Here’s a Resolution

So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?’ He said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.’ He said to him, ‘Tend My lambs.’ He said to him again a second time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love Me?’ He said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.’ He said to him, ‘Shepherd My sheep.’ He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love Me?’ Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, ‘Do you love Me?’ And he said to Him, ‘Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Tend My sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go.’ Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, ‘Follow Me!’

Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; the one who also had leaned back on His bosom at the supper and said, ‘Lord, who is the one who betrays You?’ So Peter seeing him said to Jesus, ‘Lord, and what about this man?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!’” John 21:15-22       

Someone said, “The trouble with turning over a new leaf is that once you’ve done it twice, you’re right back where you started..” There’s a big difference between turning over an new leaf and turning over your life to Jesus Christ.

Twice in our passage Jesus said to Peter, “Follow Me!” We have too many Christians who want the blessings but no the responsibilities. The gifts but not the goals. The comforts but not the commitment!

You want to make a New Year’s resolution? Make up your mind that by the grace of God your going to be a follower of Jesus Christ! Walk the talk, live the life, and be all you can be for the glory of God.
This year -
1. Have a daily quiet time.
2. Spend time in prayer.
3. Get involved in church.
4. Invite your friends to church.           
5. Be a witness for Christ.
6. Invest your time, talents, and money.
7. Enjoy your relationship with Christ.

Don’t be a hearer of the Word, be a doer - and you will be blessed!

Happy New Year!

Worship with Thanksgiving

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning
And Your faithfulness by night,
With the ten-stringed lute and with the harp,
With resounding music upon the lyre.
For You, O Lord, have made me glad by what You have done,
I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands.
How great are Your works, O Lord!
Your thoughts are very deep.” Psalm 92:1-5

Some who are musically inclined are able to worship God as the Psalmist describes. Through the expression of thought in a musical setting, they are able to beautifully communicate a deep sense of worship, praise, and adoration to God. Others who are gifted with different talents express those same emotions, feelings, or impulses through the medium in which they have been gifted by God. Have you every considered that each one of the senses is open to motivate us to uniquely express praise and worship? They are.

The ears are receptive to the presence of music or speech. The eyes are receptive to artwork, to nature, and to visual expressions of praise. The sense of smell triggers memories and emotional responses to a far greater decree than any other sensory organ. Temple worship was incomplete without the burning of a special incense (made to a unique, unrecorded God-given recipe). The sense of taste can also find its place in worship as thankfully we partake of God’s provision. How thankful we are too for the ability to touch and feel the world around us.

All of our perceptive organs continually tell us of God’s love and care, of His concern for mankind. Won’t you respond with true thanksgiving, worship, and praise?

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord
And to sing praises to Your name...” Psalm 92:1

Life’s Supreme Goal

“Although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.

But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:4-14

When reading this passage, it is hard not to get caught up in Paul’s delight in reflecting on the great change, the transformation of his life. His past, deeply rooted in his position as a Pharisee; his present, a man who suffered much for the sake of Jesus Christ. Paul was a man who knew and understood much when it came to the grace and forgiveness of God. Paul was the bearer of liberating news to those who follow Christ, news of freedom from bondage and the inexpressible joy of knowing Christ.

Can we say the same? Do we have the same type of effervescent joy and purpose in life? Do we have a measurable goal, and objective into which we are pouring every ounce of effort, all our abilities? Can you state the goal of your life? Have you ever given it much thought, or are you basically living a day-to-day existence?

Paul said his goal was the upward call of God in his life. He fully expected to develop and become more Christlike every day. What is your expectation? What are you aiming for in life? Will it lead to godliness, or will it lead to self-centeredness? “I press on,” Paul said. “I’m going for it.” “I’m determined.” Are you? Set your goal to be Christlike. Then focus your expectations on achieving that goal day by day.

Be like Jesus all day long. I would be like Jesus!

And the Peace of God...

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

The problem: anxiety. How often are we accosted by anxious fears and concerns? It’s an everyday occurrence, common to all. Anxiety can (and often does) lead to great distress, rendering us unable to function to our God-given capacity.

The method: prayer. But don’t miss the adjectives which describe just what type of prayer this is: “Supplication” is including, and “with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God.” This is believing prayer.

The result: peace. Not just peace but God’s peace. Not just peace with God but the peace of God. The peace, we are told, “will guard you hearts and your minds.” That speaks of a stabilizing effect on our lives, our emotions. The heart is the center of our emotional makeup, and when the peace of God radiates its comforting light in our hearts, there is tranquility and peace on the inside of our lives.

Men seem to be caught up in getting to the top, making it big, pushing, achieving, doing. All this activity, struggle, and accompanying strife breed anxiety, fear, guilt, and frustration. Then men spend the rest of their time trying to find tranquility and peace. How tragic that the One Who offers real peace is most often cast aside as unable to meet that critical need when He alone can provide it.

“He hideth my life in the depths of His love and covers me there with His hand.”

They Made Known...

“And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

‘Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.’

When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, ‘Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.” Luke 2:13-18

Christmas means so many things to so many different, people. We must always remember - not everyone enjoys Christmas. Hence the following poem -

“Twas the day after Christmas,
When all through the place
There were arguments and depression -
Even mom had a long face.

The stockings hung empty
And the house was a mess;
The new clothes didn’t fit...
And dad was under stress.

The family was irritable,
And the children - no one could please;
Because the instructions for the swing set
Were written in Chinese!

The bells no longer jingled,
And no carolers came around;
The sink was stacked with dishes,
And the tree was turning brown.

The stores were full of people
Returning things that frizzled and failed,
And the shoppers were discouraged
Because everything they bought was now on half-price sale

Twas the day after Christmas
The spirit of joy had disappeared;
The only hope on the horizon
Was twelve bowl games the first day of the New Year!”
                                              - Charles Swindoll

Don’t be a Scrooge - Be someone who make known
the Good News!

Merry Christmas!

“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.’” Matthew 2:1-2

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:10-11


May the Christmas gifts remind you of God’s Gift,
His only Begotten Son.

May the Christmas candles remind you of Him
Who is the “The Light of the World.”

May the Christmas tree remind you of another tree
upon which He hung for you.       

May the Christmas cheer remind you of Him
Who said, “Be of good cheer.”

May the Christmas feast remind you of Him
Who is “the Bread of Life.”

May the Christmas bell remind you of the
glorious proclamation of His birth.

May the Christmas carols remind you of the song
the angels sang, “Glory to God in the Highest.”

May the Christmas season remind you in every way
of Jesus Christ, your King.


Enjoy the day, your family and friends, and may you be blessed by the Lord!

The Christ Who Divides

“And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,

‘Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace,
According to Your word;
For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
A Light of revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.’

And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, ‘Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed— and a sword will pierce even your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.’” Luke 2:25-35

Christ divides as well as unites. We dare not lose sight of this fact. Isaiah the prophet predicted that the Messiah would become a stone of stumbling (8:14), and Simeon, holding the Christ Child in his arms, affirmed the truth in these words: “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel” (Luke 2:34).

Historically, the people of Israel stumbled over three aspect of Jesus.

First, “there was a division among the people because of” His birth. Hearing the claim of some that “this is the Christ,” and not being in possession of the full facts, some said, “Surely the Christ is not going to come from Galilee, is He? Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the descendants of David, and from Bethlehem, the village where David was?” (John 7:41-42).

Second, “there was a division among” them because of His Person. When Jesus restored the sight of a blind man on the Sabbath, some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the Sabbath day.” Others said, “How can a man that is sinner do such miracles?” Thus the people were divided as to His identity.

Third, “there was a division therefore again among the Jews” over His teaching. “I have power to lay it [My life] down, and I have power to take it again,” declared Jesus (see John 10:18-19). Hearing His remarkable claims, some said, “He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?” Once again there was division.

When the message of Jesus is presented, there is always division. Some accept; some reject. We should not be surprised by the fact, and we should not seek to compromise the message in order to lessen its divisive impact upon its hearers.

Make This a Winning Christmas Season

“While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’” Luke 2:6-11

Football season is winding down with the favorites winning their conference or league while other teams either surprised or disappointed their followers. The Baylor Bears surprised a lot of people and had the best season ever (10-1). They had a winning season. Several years ago an editorial in the Texas Baptist Standard suggested the way to have a winning Christmas season.

Keep Jesus First - There would be no Christmas season unless there was the Christ. The economy of our nation would suffer without the Christmas season. But the very soul of our nation will suffer without remembering the person of the occasion, Jesus Christ. We do not honor the birth of Jesus Christ by selfishness, drunkenness, indecency, and surrendering to sensuality. A winning Christmas season includes keeping Jesus first.

Thoughtful Worship - A winning Christmas season includes worship where we give ourselves to Christ and then give our gifts to Christ. Jesus is our King, Priest, and through His death, our Savior.

Gracious Receiver - Many lose in the Christmas season at the point of receiving. It is easier for some to give than receive. “I don’t care what I get for Christmas, just don’t give me anything that makes me blow my top,” wrote Hal Boyle. Gracious receiving leads to a winning Christmas season.

Rediscover Family - God sent His Son into a family and home. Christmas is a family time, and a winning Christmas season involves forgiving, ending estrangements, and repairing broken relationships. A winning Christmas season includes rediscovering the family.

Keep the Spirit - Sometimes we feel that Christmas is artificial. We take it all down and store it in a closet until the next year. The coming of Jesus was not intended to liven us up for a few days each year. He was not born to provide only temporary escape from the monotonous affairs of human life.

“It matters not whether you win or lose but how you play the game,” is the advice of a tired phrase. This is not true. It matters that we win in life, and it matters that we win in this Christmas season.

The Good News

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “‘But the righteous man shall live by faith.’” Romans 1:16-17

“Have you heard the latest?” How often has this question preceded the juiciest of stories concerning someone else’s life? Wouldn’t it be refreshing actually to hear some great news about someone instead of the latest defaming gossip?

There is some great news we can share which would set people’s minds on a whole different path That is the good news of the gospel. That is what the word gospel means: “good news.”

Let’s take a look at the difference between gossip and the gospel:
- Gossip is shared because it is interesting. The gospel is shared because of its utmost importance.       
- Gossip leads to the bondage of a habit while the gospel leads to freedom from bondage.
- Gossip is demoralizing while the gospel leads to righteousness.
- Gossip tends to be done in order to set one’s self above others while the gospel develops the heart of a servant.
- Gossip develops severity, harshness, the coldness toward others while the gospel develops compassion, humility, and genuine, warm concern for others.
- Gossip drives a person inward while the gospel draws one outward!

Make a habit of sharing the good news of the gospel of Jesus with others. It’s what they need to hear, want to hear, ought to hear.   

Plant a little gossip, and you will reap a harvest of regret.

Take Heed to the Ministry...

“Say to Archippus, ‘Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.’” Colossians 4:17

It has often been said that the highest calling a person can receive in life is the calling to carry God’s message of salvation, leading to righteousness for those who have not heard or who have not yet entered into that living relationship with Jesus Christ. In the words of a song, God is calling “faithful men” to serve Him and give their lives for the furtherance of the gospel. Has He called you?
       
Not everyone who is called responds in obedience and submission to the will of God. Some flatly reject God’s call as an inconvenience to their plans. They are not interested in God; they are interested foremost in self.

Those who do respond may fall into one of these three categories:

The rowboat response: This person must be pushed and prodded at regular intervals to keep going. They believe for only small things and are slow to accomplish anything.

The sailboat response: This one may make great headway but often in the wrong direction since they always go with the wind.

The steamboat response: This person has an inner power source, the Holy Spirit, Who provides not only movement but guidance, or direction, as well. Calm or storm, this one is doing his business - making headway, doing the Father’s will.

Reckon him a Christian indeed who is not ashamed of the gospel nor a shame to it.

Formula for Personal Growth

“Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.” James 1:21-25

There are those whose imbalance in even good and necessary things lead to illness or tragedy. Over-eating or under-eating or exercising can cause all sorts of difficulties and result in various consequences. One who concentrates on a hobby or pursues a personal interest at the expense of family or friends soon finds themselves at a loss. So too a Christian, who focuses on developing one aspect of their life to the exclusion of another, may find their relationship with Christ to be diminished.

Beware of the good and necessary elements of life. Often they are the easiest to “over indulge” in. For instance, one who expends all energies on learning scriptural truths - yet does not seek for practical ways to apply that truth to their everyday life - may soon find that they are actually being counterproductive. So gaining truth alone is not a guarantee against spiritual barrenness.

That coin has another side. If you put all of your energies into practicing biblical principles but do not work at developing an intimate relationship with Christ Himself, you may quickly find an emptiness in your life, a diminished zeal, or a sensitivity to sin which has been quenched. Balance: be and do the will of the Father.

Instruction plus involvement equals spiritual growth.

When Facing Life’s Mountains

Then the angel who was speaking with me returned and roused me, as a man who is awakened from his sleep. He said to me, “What do you see?” And I said, “I see, and behold, a lampstand all of gold with its bowl on the top of it, and its seven lamps on it with seven spouts belonging to each of the lamps which are on the top of it; also two olive trees by it, one on the right side of the bowl and the other on its left side.” Then I said to the angel who was speaking with me saying, “What are these, my lord?” So the angel who was speaking with me answered and said to me, “Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my lord.” Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain; and he will bring forth the top stone with shouts of “Grace, grace to it!”’”

Also the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house, and his hands will finish it. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. For who has despised the day of small things? But these seven will be glad when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel—these are the eyes of the Lord which range to and fro throughout the earth.” Zechariah 4:1-10

Have you ever been in a situation where you would have greatly welcomed a “personal word from the Lord”? You can probably appreciate how Zerubbabel must have felt when he received the Lord’s word in the above Scripture.

His obstacles seemed to be overwhelming. But how did God view the situation? That’s a question we need always to keep before us. How does God see your situation? Does it seem impossible to Him? Is it like an unmovable mountain of rock?

Take heart in God’s Word to Zerubbabel: “What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain.” What a graphic explanation of God’s viewpoint when it comes to the mountains in our lives. He has the power to make the mountains we face into super highways. Where once we thought we would only progress a few feet each hour - once He has done His leveling work - our progress can be measured in miles per hour, not feet or inches.

What mountain do you face? Leave it in the hands of the “Mountain Mover.” When it’s within His will and His best plan for your life, He can and will flatten that mountainous obstacle and lead you safely on a smooth path.

“‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6

The One True Way

“‘Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going.’ Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.’”
John 14:1-7

There is a world of difference between having someone give you directions and having someone accompany you, giving directions as you go.     Those who are lost in the darkness of their sin are hoping for someone to take them by the hand and lead them to the light. Yet how many are given directions by others who are also in the dark? How often do they hear conflicting opinions about the direction to go?

What a comforting and assuring illustration Jesus gives of His involvement in guiding us to God:
- “I am the way...”: To reach God, you have to know your way. The very pathway to God is a knowledge of, and a faith in, His Son.
- “the truth...”: Do you want to know God’s way? The words Christ spoke are the truth concerning God and our access to Him. Jesus not only told the truth, He was and is the truth.
- “and the life”: Jesus proved to have power over life and death. He is the embodiment of physical life and of spiritual, eternal life.

When one approaches God on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ, he can be confident that his way is sure concerning his relationship with God and that he possesses spiritual life and will live eternally in God’s presence.

If Christ is the way, why waste time traveling some other way?

Good Stewards of God’s Grace

“Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:8-11

From childhood we learn that when we are given a gift, it is ours. It is to be used for our enjoyment. It is our possession, uniquely owned. But when we receive a spiritual gift from God, it is made very clear that it is not to be considered ours alone but is to be shared with others for the benefit of all. In other words, our gift is more of a management responsibility than a thing we keep to ourselves. There’s that word again: self. Whenever you see it in a sentence, it should set off a little alarm in your spirit. It’s an automatic warning of the greatest resistance against God in our lives.

Much of Christ’s teaching goes against our “natural” way of thinking. As a child of God you have been gifted for ministry. There’s an old song that says, “If you do not use it, you will surely lose it. You have a talent, use it for the Lord.” That may be true concerning a talent, but a gift is another issue. If you don’t employ your gift, what you’ll lose will be your God-given opportunity to be God’s instrument in someone else’s life. Lost opportunities can never be “made up.” The opportunity and its subsequent reward are lost when we choose not to be “good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

A Spirit-filled life results in service to others. That’s the will of the Father!

The Riches of God’s Grace, Part 2

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

Throughout the history of the church, there have been those who have looked on the gospel as a method for achieving personal gain in finance, prestige, or status. Some would focus on the above verse and use it as “proof” that God wants to pour out His “blessings” on them. But that mindset is awfully close to that of the world where self is king - where you use any angle to get what you want, even the misinterpretation of God’s holy Word.

Don’t misunderstand “the goodness of God” (Rom. 2:4, KJV). It’s not the same as ease, comfort, and pleasure. God does have your best interest at heart; and because He knows you better than you know yourself, He knows what it will take to lead you to repentance.

So God’s “goodness” may come to you in the form of adversity, difficulty, sorrow, danger, sickness, accident, financial loss, discouragement, hunger, emptiness, or great turmoil. Or it may come in a peaceful, uneventful life; but God alone knows what it takes to lead us to repentance.

Be careful not to confuse “goodness” with good things. God’s goodness is His grace and His mercy which He extends to unworthy individuals in order to bring them to repentance - and finally to salvation, the goal of God’s highest plan for mankind.

Do you not know that it is the goodness of God which leads you to repentance?

The Riches of God’s Grace

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him.” Ephesians 1:3-9

How easy it is for us to view God’s loving grace from a selfish perspective. In this age of selfism, the god of pleasure has so twisted the hearts and minds of the world that it is difficult for them to be able to accept the message of the cross.

When your whole life is caught up in “bigger” and “better,” the thought of forsaking all and following Christ seems a cruel joke. Some have attempted to “bend” the truth in order to make it say something it really doesn’t, in order to keep from having to obey the Word of the Lord. But truth (although denied) is still truth.

Do you find it hard to turn your back on the “stuff” the world offers:
- the promise of happiness if you just buy the right clothes or car, if you have enough of this or that?                   
- the promise of security by investing in this, insuring with that company, buying that?
- the promise of success if you give up this silly preference, ignore your convictions, play the game, go along with the crowd?

When the grace of God is “shed abroad in our hearts,” it ought to be undeniable and blatantly conspicuous to believer and unbeliever alike. Let the grace of God be evident in every moment of your day - in all you do. “May Christ be seen in me!”

The riches of God’s grace are given to us, not on our own merits, but those of Jesus Christ.

The Grace in Which We Stand

“Through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:2

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.” Ephesians 1:7

What a graphic word picture Paul uses to describe our position as recipients of God’s grace. He takes an almost indescribable element (grace) and mixes it with an everyday reality, giving us a unique glimpse into the character and properties of grace.

Paul’s statement, “this grace in which we stand,” conveys a steady state of affairs and an assurance of a position known by those who have been justified by faith in Christ. We stand in a condition of grace: it is all around us, surrounding, undergirding, and supporting us.

There’s a great contrast between the life apart from grace and the life which is standing in grace. The two can be immediately recognized as being opposed to one another. Compare your life before you responded to the grace of God with your life now as a recipient of His grace. Do you see any differences?

If you’ll look closely and if you are walking in fellowship with Christ daily, the changes will be obvious. Attitudes and actions, responses and desires shift dramatically when the grace of God is realized in one’s life. His grace displaces our self-centeredness and draws (never forces) us to loyalty, love, obedience, and true reverent worship. Praise God today for His grace in which you stand.

“Nor can a man with grace his soul inspire, more than the candles set themselves on fire.”

Access into Grace

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2
   
Many who work in a mechanical field are familiar with what is called an “access panel.” For the most part, this is a small door which gives technicians a handy access to strategic parts of the device on which they are working. In much the same way there is a special “access” by which we can tap into God’s grace - namely the person of Jesus Christ. His substitutionary death on the cross opened the way for us (gave us access) to the grace of God.

Without the work of Christ and without the exercise of faith on our part, the grace of God would be outside the scope of our experience. But God has made provision for anyone to make use of that special access to His grace. No wonder so many church hymns and Christian songs deal with the grace of God. It is so unexpected, such a great gift - that the heart has difficulty grasping the magnitude of this undeserved gift of God’s love and mercy.

For those who have yet to gain access to God’s grace, it is important that you realize that it is the goodness of God (His grace) which leads you to repentance. Will you share this good news with someone today? May they see and know God’s amazing grace.

Grace means that though we were sinners and enemies, we have been treated as sons and heirs.

Saved by Grace!

“And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:1-10   

When you are granted something you don’t deserve, when you gain something you don’t merit, when you receive something you didn’t purchase - you are the recipient of grace. Grace is far more than love, far more than mercy. Love is an emotion which is the foundation of God’s dealing with men. Mercy is God’s compassion for me. Grace is God’s unmerited, undeserved, unpurchased favor granted to men through the person and work of Christ.

Those who appreciate God’s grace most are usually those who have come to realize their awful, sinful condition and understand that without the grace of God they would never get a glimpse of heaven. But by God’s grace, their sins are forgiven, and heaven is theirs.

John Newton was just such a man. His life had driven him into a ruthless and debased trade, and he was seemingly without a conscience. Sailing his slave ship through an angry storm, Newton gave way to the undeniable grace of God and became one of history’s great preachers. His hymn “Amazing Grace” is known around the world, and its words convey the mystery of God’s amazing grace.

“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound! That saved a wretch like me!”       

You are Secure in Christ!

“Jesus answered them, ‘I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me. But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.’” John 10:25-30

One of the areas where the enemy often hits hardest is in the arena of our feelings. If he can just get us to feel unsure of our salvation, it opens the door to all kinds of doubt, insecurity, and unstable attitudes and actions.

Do you suffer from doubt concerning your salvation? Are you secure in the knowledge that you are a born again child of God? If so, remember that your salvation is based upon fact, not upon how you feel. You may feel depressed or discouraged. Does that mean your salvation is hanging by a thread? No, that means your emotional state is at a low ebb.

Remember your position in Christ. As a forgiven, reconciled child of God, you are in a unique position. The above Scripture is one which gives evidence of God’s concern for you on this point. As His child, He knows who you are; He has given you eternal life; and no one, or nothing, can remove you from the security of His hand.

That position is a fact. That fact may cause you to experience a feeling of security and joy; but the feeling is a result of the fact. Many a person has grappled with uncertainty regarding their salvation, but it is something which the Lord Jesus obviously wants to be a settled issue of fact. Stand on the fact of your salvation and let feeling follow.

If we could merit our own salvation, Christ would never have died to provide it.

The Ultimate Rejection

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’” Matthew 7:21-23

Having just come through the Summer Olympics, we watched a world fascinated by athletes from around the globe who had been literally training for years to meet and compete in the games. For many, this is the most thrilling even of their lives: to compete on a worldwide level against the best athletes in the world. Bronze, silver, and gold medals are coveted; all energies are exerted in pursuit.

Can you imagine the utter disappointment and unbelief of a runner who, after being the first to cross the finish line, is told by all the judges that he didn’t win after all? When an athlete ignores a basic foundational rule of the game, he can find himself disqualified. The Bible tells us there will be those who will be disqualified from entering heaven, even those who “played well.” They have ignored a basic rule.

How about you? You may be running the race of life - and running well. But have you missed one of the fundamental rules? You may be considered by others to be a very nice person - even a godly person; but if you have missed the foundational step of confessing that you are a sinner and placing your trust in the saving grace of Christ only, in the end you have lost.

Don’t run the race of life - only to be disappointed. To win eternally, you must play by the rules.

“For man to be lost, in all his uniqueness and wonder, is tragic.” -Francis Schaeffer

Handing Down Your Faith, Part 2

“Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Parents, have you thought about your will (your last will and testament)? Have you tried your best to leave your estate in order for the benefit of your children? Have you made provision in the event of your inability to care for them?

If so, take the challenge to go one step further and leave them a written record of their spiritual legacy. Write down your own spiritual journey. Tell of your initial encounter with Christ. Give a spiritual background of your own family life, and explain how you were able to identify God’s hand in your life.

As if they were sitting next to you, tell your children what your expectations are for their lives (what kind of life you hope they will live, the character quality of the mate they might choose, the dangers they may encounter when dealing with unprincipled men and women, your prayers for them to be mightily used by God in their lifetime, how to cope with disappointments and grief, what convictions you hold and encourage them to hold).

Put it with your will. It will become a legacy and a witness to your offspring and to those dealing with your estate. There is no better time than the present to hand down your faith, but even after you are gone, your children can benefit from your instruction if you follow through.

What principles do you want to be sure your children receive as a heritage from you?

Handing Down Your Faith

“I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day, longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy. For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well. For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:3-7

There are many good examples of parenting found in the animal kingdom. Such traits as tenderness, protectiveness, warmth, discipline, and provision are important to a healthy upbringing. No matter how much a parent may verbally communicate to an offspring though, it is of absolute necessity that parental performance follow verbal instruction. Why? Don’t miss this: The pattern always prevails over the principle!

You, as parent, can give the same set of guidelines day after day; you can have the greatest reasoning in the world for choosing those guidelines for your family; but unless you live them in a conspicuous manner before your children, they wont be followed. It has been said that values are caught, not taught, and to a great degree that is true. Countless individuals can testify that the mere repetition of words or phrases does not insure their compliance.

What are your children “catching” from you? What are they really being taught? Can you identify just one guiding principle which you are consciously teaching your children? Now dedicate yourself to live that principle. Remember, the pattern always prevails over the principle.

Do you have a faith to leave your children? And is it what you want to hand down to them?

A Missing Ingredient?

“If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.” 1 Peter 1:17-21

The great preacher Jonathan Edwards is well known for his convicting message “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” Under his preaching, many came to repentance and salvation from sin and eternal separation from God. We don’t hear much from pulpits these days about “the fear of God.” But God’s Word has much to say about this issue of “fearing God.”
   
God’s word to Jeremiah (32:39-40) is as applicable to Christians today as it was to the nation Israel when He said, “I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me always, for their own good....I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; and I will put the fear of Me in their hearts so that they will not turn away from Me.”
                   
Do you see evidence in today’s Christian world of a pervasive “fear of the Lord” among God’s people? Maybe, just maybe, that’s the missing ingredient in many lives. Where is the holy reverence and awe in today’s church, the kind we clearly see in Old Testament worship and in the early church? Without the fear of the Lord, we are left with only a form of godliness!

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge...” Proverbs 1:7

A Tragic Find to a Promising Beginning

“Then Saul said to Samuel, ‘I did obey the voice of the Lord, and went on the mission on which the Lord sent me, and have brought back Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. But the people took some of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the choicest of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the Lord your God at Gilgal.’ Samuel said,

‘Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
As in obeying the voice of the Lord?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
And to heed than the fat of rams.
For rebellion is as the sin of divination,
And insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,
He has also rejected you from being king.’

Then Saul said to Samuel, ‘I have sinned; I have indeed transgressed the command of the Lord and your words, because I feared the people and listened to their voice.’” 1 Samuel 15:20-24

The race of life that God has placed us in requires a daily, deliberate exercise as well a good start if we are to finish well and strong. Many of us know Christians who started with great promise but ended in tragedy and despair.

Initially Saul loved God and did His will. God even changed his heart for good, and before long Saul had captured the hearts of his countrymen. Sadly, however, this great man’s life was spent in bitterness, hatred, and depression.

Saul offered a sacrifice when he became impatient for Samuel to arrive. It didn’t seem like much at the time, but it grew into increased rationalization. He began to blame others - “the people took some of the spoil” (1 Sam. 15:21) - until Saul no longer took responsibility for his sin, and his self-will loomed larger than God’s will for him.

The process hasn’t changed. We flirt with a particular sin, rationalize it - and before long we are captive to it. Our hearts are hardened to God’s loving conviction, and we pursue our own destruction.                       

Are you rationalizing a sin today? Is there a known area of disobedience in your life? If so, go to God and confess and repent of it. God will restore you.

“...the Glory of Israel will not lie or change His mind...”
1 Samuel 15:29

A Promising Beginning

“Now there was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah, the son of a Benjamite, a mighty man of valor. He had a son whose name was Saul, a choice and handsome man, and there was not a more handsome person than he among the sons of Israel; from his shoulders and up he was taller than any of the people.”
1 Samuel 9:1-2

Then it happened when he turned his back to leave Samuel, God changed his heart; and all those signs came about on that day. When they came to the hill there, behold, a group of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him mightily, so that he prophesied among them. It came about, when all who knew him previously saw that he prophesied now with the prophets, that the people said to one another, ‘What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?’” 1 Samuel 10:9-11

One of the most important elements in a race is a good start. In swift competition a poor start is tantamount to losing. For believers, that start is the decision to trust Christ as Savior. Just as essential is the character building that begins in the ensuing months and years.

When the prophet Samuel identified Saul as king, it was obvious that Saul had begun his journey with admirable qualities. After Samuel anointed him king, Saul demonstrated patience and humility by enduring the taunts of “certain worthless men” who mocked him, saying, “How can this one deliver us?” (1 Samuel 10:27).

Perhaps your beginning hasn’t been so favorable. Perhaps circumstances beyond your control have thwarted you at every turn. Perhaps you have never chosen to follow Christ. You can begin today. If you are not a believer, receive Jesus’ offer of salvation by inviting Him in as your personal Savior.

If you do know Jesus but are continually frustrated, submit completely to His Lordship, asking Him to take control of you and your circumstances. Trust Him to use even your problems for your welfare. He can do it if you turn to Him.

“...God changed his heart...” 1 Samuel 10:9

Spirit-Anointed Preaching, Part 4

“I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:1-2

The ministry of the man called to preach the Word of God should be characterized by four biblical qualities:

Fearless: “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). The man of God must not be afraid of what people think or say about his preaching if it is square with the Word of God.

Faithful: He must be faithful in his study and proclamation of God’s Word, not relying heavily on another’s insight but on what God gives him through prayer and meditation. He must also be consistent in his daily walk with the Savior.

Fruitful: The pastor’s ministry should be productive in terms of his spiritual growth in Christ as well as the growth of those who sit under his teaching.

Fervent: The minister’s love and devotion to God should be the heartbeat of his ministry. Literally, he should be “boiling hot” (the Greek word-picture of fervent) in his hunger to know and serve Christ. Passionless preaching usually comes from a lukewarm heart.

The pastor who is fearless will lead; the pastor who is faithful will persevere; the pastor who is fruitful will be involved in the lives of others; the pastor who is fervent will help awaken dormant and dead souls.

“For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord and to practice it...” Ezra 7:10

Spirit-Anointed Preaching, Part 3

“If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25

Spirit-anointed preaching has one divine prerequisite: Spirit-anointed or controlled living. Any pastor who has prepared a sermon can tell you how difficult a Sunday sermon can be when his personal life is out of step with the Holy Spirit.

We cannot separate our preaching from our living. Preaching is derived from Spirit-filled living, not vice versa. It’s no mistake that the men whose ministries have affected the multitudes were men whose affections and actions were ruled by the Holy Spirit.

The pastor who is the servant of sin during the week will find it very difficult to be God’s oracle on Sunday. That’s the way God has designed it because He is interested in what motivates a man, not just his message.

When a minister is controlled by the Spirit, he is living an obedient life “...so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him” (Acts 5:32). When a minister is controlled by the Spirit, he is living a pure life. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matt. 5:8).

A pastor who is obedient and pure in motivation and behavior has the power of the Holy Spirit for a truly Spirit-anointed ministry. The Holy Word of God is to be proclaimed by holy men of God.

“...man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

Spirit-Anointed Preaching, Part 2

“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

How does the Holy Spirit saturate our teaching? Most significantly He fills our messages and ministries with His supernatural power as we preach and stand on the infallible Word of God. The Scriptures are the precise communication of God Himself Who is Spirit and Life: “...men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” (2 Pet. 1:21). “All Scripture is inspired (God-breathed) by God ...” (2 Tim. 3:16).

The Word of God was conceived and born through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. The minister who is committed to its reliability, infallibility, and relevance to all of life will find supernatural results as he is faithful to proclaim it.
                               
Several years ago, a West Coast pastor shared how the power of the Word is evident when simply reading it: “We spend six weeks as a congregation reading the book of Revelation every Sunday evening... When we got through, we had a phenomenal concept of the power of Jesus, of the sovereignty of God, of the security that is ours on this planet, and of the utter, complete, unquestionable triumph of the church of Jesus Christ...I am convinced that pure, raw, direct, exposure to the Word of God will absolutely change people’s lives...”

“They read from the book, from the law of God...” Nehemiah 8:8

Spirit-Anointed Preaching

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:18-19

Pastors are called upon for an assortment of ministry-oriented tasks. They must preach, counsel, lead, guide, visit, encourage, edify, and teach. Since very few of us are gifted in equal measure for the above endeavors and since each area requires the divine touch, it’s apparent that something more than mere human ability is required. That something more is the supernatural anointing and presence of the Holy Spirit.

It is the Spirit alone Who can convict us, guide us, and teach us the things of God. The Holy Spirit alone can convince man of the reality of sin and his need for the cross as the remedy. Human wisdom and reasoning - while persuasive and entertaining - are like clouds without rain, producing no spiritual fruit.

That’s why Paul told the Corinthians: “And my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God”
(1 Cor. 2:4-5).

Faith that rests on good sentence structure, neat outlines, or pertinent illustrations will not produce spiritual transformation. Faith must lean on Spirit-anointed and saturated preaching and living.

“And Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit...” Luke 4:14

...That You May Know...

“The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.”
1 John 5:10-15

The most important decision you will ever make is whether you will receive or refuse the offer of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Since your eternal destiny depends upon such a determination, do you think God wants you to be in continual confusion concerning the consequences of your decision?

Absolutely not. God is interested in you developing a growing, loving, secure relationship with His Son. As our Father, He wants us to be aware of our indisputable sonship. John’s epistle removes any doubt about salvation being a vacillating experience - moving in and out of the presence of God, forever wandering between heaven and hell.

“He who has the Son has the life...” (1 John 5:12). When you invite Christ in as Savior, He is there to stay. He will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5). You are sealed with the Holy Spirit. You are a son of God. Jesus abides in you because you are forgiven of your sins through His death. The obstacle to knowing God has been removed through His sin-bearing work at Calvary.

Your acceptance of His salvation by faith is a decisive act that puts Christ in you forever. Your behavior may hinder your enjoyment of God’s presence, but it can never for one second alter your oneness with Him.

“...having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise.” Ephesians 1:13

The New Covenant

“And He said to them, ‘I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.’ And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He said, ‘Take this and share it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes.’ And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.’” Luke 22:15-20

The word testament - as used in the biblical Old and New Testaments - originates from the Greek word for covenant. According to Bible Professor Charles Ryrie, “The word covenant meant an arrangement made by one party which the other party involved could accept or reject but not alter.” The primary basis for the old covenant was the Mosaic law. The sole basis for God’s new arrangement in dealing with sinful man is the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

The elements we reverently share at the Lord’s table are visual and tangible reminders that the forgiveness of God has been extended to man at a tremendous price: the spilt blood and bruised and broken body of Jesus Christ. The blood and body of Jesus were the supreme sacrifice for sin which was the only one that God, in His holy justice, could accept.

Since Jesus laid down His life for our sins, we now can receive God’s new covenant of forgiveness. We can have peace with God because the blood of Jesus has cleansed us from all of our sin. The next time you hold the cup and bread in your hands, remember that all of the grace, love, mercy, and hope of God is now yours because of the agony experienced by Jesus on the cross.

“...we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus.” Hebrews 10:19

Dressed for Battle

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:10-18

Proper dress is essential. If you’re a football player, you put on shoulder pads. If you’re a state trooper, you wear a uniform and a gun. If you’re a Christian, only one wardrobe will do: the full armor of God with which we can resist and overcome Satan. The reason we are to put on and take up this military-sounding apparel is simple: We are in a battle against an unseen foe, and you don’t dress casually for warfare. The suit looks like this:

The loins of truth: This is the truth of what God’s Word says about you. You are accepted by Him unconditionally. You are His child. You belong to Him forever. This is your guard against deception.

The breastplate of righteousness: This is your standing with God. He has declared you innocent of all sin through the blood of Christ. This is your guard against guilt.

The preparation of the gospel of peace: This is your means for sharing the good news of salvation with others, bringing them to the offer of peace through Christ. Your guard against complacency and self-centeredness.

The shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit: This is commitment to and reliance upon the Word of God for every circumstance - refusing to yield to temptation or to falter in trials. Your guard against unbelief and doubt.

Be ready, be prepared, be dressed!

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood...” Ephesians 6:12

Giving Thanks

“In the Lord I take refuge;
How can you say to my soul,
‘Flee as a bird to your mountain;
For, behold, the wicked bend the bow,
They make ready their arrow upon the string
To shoot in darkness at the upright in heart.
If the foundations are destroyed,
What can the righteous do?’

The Lord is in His holy temple;
the Lord’s throne is in heaven;
His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men.
The Lord tests the righteous and the wicked,
And the one who loves violence His soul hates.”
Psalm 11:1-5

Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy the day!

Our Position in Christ, Part 2

“Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin.

Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Romans 6:3-11

Located in Washington, D.C., are one hundred U.S. House of Representatives. Each represents the voting constituency of his or her home state. Some representatives from small districts represent only thousands of voters, while senators from large states - such as California and New York - represent millions. As our elected state officials, their votes legally represent their constituencies. For the record, their votes are our votes.

In a way this is how identification works. Jesus was not only our substitute on the cross, dying for us, but He was also our representative. John Scott, in his book The Cross, defines representation as “one who acts on behalf of another in such a way as to involved the other in his action...As our representative, He (Christ) did what we, by being united to Him, have also done: We have died and risen with Him.”

It was in His death, burial, and resurrection that Christ represented the entire human race. We are identified with Him, and we receive the merits of Christ’s work when we place our faith in Him and His redemptive labor. We are freed from the guilt and penalty of sin (died with Him) and empowered to live (risen with Him) an overcoming life.

“...through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life...” Romans 5:18

Our Position in Christ

“Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4

The first five chapters of Romans overflow with the great Bible doctrine of justification by faith which is the foundation of our salvation. Through the cross we have been declared righteous, and we have been changed from our former relationship of enmity with God to friendship with God.

In Romans 6 Paul introduces a new truth which the believer must embrace by faith and apply if he is to experience a growing, victorious Christian life. It is the principle of identification, and affirming its meaning and relevance is the first step to becoming more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:37). Identification means that we have been identified or placed by God into Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. In God’s eye and mind your sin was on the cross with Jesus.

That’s not all. You were also raised with Christ (Eph. 2:6). Jesus’ resurrection includes us because of our union with Him. This fact is just as certain as justification and reconciliation. To experience its reality, you must simply believe what the Bible says: You are crucified and risen with Christ (Rom. 6:4). Your role is to reckon or count it as done (Rom. 6:11).

“But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus...”
1 Corinthians 1:30

Complete in Christ, Part 2

“For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority.” Colossians 2:9-10

On a scale of one to ten, how complete would you say your life is? What person, job, object, or achievement would make your life more fulfilling? Most of us would have probably scored moderately high on the first question and added a few names or items to the second.

Did you know though that the Apostle Paul insisted that once we place our trust in Christ as Savior, at that instance we become “complete in Him”? The word complete in the original Greek meant full. When a person is full, he has no room for anything more. Think about this: If Christ is in you, your life is “a ten.” In Jesus Christ is “the fullness of Deity” (Col. 2:9). That is, Christ is the sum of all perfection - without blemish or want.

The same Christ resides in you and supplies “all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19). Therefore, when you have Christ, you have it all. You lack nothing. You possess eternal and abundant life. In Him is all of the wisdom, love, patience, kindness, and comfort you will ever need. No demand is unmet through the limitless resources of the indwelling Christ. Since you are complete in Him, your search for meaning is over. Christ is your life and that is enough.

“For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.” John 1:16

Complete in Christ

“Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.” Colossians 2:6-8

After World Wars I and II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars, POW has become a universally understood acronym. But did you know that countless more billions have become spiritual prisoners of war through the enslaving philosophies of the world system?

Satan deceitfully crafts appealing schools of thought which promise men freedom but in reality bring only frustrating servitude. While the dead-end reasonings of Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates were with the ancient, we encounter our own clever but misguided rationales:

Materialism promises a fulfilled life through the accumulation of goods and objects. Perhaps it is best described in the bumper sticker that reads “He who dies with the most toys wins.”

Humanism teaches that man is the center of the universe and that God is irrelevant. In fact, humanism says that, in essence, man is God - able to do anything he really desires.

Hedonism is the pursuit of personal pleasure and happiness through whatever means - drugs, sex, recreation. “If it feels good, do it” is its motto.

The outcome is the same: spiritual bondage and eventual spiritual death because they lack the capacity to impart genuine spiritual life.

“...the world through its wisdom did not come to know God...” 1 Corinthians 1:21

The Spirit of Truth

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also. In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.” John 14:15-21 

“These things I have spoken to you while abiding with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” John 14:25-27

How does God Himself, Whose immensity cannot be measured, reside in such frail bodies as ours? How does the transcendent Christ live in finite human temples?

While we may not comprehend the vastness of this principle, the method by which God imparts His presence is plain and clear in the Scriptures: Christ lives in us through His indwelling Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit Who supernaturally brings the reality of Christ into our earthly frames.

As the third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit is just as much deity as the Father and the Son. He imparts the life of Christ to us through His residence in our lives. The Holy Spirit reveals and shares with us all that Christ is. By making His home in us, He assures us of the presence and power of the risen Christ.

Because the Holy Spirit possess all of the attributes of deity and because He inhabits our mortal bodies, He is infinitely adequate to meet any of our needs. He is not a God far off but a God Who is near. The resurrected Christ is your sure and steadfast hope for all of life, a hope that is every believer’s to claim because of the indwelling ministry of the Holy Spirit.

“...for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you.”
John 16:14

The Essence of Triumphant Living

“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions. Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.” Colossians 1:24-29

Although the Christian life was never meant to be mysterious, we often act as if it is. Promises of discovering the newest biblical principle for victorious Christian living allure us. Seminars entice us with claims of revealing pivotal steps for fulfilled living. An assortment of books advertise their authors’ unique ingredients for the abundant life.

They all communicate the idea that if we can just uncover the key principle or verse or thought, then we can finally arrive in our Christian experience. The Scriptures, however, decry such shrouded secrecy. As the full revelation of God’s plan and purposes, they clearly light our path and illumine our minds.

At the core of Paul’s teaching concerning the vibrant, profitable Christian life is: “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27). That, in a nutshell, is the essence of triumphant living. It is no longer a mystery waiting to be solved by a solid fact for ever believer.

Jesus in us is all we need. His indwelling provides hope, comfort, strength, wisdom, direction, and joy. There is nothing mysterious about it. We are to depend on Him in ever detail of our existence. We already possess the answer for every demand of life - Jesus Christ within us.

“...resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself.” Colossians 2:2

Is Jesus First?

“He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.” Colossians 1:18

As Paul addresses the deity and power of Christ in the first chapter of Colossians, he continually stresses the preeminence of Christ. Paul says He is “the firstborn of all creation,” “the firstborn from the dead,” and the One Who is “to have first place in everything” (Col. 1:15, 18). Paul’s use of the term first place is not, however, the comparative term we sometimes imagine. He is not saying that Jesus is prominent - that is, that Christ is first, my family second, the church third, my job fourth, and so on. That isn’t Paul’s or God’s intention.

What Paul - and the Spirit Who inspired him - are attempting to communicate is that Jesus is preeminent. That means that Jesus is above and beyond anyone and anything. Jesus is to be first in our homes, first in our finances, first in our relationships, first in our jobs, first in our leisure time, first and foremost in every conceivable aspect of life. Nothing can compare to Christ. He came not to be on the top of a priority list but to fill all with His fullness.

Is Christ the undisputed Lord over all of your life, reigning supreme? Have you allowed Him “to have first place in everything”?

“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things...” Romans 11:36

Focus on Christ

“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.’” Matthew 16:13-18

“Okay, kids, let’s get ready for church.”
“Aw, Dad, do we have to go today?”
“My throat hurts and the kids in my Sunday school class pick on me.”
“Honey, I’m just worn out. Why don’t we rest today?”

Can you identify with this scene? Too often it’s a typical portrait of a Sunday morning household for which the church has lost its appeal. Somewhere along the way their zeal for and devotion to Christ have been lost and replaced by a rather lukewarm desire for worship. How does it happen? It can and does occur when the church becomes steeped in tradition, organization, and ritualism.

We don’t come to church just to hear the pastor, to sing, and to study. We come so that we might join in genuine worship of the Head of the church - Jesus Christ. Deliberately humbling ourselves and acknowledging God’s greatness are the ways to start revitalizing our worship experience. While worship is definitely a lifestyle, Sunday can take on a new meaning and bring renewed joy and energy as we focus on Christ.

“To Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus...” Ephesians 3:21

The Radiance of His Glory

“God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” Hebrews 1:1-3

Simply knowing that in Christ is the fullness of all deity is not enough. That is where we begin, but it must not be where we end. Peeking into the glory of God should bring us humbly to our knees in glad worship. The Maker, Creator, and Sustainer of all things - including us - should be the continual object of our joyful praise.

Such a holy glimpse must have been the experience of Robert Grant who wrote these words:
“O worship the King, all glorious above,
O gratefully sing His wonderful love;
Our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days,
Pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.
O tell of His might, O sing of His grace,
Whose robe is the light, whose canopy space.
His chariots of wrath the deep thunder clouds form,
And dark is His path on the wings of the storm.
Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail,
In Thee do we trust, not find Thee to fail;
Thy mercies how tender! How firm to the end!
Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend.”               

“Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable.” Psalm 145:3

My Source of Refuge

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:15-17

Are there times in your life when everything seems too much? When one more problem, one more of anything will be the final straw? Such overwhelming emotions have flooded all of our souls at some point. Perhaps they might describe exactly how you feel at this very moment. If so, then Paul’s description of the majesty of deity of Christ can be a wonderful brook of refreshment and spiritual nourishment for your frayed, weak spirit.

In these marvelous verses Christ is portrayed for exactly Who He is: the King of all things, men, and places - be they seen or unseen. Though quite doctrinal, these verses contain the fantastic truth that can lighten our loads and bring merriment to our hearts. Christ, Who created all things - stars, galaxies, oceans, continents, men - will give us His unlimited power to endure and triumph.

Measure your woes against God’s creative power. Can He deal with it? Does He have the resources to pull you through? A resounding yes is the only answer. We are weak but He is strong - and His strength becomes ours as we trust Him.

Our Inheritance

“For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:9-14

Many of our homes are filled with precious treasures that were passed down to us from previous generations. Because we have families, we share their legacy in the values and the wisdom they have tried to teach us and even in the material goods they have left behind. The same concept of a rich spiritual inheritance is repeated throughout Scripture. The singular, wonderful through expressed is this: All that belongs to Jesus Christ belongs to His saints.

As in most earthly inheritances, two stipulations apply: A death must take place, and we must be family members. Our spiritual inheritance was initiated and made possible by the sacrificial, substitutionary death of Jesus Christ. “...He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place...” that “...those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance”
(Heb. 9:15).
                           
That inheritance can be enjoyed only by God’s children who have placed their faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection and thereby have become saints. The believer’s inheritance includes the forgiveness of his sins, the presence of God in this world, and the riches of eternal life in the age to come. Can any earthly inheritance compare?   

“To obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away...” 1 Peter 1:4

The Word of Truth, Part 2

“This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:3-4

Each age has no end of philosophies, reasonings, and belief systems that are presented as truth. For truth to be substantiated it must meet three unyielding criteria.

Truth must be universal in that it must apply to everyone: African, European, American, and Asian. There can be no cultural distinctions if it is unalterable truth.

It must be uniform in that it must apply to everyone in the same manner. The criteria for applying ultimate truth cannot be differentiated to any degree. It must work equally as well for children as with adults - for the well-educated and the unschooled.

Truth must be unending in that it must be eternally valid. What was true for the fifth-century man must also be truth for the twentieth-century man.

Using those guidelines, there is only one body of truth that can suffice - the Word of Truth, the Bible. It applies to everyone - in the same manner - for every age. Whether one is a conquistador or a computer operator, rich or poor, black or white - the Bible is the truth upon which everyone can build a lasting life. It is the wisdom for salvation, liberated living, and eternal security. Are you building your life on the unalterable, all-sufficient truth of the Bible - or are you following the vain reasonings of man?

“...God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 2:25

The Word of Truth

“I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.” John 17:14-17

There are three questions that everyone must eventually answer:
1. Where did we come from?
2. Why are we here?
3. Where are we going?
                               
Philosophers, sages, and prophets have sought to provide solutions - all usually with unsatisfactory conclusions. The Bible, however, claims to have the only adequate response to each of these questions because it provides God’s omniscient perspective in contrast to the futile reasoning of man who is limited by time, education, observation, culture, and prejudice.

First, we come from God. He created us in His own image. We were placed on earth by God and for God. We are not the product of impersonal time or chance. Our origins are rooted in the eternal mind of God.

Second, we are here on earth to know and glorify God in our relationships and through our works.

Third, we shall return to God - for judgement if we have ignored or rejected His terms for knowing Him (reconciliation through the cross) or for everlasting joy if we have embraced His purposes and presence through the person of Jesus Christ.

All of these answers are revealed in the Word of Truth - the Bible - which alone can answer the perplexing problems than confront each generation.

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life...” John 14:6

Where Your Security Lies

“The plans of the heart belong to man,
but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight,
but the Lord weighs the motives.
Commit your works to the Lord
and your plans will be established.
The Lord has made everything for its own purpose,
even the wicked for the day of evil.” Proverbs 16:1-4

The older we grow, the more security-conscious we become. The prospects of putting kids through college and providing for retirement, savings, and investments take on disproportionate significance. In reality, however, our sense of well-bing is never assured. Economic collapse, sickness, political or environmental fluctuations, or any number of unknown factors could seriously jeopardize our best-laid plans. That is possible at any stage of life. That is the disquieting point of Proverbs 27:1: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.”

Our only genuine security lies in our relationship with Jesus Christ. That is universally applicable because God is sovereign which simple means that God is in control. He “guides and governs all events; circumstances, and free acts of angels and men and directs everything to its appointed goal for His own glory” (J.I. Packer, The New Bible Dictionary).
               
Your security lies in His power to work everything for your good and His glory. That is also eternally relevant because God is immutable. That means God is always the same and operates on unchanging principles.

“For I, the Lord, do not change...” Malachi 3:6

The New You, Part 3

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:12-17

How do we know what this new identity is? Paul gives a partial listing as he describes the qualitites of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, peace, and love. There are more characteristics, of course; but think of them this way. Each virtue is a part of our new wardrobe of righteousness.

Through the grace of God, each of these moral and spiritual garments has been hung in the innermost closet of our being. They are gifts from God - distributed equally to all men. However, like dressing for each day, it is our decision whether or not we will wear this heavenly attire. That is why Paul tells us to “... put on a heart of compassion...” (Col. 3:12). These spiritual garments are useless unless we wear them. How do we do that?

First, know they are already yours. You are “complete in Christ.” Everything you need as a person is yours to wear as a believer. You cannot purchase them with self-discipline or noble intent. You are “in Christ.” Therefore, they are yours.

Second, they become yours by simple faith. Just say, “God, I thank You today that You have given me the patience I need. I put on the patience of Christ.”

“If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25

The New You, Part 2

“But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:20-22       

“So also it is written, ‘The first man, Adam, became a living soul.’ The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.” 1 Corinthians 15:45

Trying to live a victorious Christian life while fighting ourselves is a losing proposition. But experiencing Christ’s triumph on a consistent basis against the power of sin makes the abundant life feasible.

The Bible speaks of it this way. Before we were saved, we were “in Adam.” That means we were totally apart from Christ, separated from His life, dead to His presence. We were enemies of the cross.

Once saved, by a supernatural act of God, we were placed “in Christ.” That means we are now entirely pleasing to the Heavenly Father. There is no part of our being that He does not lavish with His love. We are totally accepted in the Beloved because our old sin nature (what we were before Christ) has been crucified with Christ.

Even more the triumph of Christ over sin is now available to each of His children. Since we are in Him, all of His divine resources - His Word, His Spirit, His power - are ours to conquer the power of sin that indwells us but is no longer our master or our identity.

For the Christian, it is Christ and us against the power of sin, not Christ and me against me and sin. Our victory over dominating habits, treacherous passions, and emotional strongholds is entirely possible - for Christ is in us and for us.

“...Who will set me free...? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ...” Romans 7:24-25

The New You!

“But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him— a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.” Colossians 3:8-11

In the 1860s our nation was embroiled in a bitter civil war - one part of our country pitted against the other. In this century America also has fought in wars with and against other nations. As a believer, you participate in a spiritual battle with consequences that are just as deadly. Understanding the nature of the conflict, however, can greatly alter the outcome. Here’s why. When you received Christ as Savior, you not only received a new spirit, but you also became a distinctly new person. Your old identity apart from Christ has done away with.
                       
How does that affect your walk with Christ? Tremendously. As a new creature in Christ, you are no longer at war with yourself. It is not a civil war - the old John Doe versus the new John Doe. If that were the case, you would always be at odds with yourself, and that can be frustrating at best. Such tension often leads to a mediocre Christian experience - winning some and losing a lot.

The truth that sets you free is this: The battle you face is partisan - the new you against the principle and power of sin that still indwells you. This is a winnable war.

“So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.” Romans 7:17