“Invest in the Eternal”

Luke 12:32-34

Today’s scripture continues to support the current sermon series on the Sermon on the Mount. This week’s focus is on Matthew 6:19-34 and the reading from Luke is very similar to Matthew 6:19 which reads as follows: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.”

When I read these verses the phrase “invest in the eternal” comes to mind. If we are walking in obedience to Jesus’ commands and recognize that our true citizenship is in heaven then investing in the eternal only makes sense.

So how do we do this? It occurs to me that only three things in this world are going to last forever – God, His Word, and people. Given this short list, a strong focus on growing in our relationship with God, studying His Word, and investing in the people God brings into our lives are logical priorities. In the gospels Jesus gives us examples of how to live this kind of life. He prioritizes prayer (relationship with the Father), He shows a firm grasp of scripture (the OT during His time on earth), and in today’s reading He puts a focus on people (helping the poor). Thanks be to God for Jesus’ examples and the opportunities we have at UALC to grow in our efforts to “invest in the eternal”.

I have lived long enough to see things in my life that I thought were “all important” (treasures) fade away. They didn’t last. But God’s love, the truth of His Word, and the people He loves (all people!) remain – forever!

Faith That Moves Mountains

By Tom Denegre

Do you trust God to have faith in His Word?

Today’s scripture reading states that faith comes from hearing the Word of God. “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Romans 10:17 (NIV)

Perhaps it not as simple as this scripture states.  For example;

·         Lucifer knew the Word of God.  Look how he turned out. 

·         Billy Graham acknowledged that perhaps only 10-15% of the people who attended his crusades accepted Jesus.  They too heard the Word of God. 

·         When Jesus shared the parable of the sower of the seeds, he too acknowledged that only one out of four people will hear the word of God and have faith in him.

·         Today there are so many rebellious Christians who advocate the murder of unborn children while aggressively promoting sexual immorality.  Clearly, their actions and beliefs are contrary to the Word of God.

·       All share a similar pattern, their unbelief is focused on talking to themselves and not God. Being filled with pride and self-centeredness they are unteachable; a self-destructive virtue. Unwilling to hear and accept the Word of God.

I came across The Passion Translation, and this version states, “Faith, then, is birthed in a heart that responds to God’s anointed utterance of the Anointed One.” Romans 10:17 (TPT)

Well isn’t that a much different translation! Faith comes from hearing God’s Word while opening your heart to it. The reason Jesus scorned the Pharisees, is because intellectually they knew the Word of God, but it didn’t live in their hearts.  Or, another way of looking at it, the Pharisees acknowledged God from their soul (mind, emotions, will), but not from their spirit (Communion with God John 4:24, Intuition or spirit to spirit communications with God 1 Cor 2:11, and Conscience with God Hebrews 9;14).

I learned from experience that I must trust someone to believe in them.  Without trust I will have doubt and unbelief.  Equally important, to have a relationship with a person comes from the heart and not from the intellect. 

Therefore, by trusting completely in God’s Word I accept the large faith that God’s promises and provisions can be depended upon.  Jesus once said, “If you obey my commands, you’ll live in my love.” John 15:10.

To obey I must trust.

Knowing that I am radically loved by God, because he died for my sins, I can trust his word into my heart. By living in life union with Jesus I discovered that his love will nourish and empower my faith.  More so, the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, will infuse the faith, knowledge, revelations, and love that I will need to believe in the unseen.  So, Jesus encourages all of us to open our hearts and our mind to accept and taste His Words.   Then we will have the faith to move mountains!

Mind Games

Revelation 12:9-17

I’ve never seen an episode of Game of Thrones (Yes, I said it), but I get the feeling today’s passage could easily be a scene from the show.  Apparently, waging war with dragons is quite common.

Swords and daggers may work well in GoT, but because we battle the real temptations of Satan, an engaged mind is the weapon of choice.  It cuts deeper than a sword when fighting against the lies of the Devil.

Verse 11 says “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”  Being able to defend ourselves with words is crucial.  In Heaven, where the battle has already been won, we look forward to a time when our minds can relax and enjoy His peaceful glory, but unfortunately, life here on Earth is a warzone filled with temptation.  Our best defense is an engaged mind that can “keep God’s command and hold fast a testimony about Jesus” (v. 17).

We don’t want to go into battle swinging blindly.  We need the knowledge and truth of Jesus to fight for us.  We must pick up our shield - Bible - and be prepared to fight.  Resting in the fact that when our battle here on earth is done, we have a heavenly home to go to!

Father, you blessed us with minds to think, but it’s up to us to engage them in meaningful ways. When we need a powerful defense against the Enemy, turn us to your Word because knowledge is true power.  Amen

Talking With and Reading The Word

John 1:5 “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” 

It’s been a constant, seasonal struggle for me to get into the Word. I’ve made a lot of excuses for it: I hear the Word on Sundays; I read other books that reference the Bible, that’s enough; it’s not relevant to me; it’s boring; I’m not entertained; I THINK about God… isn’t that enough? I’ve known in my soul that these are poor excuses, and I’ve certainly been missing the point. Reading the Word isn’t for my entertainment (though it can certainly be thrilling), and I really don’t get enough from secondhand resources- how could I be when I’m not looking into it, reading and seeing Truth for myself?? 

Recently, the encouragement to get to know Jesus more through reading the Bible has struck a chord in me like never before. In this passage, I’m even more encouraged by knowing that Jesus is the Word made flesh. If I want to know the flesh and blood Jesus more, then I need to read the ink and paper Word. Now, when I open my Bible, the passages are fresh- like I’m seeing them for the first time. The words of our amazing, awe-inspiring, mighty God that made the Universe- the WHOLE UNIVERSE- are right in front of me. And I get to read them! I get to replay in my mind how He might've said them, discover what was going on around Him at the time, how He must’ve been feeling. I get an intimate look into the One who brought light into this world. 

And you know what’s more exciting to me? Jesus is alive and well, then, now, and forever. So when I don’t quite understand something, or I have more questions, or I want to delight in Him and what I’ve just read about Him, I can talk with the living, breathing Word. My excuse of “it’s not relevant to me” flies out the window because I can ask Jesus how His word might apply to me. I get to talk about life on Earth with He who is the light that shines in the darkness, He who shines light into my own darkness, He who is the Word made flesh for each and every one of us to know. 

John 1:1-14

Open Bibles shed Light

By your words I can see where I’m going;
    they throw a beam of light on my dark path.
I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back
    from living by your righteous order.
Everything’s falling apart on me, God;
    put me together again with your Word.
Festoon me with your finest sayings, God;
    teach me your holy rules.
My life is as close as my own hands,
    but I don’t forget what you have revealed.
The wicked do their best to throw me off track,
    but I don’t swerve an inch from your course.
I inherited your book on living; it’s mine forever—
    what a gift! And how happy it makes me!
I concentrate on doing exactly what you say—
    I always have and always will.  Psalm 119:105-112 (Message)

The Message translation for these verses in Psalm 119 is beautiful. While I love my trusty NIV, this fresh view is stunning. I see it is God’s Word that is the Light. “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was God and the Word was with God. (John 1:1) The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14) This Word was/is Jesus. And Jesus is the light of the world. 

To walk safely in the woods at night we need a light so we don't trip over tree roots or fall into holes. In this life, we walk through a dark forest of evil. But the Bible can be our light to show us the way ahead so we won't stumble as we walk. It reveals the entangling roots of false values and philosophies. Study the Bible so you will be able to see your way clear enough to stay on the right path.  -Life Application Study Bible

To maneuver our way through even one day in this world we need light. Some days we need a very bright light to shut out all the darkness surrounding us. The darkness is blared on the TV screen with words which scroll across the bottom, always there to remind us what is happening in society.

While we are attempting to escape by watching some mellow programming, the darkness pursues. And we cannot escape. But, we can walk toward the light. We can continue to follow the lighted path and avoid the dark recesses. Get in the Word and see if a light doesn't come on.

Psalm 119:105-112

Psalm 119:105-112

Hunger to Connect With the Will of God

John 4:28-38

The Greek language distinguishes at least four different ways the word love is used. Today I would like to speak of two of them, phileo love and agape love. Simply stated:

phileo is love that reciprocates

                      agape is love given whether the love is returned or not        

unconditional love

As Jesus walked the earth agape love is just what he demonstrated at all times. That is the only way to live a sinless life as Jesus did. Though his disciples followed Jesus and loved him, they struggled like we do to offer agape love 24/7.

How do we enhance our ability to offer agape love? I assert that feeding ourselves and being fed spiritual food is the only way; opening our hearts to the moving of the Holy Spirit and immersing ourselves in His Word. Then we will hunger to connect with the will of God.

When the disciples spoke to Jesus about needing to eat, in John 4:32,34  his reply was;

                                      “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.                                                 My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” 

Jesus’ words referred to being on a mission that took precedence over any human need. A goal so important, nothing could interrupt it. A passion of the greatest depth.

This encounter, though far more intense, is similar to the role of a parent with an inconsolable baby. The infant is their focus, despite anything else, including their own hunger. The unconditional love they feel for their child takes priority over any want or desire they may have, and their heart is centered on the comfort and peace of their precious, innocent child.

God loves all of his children with agape love as Jesus validated while he was here on earth. The woman at the well, who sinned time and again, the people who condemned him as he spread the word, and those who beat and nailed him to the cross, were loved. Jesus begged the Lord to forgive them as he was in excruciating pain and agony. That is agape love.

Agape Love is what God gives us.

Agape Love is what God asks of us.

Read/Listen to John 4:28-38

The Word Became Flesh

At times I can be very cynical, and I suspect many people can be too.  And who can blame us? Look at how we sometimes respond to each: “The check’s in the mail”. “I’ll get to it tomorrow.” “Yeah, I knew you might have problems with that.” And so on and so on ….

 

Logos is Greek for Word

Today’s reading is John 1:1-14. The Old Testament is full of God’s promise of a savior. The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Micah, Ezekiel, Elisha and others speak of the Messiah. Even Moses hinted at the Messiah 1500 years before he came. In today’s reading we learn that God kept his promise. The Word became flesh!

 

Our savior Jesus Christ, true man and true God, put aside his heavenly crown and lived with us on earth. He became one of us!

 

Jesus

He ate, he bathed, he bled, he wept and he smiled. He healed people and fed them. He suffered and died for our sins. He even rose from the dead and came back to earth. He finally ascended into heaven!

 

Yes, we humans can be cynical, but there is proof that God kept his promise. The Word became flesh. Many, many witnesses saw Jesus and what he could do. Some of these witnesses put pen to papyrus to leave an historical record of his life. We are blessed because we can read these eye witness accounts!  

 

Rarely did Jesus speak for himself; he let his actions speak for him. Angels announced his birth. John the Baptist testified about Jesus. God let it be known Jesus was his son when John baptized Jesus. After his death, angels announced Jesus resurrection, and sure enough, Jesus appeared to his disciples in his resurrected body.

 

And after his ascension, his disciples went here and there testifying what they had witnessed.

 

Even though we have historical records, it is difficult to believe that the Word became flesh. Fortunately for us, Jesus sent a counselor, the Holy Spirit, to us. But that is a different topic.

 

Yes, the Word became flesh. And because of it, we celebrate Christmas.

 

Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas!

Christians are the Aroma of Christ

I have not been blessed with movie star looks. I sometimes rub people the wrong way and can even bristle at the most trivial of things. I have numerous bad habits, and can be a thorn in some people’s side.

If I were a plant,
I would be a cactus

I just mowed the lawn and finished putting down mulch. I need a shower. In spite of all this, I am the aroma of Christ. In fact, all Christians are the aroma of Christ!

 

Today’s reading, 2 Corinthians 2:5-17, is about the relationship between Jesus, his Church and its members.

 

Two things struck me in the reading. The first thought is contained in verse 10 and spoken by Paul. “If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven – if there is anything to be forgiven – I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake.”  When a Christian forgives someone, it is the same as Christ forgiving them.

 

We are connected with Christ in our congregation through the power of the Word and Sacraments. We were delegated Christ’s assignment when he ascended to heaven.  And part of Jesus’ job on Earth was to announce the forgiveness of sins. So that is our assignment too.

 

When we forgive, Christ forgives!

 

The second thing was contained in verses 14 and 15, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ.”

 

Since we are connected with Christ, we also have the assignment of sharing the Good News of Jesus with the world. Carrying out this assignment is an aroma pleasing to God. And we know we will triumph.

 

We have the Holy Spirit which gives everything to carry out our task.

 

I am not worthy of this task. Ask my wife and she will list many more flaws than I mentioned above. If I were a plant, I would be a cactus.

 

But the Holy Spirit would still gives me a big flower, that would be the aroma of Christ pleasing to God!

So What's the Big Deal?

“The word became flesh”, is a rather catchy phrase in John 1:9-17. So what's the big deal?

We know the phrase to mean that Jesus, 100% God and 100% man, came to earth. While here, Jesus did many wondrous things, but let’s focus on three.

All are sinners, have rejected God, and deserve eternal death. Yet God loves us so much that he sent Jesus who became a sin offering for our sin. Even more, Jesus was a scapegoat, taking our sins upon himself, so that we will be without sin. Jesus’ death justifies us, that is, makes us “right before God.”

That is good for this life, but what happens after our death? Jesus was resurrected from the dead. He appeared in his bodily form on earth for 40 days before going to heaven. We, in the form of our souls, also go to heaven after death. Eventually we will get a resurrection body.

This is hard to believe, isn’t it? Jesus was a man, and his body was resurrected. Witnesses attested to this fact. Therefore, if God can resurrect the body of Jesus then, he can also resurrect the bodies of all men, even forgiven sinners.

Finally, Jesus came to establish a kingdom, and it includes all believers, past, present and future. The kingdom is heavenly, yet through the Holy Spirit it is with us today.

Many at the time of Jesus believed that Jesus would be setting up an earthly kingdom. How wrong they were. Some theologians, even today, insist Christ will set up an earthly kingdom. But Jesus clearly stated, “My kingdom is not of this earth.” Our hope is in the next world, not this one.

When God’s plans are complete, we will get our resurrection bodies. The current creation will cease, a new creation will be formed and we will live there. It will be total bliss, with neither sin nor pain.

We are justified, will have eternal life and will be part of a perfect, sinless kingdom.

And that's the big deal about “The word became flesh”!  

Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing!

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” John 1:1-2

Many people around the world will read or hear this Scripture for the first time today. And regardless of nation, race, culture or tongue, most will respond in the same profound way: there will arise above their heads a collective question mark. Someone will have to explain it to them.

To the Jews and Greeks of John's day, however, “the Word” had meaning. To the Greeks, it denoted a divine reason or plan. To the Jews, God’s word was the means by which he executed his will. And into these partial understandings, John spoke revelation and clarity, for “the Word” was more than means to an end and much more than a notion.

Perhaps you’ve heard it said that “The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed, and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed.” In this sense, John was perfectly consistent in building his gospel on a familiar foundational phrase: “In the beginning.” The difference was only a matter of revelation ...

For in the beginning, God created by speaking a word: “Let there be ...” And John revealed that this creating Word was a person – a “he,” not an “it” – and that he existed in the beginning.

In the beginning, God said “Let us make man in our image.” And John confirmed that the Word, this person, was with God and that all was created through him.

In the Genesis creation story, the Hebrew word translated “God” was “Elohim,” which is a plural noun, yet mainly used with singular verb forms, adjectives and pronouns. And John clarified for all time that the Word who was with God, actually was God.

The Word has a name; his name is Jesus. It is the Greek translation of the Hebrew name, Joshua, which means “the Lord saves.” For, just as the world was created through the Word in the beginning, so it would be saved by him in the end. And as the Word who was unseen created all that is seen, so he also became flesh, so we would be restored in spirit.

God is a marvelous God. His wisdom is unsearchable. His ways are beyond our comprehension. Yet he reveals them to us.

Ours is simply to worship him, for he is good. He is good to us.

Yea, Lord, we greet thee,
Born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be glory given!
Word of the Father,
Now in flesh appearing!
O, come, let us adore him,
O, come, let us adore him,
O, come, let us adore him,
Christ, the Lord.

From "O, come, all ye faithful"
John F. Wade

Rescued and Redeemed

2 Timothy 3:10-12 (NIV)  You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance,  persecutions, sufferings--what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.  In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

Paul is teaching Timothy and us a lesson about following Jesus.  His words to his friend, or as Paul refers to him in his greeting, "My dear son," are words of warning.  He is preparing Timothy for a difficult life.  He is telling him it isn't going to be all roses and candy; it will be tough.  It might even be dangerous to be a Christ follower.

Paul's letter is also meant to be an encouragement to his young charge.  "Yet the LORD rescued me..."  We need to hear this too.  We need to be prepared but confident.  Life as a Believer will have troubles and it could be dangerous.  We read of persecution in other countries, severe hardships some followers experience and we might feel safe, but not so.

There will come a time when it will be very unpopular to proclaim Christ as our Savior.  Some are already feeling the wrath of the world.  It begins imperceptibly and before we know it, it is the norm.  It starts when we are told when and where we can pray; and this is just the beginning.  

Those we look up to, our heroes, turn dark. Our children struggle to find role models worthy of emulation. These times are on us now, but we still can cling to Scripture, for it is living and active. As a popular song says, "Word of God Speak, won't you pour down like rain?"  

While it might even be dangerous to be a follower of Christ, would you have it any other way? I will be remembering the line, "Yet the LORD rescued me..." and find my peace there.

2 Timothy 3:10-17