Biddeford Church of Christ

As you can imagine, my mind has been focused on this subject of us being ambassadors of Christ.  Last week, the message sought to focus on the attitude of hope we should have and the opportunities such an attitude can bring forth in our lives for Christ’s cause.  Today, I want to take the next step and consider what sort of hope we can and should be ready to share.  After giving it some thought, I wonder if it is reasonable to break it down into two areas of life.  What do I mean by that?  Hope seems to speak to two specific areas, redemption and transformation in the Christian’s life.  We can talk to others about how God has redeemed me and that He wants to save all mankind.  We can also talk about the hope of transformation: that is, I don’t have to remain as I am, but God can change me to be more like Him in this life.  So, let’s start by talking about God’s hope of redemption.

For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

                                                                                                       John 3:16            

So, if someone were to inquire about this hope you seem to have, you can start by simply saying, “I have hope because God loves me, and He loves you just as much.”  What makes this love so marvelous is that it is not performance-based. Instead, it is despite my performance.  Verses begin to flood my mind that speaks of His love for humanity, for me:  Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  1st John 4:9, “In this, the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.”  Ephesians 2:4-5, “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved…”  As one person writes, “This is where the faith journey starts: understanding that God loves you.”  If we do not grasp this fact, our hope is most likely misplaced.  To get this concept of love, we need to look at the cross of Christ.            

Do you know what is meant by platitude?  It is a remark or statement, especially one with a moral content used too often to be interesting or thoughtful.  As you enter a room, someone says, “how are you doing?”  What’s the chance they want to know how you are doing?  In much of our daily lives, words have become mere platitudes to so many, including the statements, “I love you.”  Don’t get me wrong; I am not saying that it is inaccurate or even useless to say it, but rather, so often simple words fall short of revealing to another the geniuses of that love.  Action is needed, not to prove love, but rather, to show its reality.  So, God gave sinful man His Son.  Remember 2nd Corinthians 5:21, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”  1st Peter 2:24, “‘He himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed.'”  Paul would say, “…it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).  That is where we find the hope of redemption in Christ.             

Now, you may be saying, “You are speaking to the choir Dennis.  I already know all this.”  That is the point we already know all this.  Our task as ambassadors is to share this hope to the best of our ability to a world that desperately needs it.  Thank You, Lord, for giving the hope of Christ.  Help us find the courage, the boldness, and the strength to speak of Him to those around us.

Dennis

The feedback from last Sunday’s lesson was truly encouraging and I am thankful for that.  I want to build on it further; that is, this idea that “we are ambassadors for Christ” (2^nd Corinthians 5:20).  One of the things that struck me about this role in the Christian’s life, is the fact that it is as though “God were pleading through us” (v20).  That plead from God through us is that sinful man “be reconciled to God” (v20).  This message of reconciliation has at it very core the fact that “He [God] made Him [Jesus] who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2^nd Corinthians 5:21).  Okay, I realize that all of this is merely repeating last week’s thoughts, but there is an underlying attitude that resonates within the follower of Christ that I want to speak to today.  It is woven into the idea that “the love of Christ compels us” (2^nd Corinthians 5:14).  It is a constant within the message, but seemingly allusive so often in life.  It is the inward conviction of hope.

…joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.

                                                                                              Hebrews 10:34           

Personally, this verse has always challenged me, for it reveals that hope is truly a constant in the Christian’s life, or at least, it should be.  Consider the verse that follows, “Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward” (Hebrews 10:35).  This word confidence comes from a Greek word that means fear and fearless confidence, cheerful courage, boldness, assurance.  It speaks “of the undoubting confidence of Christians relative to their fellowship with God.”  It is the hope we have that is in and is sustained by Christ and His marvelous work of redemption.  So, here is a question that came to mind as I was writing this article.  In what does my hope rest in?  My job?  A raise?  A new car?  The election?  The list could go on and on I suspect.  My hope that is anchored in Christ at times seemingly feeble.  Why?

The answer to that question most likely was answered by the questions before it.  All too often in my life, my attitude concerning hope is inextricably linked to this physical world; and thus, influences what I understand hope to be.  I know, we face adversity in this life and those things are at times very burdensome.  Yet I am reminded of these words from the apostle Paul, “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4).  Hope must be nurtured.  It is done, at least in part, through the use of the Scriptures.  I can’t help but think of what Jesus said in Matthew 4:4 as He was tempted to lose focus, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”  We need to feed on God’s word so that the hope of Christ can grow within us.  Why?

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that IS IN YOU…

                                                                                              1^st Peter 3:15          

I wonder what was going through the minds of those who were “plundering” the goods of those early Christians?  Do you think they were confused at how these followers of Christ were acting?  Maybe, just maybe, one of them was compelled to ask, “What is the reason for your hope?”  And that opened the opportunity to talk about the hope that was in them due to the loving redemptive work of Jesus Christ.  We are ambassadors of a hope that is not of this world but needs to be proclaimed to this world.  Is this hope in you?  Heavenly Father, renew within Your church the awareness of the hope that we have in Christ and create anew a confidence of our relationship with You.  Help us to be Your ambassadors.

Dennis

As Paul seeks to help the church in Corinth, he makes this statement, “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God” (2nd Corinthians 5:20). Precisely what is an ambassador?  Well, the verse gives us some insight, but let’s consider a definition first: a person who acts as a representative or promoter of a specified activity.   Have you ever thought of yourself as a representative of Christ?  Let’s look further into this idea to help understand what it should mean to us.

If there could be a statement that grabs your attention in the scriptures, this is one.  What do you think about this idea that this task is like “God were pleading through us”?  The NIV says, “as though God were making his appeal through us.”  Once again, I like how the NCV makes it personal, saying, “It is as if God is calling to you through us.”  You can hear the words of the great commission given by Jesus, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” (Matthew 28:19).  The words “go therefore and make disciples” is all part of our readiness to “be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15).  It is what the early church did amid adversity as they “went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4).  As the apostle, Paul exhorts the church in Ephesus to “put on the whole armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11). He also encourages them to pray for him, “that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak” (Ephesians 6:19-20).  So, we can see that being an ambassador carries this idea of a unique and critical message.  What is that message?

The message is simple, “…be reconciled to God” (2nd Corinthians 5:20).  God has done what is necessary, for He “made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us” (2nd Corinthians 5:21).  Reconciliation is obtainable “through the death of His Son” (Romans 5:10).  What God has done for sinful man is what Paul calls “the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Ephesians 3:8).  He would go on to say about us, “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).  Sinful man has the chance to “become the righteousness of God in Him” (2nd Corinthians 5:21). God calls us to proclaim this message. That is what we do because of what He has done for us.          

Proclaiming the gospel to the world is what it means to be ambassadors for Christ.  Changed by the message of hope and convicted of its reality, we encourage others to “be reconciled to God.”  Our roles may differ somewhat, for some will plant, and others may water, knowing that God brings forth the harvest (1st Corinthians 3:6).  Nonetheless, our work as ambassadors is crucial.  Many around, even those with smiles on the faces, are not reconciled to God.  It may be that we are their chance to hear about the hope we have in Christ.  Are you up for it?

Dennis

Someone has said, “Getting back to basics is the simplest way to find calm in the chaos.”  It was 1959, and Vince Lombardi has just been given the Green Bay Packers’ job.  The previous year the team had only won two games.  At the first preseason meeting, the new head coach held out a football for all the players to see, and then he said, “Gentlemen, this is a football.”  Can’t you get any more basic than that, right?  One person applied this to the Christian journey saying, “…our success or failure will be determined by how well we execute the basics of the Christian life.”            

 I wonder if that is what Jesus was ultimately doing when He responded to this question offered by a Pharisee who was a lawyer, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?” (Matthew 22:36)  I suspect you are familiar with the answer Jesus gives, “’You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like it:  ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  On these two commandments hand, all the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 22:37-40).  Jesus was not disqualifying the need to obey the old law; instead, it directed their attention to the basics once again.           

In our present-day “chaos,” I fear that one of Satan’s tactics in all this is to cause us to lose sight of a fundamental truth.  What is it?  That we are a body of believers that need one another to be all that God desires us to be.  Today I want to remind us of some simple, fundamental truths about us as His people that might help us journey through the chaos surrounding us.

“…so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.”

                                                                                                               Romans 12:5

            If there is ever a study that reveals our need for one another, it is the study of the “one another” verses of the New Testament.  Here is just a sampling of them: “Be kindly affectionate to one another” (Romans 12:10), “…have the same care for one another” (1st Corinthians 12:25), “bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2), “…comfort one another with these words” (1st Thessalonians 4:18).  The list goes on and on!  The simple, basic truth is this; we need one another!  Why is this “one another” idea so crucial to the church and the gospel?  Because success or failure depends in part on our understanding that we are a team.  At least on some level, I fear that this pandemic, which is every bit real, could be used by Satan to reinforce our individuality in such a way that we begin to think that I can be the Christian God wants me to be without the church.  This idea is a thought that we must take captive quickly, before it grows too many roots.  Here is one way to do that.

“For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function…”

                                                                                                     Romans 12:4           

 Just how important do you think you are to the body of Christ?  I believe that is a great question that we need to let God answer for us.  Ephesians 4:16 in the NCV reads, “The whole body depends on Christ, and all the parts of the body are joined and held together. Each part does its own work to make the whole body grow and be strong with love.”  As we depend on Christ, we also learn to rely on each other because we become strong together.  Paul would encourage the church in Rome, saying, “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them…” (12:6).  Why?  Because we need each other to make us complete as a body of believers!  Right?           

Interestingly, Vince Lombardi became one of the most revered coaches in all of football.  He never had a losing season as head coach.  The team that won only two games the previous season before becoming head coach went on to win the Western Conference the next year and five years later, one of three consecutive super bowls.  It started with the basics.  All those players knew what a football was, but for whatever reason, lost sight of what it was all about.  Simple basics.            

I suppose that Satan could use this chaos in which we find ourselves to distract and deter us.  But maybe, just maybe, could God be using it to remind us of the basics.  We are His body!  And the truth is, we need each other.  Thank You, Lord, for making us who we are and reminding us of that through Your word.

Dennis

Well, this past week we had the chance to have Joey, Cyndi and little Camden visit us for about four days.  It had been over six months since we last were able to visit, so it was good to spend some time with family on a sort of vacation.  I did not want to simply “throw something together,” so I took the chance to look into my files and see if there was a lesson from times past which could compliment last week’s lesson that was entitled, “Help Me to Die.”  In that lesson we looked to the example of Jesus to see how we might fight against our selfish tendencies.  I have chosen a lesson entitled, “Counting the Cost – Your Cross.”  It also looks at the idea of what is involved in dying to self.  I hope it is an encouragement to you and a reminder to us all that there is more to Christianity than just a name.

There are two words that circulate in the religious world that are very common to us all.  As a matter of fact, both of these words we would like to be used to describe us.  What are these words?  First, there is the word Christian.  Used only twice in the New Testament, the word simply means a follower of Christ.  Then, there is the word disciple.  Used far more in the New Testament, it carries the idea of a learner; a pupil.  I believe one can be a disciple and not a Christian.  But, I believe if someone claims to be a Christian, the characteristics of a disciple must also be evidenced in their lives.

As I prepare to discuss the verse that follows and its implications, I realize a concern some may have, causing them to perhaps doubt their salvation.  Don’t forget what Paul says in 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.”.  So, don’t lose heart; but instead, allow yourself to honestly examine where you are at right now.  Maybe approach it by asking this simple question, “What does Jesus want us to see?”

Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me,

he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

                                                                                                        Luke 9:23           

When it comes to our relationship with Jesus, which of these words is spoken of most: believe or follow?  As Kyle Idleman noted in his book, most can quote John 3:16 but the “words of Jesus in Luke 9:23 are recorded in three of the four Gospels.”  What he went on to say struck me and maybe it will you as well.  He said, “There is no believing without following.”  I believe this very idea is revealed in the verse above.  The invitation is for all when he says “anyone.”  Anyone means everyone.  It matters not your background, what you have done, how checkered your past may be.  The question is, do you believe in His sufficient work on the cross?  If so, then He invites you to “come after me.”  Kyle Idleman writes, “When Jesus says ‘Come after,’ he’s describing a passionate pursuit of someone you love.”  The willingness to “deny self” and “take up his cross daily” so one can follow Jesus reflects that passion.

Thankfully, this willingness is not self-generated.  His grace will teach us (Titus 2:11-12).  The Spirit is more than willing to lead us (Galatians 5:18).  His power is more than sufficient to bring us through (Ephesians 3:20).  Do you believe?  Then let us pick up that cross and follow Him.

Dennis

We have a young men’s study that has been going on for some time, and recently some topics were offered by them to consider.  This past week, we discussed the subject of selfishness.  Do you struggle with it?  One person writes, “Selfishness is that detestable vice which no one will forgive in others, and no one is without himself.”  It was John the Baptist, who said, “He [Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).  Dying to self (selflessness) is often a battle within.  Yet God calls us to do it.  Jesus said clearly, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23).  As the years’ pass, I understand more earnestly why we are encouraged to choose to die daily.  Thomas Kempis writes, “A man is hindered and distracted in proportion as he draws outward things to himself.”  We live in such a distracting world, making it all too easy to neglect the need to die daily.

Self-ish-ness – devoted to or caring only for oneself; concerned primarily with one’s interests, benefits, welfare, etc. regardless of others.            

Okay, that is the working definition of selfishness that we want to use; that said, there is some clarity needed before we can look to Jesus and grasp some insight into how we can strive to be like Him.  So, we begin with Philippians 2:4, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests but also for the interests of others.”  I love how the NCV reads: “Do not be interested only in your own life but be interested in the lives of others.”  I share this because we don’t want to leave with the idea that my interests don’t matter when it comes to dying to self.  It is the ability to see others and their needs amid our affairs and doing what is best for all involved.  With that said, let’s do what we should always do, look to Jesus for some insight about what is involved with living an unselfish life.

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…”

                                                                                       Philippians 2:5            

Okay, so we need to think as Christ did.  So, how did He think?  We start with self-awareness.  Listen to what is said next, “…who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God” (Philippians 2:6).  Take a moment and make a mental note of the identity of Christ as He walked this earth.  He, being the Word, was God (John 1:1) and that Word became “flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).  His name would be Immanuel, which means. “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).  Because Christ was every bit God, He had the right to assume all of its privileges.  But, for the cause of sinful humanity, He reasoned in His mind that it would be better to do otherwise.  As one commentator put it, “Christ turned has back on the ‘rank’ of equality with God, refusing to exert himself for what was his by right, choosing rather the way of obedience.”  The idea of rights versus selflessness leads us into our next thought, which I would like to call positional awareness.  Consider the next verse, Christ “…made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7).  It is not until we grasp who Christ was (and is) that this verse sinks into our minds.  God became like a bondservant!  He who is above all, lowered Himself to become like His creation to serve.  Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”  Jesus was fully aware that He was lowering Himself, out of love, to serve those He loved.  Finally, there is what I would like to call an active awareness.  To think of what Jesus did is amazing.  But Jesus’ purposed decision is moved into action in the next verse.  Paul writes, “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8).  So often in life, our desire to be selfless is quickly pulled away by wants and desires.  We know that Christ didn’t want to die on the cross (Luke 22:42) and agonized over it.  Yet, He humbled Himself, committing Himself to the Father’s will.  The Father knows best, right?            

I want to say that these thoughts result from personal study and to a great deal they are.  Still, I must confess that they were stirred by our study conversation this week as someone shared some thoughts from a lesson they heard.  Regardless, the impact is genuine to me.  Selfishness is best defeated when we are first, self-aware.  Knowing who we are in Christ is so important!  Then, knowing who we are, enables us to assume a lower position in life to serve others because we know to do so does not change who we are; but rather magnifies who we are.  Finally, with such confidence, we follow through in obedience, knowing that selflessness is Christlikeness, just what the Father wants.  Thank you, Jesus, for helping us to understand how to die to self.

Dennis

Honestly, many thoughts run through my mind as I witness the chaos that permeates our society. I’m sure you feel the same.  Amid all this, I wonder how much Satan is working?  It’s all too easy to forget that he “walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1st Peter 5:8).  For this reason, His church, which God purchased with His blood (Acts 20:28), is called to “resist him”; that is, Satan.  Paul would write to the church in Ephesus, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).  He would tell the church in Corinth, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh” (2nd Corinthians 10:3).  The call to “be sober, be vigilant” (1st Peter 5:8) to bring “every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2nd Corinthians 10:5) could never be more important than it is right now.  Our light needs to shine in a dark and godless world.

Repay no one evil for evil.  Have regard for

good things in the sight of all men.

Romans 12:17            

When I turn on the television, all I see is darkness, violence in the streets in the name of justice.  I am not here to speak of the legitimacy of their frustration, but rather, to confront how people are dealing with it.  Are these actions of God?  The Lord asks of His church, His children, to rise above this darkness.  When He says to “repay no evil for evil,” He urges us not to become like the world around us.  Don’t cave in to their reasoning.  Then the Lord reinforces his will with these words, “do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place for wrath” (Romans 12:19).  As one person said, “An eye for an eye only makes the whole world blind.”  As Christians, our trust is in God’s justice to measure out what is right in His time.  The road we are to travels is of much greater value.

If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink;

For in so doing, you will heal coals of fire on his head.

                                                                                                     Romans 12:20            

We are not to sit idly by and let evil have its way. But on the other hand, our Lord wants us to “live peaceably with all men”; that is, “if it is possible, as much as depends on you” (Romans 12:18).  What should be our reaction to their action?  Feed them!  Give them a drink!  Can you hear the Lord whisper in your ear right now, “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you…” (Matthew 5:44).  He calls us to rise above it instead of becoming like it.  “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse” (Romans 12:14).  The fury of evil is when it is unable to beget itself in another.            

We are witnessing a society that has purposely sought to minimize God and, in many cases, remove Him from our plane of reasoning all together; we, His church, are to remain steadfast in the Lord.  We do that in part by these final words, “Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).  May He who fashioned the whole universe protect you this day and empower you to be His light in a darkened world.  Blessed be Jesus.

Dennis

I was driving down the road not too long ago and saw a bumper sticker which read, “Catholics for marriage equality.  GOD IS LOVE.”  This caused me to think of other things that don’t make sense.  For instance, there are those who profess a belief in God and yet, would march for the right to abort babies, in some cases even to the ninth month.  We watch the news and see the violence and looting and the claim by some that it is simply reparation because of the past.  For as Paul spoke of the society back then, so we can say it today, that we live in a sinful world, a “crooked and perverse generation” (Philippians 2:15).  Isaiah the prophet wrote, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20).  This is troubling for a number of reasons, but for me, it is because so many in the so-called Christian community are being persuaded to think like this.

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who

does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

                                                                                              2^nd Timothy 2:15         

The wisdom provided to the evangelist Timothy through the Holy Spirit guiding the apostle Paul is helpful to us as well, for he too had to face those who with “itching ears” would “turn their ears away from truth” (2^nd Timothy 4:3, 4).  So, let’s consider three basic things crucial to fighting against such conformity to the world around us.  The first key is the task to “be diligent.”  The NIV would say “do your best.”  The NCV says “make every effort.”  You get the idea, don’t you?  We need to be disciples of Christ; that is, learners of Christ and His ways.  Asking God to help equip us so that we can “contend earnestly for the faith” (Jude v3).  The conviction that His word can and will “equip us for every good work” (2^nd Timothy 3:17) should inspire us because “we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Ephesians 2:10).  Second, we need not be ashamed of the truth.  We need to be willing to speak the truth in love.  Sin is sin.  Darkness is darkness.  If not, then this whole Christianity thing is bogus!   I would agree, how we speak it is as important as what we speak.  Paul exhortation to Timothy, “Preach the word!  Be ready in season and out of season.  Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (2^nd Timothy 4:2).  I know that this is Timothy’s work with the church, but can’t we apply some of this to how we engage the world around us?  Paul wrote to the Philippian church that they should “shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life” (Philippians 2:15, 16).  Okay, if these two are reasonable to consider, then the last one is critical to them both; that is, rightly dividing the word of truth.  There is such a thing as “sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1).  To the very best of our ability we need to grow in our understanding of it.  It is the tool God has given to sinful man to reveal to them the greatest gift ever given, Jesus Christ!  It is this same tool that provides those who believe with insight into what it means to “walk just as He walked” (1^st John 2:6).         

Our world is changing rapidly before our eyes.  Yet, as we look throughout history, and more importantly, the scriptures, we find that this is nothing new to our sinful world.  We cannot stop such changes from happening, but we can lovingly stand for what God teaches in His word.  For if we, His church, do not stand, who will?  Let’s seek God earnestly to help us shine as lights in the world.  Have a blessed week and know you are loved by God.

Dennis

This past week I had the opportunity to witness the battle that so often wages in our minds as we collide with the profound reality of our need to change; that is, be transformed, and the absolute nature of the work of Christ which promises to cleanse us.  Central to our Christian journey is this idea of redemption…forgiveness.  As one person rightly said, “Saving us is the greatest and most concrete demonstration of God’s love, the definitive display of His grace throughout time and history.”  C.S. Lewis wrote, “The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.”  That is good news!  Even so, it is here where the battle lines are often drawn and where victory is claimed, or defeat is our constant reminder.

One of my favorite verses I have preached on over the years is one that speaks to this battle.  1st John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  I am taken by those last three words, “from all unrighteousness.”  All!  Not certain sins or those which I believe are forgivable.  He forgives us from ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS!  That is the promise He gives to those in Christ.  Yet, do you doubt His forgiveness?  Struggle with the reality that God could, let alone would, release you from the debt of your past, no matter how recent it may be?  When it comes to meditation, this is one area we would all reap benefits from.

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted,

forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

                                                                                           Ephesians 4:32           

Can I ask a rather personal question?  When was the last time you needed the Lord’s forgiveness?  What was it that you did?  A bad word spoken at work?  An angry outburst towards a family member?   A thought that should not be in your mind?  I know the list can go on and it does.  A common thought that often hinders us from asking for that forgiveness is our doubt that God would forgive us…again.  Yet, so much of what and how we interact with others hinges on the conviction that we ourselves believe we are forgiven.  You see. The “hope that is in you,” that people may ask you about (1^st Peter 3:15), is not the hope that they can have in Christ’s ability and desire to forgive them; but rather, in your understanding that Jesus has forgiven you and your wish that they could have that same hope.  So, here are just a few verses about His forgiveness that we could meditate on and even memorize to help fight that doubt.

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12)

Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow… (Isaiah 1:18)

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins… (Ephesians 1:7)

He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses… (Colossians 2:13)           

So, why is grasping the depth of God’s mercy and grace, that is experienced through His glorious act of forgiveness, so important to us as Christians?  It is the reason that drives us to live the gospel and share His hope!  It is what empowers us to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted” to others around us, for that is what we received from the Lord ourselves.  It enables us to be like Jesus who looked beyond the sin itself and see the lost soul and desire mercy for them (Luke 23:34). 

His continued forgiveness and our acceptance of it is at the very core of our Christian journey.  It is where we find peace, joy, love, hope for all the tomorrows of life.  It is where yesterday remains and today’s opportunities are revealed.  So, when was the last time you genuinely sought the forgiveness of the Lord?  Do you believe He is willing to forgive you?  The fact is, He is more than willing, and the proof is the cross He bore for sinful man…for you and me.  May His love empower you today to live in the absolute hope of His forgiveness.  Be blessed.

Dennis

Have you ever been asked that question?  It’s like the commercial from a while back with honest Abe (Abraham Lincoln).  His wife asked him, “Does this dress make me look fat?”  Some people have said, “I am just going to say what it is and let the chips fall where they may.”  Words.  They are so powerful that James would liken them to “bits in horses’ mouth” or “a very small rudder” on a large ship (James 3:3-4).  But the bit is not the concern, nor is the rudder, but rather, the person pulling on the bit or the pilot steering the rudder.  It is simple, James says, “Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing.  My brethren, these things ought not to be so” (James 3:10).  If there were ever a reason for us to utilize the tool of meditation, it would be to help us in the use of our tongues. 

For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.

Matthew 12:34            

I have often quoted that text, but have never taken the time actually to consider the fuller context. Let’s take a moment and analyze what is happening.  Jesus is actively involved in His earthly ministry, doing miracles, one of which was healing a “demon-possessed, blind and mute” man (Matthew 12:22).  People began to question, “Could this be the Son of David?” (Matthew 12:23).  Their question was asking if Jesus is to be their new ruler.  The Pharisees would have nothing to do with such a notion, so they attack with words, “This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of demons” (Matthew 12:24).  Ironically, they, through their accusations, were trying to expose Jesus as a fraud. But Jesus used their own words to reveal their inner motives.  Although there is much to consider, we move down to vv33-37.

The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom and his tongue talks of justice.

                                                                                                      Psalm 37:30            

Jesus, “knowing their thoughts” (v25), seeks to have them make up their minds.  Jesus reasons, “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit” (Matthew 12:33).  If the “ruler of demons” is doing the work, that would mean the miracle is evil.  Wait!  Jesus cast a demon out of this man.  Satan would not cast out Satan (12:26).  Jesus was exposing the real problem and turned the table, saying, “Brood of vipers!  How can you, being evil, speak good things?  For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” (12:34).  This word “heart” is significant, for it speaks of the affective center of our being or as one person puts it, “our desire-decisions that establish who we are.”  Isn’t that what our words often do; that is, expose who we are?  We can present ourselves as one thing, but our words override it in a flash.

“For by your words, you will be justified, and by your words, you will be condemned.”

                                                                                                Matthew 12:37            

In the comfort of our salvation, it is all too easy to become complacent in our spiritual walk.  We can reveal this complacency through the words we choose, words that are more critical than uplifting, and words that are more worldly than godly.  Do your words blend better with the pattern of this world than with the ways of Christ?  Meditating on God’s word can help prevent such things from slowly taking place in our lives.  Think of it as exercising your heart to help keep it in good health.  When your hearts are good, so will your words be right.  So, what’s on your mind?

Dennis