Words are weighty things. Honestly, you can do so much good or so much destruction with one simple word. A words power however is not a simple thing; you see, the power is grounded in its meaning. The history, background, and story behind the word is what truly defines its weight and power. Perhaps this is why, despite the lack of time I devote to it, I love to read and write. With the right words, so much can be expressed and a depth reached that the soul is overwhelmed.
Sadly today I find the weightiness of one word in particular has lost a great deal of power. The story, and history behind it has been buried under the commercialism and festivities of our current day. Easter for many, even within the Church, has become just another day on the calendar. It's another Sunday with some special events thrown into the service to jog our memory of that one event that happened over two thousand years ago in a far away place.
But you see, Easter is so much more than just another holiday. Easter is the pivotal point in history. It far surpasses the greatness of Christmas. Even more, it distinguishes the Christian faith from every single other belief system, ever. There is power, a great deal of weight in the word Easter. It is grounded in a deeply rich historical story. It embodies the very definition of Holy; it is set apart, distinct from anything else. No other religion can claim what Easter signifies.
Easter is rooted in the factual, historical story of not the death of Jesus Christ, but the resurrection of the believer's Lord and Savior. What we truly celebrate at Easter is the triumphant, miraculous conquer and defeat of sin and death through the resurrection of Jesus that Sunday morning. This is what gives Easter its weight. The power behind Easter is the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
And it is this resurrection that the faith of the believer rests. Without the resurrection, Jesus is nothing more than a cheat and a liar. It was this fact that Jesus highlighted when He comforted the Disciples in John 14:1-4. Jesus knew the plan before Him, and that it would be fulfilled. Everything He had done, and would do, rested in the fact that He would rise from the dead three days after being buried. And what a miraculous event that was!
The Sunday morning after Jesus' death was sorrowful for the two Mary's who arrived at the tomb early only to find the stone moved away from the tomb entrance, the Roman seal broken and the Guards gone (Matthew 28). Let's pause here for just a moment. Many powerful things took place here that deserve our attention to fully grasp their importance. Regarding the stone blocking the entrance, it is believed that this stone weighed nearly 4,000 pounds. This was not easily moved to begin with, but was made more significant by the placement of a Seal of the Roman government and the placement of a Roman Guard as ordered by Pilate (Matthew 27:65-66). Breaking the Seal was punishable by crucifixion upside down, as it was considered treason to do such a thing. The Seal represented the power and authority of the Roman Empire itself. With respect to the Guard, it is shocking that he would have deserted his post. This would have been a battle hardened man, and he would have known the punishment for failure would have most likely been to be stripped of his clothes and burned alive with the clothing at his feet. Yet their encounter with the angel at the tomb was enough for even these battle hardened Roman Guards to be "...like dead men" (Matthew 28:4).
The Mary's arrived to find this scene, missing guards, a broken Roman Seal, an empty tomb, and an angel sitting on the stone that had been rolled away. The angel declared to the frightened women the good news of Jesus' resurrection (Luke 24:5-7), which they then took to the Disciples.
What has been declared one of the greatest scandals by liberals and skeptics alike, is the bedrock upon which all of the Christian faith rests. History demonstrates the truth and accuracy of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and this event continues to distinguish the Christian faith from any other. It is Holy in every way, distinct and set apart. This is the significance of Easter. This is why today is of such great importance. Nothing in history has ever occurred like this, and it never will.
This is the hope I have. Jesus came to earth and fulfilled numerous prophecies without flaw, died upon a cross in our place, and three days later He arose as a conqueror of sin and death to arise to the right hand of the Father, and prepare a place for His disciples (John 14:2). One day, He will return as is also prophesied, and take His disciples with Him (John 14:3).
I don't know where you are spiritually. Maybe this truth, the reality of the sovereignty of Jesus Christ, has been eating away at you. Maybe you celebrate Easter but have lost sight of the significance of this day. Maybe you are searching for a love that brings you to your knees upon realizing the grace and redemption that is found in His crucifixion, which was ours to take. Grace and mercy, forgiveness and redemption are waiting. They are found not so much in His death, but the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is through our faith in Christ that we too are raised to new life. His death satisfies the penalty we owed, His shed blood covers us. Before God we are no longer seen as filthy sinners, but redeemed, spotless lambs. Jesus said He is the only way to the Father, there is no other way to gain forgiveness for sins and access to the Father (John 14:6).
My prayer this Easter, as the day comes to a close, is that you will understand the significance of this day. That if you don't know Jesus as Lord and Savior, that you will stop playing games and bow your knee. That by faith, you will confess Him as Lord and Savior, deny your life and pick up the cross laid before you. I pray that this Easter would be one of renewal for you. Please, don't waste it.
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Friday, January 1, 2016
Needs and Provision
A new year has once again come upon us. For many it was an excuse to celebrate, drink in excess and party in unfavorable ways. Others celebrated still, but with more control and appropriateness. Personally, the dog and I went to bed early so we could make a delivery the next day.
Like many events, many of us celebrate differently. But there is one thing that almost all of us have in common with the coming of a new year. We may not be vocal about it; we may even deny we participate in it. It is something that in one way or another, in some fashion, we all do: new years resolutions. And we all know the gamete of choices made, from eating less and loosing weight to exercising more at the gym. Or maybe its to save more money, or spend more time with the family. What ever it is, this time of year seems to be the one time where almost if not everyone makes "life changing" decisions. Sadly though, few (including myself) are successful at keeping them as the new year wears on.
This has lead me to really think about the important things in life and where my priorities have landed. 2015 brought many big changes for me and my family. From the job change that really took off in January, to a cross-country move, the birth of our first child just to name a few, somewhere along the line I have dropped in priority the things that are most important. Leading my family, controlling my temper, committing myself to study of the Word on a consistent basis. To some these may not seem like big things, but for me they are vitally important simply because they signify a loss of understanding something everyone needs.
You see, every life needs four things. It doesn't matter who you are, what your gender is, where you live or come from, or what you do. Your age isn't a factor, and neither are your experiences. Everyone, regardless of every specific you can think of requires these four things to live: direction, reality, sustenance and a destination. Without a provision to these four needs a person remains stagnant and unproductive. Additionally, the wrong provisions to these four needs can result in a wrecked life and potential injury to those around you.
And this is my struggle, one that in all honesty I convinced myself was just a "phase" that would correct itself (talk about denial): the provision I was relying on for those four needs was not right. I had lost focus on what was of primary importance, and more importantly who. My focus had shifted to material things, and thinking that I could solve my own problems. Frankly, this is the mindset of much of the world today, and even many of the religions when you break them down. I knew my faith didn't support this thinking. It struck me as funny when a verse I have known my entire life came to mind and so simply answered the needs I listed. It isn't complicated, but it is profound.
Jesus in answering another man's question, answered mine. He provides direction, reality, sustenance and a destination. No other person can do this. Jesus also makes it clear that what He offers is exclusive; any other path does not result in heaven being your destination, contrary to what pop-culture and other religions say. Jesus is it. That is exactly what I needed reminded of.
I don't know, but maybe you are in a similar boat I found myself in. Maybe you have never met Jesus, despite going to church or growing up in a "Christian" family. Don't be fooled, those things don't make you a believer, much like sitting in a garage doesn't make you a car. Maybe you are like me, and have realized the direction you have been heading isn't getting you where you want to be. The answer isn't complicated.
It's a new year, and a perfect time to set things straight. I invite you to accept the provision to our needs through Jesus Christ. This doesn't "fix" every problem or stop every suffering, let's not get a warped idea of following Christ. He does though provide the grace and mercy to walk through the fire. And He promises a destination greater than anything you can imagine. All He requires is belief in His atoning sacrifice upon the cross in our place. It's been done for everyone, but only those who accept it as their own and surrender their life to Him in obedience to follow Him are granted the destination of heaven.
So I end with this: looking for a new direction with the turn of 2016? You don't have to look any more. All you have to do is decide.
Like many events, many of us celebrate differently. But there is one thing that almost all of us have in common with the coming of a new year. We may not be vocal about it; we may even deny we participate in it. It is something that in one way or another, in some fashion, we all do: new years resolutions. And we all know the gamete of choices made, from eating less and loosing weight to exercising more at the gym. Or maybe its to save more money, or spend more time with the family. What ever it is, this time of year seems to be the one time where almost if not everyone makes "life changing" decisions. Sadly though, few (including myself) are successful at keeping them as the new year wears on.
This has lead me to really think about the important things in life and where my priorities have landed. 2015 brought many big changes for me and my family. From the job change that really took off in January, to a cross-country move, the birth of our first child just to name a few, somewhere along the line I have dropped in priority the things that are most important. Leading my family, controlling my temper, committing myself to study of the Word on a consistent basis. To some these may not seem like big things, but for me they are vitally important simply because they signify a loss of understanding something everyone needs.
You see, every life needs four things. It doesn't matter who you are, what your gender is, where you live or come from, or what you do. Your age isn't a factor, and neither are your experiences. Everyone, regardless of every specific you can think of requires these four things to live: direction, reality, sustenance and a destination. Without a provision to these four needs a person remains stagnant and unproductive. Additionally, the wrong provisions to these four needs can result in a wrecked life and potential injury to those around you.
And this is my struggle, one that in all honesty I convinced myself was just a "phase" that would correct itself (talk about denial): the provision I was relying on for those four needs was not right. I had lost focus on what was of primary importance, and more importantly who. My focus had shifted to material things, and thinking that I could solve my own problems. Frankly, this is the mindset of much of the world today, and even many of the religions when you break them down. I knew my faith didn't support this thinking. It struck me as funny when a verse I have known my entire life came to mind and so simply answered the needs I listed. It isn't complicated, but it is profound.
"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me.'" - John 14:6
Jesus in answering another man's question, answered mine. He provides direction, reality, sustenance and a destination. No other person can do this. Jesus also makes it clear that what He offers is exclusive; any other path does not result in heaven being your destination, contrary to what pop-culture and other religions say. Jesus is it. That is exactly what I needed reminded of.
I don't know, but maybe you are in a similar boat I found myself in. Maybe you have never met Jesus, despite going to church or growing up in a "Christian" family. Don't be fooled, those things don't make you a believer, much like sitting in a garage doesn't make you a car. Maybe you are like me, and have realized the direction you have been heading isn't getting you where you want to be. The answer isn't complicated.
It's a new year, and a perfect time to set things straight. I invite you to accept the provision to our needs through Jesus Christ. This doesn't "fix" every problem or stop every suffering, let's not get a warped idea of following Christ. He does though provide the grace and mercy to walk through the fire. And He promises a destination greater than anything you can imagine. All He requires is belief in His atoning sacrifice upon the cross in our place. It's been done for everyone, but only those who accept it as their own and surrender their life to Him in obedience to follow Him are granted the destination of heaven.
So I end with this: looking for a new direction with the turn of 2016? You don't have to look any more. All you have to do is decide.
Monday, September 7, 2015
Authority: there is only One
I wrote the other night on a "hot topic" that has taken center stage in our society, homosexuality and the acceptance of it as a lifestyle. And while I am not going to dive into it again tonight, there was a point I made in light of it that is the focus of tonight's post. Many years ago there began this movement in thought that has been titled existentialism. Many people know what it is, yet don't know it by that title. Today it is often disguised, though in a historically incorrect way, as tolerance. It's the idea that what works for you works for you and what works for me works for me. Your truth is your truth, and my truth is my truth. It is in essence the abolition of absolutes in exchange for the defining of our own truth. The issue with it today being under the guise of tolerance is that if you do not agree with the tolerant person's truth, then you are wrong and intolerant; yet it is acceptable for them to slander you for disagreeing with their tolerant views. It's a complete double standard aside from the logical problems associated with existentialism itself.
But before I get to far down a rabbit hole regarding existentialism (maybe some time we will journey down that road from a logical perspective), I want to get back to the point of tonight's post. That being a truth that is disregarded in light of existentialism, even within the Church. Specifically the Pope of the Catholic Church, which many gravitate towards in and outside the Church. So what is my concern with the Pope (this time)? You may recall a declaration he made the other week regarding women and abortion.
"I have decided, notwithstanding anything to the contrary, to concede to all priests for the Jubilee Year the discretion to absolve of the sin of abortion those who have procured it and who, with contrite heart, seek forgiveness for it."
Now, this sounds great; and don't get me wrong, forgiveness for sin is! Yet in this statement comes to light a major flaw within Roman Catholic dogma (tradition): that being the word of the Pope is of equal and/or greater authority than Scripture. This is a major divide between Roman Catholic and Protestantism, rooted in the actions of Martin Luther confronting the Roman Catholic Church in his day and declaring "Sola Scripture", translated from Latin to be "Scripture Alone". Luther's issue was what I just highlighted, that within the Roman Catholic Church, Scripture alone was not the authority for the Church and believer. While not termed this yet, in essence the Roman Catholic Church was practicing a type of existentialism reserved for the Pope, and we continue to see this today in the form of Church dogma.
So why is this an issue? He is the Pope after all, right? One must keep in mind that regardless of title, all are human. Only Christ walked this earth perfect and sinless, as God in flesh. The truth is that there is only one absolute authority, God. He provides His truth through Scripture and the working of the Holy Spirit; and on that note let me clarify that the work of the Holy Spirit should be able to be confirmed by Scripture. What do I mean by that? One must be able to distinguish the moving of the Holy Spirit from indigestion; and Scripture is the ruler by which we can measure. For example, if you think God has spoken to you through the Holy Spirit and yet what He told you fails to measure up to Scripture, then what you heard was not true. John instructs us to do just this with every spirit (1 John 4:1-3).
Paul clarifies that Scripture is authoritative in his instructions to Timothy (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Paul makes it clear that Scripture holds the answers one needs for life, and in that completeness, the absolute authority on how man should live. We must remember our condition, of which the Pope is also subject to. We are fallen sinners, though with salvation we are redeemed before God. And while we are empowered with the Holy Spirit, we are still prone to sin and fallible (Romans 8).
The truth is that regardless of a declaration made by the Pope, he does not hold the authority to forgive sins. The truth is that Jesus Christ is the only One who has the power and authority to grant forgiveness, and God ensured this long before the Pope. And it doesn't just apply to abortion; forgiveness is available for all sins as I stated in my previous post. John made this clear for us when he wrote,
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
It's not complicated. You don't have to wait for permission from the Pope and a blessing from a priest. All it takes is sincere confession to God; David illustrates this in Psalm 51. Now, to be clear this is reserved for a believer in context. Apart from Christ as Savior and Lord there is no forgiveness. This takes confession in and of itself; we must stop trusting in ourselves or anything else, thinking we are "good" enough to stand before God and please Him. Paul in his letter to the Roman Church makes it clear that on our own we are all sinners before God, and that His law only brings to light our sin and need for redemption (Romans 3:9-20). With this news however, Paul also makes it clear that redemption is a free gift through the acceptance of Christ's sacrifice upon the cross (3:23-26).
It's not up to a man. It's not up to you or me. The issue of forgiveness being granted has already been decided, and God said yes. We just have to participate by accepting His Son's sacrifice in our place. It's really that simple. While it sounds "cool" to hear the Pope make his declarations, remember he doesn't hold the authority proclaimed.
God does.
It's absolute, unchanging, gracious, and just.
What do you want to put your faith in?
But before I get to far down a rabbit hole regarding existentialism (maybe some time we will journey down that road from a logical perspective), I want to get back to the point of tonight's post. That being a truth that is disregarded in light of existentialism, even within the Church. Specifically the Pope of the Catholic Church, which many gravitate towards in and outside the Church. So what is my concern with the Pope (this time)? You may recall a declaration he made the other week regarding women and abortion.
"I have decided, notwithstanding anything to the contrary, to concede to all priests for the Jubilee Year the discretion to absolve of the sin of abortion those who have procured it and who, with contrite heart, seek forgiveness for it."
Now, this sounds great; and don't get me wrong, forgiveness for sin is! Yet in this statement comes to light a major flaw within Roman Catholic dogma (tradition): that being the word of the Pope is of equal and/or greater authority than Scripture. This is a major divide between Roman Catholic and Protestantism, rooted in the actions of Martin Luther confronting the Roman Catholic Church in his day and declaring "Sola Scripture", translated from Latin to be "Scripture Alone". Luther's issue was what I just highlighted, that within the Roman Catholic Church, Scripture alone was not the authority for the Church and believer. While not termed this yet, in essence the Roman Catholic Church was practicing a type of existentialism reserved for the Pope, and we continue to see this today in the form of Church dogma.
So why is this an issue? He is the Pope after all, right? One must keep in mind that regardless of title, all are human. Only Christ walked this earth perfect and sinless, as God in flesh. The truth is that there is only one absolute authority, God. He provides His truth through Scripture and the working of the Holy Spirit; and on that note let me clarify that the work of the Holy Spirit should be able to be confirmed by Scripture. What do I mean by that? One must be able to distinguish the moving of the Holy Spirit from indigestion; and Scripture is the ruler by which we can measure. For example, if you think God has spoken to you through the Holy Spirit and yet what He told you fails to measure up to Scripture, then what you heard was not true. John instructs us to do just this with every spirit (1 John 4:1-3).
Paul clarifies that Scripture is authoritative in his instructions to Timothy (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Paul makes it clear that Scripture holds the answers one needs for life, and in that completeness, the absolute authority on how man should live. We must remember our condition, of which the Pope is also subject to. We are fallen sinners, though with salvation we are redeemed before God. And while we are empowered with the Holy Spirit, we are still prone to sin and fallible (Romans 8).
The truth is that regardless of a declaration made by the Pope, he does not hold the authority to forgive sins. The truth is that Jesus Christ is the only One who has the power and authority to grant forgiveness, and God ensured this long before the Pope. And it doesn't just apply to abortion; forgiveness is available for all sins as I stated in my previous post. John made this clear for us when he wrote,
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
It's not complicated. You don't have to wait for permission from the Pope and a blessing from a priest. All it takes is sincere confession to God; David illustrates this in Psalm 51. Now, to be clear this is reserved for a believer in context. Apart from Christ as Savior and Lord there is no forgiveness. This takes confession in and of itself; we must stop trusting in ourselves or anything else, thinking we are "good" enough to stand before God and please Him. Paul in his letter to the Roman Church makes it clear that on our own we are all sinners before God, and that His law only brings to light our sin and need for redemption (Romans 3:9-20). With this news however, Paul also makes it clear that redemption is a free gift through the acceptance of Christ's sacrifice upon the cross (3:23-26).
It's not up to a man. It's not up to you or me. The issue of forgiveness being granted has already been decided, and God said yes. We just have to participate by accepting His Son's sacrifice in our place. It's really that simple. While it sounds "cool" to hear the Pope make his declarations, remember he doesn't hold the authority proclaimed.
God does.
It's absolute, unchanging, gracious, and just.
What do you want to put your faith in?
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