gift given to sinful man which is Jesus Christ.  The use of these verses to suggest the idea that water baptism is not a necessary act of faith in God’s redemptive plan centers around the words “not of works.”  Although this is not the text I wish to focus on today, it does bring forth a question I wish to consider.  What is meant by works?  Some understand it to mean it as a “work of merit.”  Thus, because one is baptized God is obligated to save.  As though somehow through the obedient act, one earns their salvation.  It then becomes imperative to answer this question, “Is the act of water baptism a work of merit or an act of faith?”

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized

in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins… (Acts 2:38)

So many questions, I can understand the turmoil in all this.  So, let’s re-frame these questions with one more question, “How Lord, because of Your wonderful gift of grace found in Jesus Christ, do I respond to Your invitation to save me?”  Once again, as I was watching the TV this past week, another Franklin Graham advertisement came on encouraging people to place their trust in Jesus.  In that ad, the need for repentance; that is, the necessary change of mind and direction, away from sin, was stressed and the fact that God will help one accomplish it.  We can’t get around it, when it comes to salvation there is some level of involvement we contribute.  But does obedience, also known as an act of faith, necessitate merit?  Was it grace that healed the blind man in John 9:7, or was it that he listened to Jesus by going to wash in the pool of Siloam?  Prior to Jesus healing the man with the withered hand in Luke 6, He invited the man to “Arise and stand here” (Luke 6:8).  What healed him?  What caused the walls to fall in Jericho?  What caused God’s people to win the battle in Exodus 17:8-16?  Was it because the rod remained lifted or because God brought them victory?  Over and over again, faith is seen not merely a conviction, but a thought that is accompanied by an action that places confidence in God’s promise.

So, where does this bring us?  It is the words all those who believe in Christ want to be confident in; that is, the remission (i.e., forgiveness) of sins.  Salvation!  Peter invitation to the crowd on Pentecost was to “repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sin.”  By the authority and work of Christ, forgiveness is possible.  I think of 1st Peter 3:21, “There is also an anti-type which now saves us-baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ…”  In days past, I would use this verse to prove baptism’s essentialness in God’s plan of salvation, to the point of neglecting was it has any effect in the first place.  The difference is in the power of Christ’s resurrection!  It is His work that makes repentance and water baptism a life changer.  It is why Paul would say, “I thank God-through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 7:25).  It is why he said, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1^st Corinthians 15:57).  Acts of faith do not save in and of themselves.  It is only because of Christ that they matter!

What if water baptism was seen through the lens, like repentance, as an invitation?  God inviting sinful man to come and receive the abundance of His grace found only in Christ Jesus.  What if the act is simply a sign of someone who fully trust that God will fulfill His promise to forgive?  What if water baptism was simply viewed as nothing other than an act of faith?  Taking God at His word.  No merit!  No earning!  Just someone incapable of paying the debt of their sin and accepting the invitation to find grace in Christ.  Truth be told, Jesus is the One that did all the work necessary.

Dennis

The lesson today will come from Acts 2:38, with the focus on the subject of baptism.  It is necessary to be reminded of several things as we try and filter through the problem areas concerning this biblical teaching.  A few weeks ago, you may remember that I talked about the Jewish audience that were present on that special day of Pentecost. These Jews were not theologians with access to commentaries and other literature, but ordinary Jews. After Peter’s sermon which caused them to see Jesus, the man they crucified, as both “Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36), they were “cut to the heart” (Acts 2:37) and asked a simple question. The question was, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”  Peter gives them a simple answer, but before we consider it once again, it would be helpful to understand more background of these Jewish believers.

For instance, do you know what a mikveh is?  It was a Jewish tradition of immersion in water to purify themselves for various reasons.  Jerusalem would have had multiple locations where one could participate in this ritual.  So, in their mind, to associate purification with the act of water baptism was simple.  These same Jews would have been familiar on some level with the teaching of John the Baptist.  In Matthew 3:11, we read, “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”  What I am getting at is this, the Jews who heard the response of Peter to their question, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” would undoubtedly understand it as water baptism.

He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (Matthew 3:11)

Okay, then what about the latter part of Matthew 3:11?  Is that not providing evidence that the baptism of the Holy Spirit will replace water baptism?  Okay, remember, I am an ordinary man, and so I look for a simple answer.  Consider what I said in that previous lesson: that Peter (along with the other apostles) had received the Holy Spirit, which would guide them into all truth (Acts 2:3; John 14:26; 16:13).  So, Peter’s response that they needed to baptism was the truth, right?  Some may argue that it does not say that it is water baptism, which is true.  So how can I be sure that it is?

I go to the story of Philip and the eunuch in Acts 8.  First, who is Philip?  Back in chapter 6, we see him as one of a handful of men chosen to serve the church who were “full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 8:3, 5).   We know that “an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip” (Acts 8:26, guiding him to the Ethiopian eunuch chariot.)  With permission given, “Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him” (Acts 8:35).  What did he teach?  Of course, he spoke of what Isaiah prophesied about (Isaiah 53:7-8); that is, the sacrifice of Christ.  Nothing could be more important!  But is that all?  No!  He must have talked about water baptism as well.  What did he teach?

Now, as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said,

“See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?”

                                                                            Acts 8:36            

This eunuch was returning from worshiping in Jerusalem (Acts 8:27).  Although no info is available as to whether he was a proselyte, it is clear he had committed himself to the Jewish faith on some level.  It is reasonable that he knew of, if not himself, partook in, the Jewish ritual of purification.  So, Philip is asked a question by an eager disciple who has just come to understand the hope that is in Christ, “See, here is water.  What hinders me from being baptized?”  Guided by the Holy Spirit, full of wisdom, now is the time to bring clarity.  He answers, “If you believe with all your heart, you may” (Acts 8:37).  The eunuch responds, “I believe that Jesus is the Son of God” (Acts 2:37).  What happened next, you already know.  The eunuch stopped the chariot, and he and Philip went down into the water, and the eunuch submitted to water baptism.

Being filled with the Holy Spirit and entrusted with the gospel, Philip preaches the truth about Christ and God’s redemption through His sacrifice.  What was included was the need for water baptism.  One final observation concerning the story of the eunuch.  After he was baptized in water “he went on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:39).  Something happened at the moment, during that event called baptism, that resulted in him rejoicing.  It all points to Christ and the salvation that is found in Him.

Dennis

Are you at all like me?  There are times that the situations of life begin to dominate my mind, often it results in me losing sight of my future.  Okay, so what is my future?  Our future?  Your future?  Well, if you are in Christ, there is a lot to say about your future, more about that in a moment.  Without question, the last year or so has been difficult for so many with the pandemic, job issues, health issues, family issues and the list goes on.  Inflation is being projected, gas prices going up, let alone that our society is changing at such a rapid pace.  The drumbeat of life’s adversities can consume the mind, robbing us of hope, peace, and anticipation. What anticipation you ask?  It is that which I desire to share with you this day.   In the face of all we encounter, it would benefit us to always anticipate what awaits us as believers.  If you have been following my meditation for the last few days, you know where I am going.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead… (1^st Peter 1:3)

            Peter says that God is “blessed” or as the ETRV translates it, “praise.”  Psalm 34:1, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”  Habakkuk 3:17-18, “Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls– Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”  When was the last time you genuinely praised God?  Especially when faced with adversity.  That is the setting in which Peter shares these thoughts.  There will be times when believers will face “various trials that the genuineness of your faith…may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1^st Peter 1:6-7).  It would seem the point here by Peter is to not lose sight of the prize.  Through the giving of His Son and our faith in His sacrifice and resurrection, we have been given “a living hope.”  Hope here means expectation, trust, confidence.  In what?  Let’s continue.

…to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  (1^st Peter 1:4-5)

Okay, so let’s talk about anticipation.  I am going to show my age, but I can remember the Heinz ketchup ad from 1970’s.  The ad closes with someone saying, “Sorry you had to wait.”  The response was, “I’m not.”  People don’t like waiting for anything it would seem.  But when you understand what you are waiting for, it makes it easier.   I like the ETRV translation, “Now we wait to receive the blessings God has for his children.”  Peter wants his readers to look forward with anticipation of what is down the road.  And what is down the road is worth waiting!   As heirs (Romans 8:17; Ephesians 1:14) we have an inheritance that awaits us all who are in Christ.  Jesus told His disciples just prior to His death that “In My Father’s house are many mansions” and that He must go to “prepare a place for you” (John 14:1-4).  Those early Christians who faced such incredible adversity, were convinced that they had “a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven” (Hebrews 10:32-36).  Something that Peter says is “incorruptible…undefiled and does not fade away.”  Their hope was not only in His redemptive work for sinful man now, but also in what awaits them later.

It is true, life can be overwhelming and frustrating at times.  You can feel like throwing your hands up in the air and say, “What is the sense of all this?”  When seemingly trapped in the cycle we call life, it can be difficult to see beyond the now.  That is why we would benefit from a little faith driven anticipation.  See with our faith what God says to be true and that awaits us.  Realize that this is all temporary and the real eternity is just around the corner.  May God strengthen us to keep our eyes on the prize.

Dennis

Who Is at Work?

            When it comes to the subject of faith driven water baptism and its role in God’s redemptive plan, a bible verse is often quoted to suggest it plays no role in salvation.  That text is Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”  I find great comfort in these two verses, for it reveals that my hope rests securely in that amazing gift given to sinful man which is Jesus Christ.  The use of these verses to suggest the idea that water baptism is not a necessary act of faith in God’s redemptive plan centers around the words “not of works.”  Although this is not the text I wish to focus on today, it does bring forth a question I wish to consider.  What is meant by works?  Some understand it to mean it as a “work of merit.”  Thus, because one is baptized God is obligated to save.  As though somehow through the obedient act, one earns their salvation.  It then becomes imperative to answer this question, “Is the act of water baptism a work of merit or an act of faith?”

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized

in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins… (Acts 2:38)

So many questions, I can understand the turmoil in all this.  So, let’s reframe these questions with one more question, “How Lord, because of Your wonderful gift of grace found in Jesus Christ, do I respond to Your invitation to save me?”  Once again, as I was watching the TV this past week, another Franklin Graham advertisement came on encouraging people to place their trust in Jesus.  In that ad, the need for repentance; that is, the necessary change of mind and direction, away from sin, was stressed and the fact that God will help one accomplish it.  We can’t get around it, when it comes to salvation there is some level of involvement we contribute.  But does obedience, also known as an act of faith, necessitate merit?  Was it grace that healed the blind man in John 9:7, or was it that he listened to Jesus by going to wash in the pool of Siloam?  Prior to Jesus healing the man with the withered hand in Luke 6, He invited the man to “Arise and stand here” (Luke 6:8).  What healed him?  What caused the walls to fall in Jericho?  What caused God’s people to win the battle in Exodus 17:8-16?  Was it because the rod remained lifted or because God brought them victory?  Over and over again, faith is seen not merely a conviction, but a thought that is accompanied by an action that places confidence in God’s promise.

So, where does this bring us?  It is the words all those who believe in Christ want to be confident in; that is, the remission (i.e., forgiveness) of sins.  Salvation!  Peter invitation to the crowd on Pentecost was to “repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sin.”  By the authority and work of Christ, forgiveness is possible.  I think of 1^st Peter 3:21, “There is also an antitype which now saves us-baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ…”  In days past, I would use this verse to prove baptism’s essentialness in God’s plan of salvation, to the point of neglecting was it has any effect in the first place.  The difference is in the power of Christ’s resurrection!  It is His work that makes repentance and water baptism a life changer.  It is why Paul would say, “I thank God-through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 7:25).  It is why he said, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1^st Corinthians 15:57).  Acts of faith do not save in and of themselves.  It is only because of Christ that they matter!

What if water baptism was seen through the lens, like repentance, as an invitation?  God inviting sinful man to come and receive the abundance of His grace found only in Christ Jesus.  What if the act is simply a sign of someone who fully trust that God will fulfill His promise to forgive?  What if water baptism was simply viewed as nothing other than an act of faith?  Taking God at His word.  No merit!  No earning!  Just someone incapable of paying the debt of their sin and accepting the invitation to find grace in Christ.  Truth be told, Jesus is the One that did all the work necessary.

Dennis

I know I spoke about doing a lesson on God’s redemptive plan and the role of baptism in that plan, but I was drawn in another direction this past week.  Let me begin by first asking a question, “What causes you to lose focus?”  For me, the answer is painfully simple all to often, patience; that is, the lack of it.  If you have been following my meditation thoughts recently, you may remember these quotes.  Augustine wrote, “Patience is the companion of wisdom.”  Then there is this one that truly caught my attention, “Those times when you feel like quitting can be times of great opportunity, for God uses your troubles to help you grow.”  Have you ever got to a place in your mind where frustration was so intense you said to yourself, “I am tired of waiting”?  Okay, so what makes me lose focus at times is my impatience.  Thus, I reflect on James 1:2-8 to once again reorient my mind to regain that focus.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

                                                                                                                                                                                        James 1:2-3           

What came first, the chicken or the egg?  Ironically, the very thing that is needed to face a trial is the very thing the trial is developing.  I have often struggled with this whole idea of being “joyful” in the midst of adversity; that is, until God reminded me of something once again.  It is not the trial that is intended to bring joy, but rather, what God is able to do because of it.  Here, joy is the result of anticipation, knowing God is at work in your life.  God is in the business of not only redeeming sinful man, but also maturing the redeemed.  Although patience is part of the gift of the Holy Spirit given to all who are in Christ, it is something that needs development and refining.  The trials of life are the very forge God is using to bring about that growth.  Without them, we could not achieve our fullest potential as Christians.  Patience is a critical aspect of the Christian character, helping us to “bear with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2) and equipping us in part to forgive one another (Colossians 3:13).  Patience enables us to wait on the Lord in the midst of a broken and sinful world (Psalm 37:7).  Patience is not the only thing we can receive from the Lord during trials.  Patience itself has a goal in mind.

But let patience have its perfect work,

that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

                                                                        James 1:4

I really like how the ETRV translates this verse, “If you let that patience work in you, the end result will be good” (James 1:4).  The ability to “stay focused” is linked to me knowing (i.e., faith) that God is at work within me…that is the key.  Sometimes I am looking to see the circumstance change, when all along, God’s intent was for me to change.  Then it dawned on me.  No matter what circumstance I may find myself in, the one thing that will always have the opportunity to change is me.  So, my focus, as much as I may desire something outside of me to change, needs to be on God changing me.  God helping me to gain wisdom; that is, a better way to handle the adversity I am faced with (note James 1:5).   Adversity sets the stage to gain patience, which in turn, promotes the development of godly wisdom.  Thus, patience truly is a virtue.  And with that as my goal, there is always reason to be joyful.  Help me Lord to see You at work in me each day. 

Dennis

Last week our objective was to wrestle with the idea that there is something sinful man needs to do to find hope.  We began this quest by considering the question posed to Peter and the other apostles in Acts 2:37, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”  Before we look at a part of the answer given, it is important to note what has already happened.  Remember, these were Jews who have for hundreds of years sat in synagogues listening to the written word speak of the coming Messiah and His resurrection.  The Old Testament scriptures would be declared fulfilled in the man they call Jesus (Acts 2:25-28, cf. Psalm 16:8-11; Acts 2:34, cf. Psalm 110:1).  The heartbreaking verse is Acts 2:36, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (emphasis mine).  That must have been horrifying to come to such a realization!  We read that they were “cut to the heart” or as the ETRV says, “…they were very, very sorry.”  The very fact that they asked the question we are considering means they believed what they were being told.  Faith was present.  The conviction was undeniable.  So, how can we make things right?  Well, you can’t, but Jesus can and here’s how.

Then Peter said to them, “Repent…” (Acts 2:38)           

Over the years, I have come to find the “steps to salvation” that is often used to be a little mechanical.  Still, there does seem to be a sort of process that takes place.  One part of that process is called repentance.  Exactly what is repentance?  The word used in Acts 2:38 is defined by Strong’s as to think differently or afterwards, i.e., reconsider.  Thayer’s adds another layer to this saying it is to change one’s mind for the better, heartily to amend with abhorrence of one’s past sins.  One person simply defined it this way, “A change of heart and will.”  Okay, is that something you do?  If we have free will, then the answer has to be yes.

Concerning the Jews in Acts 2, we see the need to repent, but of what?  The answer to that question is because they judged Jesus falsely!  They saw Him as a blasphemer (Matthew 26:65).  Their minds were so poisonous that, as He hung on the cross, the chief priests, scribes and elders said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save.  If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him” (Matthew 27:42).  Those who passed by as He hung on that cross blasphemed Him (Matthew 27:39).  I can understand why many of them felt cut to the heart, grieving over what has happened.  The apostle Paul would state that “godly sorrow produces repentance” (2nd Corinthians 7:10).  Now grieved by their actions, they needed to repent; that is, change their minds about Jesus.  They had to accept that they were in some way responsible for Jesus’ crucifixion.  They had to change their minds about the One they mocked and come to realize that he was who He claimed to be, both Lord and Christ.

Okay, so repentance is necessary.  But how crucial?  To my knowledge, there is no argument about the essential nature of repentance across the Christian community.  Part of John the Baptist message was “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 3:2)  At that time, such repentance would be evidenced by their actions, “bear fruits worthy of repentance” (Matthew 3:8).  Jesus Himself taught that “unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:5).  Clearly, the role of repentance in God’s redemptive plan is critical for those coming to believe in Him.  But it is also vital for those who once placed their faith in Him.  Once again, we consider 2nd Corinthians 7:10 which says, “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted…”  Sometimes repentance is needed by a believer who has wandered from His grace and once again embraced sin in their lives.  For salvation to return, repentance is once again necessary.

It seems apparent that the importance and essentialness of repentance is part of God’s redemptive plan.  When people come to realize the good news, or are reminded of it again, they become convicted, cut to the heart.  What must one do?  A good place to start is with repentance.

Dennis

The is no more significant question that needs answering when it comes to Christianity than “what must I do?”  Before I seek to try and answer this in part, I need to state some facts about how my reasoning has changed.  When I first came to Christ, my often boastful and arrogant spirit would view the religious world around me with some form of contempt.  I would even question one’s claim of loving God simply because they were not adhering to a doctrine found in the scriptures.  Jews, Baptists, Catholics, Jehovah Witnesses and the list could go on.  So, I state unequivocally that I was wrong to think in such a fashion.  That said, it is important to note that having a love for God doesn’t make one right with God either.  God determines that through His redemptive plan.  It is that which I seek to set forth today and, in the weeks, to come.  What must some do, if anything, to be saved?

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest

of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Acts 2:37           

I need to admit something up front, I am a simple man in mind.  I am no great theologian, nor am I a bibliophilia; that is, a bookworm.  So, the question that is so often asked in Christianity, was a question that was asked at the very beginning.  To me then, looking to see the answer given when it was first asked seems only reasonable to me.  Let’s take a moment and considered the question itself first.  The ETRV reads, “Brothers, what should we do?”  The words shall we do come from a Greek word meaning I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause, a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.  These Jews of 2000 years ago, simple in many ways like myself, found themselves in a predicament where they were asking, “How do I correct this wrong and make it right?”  The question of Acts 2:37 is critical as noted by Gareth Reese, “This is an expression of earnestness.  They want to know what to do to avoid the wrath of God upon them.”  They had just participated in the killing of the one who God made “both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36).  They were “cut to the heart,” overwhelmed with the reality of what they had done.  What shall we do?!!

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth…

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                John 16:13           

Unlike us today, the apostles did not have the New Testament before them, so they were reliant upon the Holy Spirit to guide them in a miraculous manner concerning what God would want them to say.  Now, filled with the Spirit (Acts 2:4), Peter finds himself preaching the first sermon about the Christ who had come and had risen.  That same Spirit that guided him to proclaim Christ now guides him to answer that aged old question, only this time, it is not aged or old, for it is the first time it was ever asked after Christ’s resurrection and ascension.  His answer would be from the Spirit.  If there is nothing one would need to do, this would be the time to make it clear.  Spirit of God, what shall we do?

Then Peter said to them, “Repent and let everyone of you be baptized in

the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Acts 2:38           

Clearly, the Spirit of God makes it known that there is something those cut to the heart by the message of Christ must do.  Something that does not earn them forgiveness; but instead, connects them to that forgiveness.  Please forgive my simplicity, but I see it like an electrical cord that is the conduit between the power and the item needing that power.  It is the means by which one receives that which they need.  None of these people would have the luxury of vast libraries to deliberate the ideas of what is being presented.  No great theologians to help them wrestle with what is being said.  What they did have was a simple answer to their question, what shall we do?

Dennis