Pastor Jonathan's Blog

Chosen by Grace

2012-02-06T15:05:00.000-04:00

Part 3 of a series through the book of Ephesians

You can listen to this sermon here.

Valued by God

Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him (Eph. 1:4).

How does a child feel when he or she is chosen first to be on a team? The child feels valued. Ephesians 1:4 says that believers have been chosen by God. (However, God’s choosing is not based on merit.)

Those who have been chosen by God are valued by God.

The Doctrine of Divine Election

In the original Greek, 1:3-14 is one long sentence of 202 words. Scholars call this passage a eulogy. It could also be described as an outburst of praise. In verse 3, Paul writes that believers have been blessed by God “with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” Then in the remaining verses of the eulogy, Paul lists several of the blessings believers have been given. The first blessing on Paul’s praise list is election.

In Scripture, the “elect” are individuals who have been chosen by God to be saved. Christians (Calvinists and Arminians) have different views on the doctrine of divine election. Four truths about elections are found in 1:4.

1. We were chosen because of God's grace.

“[God] chose us.” The Greek word for “chose” (eklegomai) is found 22 times in the NT (Luke 6:13; 9:35; 10:42; 14:7; John 6:70; 13:18; 15:16, 19; 1 Cor. 1:27, 28; Eph. 1:4). Out of the 22 times the word is used in the NT, either God or Jesus chooses in 16 instances.

The doctrine of election requires humility. We must accept that all God does is perfect, even if we don’t understand it. In Paul’s discussion of election in Romans 9, he writes, “Who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, ‘Why have you made me like this?’” (Rom. 9:20).

The doctrine of election also eliminates boasting. “[Salvation] is not [our] own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph. 2:8-9; cf. 1 Cor. 1:29). If God chose you, it wasn’t because you were superior to anyone else.

Theologians have debated this doctrine for centuries, but the reason why Paul brings it up here is to encourage believers to praise God for his grace. The doctrine of election should generate more praise than debate.

The doctrine of election is extremely difficult and, as a result, often misunderstood. First, election is not unjust.Actually, it would be perfectly fair for God not to save anyone. “God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment” (2 Peter 2:4). “The real problem is not why he had not chosen some, but why he chose any” (Harold W. Hoehner, Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary, p. 176).

Second, election is not random.God did not choose to save random individuals. He didn’t go, “Eeny, meeny, miny, moe.” God knew everything about every person he elected.

Third, election is not fatalistic.Scripture emphasizes both divine election and human choice. Acts 13:48 states, “As many as were appointed to eternal life believed.” Jesus declared, “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out” (John 6:37). No one should ever worry if he or she is elect. The Bible promises, “Whoever believes in [Jesus] shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV). If you choose to believe, you were already been chosen by God.

Many Christians argue that the doctrine of election discourages evangelism. But Paul asks, “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (Rom. 10:14). Actually, election can be seen as encouraging evangelism. Paul writes, ”I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory” (2 Tim. 2:10; cf. 1 Thess. 1:4-5). Paul kept on sharing the gospel because he knew there were many elect people who were not yet saved. (If a fisherman knows there are “elect” fish in the lake, he will be encouraged to keep on fishing.) Election is the guarantee that there will some evangelistic success.

Fourth, election is not based on God’s foreknowledge of our faith.First Peter 1:1-2 refers to “those who are elect…according to the foreknowledge of God the Father.” Many Christians believe that this means God foresaw who would believe and chose those individuals for salvation. But foreknowledge means more than a mere awareness of facts. When God called Jeremiah to be a prophet, he said, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations” (Jer. 1:5). And in Amos 3:2, God said to the people of Israel, “You only have I known of all the families of the earth.” In Scripture, “knowing” someone can indicate a special relationship. (“Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain,” Gen. 4:1). When God chose us to be saved, he decided to initiate a saving relationship with us.If election was based on foreknowledge of our faith, God would be stripped of his sovereignty. “God chose us simply because he decided to bestow his love upon us. It was not because of any foreseen faith or foreseen merit in us” (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, p. 679).

2. We were chosen because of Christ's work.

God chose us “in [Christ].” The title “Christ” means “the anointed one.” (“Christ” and “Messiah” are synonymous.) In the OT, a king or a priest was anointed with oil, demonstrating that he had been chosen by God for that position. As “Christ,” Jesus was the one anointed to be humanity’s Savior. He is the ultimate Chosen One. During the transfiguration of Christ, “a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen One’” (Luke 9:35; cf. 23:35). Without Christ and his cross, there could be no salvation. And without salvation, there could be no election.

3. We were chosen in eternity past.

God chose us “before the foundation of the world.” This is the time of election. Before creation, God decided that he would save people from sin through Christ, the one loved by God “before the foundation of the world” (John 17:14; cf. 1 Peter 1:20). “[God] saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ before the ages began” (2 Tim. 1:9).

4. We were chosen for a purpose.

God chose us “that we should be holy and blameless before [God].” This is the purpose of our election. To be “holy” means to be unique. In Isaiah 6:3, the angels cried, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts.” God who is holy is different from other gods, and so people who are holy are to be different from other people. Believers are to reflect God’s character. “As he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:16; cf. Lev. 11:44).

To be “blameless” means be without sin. The Greek word for “blameless” (amomos) is also translated as “without blemish” in the NT. First Peter 1:19 describes Christ as “a lamb without blemish or spot” (cf. Heb. 9:14). Paul writes in Romans 8:28-29, “Those whom [God] foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified” (Rom. 8:29-30). “The divine purpose in our election was not simply to repair the damage done by sin but also to fulfill God’s original intention for humankind, namely, to create for himself a people perfectly conformed to the likeness of his Son” (Peter T. O’Brien, The Letter to the Ephesians, p. 100).

Being conformed to the likeness of Christ and being holy as God is holy are goals that cannot be fully reached in this life. “Before him” probably indicates that Paul is thinking about the future day when the believer will stand in God’s presence. Later in Ephesians, Paul writes that “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish” (5:25-27; cf. Col. 1:22; Jude 24). “However, there is a necessary correlation between what God is going to do in the future for believers and what he is presently doing for them. Since he is preparing believers to go into his presence holy and without blame, certainly that is what he desires for them now….” (Hoehner, Ephesians, p. 179).

Responsible to God

How should a politician who has been chosen to govern feel? He should feel responsible to the people who elected him. He should be determined to do his best.

Those who have been chosen by God are responsible to God.

You're Richer Than You Think

2012-01-31T11:47:00.000-04:00

Part 2 of a series through the book of Ephesians

You can listen to this sermon here.

Richer Than You Think?

Scotiabank’s slogan is “You’re richer than you think.” (Scotiabank’s net income in 2011 was $5.27 billion. Perhaps their slogan should be “We’re richer than you think.”) However, according to the Canadian Payroll Association, almost 60% of Canadians are living from paycheque to paycheque. Many Canadians are poorer than they think.

Sometimes I check coats at my home for lost money. (I think I found a $5 bill once. Usually, though, I only find pennies.) Searching under couch cushions is probably a better way to find money.

A poor rancher in West Texas named Ira Yates became a millionaire when a giant oil field was discovered on his property. The Yates Oil Field has produced more than one billion barrels of oil. Before the oil was discovered, Yates was having trouble paying the mortgage and taxes on his ranch. He was richer than he thought!

We’d all like to believe that we are richer financially than we think. If you are a Christian, you’re richer spiritually than you think.

Rich Because of God

In Paul’s letters he usually begins by thanking his readers. But in this letter Paul starts by praising God (1:3-14). In the original Greek 1:3-14 is a one long sentence of 202 words. Scholars refer to this sentence of praise as a eulogy. (A eulogy is a speech or writing in praise of a person or thing.) Paul’s eulogy praises all three persons of the Trinity: Father (vv. 4-6), Son (vv. 7-12), and Holy Spirit (vv. 13-14). Verse 3 is a summary of the whole eulogy. In this verse “bless” appears three times (eulogetos, “blessed”; eulogeo, “blessed”; eulogia, “blessings”).

1. God is to be blessed.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (1:3a).

“Blessed” means “praised.” “The concept of blessing with reference to God is not expressing a wish, ‘blessed be God,’ but rather a declaration, ‘blessed is God’” (Harold W. Hoehner, Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary, p. 162). Two other NT eulogies begin the same way (2 Cor. 1:3; 2 Peter 1:3). In the NT eulogetos (“blessed”) is used eight times, and it is never of humans but only of God (Mark 14:61; Luke 1:68; Rom. 1:25; 9:5; 2 Cor. 1:3; 11:31; Eph. 1:3; 1 Peter 1:3).

Why should God be blessed?

2. God has blessed us in Christ.

Who has blessed us in Christ (1:3b).

“Us” refers not only to Paul and his original readers, but to all of God’s people. The blessings Paul is talking about were not given to us because of who we are or what we have done. We have been blessed by God because we are “in Christ.”

By birth, we are in Adam (the head of the human race). “Sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned” (Rom. 5:12). By grace through faith, we are in Christ (the head of the church). “If, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:17). Those who are in Adam are cursed, but those who are in Christ are blessed. “As in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Cor. 15:22).

How has God blessed us in Christ?

3. God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing.

With every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (1:3b).

God has blessed us with “spiritual” blessings. “Spiritual” could mean that these blessings are not material. However, “spiritual” probably indicates that these blessings are from the Holy Spirit.God has not merely given us some spiritual blessings. He was given us “every” spiritual blessing. These blessings are products of God’s grace. They include election (v. 4), adoption (vv. 5-6), redemption (v. 7a), forgiveness (v. 7b), revelation (vv. 9-10), an inheritance (vv. 11-12), and sealing (vv. 13-14). Notice that three times in this eulogy, Paul emphasizes that God deserves to be glorified because of these blessings: “to the praise of his glorious grace” (v. 6); “to the praise of his glory” (v. 12); “to the praise of his glory” (v. 14).

These spiritual blessings are “in the heavenly places.” This phrase is used five times in Ephesians (1:3, 20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12). “[God] raised [Christ] from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places” (1:20). And God “raised us up with [Christ] and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (2:6). Christ is “in the heavenly places” and we are “in Christ Jesus.” This world is not the only reality. There is an unseen realm. In this realm Christ is already exalted as Lord. In this realm we are blessed. The world might not see us as blessed, but “in the heavenly places” it is evident that we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing.

In Ephesus there was widespread worship of the goddess Artemis. (The temple of Artemis in Ephesus was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.) The first temple of Artemis contained a sacred stone that had fallen from the sky (cf. Acts 19:35), probably a meteorite. Perhaps Paul is contrasting the worship of Artemis with the worship of Jesus. The believers in Ephesus have something better than a rock that fell from the heavens. They have “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.”

Richer Than You Think!

Compared to most people on earth, we are richer financially than we think. According to Global Rich List (globalrichlist.com), if your annual income is $20,000, you are in the top 11.6% richest people in the world! If your annual income is $35,000, you are in the top 6.36% richest people in the world! If your annual income is $50,000, you are in the top 1.78% richest people in the world!

Of course, financial riches are temporary. (Steve Jobs had a lot of money, but he didn’t take any of it with him when he died.) But spiritual riches are eternal. If you are “in Christ,” you are richer than you think. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” All of these blessings have been given to us by God’s grace. Our lives should bless God each day because of all of the blessings from him.

An Introduction to Ephesians

2012-01-25T15:45:00.000-04:00

Part 1 of a series through the book of Ephesians

Introducing Ephesians

A brief introduction to the book of Ephesians:

The author: Paul. Paul refers to himself by name in 1:1 and 3:1.

The date: around A. D. 62. Paul probably wrote Ephesians while imprisoned in Rome (cf. 3:1; 4:1).

The recipients: the Ephesians. Ephesus was an important city in Asia Minor (present day Turkey). Paul knew the Ephesians well (cf. Acts 20:17-38). Many scholars claim that Paul could not be the author of Ephesians because of its impersonal nature. However, Ephesians could have originally been a circular letter (intended for several other churches in the area). The words “in Ephesus” are missing from a few early manuscripts.

The purpose: to teach proper theology and behavior. Ephesians is about our riches (chaps. 1-3) and our responsibilities (chaps. 4-6). “The whole letter is thus a magnificent combination of Christian doctrine and Christian duty, Christian faith and Christian life, what God has done through Christ and what we must be and do in consequence” (John Stott, God’s New Society, 25).

The genre: letter.

Grace, Not Religion

The book of Ephesians praises God for His grace, not us for our religion. “Grace” means “undeserved kindness.”

Religion is about what I can do. Grace is about what God has done.

Even the opening of Ephesians reveals that Christianity is all about grace, not religion.

1. Because of God’s grace, Paul was an apostle.

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God (1:1a).

An “apostle” is “one who is sent.” In the NT, the term “apostle” is used in three different ways: (1) office (the original Twelve who had been with Jesus during His earthly ministry and had seen Him after the resurrection, Acts 1:21-22), (2) gift (men like Barnabas, Acts 14:4, 14; 1 Cor. 9:5-7), (3) Paul (an exception to the rule, “Last of all, as to one untimely born, [Jesus] appeared also to me,” 1 Cor. 15:8). As an apostle “of Jesus Christ” Paul possessed authority. “An apostle was an official delegate of Jesus Christ commissioned for the specific tasks of proclaiming authoritatively the message in oral and written form and of establishing and the building up of churches” (Harold Hoehner, Ephesians, 136).

Paul was an apostle “by the will of God.” He didn’t pursue the office of an apostle. The first time we find Paul (Saul) in Scripture, he is present at the stoning of Stephen. “And Saul approved of his execution” (Acts 8:1; cf. 22:20). “Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison” (Acts 8:3; cf. 22:4-5). “I [Paul] not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them” (Acts 26:10). When Paul was converted, he was one his way to Damascus to arrest Christians (Acts 8:1-9). A persecutor of the church (cf. Gal. 1:13, 23; Phil. 3:6; 1 Tim. 1:13) was the least likely person to be an apostle. Paul declared, “I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Cor. 15:9-10; cf. Gal. 1:15).

2. Because of God’s grace, the Ephesians were saints.

To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus (1:1b).

“Saints” are not a special class of Christians (Catholicism). Every believer is a saint. “Saints” are “holy ones.” But we don’t become saints by being holy. We are saints because we are “in Christ Jesus.” The phrase “in Christ” (or the equivalent) occurs nine times in 1:3-23 and 164 times in all Paul’s writings (James Montgomery Boice, Ephesians, 6). We are united to Christ (head/body), so what is true of Him (holiness) is true of us. Because we are holy by our position, we should be holy in our practice. In other words, saints should act saintly.

3. Because of God’s grace, sinners can have peace with God and believers can have peace with one another.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (1:2).

Grace is the cause. Peace is the effect. Without God, were are helpless and hopeless. We needed to be rescued.

The Story

2012-01-17T12:04:00.001-04:00

You can listen to this sermon here.

[This sermon was based on the booklet The Story by Spread the Truth Ministries.]

The Bible Is the Story

This past December I watched the classic Christmas movie White Christmas. I had seen the ending a couple of times, but had never watched it from start to finish. When I watched the whole movie, the ending made sense.

“Many people know stories from the Bible but do not know the story of the Bible. That’s like having a handful of pearls with no string to link them together.”—Colin S. Smith, Unlocking the Bible Story

The way you view the Bible determines the way you look at life. Christians tend to view the Bible one of two ways: the reference book perspective and (2) the one single story perspective.

“And [Jesus] said to them [two discouraged disciples], ‘O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter his glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:25-27). The disciples had the wrong story. Jesus had to show them that the whole Old Testament told the story that the Christ would suffer first and then be exalted.

“The Bible isn’t mainly about you and what you should be doing. It’s about God and what he has done…. The Bible is most of all a Story. It’s an adventure story about a young Hero who comes from a far country to win back his lost treasure. It’s a love story about a brave Prince who leaves his palace, his throne—everything—to rescue the one he loves. It’s like the most wonderful of fairy tales that has come true in real life! You see, the best thing about this Story is—it’s true. There are lots of stories in the Bible, but all the stories are telling one Big Story. The Story of how God loves his children and comes to rescue them.”—Sally Lloyd-Jones, The Jesus Storybook Bible

The Bible’s story answers four crucial questions: How did it all begin? What went wrong? Is there any hope? What will the future hold?

How Did It All Begin?

1. The Creation

Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God (Ps. 90:2).

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth (Gen. 1:1).

Adam and Eve were created in God’s image. “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them” (Gen. 1:26-27).

“God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good” (Gen. 1:31). At the beginning, Adam and Eve were in perfect harmony with God, creation, and each other.

God’s purpose for mankind: to fill the earth with worshipers.

But something tragic happened…

What Went Wrong?

2. The Fall

So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate (Gen. 3:6).

Sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned (Rom. 5:12).

The entire world is guilty before God (Rom. 3:19 NLT).

None is righteous, no, not one (Rom. 3:10).

Humanity is now broken spiritually (disconnected from God), physically (disease), socially (conflicts in families and marriages), emotionally (skyrocketing need for anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medication), and morally (overflowing prison system).

God’s purpose replaced: man chose to worship other things.

Can anything be done?

Is There Any Hope?

3. The Rescue

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God (1 Peter 3:18).

Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world (Gal. 1:4 NLT).

“Religion is man’s attempt to make things right with God and takes on infinite forms, but ultimately it translates into man’s independent effort to return to right standing with God.”—George Robinson

The first mention of the gospel is in Genesis 3:15. “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” The Bible is one long detailed answer to one short and crucial question: Who is that Seed who was promised to come?

God’s purpose made possible: Jesus rescues man from the bondage of sin.

“The Christian gospel is that I am so flawed that Jesus had to die for me, yet I am so loved and valued that Jesus was glad to die for me.”—Timothy Keller, The Reason for God

But the story doesn’t end there…

What Will the Future Hold?

4. The Restoration

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.... God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away (Rev. 21:1, 3-4).

“Behold, I am making all things new” (Rev. 21:5).

God has promised a complete restoration for humanity. We will be restored spiritually, physically, socially, emotionally, and morally.

God’s purpose fulfilled: to fill the earth with redeemed worshipers.

Your Part in the Story

The question for each of us is this: Am I living my life from the story I’m crafting for myself, or am I living life based on God’s redemption found in Christ and the story He is crafting through-out history?

Resolved

2012-01-11T16:26:00.000-04:00

You can listen to the sermon here.

Goals and Resolutions

Did you make a New Year’s resolution? Popular resolutions include losing weight, quitting smoking, getting out of debt, learning a new skill, and reading through the Bible.

According to an article a recently read on lifehacker.com, there is a difference between goals and resolutions. A goal is a specific achievement. A resolution is a permanent change It could be said that resolutions help us reach goals.

[Christ] we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ (Col. 1:28).

The goal: Become a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ.

Numerous NT passages show us that this is God's desire for all believers.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order than he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified” (Rom. 8:28-30).

“And [Christ] gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of the ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:11-13).

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6).

“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way” (Phil. 3:12-15a).

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19-20a). The goal of the Great Commission was that people be saved and eventually be spiritually mature.

Of course, the goal of full devotion to Christ is not possible in this life. Does that mean we shouldn’t bother trying? No. It’s often said, “Practice makes perfect.” However, in reality, no amount of practice can bring perfection. A guitarist can become better with practice, but he will never reach the point where he no longer makes mistakes. But this doesn’t cause the dedicated guitarist to give up. The same should be true of us. We won’t reach spiritual perfection, but we can progress closer to the goal each day.

Progressing Toward the Goal

Make three resolutions to help you progress toward the goal:

1. Resolve to be a growing follower of Christ.

How can you be a growing follower of Christ? (1) Demonstrate your commitment to Christ by being baptized. (2) Show your commitment to other believers by joining the membership of a church. (3) Strive to increase in the knowledge and obedience of Scripture. (4) Regularly pray. (5) Love others.

2. Resolve to be a giving follower of Christ.

How can you be a giving follower of Christ? (1) Use your unique personality, abilities, and spiritual gifts to serve. (2) Be a generous, joyful giver of your God-given resources.

3. Resolve to be a going follower of Christ.

How can you be a going follower of Christ? (1) Build authentic relationships with unsaved people. (2) Share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the unsaved.

Christmas in 50 Words

2011-12-26T11:22:00.001-04:00

We showed this video in our Christmas Eve service.

The Promise of the Righteous Branch

2011-12-20T00:50:00.003-04:00

Listen to the sermon here.

The Promise Fulfilled

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land” (Jer.23:5).

“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:31-33).

What was the significance of the promise of the righteous Branch? (1) The promise was given during days of injustice and righteousness. (2) The promise foretold that the Messiah would be a descendent of David. “Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever” (2 Sam. 7:16). (3) The promise was given to provide hope.

Jesus Is the King

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be one his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever (Isa. 9:6-7).

Behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?” (Matt. 2:1-2).

[Pilate] asked [Jesus], “Are you the King of the Jews?” (Matt. 27:11).

And twisting together a crown of thorns, [the soldiers] put it on [Jesus’] head…. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” (Matt. 27:29-30).

And over [Jesus’] head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews” (Matt. 27:37).

He is Lord of lords and King of kings (Rev. 17:14).

One of mankind’s greatest desires is to experience peace on earth. President John F. Kennedy declared, “...peace does not rest in the charters and covenants alone. It lies in the hearts and minds of all people. So let us not rest all our hopes on parchment and on paper, let us strive to build peace, a desire for peace, a willingness to work for peace in the hearts and minds of all our people. I believe we can. I believe the problems of human destiny are not beyond the reach of human beings.” Kennedy was assassinated on Nov. 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas. He died without seeing the goal of world peace accomplished.

Guitarist Jimi Hendrix said, “When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will finally know peace.” Hendrix overdosed on sleeping pills and died on Sept. 18, 1970. He died without the world finding peace through love.

Musician John Lennon stated, “If everyone demanded peace instead of another television set, then there’d be peace.” One of Lennon’s most famous songs says, “Imagine all the people living in peace. You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will be as one.” Lennon was murdered in New York City on Dec. 8, 1980. He died without experiencing the peace he had imagined would come to earth.

And in despair I bowed my head:
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men.”

Why do we need King Jesus? (1) Without King Jesus, our world is a mess. (2) Without King Jesus, our lives are a mess.

Has the Kingdom Come?

“Thy kingdom come” (Matt. 6:10 KJV).

The kingdom of God has come and is coming.

(1) Jesus is reigning over his church. (2) Jesus will reign over all the earth.

Is Jesus your King?

The Promise of the Birth in Bethlehem

2011-12-13T12:08:00.000-04:00

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The Promise Fulfilled

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days (Micah 5:2).

And assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, [Herod] inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel’” (Matt. 2:4-6).

A few years ago, I was intrigued by a Christmas gift from my sister. It was shaped like a box of chocolates, but when I shook it, it didn’t sound like a box of chocolates. What was it? On Christmas morning I discovered that it was, in fact, a box of chocolates. But why didn’t it sound like a box of chocolates? Apparently, before she gave it to me, it had been set on something warm, and the contents had melted together into one big blob of chocolate. Christmas morning is often full of surprises—sometimes good and sometimes bad. The biblical Christmas story is also full of surprises. One big surprise is that Jesus was born in the little town of Bethlehem.

What do we know about the ancient town of Bethlehem? (1) It was located in the hill country of Judah. (2) It was about 8 km south of Jerusalem. (3) It was the setting for the story of Ruth.Ruth was the great-grandmother of David (Matt. 1:5-6; cf. Ruth 4:21-22). And Jesus was a descendent of David. In the NT, He is called the “Son of David” (Matt. 1:1). The angel told Mary that God would give her Son “the throne of his father David” (Luke 1:32). As a woman from Moab, Ruth was a surprising choice to be an ancestor of Jesus. (4) It was the birthplace of David.David was a surprising choice to be king (1 Sam. 16). The prophet Samuel assumed that one of David’s older brothers would be chosen by God to be the next king, but God told him, “Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (v. 7). Bethlehem was known as the “city of David” (Luke 2:4, 11). And Joseph went to Bethlehem to be registered “because he was of the house and lineage of David” (Luke 2:4; cf. 1:27; Matt. 1:20). (5) It was the birthplace of Jesus.

Born in Obscurity

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn (Luke 2:4-7).

Jesus was born in obscurity:

1. The baby Jesus was born in a little town.

2. The baby Jesus slept in a feeding trough.

3. The baby Jesus was visited by lowly shepherds.

This was the promised Hero! This was the “woman’s seed” who would crush the head of Satan (Gen. 3:15). This is Immanuel, “God with us” (Isa. 7:14). This is the one who was to be “ruler in Israel” (Micah 5:2). This is the coming king (Zech. 9:9). This is the one who would be called “Wonderful Counselor,” “Mighty God,” “Everlasting Father,” “Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6). And yet He was born in obscurity. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich” (2 Cor. 8:9).

Born for You

And the angel said to [the shepherds], “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).

Throughout Scripture, we read that God shows His grace to unlikely people—people like Ruth, David, and the shepherds.

Though you might be insignificant to many, Jesus was born to be your Savior.

Jesus was born for all people ("for all the people"), and he was born for you ("unto you").

This is “good news”!

God's Image Bearers

2011-12-07T14:07:00.001-04:00

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness….” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them (Gen. 1:26-27).

Recently, I taught a 5-week Bible study series called "God's Image Bearers." Below are links to the notes from all five studies.

1. Created in God's Image

2. Created to Reflect God's Image

3. Created as Male and Female

4. Created as Worshipers

5. Re-Created to Be Like Jesus

Re-Created to Be Like Jesus

2011-12-07T14:01:00.001-04:00

Part 5 of the Bible study series God's Image Bearers

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness….” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them (Gen. 1:26-27).

Introduction

Jesus alone has imaged God perfectly. “Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Cor. 4:4). “He is the image of the invisible God” (Col. 1:15). “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature” (Heb. 1:3). “Whoever sees me [Jesus] sees him who sent me” (John 12:45). “Whoever has seen me [Jesus] has seen the Father” (John 14:9). Therefore, when we follow the example of Jesus, we are reflecting God.

Discussion

In Jesus, we see human likeness to God as it was intended to be. In His life, how did Jesus image God?

Explanation

Read Rom. 8:29. God saves people so that they may be “conformed to the image of his Son.” How does this truth help you better understand v. 28?

In Scripture, there are four stages in the doctrine of the image of God: (1) We were originally created in God’s image. (2) Because of sin, there was a distortion of God’s image. (3) Presently, redemption in Christ provides a progressive recovery of God’s image. (4) Finally, at Christ’s return there will be a complete restoration of God’s image. “We must constantly choose to believe the truth—that this reflecting God alone is a great life. It is not an easy life, or a simple life, or a perfect life. But it is a wonderful life in that it is filled with evidences of God’s grace, healing from our past, and hope for our future. Furthermore, because mirroring God is the essence of our true humanity, as we reflect his glory we discover the source of our deepest joy, even when life hurts most” (Mark Driscoll & Gerry Breshears, Doctrine, p. 139).

Read 1 Cor. 15:49. “The amazing promise of the NT is that just as we have been like Adam (subject to death and sin), we shall also be like Christ (morally pure, never subject to death again)” (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, p. 445). How does the restoration of God’s image give us hope for the future?

Application

Read Phil. 2:3-8. The apostle Paul urged the Philippians to follow the model of Christ: “Have this mind among yourselves” (v. 5). How can you better image Christ in your relationships?

Christmas is supposed to be a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus. How would Christmas be different if we all imaged Christ as we observed it?

Created as Worshipers

2011-12-07T13:55:00.001-04:00

Part 4 of the Bible study series God's Image Bearers

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness….” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them (Gen. 1:26-27).

Introduction

Harold Best, in his book Unceasing Worship, describes the Trinity as the Continuous Outpourer who continually pours Himself out between the persons of the Godhead in unceasing communication, love, friendship, and joy. It follows that human beings created in God’s image would also be unceasing worshipers as continuous outpourers.

Discussion

We were not created to worship; rather we were created worshiping. All of life is ceaseless worship. We are continually giving ourselves away or pouring ourselves out for a person, cause, experience, achievement, or status. While the object of worship varies, the act of worship does not. What do people in our culture worship?

Explanation

Read Heb. 13:15-17. What does worship include?

Read Exod 20:1-3; Deut. 4:23-24. The first commandment says, “You shall have no other gods before me” (v. 3). The opposite of worship is idolatry. Idolatry is by far the most frequently discussed problem in the Bible. How does God view our idolatry?

Read Exod. 32:1-9 (see also 33:3, 5; 34:9; Deut. 9:6, 13; 10:16; 31:27). “What people revere, they resemble, either for ruin or restoration” (G. K. Beale, We Become What We Worship, p. 16). We are either reflecting God or a god. How did the Israelites reflect the god they worshiped? How do we see this today?

Application

“The primary way to define sin is not just the doing of bad things, but the making of good things into ultimate things. It is seeking to establish a sense of making something else more central to your significance, purpose, and happiness than your relationship to God” (Tim Keller, The Reason for God, p. 162). How do we turn good things into ultimate things? How can we avoid this?

“For most people, their proverbial ‘tell’ happens when they introduce themselves: they first say their name and then say something to the effect of ‘I am a [blank].’ How they fill in the blank (e.g., education, vocation, number of children, neighborhood they live in) often reveals what they have deified and are building their life on” (Mark Driscoll & Gerry Breshears, Doctrine, pp. 347-348). Honestly, how would you introduce yourself? Do you need to rid your life of an idol?

Created as Male and Female

2011-12-07T11:52:00.001-04:00

Part 3 of the Bible study series God's Image Bearers

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness….” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them (Gen. 1:26-27).

Introduction

Read Gen. 2:18-25. The creation of humanity as male and female reflects the image of the triune God in three ways: (1) harmonious interpersonal relationships, (2) equality in personhood, and (3) difference in role and authority (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, p. 454).

Discussion

God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone” (Gen. 2:18). How would life on earth be different if God had not made the woman (other than the inability to reproduce)?

Explanation

The woman was made to be a “helper” for the man (Gen. 2:18, 20). Does the term “helper” denigrate the woman?

Read Gen. 3:8-20. Before the fall, the man was made the leader in the marriage relationship: (1) Adam was created first, then Eve (Gen. 2:7, cf. 1 Tim. 2:13-14); (2) Adam named Eve (Gen. 2:23; 3:20); (3) God named the human race “man,” not “woman” (Gen. 5:2); (4) the serpent went to Eve first (Gen. 3:1; cf. 1 Tim. 2:14); (5) God spoke to Adam first after the fall (Gen. 2:15-17); and (6) Adam, not Eve, represented the human race (1 Cor. 15:22; Rom. 5:1). After the fall, there was a distortion of the original marriage roles. God said to the woman, “Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you” (v. 16). It’s possible that “desire” means “desire to conquer,” and “rule” means “rule harshly.” How do we see this struggle for control in marriages today?

Redemption in Christ reaffirms the original marriage roles. “The first woman was taken from the side of the man, which beautifully illustrates that she belongs alongside him in partnership, not behind him in denigration (as chauvinism teaches) or in front of him in domination (as feminism teaches)” (Mark Driscoll & Gerry Breshears, Doctrine, p. 122). According to Eph. 5:22-23, what are the God-ordained roles for the man and woman in marriage?

Application

Read Mark 10:2-9. God created the covenant of marriage; thus, He alone defines what it is. What does our culture accept or tolerate that goes against God’s design for marriage?

How can men and women in a church reflect the triune God?

Created to Reflect God's Image

2011-12-07T11:27:00.001-04:00

Part 2 of the Bible study series God's Image Bearers

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness….” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them (Gen. 1:26-27).

Introduction

To be created in God’s image means to be made to be like God and to represent Him. We are like broken mirrors that need to be put back together by God. We were created to reflect God.

Discussion

“Why are we here?” “What is life all about?” “Is there a reason to live?” What are some common answers to these questions?

Explanation

Read Eph. 1:11-12; 1 Cor. 10:31; Rev. 4:11. According to Scripture, what is the purpose of our lives?

Read Acts 12:21-23. Why is it wrong for us to seek glory for ourselves but right for God to seek glory for Himself?

The Westminster Shorter Catechism says, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.” Is there a connection between glorifying God and enjoying Him?

Read Exod. 34:34-35; 2 Cor. 3:12-18; Col. 3:8-10. Because of sin, the image of God has been distorted, but not completely lost. How does the restoration of God’s image take place in our lives?

Application

The gospel is the story of God’s plan to put us back together. To accomplish this plan, Jesus needed to be “broken.” How does this make you feel? Who does this make you want to act?

Read Matt. 5:14-16. What can you do reflect God and bring glory to Him?

Created in God's Image

2011-12-07T10:29:00.001-04:00

Part 1 of the Bible study series God's Image Bearers

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness….” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them (Gen. 1:26-27).

Introduction

Our purpose in life is rooted in the fact that we were created in the image of God. The Hebrew words for “image” and “likeness” refer to something that is similar but not identical to the thing it represents. Being created in God’s image means we were made to be like God and represent God.

Discussion

Read Gen. 1:26-31. What does it mean to be human?

Explanation

We are not empty cups that need to be filled by God. Rather, we are broken mirrors that need to be put together by God. Read Gen. 5:1-3; 9:6; James 3:9. How has God’s image in us been affected by the fall?

Nearly every error in anthropology puts us up to be like God or pushes us down to be like animals. How does Gen. 1:26-31 present both the humility and the dignity of humanity?

God has two kinds of attributes: unshared (omnipresence, omniscience, omnipotence) and shared (holiness, love, truth). How are we like God morally?

“God is spirit” (John 4:24), and He has given us immortal spirits. How are we like God spiritually?

We have an ability to reason and think logically that sets us apart from the animal world. How are we like God mentally?

We were created by the Trinity. God did not need to create us because He was lonely. In eternity past, there was perfect fellowship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. How are we like God relationally?

Application

What are the dominant views about humanity in our culture?

How are these views in opposition to Scripture?

How does the truth of being created in the image of God affect the way you view your life?

The Promise of Immanuel

2011-12-06T11:50:00.001-04:00

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The Promise Fulfilled

One of the best Christmas traditions is going home for Christmas. Naturally, one of our favorite Christmas songs is “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”

I’ll be home for Christmas
You can plan on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents on the tree

But in reality the biblical Christmas story is about leaving home. Luke 2 tells how Mary and Joseph left their home town of Nazareth to travel to Bethlehem where, of course, Jesus was born. And, more significantly, Christmas is the story of how Jesus, God the Son, left his heavenly home to be born as a human baby and become Immanuel—God with us.

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isa. 7:14).

“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us) (Matt. 1:21-23).

The promise of Immanuel was given through the prophet Isaiah in around 700 B.C. and was fulfilled by the birth of Jesus.

It's also possible that the prophecy may have been doubly fulfilled. There may have been a near fulfillment (the birth of a son named Immanuel in Isaiah’s day) and a far fulfillment (the birth of Jesus, who was literally God with us.).

The promise of Immanuel was given during a time of fear.

This prophecy was given “in the days of Ahaz” (Isa. 7:1). King Ahaz and the people of Judah were afraid because of a threat from Syria and Ephraim (v. 2). The “sign” the Lord gave the people was meant to give them hope and to encourage them to trust him. The prophecy went on to say that when the child was old enough to choose between right and wrong, the threat from Syria and Ephraim would be gone (v. 16). Instead, Ahaz put his trust in Assyria, which eventually led to Judah’s loss of sovereignty.

Born of a Virgin

And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God” (Luke 1:34-35).

In Isaiah 7:14, the Hebrew word for “virgin” is ‘alma. In Matthew 1:23 and Luke 1:27, the Greek word for “virgin” is parthenos.

“Although some claim that the word translated ‘virgin’ (Hb. ‘almah) refers generally to a ‘young woman,’ it actually refers specifically to a ‘maiden’—that is, to a young woman who is unmarried and sexually chaste, and thus has virginity as one of her characteristics (see Gen. 24:16, 43; Ex. 2:8, ‘girl’). Thus when the Septuagint translators, 200 years before the birth of Christ, rendered ‘almah here with Greek parthenos (a specific term for ‘virgin’) they rightly perceived the meaning of the Hebrew term; and when Matthew applied this prophecy to the virgin birth of Christ (see Matt. 1:23), it was in accord with this well-established understanding of parthenos (‘virgin’) as used in the Septuagint and in other Greek writers” (ESV Study Bible, p. 1254).

What does Scripture tell us about the virgin birth?

First, Jesus was conceived in the womb of his mother Mary.

Some theologians prefer the term virgin conception, rather than virgin birth. But we probably don’t need a new term because Mary was still a virgin when Jesus was born. Matthew 1:21 states that Joseph “knew her not until she had given birth to a son.”

In Scripture, Jesus is called the “last Adam” (1 Cor. 15:45). Adam was made from dust (Gen. 2:7). He was not made ex nihilo (“out of nothing”), and neither was the baby Jesus. It could be said that Christ’s humanness was made ex Maria (“out of Mary”). Jesus was “the fruit of [Mary’s] womb” (Luke 1:42). And he developed within his mother’s womb like every other human child.

Second, Jesus was conceived by a miracle of the Holy Spirit.

While the birth of Jesus was natural, His conception was not. The angel told Joseph, “That which is conceived in [Mary] is from the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 1:20). Donald MacLeod writes, “The virgin birth is posted on guard at the door of the mystery of Christmas; and none of us must think of hurrying past it. It stands on the threshold of the NT, blatantly supernatural, defying our rationalism, informing us that all that follows belongs to the same order as itself and that if we find it offensive there is no point in proceeding further” (The Person of Christ, p. 37).

Third, Jesus was conceived without a human father.

Luke writes, “[Jesus] was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph” (Luke 3:23 NIV). Galatians 4:4 declares, “When the fullness of time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman” (KJV).

Why is the virgin birth so important?

The virgin birth made possible the unity of full deity and fully humanity in one person.

God Is With Us

“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20).

When Jesus came to earth, God was physically with us.

“The Word [Jesus, who is declared to be “God” in v. 1] became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
Hail th'incarnate Deity,
Pleased as man with men to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel.

Now that Jesus has left earth, God is spiritually with us.

Do Not Fear

Throughout Scripture, God promises to be with his people.

Moses told the Israelites, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of men, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you” (Deut. 31:6).

God promised Joshua, “Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous” (Josh. 1:5-6).

“Then David said to Solomon his son, ‘Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. For the LORD God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you’” (1 Chron. 28:20).

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (Ps. 46:1-2, 11).

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isa. 41:10).

Notice that these promises of God’s presence were given to people who were afraid. (And remember that the promise of Isaiah 7:14 was also given to people who were afraid.) These people were told, “Do not be fear. Be strong. Be courageous. Be not dismayed.” Why? Because God is with you. The same promise is given to every child of God in this world today.

In every circumstance of life, God is with you.

God will not always remove our difficult circumstances, but He will always supply us with what we need to go through adversity: strength, courage, comfort, peace, and hope.

To the one who is afraid, God is with you. To the one who is lonely, God is with you. To the one who is grieving, God is with you. To the one who is discouraged, God is with you. Jesus is our Immanuel.

The Promise of the Woman's Seed

2011-11-29T15:48:00.001-04:00

Part 1 of B.C.: Before Christmas

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The Protoevangelium

“I will put enmity between you [the serpent] and the woman, and between your offspring [seed] and her offspring [seed]; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel” (Gen. 3:15).

This prophecy is often called the protoevangelium, which means “first gospel.” In the midst of all of the bad news of Gen. 3 (the fall and the curse), God revealed good news.

Unfortunately, some of the gifts we give this Christmas will soon break (especially toys). And they will be thrown away.

When we became broken because of sin, God had a plan to restore us.

Who are the serpent and the woman’s seed? (1) The serpent is Satan.Satan is called the “ancient serpent” in Rev. 12:9. (2) The woman’s seed is Christ.According to biology, a woman does not have a seed, so there is a hint of the virgin birth in Gen. 3:15. “When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman” (Gal. 4:4).

The word “offspring” (or “seed”) can refer to one descendent or many descendents. Paul pointed out that God’s promise to Abraham regarding his “offspring” was fulfilled by one person: Christ. “Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, ‘And to offsprings,’ referring to many, but referring to one, ‘And to your offspring,’ who is Christ” (Gal. 3:16). The same is true of God's promise in Gen. 3:15.

The woman’s offspring also refers to the children of God. Throughout history, there has been “enmity” (hostility) between the children (followers) of Satan and the children (followers) of God. This hostility was first demonstrated by Cain’s murder of his brother Abel, the first two children in Scripture (Gen. 4).

Crushing the Head of the Serpent

[Christ] himself likewise partook of [flesh and blood], that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil (Heb. 2:14).

The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8).

Christ’s victory of Satan comes in two stages:

1. Satan’s doom was guaranteed by Christ’s death and resurrection.

“The dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it” (Rev. 12:4). Satan attempted many times to sue people to kill Jesus (e.g., King Herod). Finally, Satan succeeded when Jesus was crucified. He crushed His heel. But through the cross, Christ defeated sin and death and crushed Satan’s head (a fatal blow).

2. Satan’s doom will be completed by Christ’s second coming.

We will join Christ in His victory. Paul writes, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (Rom. 16:20).

Restoration Through Christ

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life” (John 3:14-15).

“So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live” (Num. 21:9). Why was Jesus pictured by a serpent on a pole? Because when He was on the cross He was made to be sin for us (2 Cor. 5:21).

Because Christ was broken for our sin, we can be restored.

Christmas Greetings from Poland

2011-11-24T09:48:00.001-04:00

Ben & Krista Taylor are missionaries serving in Poland. Our church recently began to support them financially. Here is a Christmas video they sent us.

Bibles for Christmas

2011-11-23T15:29:00.001-04:00

This Christmas, three people in our family are getting a Bible as a gift. All three are in the English Standard Version (ESV), which I've been using recently. If you are considering to purchase a Bible for yourself or someone else, here are three that I would recommend.

For my wife Marsha: ESV Study Bible.
For my son Connor (age 11): ESV Grow Bible.
For my son Cohen (age 6): ESV Seek and Find Bible.

(If you're wondering if I have spoiled the surprise of these gifts, don't worry. Marsha already knows she's getting this Bible, and my boys don't read my blog.)

New Series: B.C.

2011-11-22T12:11:00.002-04:00

This Sunday, I am beginning a new 4-part Christmas series called "B.C.: Before Christmas." This series will examine four different OT prophecies and how each were fulfilled by the birth of Jesus. And over the next four weeks, I will also share this series here on this blog.

The Promise of the Woman's Seed (Gen. 3:15)
The Promise of Immanuel (Isa. 7:14)
The Promise of the Birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2)
The Promise of the Righteous Branch (Jer. 23:5)

Faith and Love

2011-11-21T14:10:00.001-04:00

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A Personal Letter

Do you look forward to checking your mail each day? I do. Unfortunately, all I usually find in my mailbox are bills and junk mail. In this age of email, Facebook, and Twitter, it’s rare that you ever receive a personal letter.

A quick introduction to the book of Philemon:

Written by: Paul.When? Around A.D. 60.The letter to Philemon is the shortest book in the NT in the original Greek (355 words). Timothy is mentioned in verse 1. Why? He is not a co-author. Paul probably mentions Timothy because he is present as Paul is writing the letter. And perhaps Philemon knows Timothy. They may have met in nearby Ephesus (see Acts 19:22).
Written from: Prison.Where? Probably Rome.Paul describes himself as a “prisoner for Christ Jesus” (v. 1). Technically, Paul is under house arrest, chained to a Roman guard (see Acts 28:30). Philemon is one of the four “prison epistles.” The others are Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians.
Written to: Philemon.Who? A wealthy Christian in Colossae.The church at Colossae met in Philemon’s house (v. 2). This indicates that he was probably wealthy since his house is large enough to be used for church meetings. Philemon was saved as a result of Paul’s ministry: “you owe me your very self” (v. 19). Three other recipients are mentioned in verse 2: (1) “Apphia our sister” (probably Philemon’s wife); (2) “Archippus our fellow soldier” (probably Philemon’s son); and (3) the Colossian church. Philemon is the primary recipient because his name is listed first and “you” is singular in the Greek (except for vv. 3, 22, 25).
Written about: Onesimus.Who? A runaway slave.At some point, Onesimus, one of Philemon’s slaves, fled to Rome after having stolen money (or property) from Philemon. Somehow Onesimus met Paul in Rome and was converted. His life was changed, and he became a great help to Paul. He had been reconciled to God, and now he needs to be reconciled to Philemon. [Note: In the sermon audio, I briefly address the issue of slavery in the NT.]

A Man of Faith and Love

I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints (vv. 4-5).

Real Christianity is real faith expressing itself through real love.

We can see a picture of salvation in verses 17-18. First, Paul was willing to pay Onesimus’s debt (v. 18). “If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account.” Second, Philemon was asked to welcome Onesimus as he would welcome Paul (v. 17).

Christ paid the debt of our sin so that we could be welcomed into God’s family. “For our sake [God] made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21). Christ’s death on the cross made it possible for our sin to be put on Christ’s account and His righteousness to be put on our account. What must we do? Put our faith in Him.

Real Faith

What is real faith?

1. Faith is not just an intellectual thing; faith works.

The faith you have toward the Lord Jesus (v. 5).

Jesus is our “Lord.” The Greek word for “Lord” is kurios, which means “master,” or “he to whom a person belong.” Philemon was a slave owner, but he belonged to Jesus. This means that faith includes both belief and commitment.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph. 2:8-9). Salvation is by grace through faith, not by works. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:8-10). We are not saved by works, but we are saved to do works.

“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:14-17 NIV).

2. Faith is not just an individual thing; faith connects.

I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ (v. 6 NIV).

So if you consider me your partner… (v. 17).

The Greek word for “partnership” is koinonia and means “fellowship” or “communion.” Faith in Christ not only brings us into fellowship with God; it also brings us into fellowship with other believers. We are all brothers and sisters in God’s family.

Real Love

What is real love?

1. Love is not a selective thing; love accepts.

Your love…for all the saints (v. 5).

Receive him as you would receive me (v. 17).

The Bible doesn’t say love some of the saints or most of the saints or all of the saints except that really annoying one.Someone named “Mark” is mentioned in verse 24. This is probably “John Mark,” the son of a woman in whose house the Christians met in Acts 12. He was a “cousin of Barnabas” (Col. 4:10). He accompanied Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary journey. However, Mark didn’t complete the journey (Acts 15:38). As a result, Paul refused to take Mark on the second journey. This led to a falling out between Paul and Barnabas. “They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company” (Acts 15:39 NIV). Eventually, Paul was reconciled with Mark (and Barnabas). About five years later, Paul tells Timothy, “Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry” (2 Tim. 4:11 NIV). And now—about twelve years later—Mark is working alongside Paul (Col. 4:10). It was this Mark who became the author of the second Gospel. Paul had welcomed back Mark and was an example to Philemon.

2. Love is not a sentimental thing; love acts.

For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you (v. 7).

Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you (vv. 8-9a).

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:16-18 NIV).

The Faith Test: True Religion

2011-11-15T15:22:00.001-04:00

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Worthless and True Religion

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world (James 1:26-27).

We are not saved by religious works, but we are saved to do religious works (see Eph. 2:8-10).

What is the difference between worthless and true religion?

Worthless religion is knowing God's Word but disregarding it.
True religion is knowing God's Word and doing it.

Doing the Word

James gives us three characteristics of a “doer” of God’s Word.

1. A doer of the word controls the tongue (v. 26).

From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things out not to be so (3:10; see vv. 3-12).

2. A doer of the word helps the needy (v. 27a)

If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? (2:15-16; see vv. 14-17).

3. A doer of the word resists temptation (v. 27b).

You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God (4:4; see vv. 4-10).

The Faith Test: Trials

2011-10-19T15:20:00.001-03:00

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An Introduction to the Book of James

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:
Greetings (v. 1).

Genre: Letter.

The letter of James lacks many of the usual characteristics of a letter. It is called a “general epistle” because it wasn’t written to a specific person or church. It could be classified as a book of wisdom (similar to the OT book of Proverbs).

Author: James, the brother of Jesus.

James was not a follower of Jesus until after the resurrection (John 7:5; 1 Cor. 15:7). He became a leader of the Jerusalem church (Acts 12:17; 15:13; 21:8; Gal. 2:9, 12) and was executed in A.D. 62.

Date: Probably around A.D. 45.

Recipients: Jewish Christians living outside Palestine.

Theme: Living out one’s faith.

Joy in Trials

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds (v. 2).

Depending on the context, the Greek word for “trials” (peirasmos) can be translated either “trials” or “temptation.” Trials are troubles. In our lives, we face “various kinds” of troubles (illness, loss of a loved one, financial difficulty). What are the normal responses to trials? Sadness, discouragement, and anger. But what does James say? “Count it all joy.” (This, of course, does not mean that we should desire trouble or that we should not be sad when a loved one dies.)

Why should we “count it all joy” when we face trials?

Trials can help us reach our goal: spiritual maturity.

Trials are like difficult, strenuous physical exercise. When you exercise, you often have a goal (lose weight, lower blood pressure, get in shape for a sporting event). Of course, exercising is voluntary; trials are not.

To be “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (v. 4) is to be spiritually mature. To be spiritually mature means to be like Jesus. To be like Jesus, is a goal we won’t be able to fully reach in this life, but we shouldn’t “lower the bar.” Paul wrote, “Not that I…am already perfect, but I press on….” (Phil. 3:12).

James gives us three facts about trials:

1. Trials test our strength (v. 3a).

A physical fitness test shows us how physically strong we are. Trials show us how spiritually strong we are.The Greek word for “testing” (dokimion) is used only one other time in the NT. “In this [salvation] you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7). The fire shows what is pure gold and what is not.

2. Trials can increase our endurance (vv. 3b-4).

It’s sometimes said, “No pain, no gain.” Trials cause us to exercise our faith and the result is spiritual endurance (“steadfastness”). Verses 9-11 also teach us that our trials (such as poverty) are temporary.

3. Trials can be rewarding (v. 12).

The type of “crown” that James has in mind is the laurel wreath that was given to winners in the ancient athletic games. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize. So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable” (1 Cor. 9:24-25). We need to “commit to be fit.”

Gratitude or Greed?

2011-10-12T14:58:00.000-03:00

Grateful Giving

Chronicles 29:1-20

“But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you” (v. 14).

In David’s prayer, he gives three reasons why we should give gratefully:

First, everything I have comes from God.

“O LORD our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand and is all your own” (v. 16).

Many people will not acknowledge that everything good comes from God. Paul writes, “Although they knew God [through creation], they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him” (Rom. 1:21). Mankind refused to give thanks to God for His blessings. Instead, they “worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator” (v. 25). It’s sad that many people are now saying “Turkey Day,” rather than “Thanksgiving Day.”

Before the Israelites entered the promised land, Moses warned them, saying, “Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth” (Deut. 8:17-18). As James writes, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17).

On January, 31, 1957, the Canadian Parliament proclaimed: “A Day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed…is to be observed on the second Monday in October.” The purpose of Thanksgiving is to thank God for all of the blessings that come from Him.

Second, God is the owner, and I am the manager.

“For all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all” (v. 11).The manager of McDonald’s doesn’t say to the owner, “Sorry, you can’t have a hamburger.” The owner has entrusted the manager with his business, but everything still belongs to the owner. The same is true with us and God. I can give nothing to God that doesn’t already belong to Him.

Third, my ability to give is a gift from God.

“‘Who then will offer willingly, consecrating himself today to the LORD?’ Then the leaders of fathers’ houses made their freewill offerings as did also the leaders of the tribes, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officers over the king’s work” (v. 6).

The people gave 5,000 talents of gold (v. 7). What is the current value of 5,000 talents of gold? One talent is about 75 pounds, which means 5,000 talents would equal about 374,000 pounds. The current price of gold is $1,637/oz (USD). So 5,000 talents (374,000 pounds) of gold would be worth $9,822,000,000!

“Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced” (v. 9). God could force us to give, but He allows us to give willingly.

If something like this happened today, what would be the focus of the new reporters’ stories? Probably the generosity of the people. But to whom did David give the glory? God, not the people. “Therefore David blessed the LORD in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: ‘Blessed are you, O LORD, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever’” (v. 10).

Are You Grateful or Greedy?

“I know, my God, that you test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. In the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things, and now I have seen your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to you” (v. 17).

We can either be grateful for God’s grace or greedy for our own gain. Whether we are grateful or greedy affects our lives in many ways.

Money: The grateful person says, “God gives. Therefore my money is His, and I use it to glorify Him.” The greedy person says, “I earn. Therefore my money is mine, and I use it however I please.”

Possessions: The grateful person says, “I have enough” (contentment). The greedy person says, “I never have enough” (coveteousness).

Service: The grateful person says, “I want to serve.” The greedy person says, “I want to be served.”

Giving: The grateful person says, “How much can I give?” The greedy person says, “How much must I give.”

After asking the Corinthians to contribute to an offering to help struggling Christians in Jerusalem, Paul exclaims, “Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” (2 Cor. 9:15). God’s gift is the sacrifice of His Son (“gift”). God’s gift is too amazing for words (“inexpressible”). God’s gift is worthy of our utmost gratitude (“thanks”). And God’s gift should inspire us to give (cf. 2 Cor. 9:1-14).Does only 10% belong to God. No, everything belongs to God. And this truth applies not only to our money but also our time and energy. Giving flows out of gratitude.

Who Cares?

2011-10-04T11:21:00.001-03:00

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God Cares!

You probably remember the “Miracle on the Hudson.” On Jan. 15, 2009, U.S. Airways Flight 1549 began a routine journey that ended as anything but. Shortly after taking off from New York's LaGuardia Airport, the Airbus A320, which held 155 people, lost power to both engines after they were struck by birds.

Rather than panicking in a moment of sheer terror, pilot Chesley B. Sullenberger III decided to land the plane in the Hudson River in an attempt to avoid crashing in the densely populated area. Amazingly, no one was killed.

After landing in the Hudson, nearby ferry boats, police boats, fire boats, and tugboats picked up passengers who were standing up to their waists in 35 oF (1.6 oC) water and 18 oF (-7 oC) air temperatures. What could have ended in a disaster turned out to be one of the most amazing flight rescue stories ever. For his quick thinking and skill, Sullenberger was lauded as a hero (“5 Amazing Rescues,” howstuffworks.com).

The book of Jonah is a rescue story. But it’s more than a story of God rescuing a prophet from drowning. It’s a story of God rescuing a city from destruction.

“That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster” (4:2).

Why did God send Jonah to Nineveh? Because God cares.

Why did Jonah refuse to go to Nineveh? Because Jonah didn't care.

The book of Jonah shows us the great lengths to which God will go to bring salvation:

God commissioned a prophet to confront a sinful city. Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh....” (1:1-2).
God caused a storm to stop a runaway prophet. But the Lord hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship threatened to break up (1:4).
God prepared a fish to swallow a drowning prophet. And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah (1:17).
God directed the fish to release a trapped prophet. And the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land (2:10).
God recommissioned the prophet to confront a perishing city. And the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh....” (3:1-2).
God used the prophet to save a repentant city. When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it (3:10).

The Hebrew word shuwb (translated as “turn”) is found four times in verses 8-10. When the people of Nineveh turned from their sin, God turned from the judgment He threatened. The KJV says, “God repented of the evil [disaster]” (4:10). To “repent” means “to feel sorry.” God felt sorry for the Ninevites and spared them. The NIV says, “He had compassion.”

Jesus once compared Himself to Jonah. “Just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matt. 12:40). Like Jonah, Jesus shared a message that brought salvation. But unlike Jonah, Jesus fulfilled His mission willingly. And unlike Jonah, Jesus was filled with compassion.

God so loved the Nineveh, that He sent his prophet Jonah, that whoever believed in his message should not perish but live. And “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Do I Care?

“You pity the plant.... And should not I pity Nineveh…?” (4:10-11).

Why did God spare the Ninevites when they repented? Because God cares.

Why was Jonah angry when God spared them? Because Jonah didn't care.

A Hebrew word frequently found throughout the book of Jonah is ra‘ah (translated as “evil,” “disaster,” and “discomfort” in 1:2, 7, 8; 3:8, 10; 4:1, 2, 6). “When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil [ra‘ah] way, God relented of the disaster [ra‘ah] that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it. But it displeased [ra‘ah] Jonah exceedingly” (3:10-4:1). An alternate translation of 4:1 is “But it was exceedingly evil to Jonah.” To Jonah, it was a disaster than Nineveh escaped disaster.

Another key word in the book of Jonah is “perish.” Jonah was not concerned about the sailors and the Ninevites who were in danger of perishing (1:6, 14; 3:9) but was angry when the plant perished (4:10). Jonah cared more about a plant than the people of Nineveh. Do you care more about your things than your neighbors?

Do you care like God cares? If I desire to care like God cares, I must constantly remind myself of three truths:

1. God loves me, and God loves them.

Don’t think that you deserve God’s love more than anyone else. No one “deserves” God’s love. But God is merciful and gracious (4:2). Through Christ, He has made a way to withhold from us the punishment we deserve and give to us the salvation we don’t deserve (just like He did with Nineveh). “Salvation belongs to the Lord” (2:9). Thankfully, it didn’t belong to Jonah or Nineveh would not have been saved.

2. God wants me to be filled with compassion for them.

“As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that wicked turn from his way and live” (Ezek. 33:11). The Lord is “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). “I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10).

3. God want me to play my part in His rescue plan.

Most of us would do everything we could to rescue someone in physical danger. If someone was drowning, you would do something to help (jump in the water, throw a life preserver, yell for help, call 911). What about those who are in spiritual danger? There is something every Christian can do.

The purpose of the book of Jonah is to show us that God loves all people and to lead each one of us to ask ourselves, “Do I care?”

Free Bible Study Resources

2011-09-27T14:30:00.002-03:00

Here are three places where you can find free online Bible study resources:

Based on a quick comparison, it looks like MyStudyBible.com offers the most for free. (Several of the free books are not in the public domain.)

In God We Trust

2011-09-27T11:14:00.000-03:00

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Frustration

Have you ever played the game Frustration? (There is a more popular version of the game called Trouble.) Frustration can be a frustrating game. In order to move your pieces out of the start position, you need to “pop” a one or a two. Sometimes you can pop the dice over and over again and never get a one or a two. Meanwhile, everyone else’s pieces are quickly moving around the board. In frustration you cry out, “How much longer until I get a one or a two!” Then sometimes when you finally do get a one or a two, another player’s piece lands on yours sending you back to start. And you complain, “That’s not fair!”

Habakkuk the prophet was a man filled with frustration. In the first two chapters of Habakkuk, the prophet brings two complaints to God (1:2-4; 1:12-2:1). Each time, God answers Habakkuk’s complaint (1:5-11; 2:2-20).

Habakkuk’s first complaint: How much longer?O LORD, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save? (1:2).
God’s answer: Trust me. I am working on a plan you can neither see nor understand.“I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told” (1:5b).
Habakkuk’s second complaint: That’s not fair!You who are of purer eyes than to see evil and cannot look at wrong, why do you idly look at traitors and remain silent when the wicked swallows up the man more righteous than he? (1:13).
God’s answer: Trust me. I know what I’m doing.“But the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him” (2:20).

Habakkuk’s complaints are childish complaints. Children often complain to their parents: “How much longer?” and “That’s not fair!” But good parents usually know best. And certainly God our Father knows best. We need to trust Him.

Faith

The righteous shall live by his faith (2:4).

These words are “quoted in the NT to emphasize that people are saved by grace through faith (Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:11; cf. Eph. 2:8) and that Christians should live by faith (Heb. 10:38-39). The kind of faith that Habakkuk describes, and the NT authors promote, is continuing trust in God and clinging to God’s promises, even in the darkest days” (ESV Study Bible, p. 1724).

In the third chapter of Habakkuk, the prophet offers a prayer of faith to God.How can I trust God even in the darkest days? Remember three facts about God:

1. God is amazing.

O LORD, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O Lord, do I fear (3:2a).

2. God never changes.

Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stall, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation (3:17-18).

3. God gives strength.

God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places (3:19).

Sometimes when I play a game like Frustrated, I can get quite frustrated. I like to win. But sometimes while playing a game I remind myself, “Who really cares if I win or lose? It’s just a board game!” I often need a change of perspective. Spending time with family and friends is more important that winning a game.

Habakkuk was a man who went from frustration to faith. What caused this change? His circumstances had not changed. And he says that even if his circumstances get worse, he still will rejoice in the Lord. What happened? Habakkuk stopped focusing on his frustration and started worshiping God. When God is worshiped, perspectives change and people change. Trust Him.

Follow Jesus

2011-09-22T10:36:00.004-03:00

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Are You a Follower?

Do you consider yourself a disciple of Jesus? You might say, “Weren’t the disciples those twelve guys who followed Jesus? I’m not a disciple; I’m a Christian.”

Perhaps you aren’t aware that the word “Christian” is found only three times in the Bible.

And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians (Acts 11:26b).

And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:28).

Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name (1 Peter 4:16).

These three verses suggest that the name “Christian” was invented and popularized by non-believers. In Antioch they may have said, “Look at those strange people who follow that man Jesus. Wasn’t he crucified? And they still believe he is the Christ? That’s insane! Let’s start calling them Christians.” So “Christian” was originally an insulting label that was later embraced by the church (like “geek” and “nerd” today).

Whether you call yourself a “Christian” or a “disciple,” you are a follower. Why? Because “disciple” means “follower,” and “Christian” means “Christ-follower.”

In today’s world, when you talk about “following” someone, people might think you’re talking about Twitter. (For example, our Prime Minister Stephen Harper has 167,960 followers on Twitter. President Barack Obama has 10,083,001.) It doesn’t take much to follow someone on Twitter—just a click on the “Follow” button. But it is sometimes very difficult to be a follower of Jesus—a Christian (as 1 Peter 4:16 states and Acts 26:28 implies).

The earliest recorded use of “Christian” outside the NT is by the Roman historian Tacitus when he wrote that Nero blamed the “Christians” for the Great Fire of Rome in A.D. 64. Some Christians were forced to confess by means of torture, and these “confessions” led to the persecution of Christians.

…Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians…by the populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus, and a most mischievous superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Judea, the first source of the evil, but, even in Rome, where all things hideous and shameful from every part of the world find their centre and become popular. In accordance, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then, upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted, not as much of the crime of firing the city as of hatred against mankind. Mockery of every sort was added to their deaths. Covered with the skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination, when daylight had expired (Annals XV.44).

Don’t expect the benefits of salvation without the demands of discipleship.

Salvation isn’t like a burger at some fast food restaurant. (“Yeah, I’ll get the salvation burger. But can I have it without any adversity and with some extra blessings?") You can’t “have it your way.”

Three (Not So Simple) Steps to Being a Follower of Jesus

What do followers of Jesus need to do? In Acts 2:36-42, we find three steps for Jesus’ followers.

1. Be converted.

“Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).

The word “conversion” means “turning.” Biblical conversion is “a turning from sin to Christ. The turning from sin is called repentance, and the turning to Christ is called faith” (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, p. 709).

“Repentance, like faith, is an intellectual understanding (that sin is wrong), an emotional approval of the teachings of Scripture regarding sin (a sorrow for sin and a hatred of it), and a personal decision to turn from it (a renouncing of sin and a decision of the will to forsake it and lead a life of obedience to Christ instead” (ibid., p. 713).

2. Be baptized.

So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls (Acts 2:41).

Baptism is the way we publicly identify ourselves as followers of Jesus. Our church’s statement of faith says that baptism “is the immersion of the believer in water, whereby he obeys Christ’s command and sets forth his identification with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection.”

Baptism is an outward, physical symbol of the inward, spiritual conversion of Christians. It pictures person being “buried” with Christ (submersion under water) and being “raised” to new life with Christ (emergence from water) (ESV Study Bible, p. 2167).

Is baptism necessary for the forgiveness of sins? No. But some verses (e.g., Acts 2:38) might seem to say this. Why? Because baptism usually happened immediately after conversion. In the early church, there were probably no unbaptized believers.

Baptism is not necessary for the forgiveness of sins, but baptism is still a big deal. To remain unbaptized, is to disobey Jesus!

3. Be devoted.

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers (Acts 2:42).

This third step is really a series of many steps. We will not reach perfection, but we should see progression.Here is what Jesus said about His disciples. “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples” (John 8:31). “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples” (John 15:8).

Communion Meditation - The Cup

2011-09-12T17:03:00.000-03:00

Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take eat; this is my body." And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins" (Matt. 26:26-28).

During His last supper with His disciples, Jesus "took a cup" and said that the wine in that cup was symbolic of His blood. He then stated that His blood would soon be "poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."

The Lord's Supper is intended only for those who have experienced the forgiveness that comes from the blood of Jesus. How does a person receive this forgiveness? On an earlier occasion, Jesus declared, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day" (John 6:53-54).

Jesus was obviously not speaking literally when He talked about people drinking His blood. How are we to "drink his blood" so that we may be forgiven of our sins? Each one of us must individually "drink His blood" into our hearts by faith. (A cold glass of your favorite drink does you no good until you drink it.) "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him" (John 3:36).

When you drink of the cup of the Lord's Supper, you are demonstrating that you personally have received by faith the forgiveness that is available through Christ's shed blood.

The Cup

2011-09-10T11:35:00.001-03:00

Read Matthew 26:36-46 and 27:45-46.

(This post is based on chapter 3, “Looking Below the Surface,” in The Cross of Christ by John Stott.)

The Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane

"My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will" (Matt. 26:39).

In Gethsemane, Jesus was "sorrowful and troubled" (v. 37). Luke writes, "And begin in an agony he prayed more earnestly; his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground" (Luke 22:44). "Though the word 'like' may indicate that this is to be understood metaphorically, there are both ancient and modern accounts on record of people sweating blood—a condition known as hematidrosis, where extreme anguish or physical strain causes one’s capillary blood vessels to dilate and burst, mixing sweat and blood" (ESV Study Bible, p. 2007). On another occasion, Jesus said, "Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? But for this purpose I have come to this hour" (John 12:27).

In Gethsemane, Jesus was "sorrowful and troubled" (v. 37). What was the "cup" that He dreaded to drink?

The "cup" was not physical suffering.

There are two reasons why the cup Jesus dreaded was not physical suffering. First, if the cup meant physical suffering then Jesus would have been guilty of not practicing what He preached. He once told His followers that when insulted, persecuted, and slandered, they were to "rejoice and be glad" (Matt. 5:11-12).

Second, if the cup meant physical suffering then Jesus would have been outdone by His followers. The apostles, leaving the Sanhedrin with backs bleeding from a merciless flogging, were actually "rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffering dishonor for the name" (Acts 5:41). In the postapostolic period there was even a longing to suffer martyrdom. In the middle of the second century, Polycarp, the eighty-six-year-old bishop of Smyrna, having refused to escape death either by fleeing or by denying Christ, was burned at the stake. Just before the fire was lit, he prayed, "O Father, I bless thee that thou hast counted me worthy to receive my portion among the number of the martyrs" (The Cross of Christ, p. 77).

The "cup" was spiritual suffering.

In the Old Testament, the Lord's "cup" was a symbol of His wrath. "In the hand of the LORD there is a cup with foaming wine, well mixed, and he pours out from it, and all the wicked of the earth shall drain it down to the dregs" (Ps. 75:8). "Wake yourself, wake yourself, stand up, O Jerusalem, you who have drunk from the hand of the LORD the cup of his wrath, who have drunk to the dregs the bowl, the cup of staggering" (Isa. 51:17). "The LORD, the God of Israel, said to me: 'Take from my hand this cup of the wine of wrath, and make all the nations to whom I send you drink it'" (Jer. 25:15). "The cup in the LORD’s right hand will come around to you, and utter shame will come upon your glory!" (Hab. 2:16). On the cross, Jesus would experience the wrath of God. That was the cup Jesus dreaded to drink.

We turn back to that lonely figure in the Gethsemane olive orchard—prostrate, sweating, overwhelmed with grief and dread, begging if possible to be spared the drinking of the cup. The martyrs were joyful, but he was sorrowful; they were eager, but he was reluctant. How can we compare them? How could they have gained their inspiration from him if he had faltered when they did not? Besides, up till now he had been clear-sighted about the necessity of his sufferings and death, determined to fulfill his destiny and vehement in opposing any who sought to deflect him. Had all that suddenly changed? Was he now after all, when the moment of testing came, a coward? No, no! All the evidence of his former teaching, character and behavior is against such a conclusion.In that case the cup from which he shrank was something different. It symbolized neither the physical pain of being flogged and crucified, nor the mental distress of being despised and rejected even by his own people, but rather the spiritual agony of bearing the sins of the world—in other words, of enduring the divine judgment that those sins deserved (The Cross of Christ, p. 78).

In the end, Jesus was determined to drink the cup. When He was arrested, Peter tried to fight against the soldiers. But Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?" (John 18:11).

The Cry of Dereliction on the Cross

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matt. 27:46; cf. Ps. 22:1).

There have been many ideas about the significance of thiscry from the cross: (1) it was a cry of anger, unbelief, or despair; (2) it wasa cry of loneliness (He feltforsaken, but really wasn't); (3) it was a cry of victory (He quoted the firstverse of Psalm 22 in order to represent the entire Psalm, which ends intriumph; cf. vv. 22-24). The best explanation is that Jesus actually was forsaken by the Father.

People sometimes refer to a place as "godforsaken." Thecross really was a "godforsaken place." Why was Jesus "forsaken"? It was because of our sin.

“An actual and dreadful separation took place between the Father and the Son; it was voluntary accept by both the Father and the Son; it was due to our sins and their just reward; and Jesus expressed this horror of great darkness, this God-forsakenness, by quoting the only verse of Scripture which accurately described it, and which he had perfectly fulfilled” (The Cross of Christ, p. 84).

"For our sake [God] made [Christ] to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Cor. 5:21).

While Jesus hung on the cross, "there was darkness over all the land" (Matt.27:45). "It seems that the darkness of the sky was an outward symbol of thespiritual darkness that enveloped him. For what is darkness in biblicalsymbolism but separation from God who is light and in whom 'there is no darknessat all' (1 Jn. 1:5)? 'Outer darkness' was one of the expressions Jesus used forhell, since it is an absolute exclusion from the light of God’s presence. Intothat outer darkness the Son of God plunged for us. Our sins blotted out thesunshine of his Father's face. We may even say that our sins sent Christ tohell…." (The Cross of Christ, p. 81).

The cross enforces three truths--about ourselves, about God, and about Christ:

1. Our sin must be extremely horrible.

The cross strips us of our self-righteousness. It shows us that we need a Savior.

2. God's love must be wonderful beyond comprehension.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son" (John 3:16). We can't understand the intensity of love that impelled God to give Jesus to bear the wrath we deserve.

3. Christ's salvation must be a free gift.

"[Christ] 'purchased' it for us at the high price of his own life-blood. So what is there left for us to pay? Nothing! Since he claimed that all was now 'finished,' there is nothing for us to contribute" (The Cross of Christ, p. 86). Salvation is by grace through faith.

"Your Will Be Done"

"My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done" (v. 42).

"Although in theory 'everything is possible' to God, as Jesus himself affirmed in Gethsemane (Mark 14:36), yet this was not possible. God's purpose of love was to save sinners, and to save them righteously; but this would be impossible without the sin-bearing death of the Savior" (The Cross of Christ, p. 79).

Are you willing to say to Jesus, "Your will be done"?

Whatever "cup" Jesus gives us, we must be willing to drink it.

How can you say no to Jesus after what He did for you?

What I'm Reading - The Cross of Christ

2011-09-08T11:00:00.001-03:00

One of the books I am presently reading is The Cross of Christ by John Stott. It is "the work of a lifetime, from one of the world's most influential thinkers, about the heart of the Christian faith" (back cover).

It was selected by Tim Challies of challies.com as the latest book for his Reading Classics Together, so I decided, since I recently purchased the book, that this would be a good time to read it. So far, I have read four chapters, and I would wholeheartedly recommend this book. The third chapter, "Looking Below the Surface," has been a great help to me this week in my sermon preparation. I'll be preaching on "The Cup" (the agony in Gethsemane and the cry of dereliction on the cross).

"John Stott rises grandly to the challenge of the greatest of all themes. All the qualities that we expect of him--biblical precision, thought-fulness and thoroughness, order and method, moral alertness and the measured tread, balanced judgment and biblical passion--are here in fullest evidence. This, more than any book he has written, is his masterpiece."--J. I. Packer

Dedication Required for Bible Study

2011-09-06T10:56:00.002-03:00

Part 4 of "The Holy Bible" Series

Bible reading and study needs to become a daily habit in our lives (like having a cup of coffee every morning or watching the news at 6:00 every evening). Paul urged Timothy to do his best as a student of the Bible so that he wouldn't be "ashamed." It is shameful that so many Christians neglect the Word of God.

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the work of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).

How can we develop the habit of daily spending time in God's Word? Below are a few ideas:

YouVersion reading plans - One of the nice features of YouVersion is the option of following a Bible reading plan. Right now I'm doing the Project 3:45+ plan. YouVersion tracks your progress to see if your're keeping up with your plan or not.
Audio Bibles - Audio Bibles are very helpful for people who are on the move. For example, you can listen to God's Word while you're taking a walk or driving to work. YouVersion offers audio Bibles in multiple translations.
Don't Break the Chain! - This is a simple motivational technique that won't work for everyone, but it does work for me. You can use a regular calendar or the website. Basically, you put an X on the days you complete your task (in this case, Bible reading). The goal is to never "break the chain." If you don't think this would help you, perhaps you could get creative and come up with another way to motivate yourself.

Tools for Bible Study

2011-09-06T10:38:00.002-03:00

Part 3 of "The Holy Bible" Series

Bible study can be difficult work. A. W. Pink once said, "No verse of Scripture yields its meaning to lazy people." But the work can be made easier with the help of some good tools.

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of Truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).

Here are a few recommended Bible study tools:

ESV Study Bible - I have been using this study Bible for about a year. In my opinion, it's the best one I've read so far. If you could own only one book other than the Bible, this might be the one you'd want. Those who purchase the ESV Study Bible also receive online access to the study notes at esvbible.org.
NIV Study Bible - This study Bible has been a great help to me over the years. Zondervan has also published versions of this Bible, with similar notes, in the King James Version and the New American Standard Bible.
Dig Deeper - This book by Nigel Beynon and Andrew Sach offers 16 "tools" for understanding the Bible. For example, one of the tools is the author's purpose tool ("Why did the author write this?").
YouVersion - YouVersion is available both online and as a mobile app called the Bible. You can also browse or search the Bible in multiple translations.

A Plan for Bible Study

2011-09-06T10:37:00.002-03:00

Part 2 of "The Holy Bible" Series

The student of God's Word needs a plan (like a builder needs a blueprint). Of course, every person is unique, so there probably isn't one plan that works best for everyone.

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).

Here is a plan that I would recommend:

Choose a book of the Bible. Most devotional books skip from one book to another each day, but reading through one book allows you to get the context of a passage (one of the basic needs for good biblical interpretation).
Start with prayer. The prophets were "carried along by the Holy Spirit" as they spoke (2 Peter 1:21), and we need to be illuminated by the Spirit as we read (1 Cor. 2:12-14).
Read the entire book. Reading the entire book in one sitting helps you to understand the theme and purpose of the book.
Slow down and read the book verse-by-verse. Don't rush. Meditate upon Scripture. Let it sink into your heart and mind.
As you read, ask yourself some questions. What does this passage say? What does it mean? How does it apply to my life?

The Holy Bible

2011-09-06T10:09:00.001-03:00

Part 1 of "The Holy Bible" Series

Holy Words

Bible facts:

"Bible" comes from the Latin biblia, meaning "books."
It was written over a period of more than 1500 years.
It was written by over 40 authors.
It was written on three continents (Asia, Africa, Europe)
It was written in three languages (Hebrews, Aramaic, Greek).
It was originally copied by hand and preserved on scrolls.
It was divided into chapters in 1228.
The OT was divided into verses in 1488.
The NT was divided into verses in 1551.
It was translated into English by John Wycliffe in 1380.
It was first book ever printed in 1454.
It was printed into English by William Tyndale in 1526.
The Authorized Version (KJV) was printed in 1611.
It is the best-selling book of all time.

What does the Bible say about itself?

The words of the Bible are the words of God.

All Scripture is breathed out by God (2 Tim. 3:16).

The Greek word for “breathed out by God” (“inspired,” NASB) is theopneustos. The word does not occur in any other Greek text (biblical or secular) prior to 2 Timothy. Some suggest that Paul might have invented the word.

No prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21).

The Bible is both a divine book and a human book. It was written by humans but breathed out by God. God used each author’s unique style and personality, but, at the same time, they were “carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

The verses above refer to the OT? What about the NT? Peter implies that Paul’s writings are Scripture: “There are some things in [Paul’s letters] that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures” (2 Peter 3:16). And Paul quotes the words of Jesus in Luke 10:7 as Scripture. “The Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,’ and, ‘The laborer deserves his wages’ (cf. Deut. 25:4).

The law of the LORD is perfect (Psalm 19:7).

There are no errors or contradictions in the Bible. A perfect God gave us a perfect book.Every idea of the Bible and every word of the Bible is God-breathed. (This is often called verbal, plenary inspiration. This inspiration applies to the original manuscripts, but we can be sure the these manuscripts were carefully copied.) Jesus declared, “Truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished” (Matt. 5:18). The “iota” is the smallest letter of the Greek alphabet. The “dot” likely refers to a tiny stroke or a part of a letter used to differentiate between Hebrew letters (ESV Study Bible).

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever (Isa. 40:8).

Should we believe the Bible’s claim that it is God-breathed? Its accurate history and fulfilled prophecies suggest that we should.

Precious Words

I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word (Psalm 119:16).

The Hebrew word for “forget” (shakach) means to lay aside, to forget, to take for granted, to neglect. If the words of the Bible are the words of God, we should never neglect it.What should our response be?

1. We should strive to master the Bible.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

A “worker” needs a plan. (See part 2 of this series: A Plan for Bible Study.)

A “worker” needs tools. (See part 3 of this series: Tools for Bible Study.)

A “worker” needs dedication. (See part 4 of this series: Dedication Required for Bible Study.)

2. We should strive to be mastered by the Bible.

Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves (James 1:22; see also vv. 23-25).

The Bible is like a mirror. It shows us changes we need to make. To disregard the words of the Bible is to disregard the words of God. The Psalmist said, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).

Are These Words Holy and Precious to You?

Jesus once said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Matt. 24:35). Think of what you do during your free time. How much time do you spend on things that will “pass away”? How much time do you spend reading and studying the Bible? What would people like John Wycliffe and William Tyndale think of all of think of our treatment of the Bible? They risked their lives so that we could have God's Word in English. (Tyndale was strangled to death, and his dead body was burned at the stake.) But so often we neglect the Bible. Its words are the very words of God. Its words are holy. Its words are precious. Strive to master it. And strive to be mastered by it.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ

2011-08-29T12:34:00.000-03:00

Part 29 of a series through the book of Revelation

Text: 22:6-21

JESUS IS COMING

“…to show his servants what must soon take place” (v. 6).

The book of Revelation begins with the following words: “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place” (1:1). The word “revelation” (apokalypsis) means “unveiling.” Revelation reveals that there is coming a day when Jesus Christ will be revealed to the world. “Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him” (1:7).

Probably some of you heard that Steve Jobs resigned on Wednesday as CEO of Apple (the company responsible for the iPod, the iPhone, and the iPad). This week I came across a video of Steve Jobs unveiling the Macintosh computer in 1984 (see below). The audience was very impressed with the Macintosh, but I doubt most of them understood how the Macintosh worked. How did all the parts of the computer work together to do what it did?

Like Steve Jobs unveiled the Macintosh, God has unveiled for us the future in the book of Revelation. It reveals that Christ will one day return to earth, there will be a judgment day for both the believer and the unbeliever, and there is a heaven and a hell. There is much in Revelation that we don’t understand, but that shouldn’t trouble us. (Just like I’m not troubled by not understanding how a computer works.)

Why must these things take place?

First, these things must take place because God is sovereign. God is in control. He has a plan. And He will accomplish that plan.

Second, these things must take place because God is faithful. “These words are trustworthy and true” (v. 6). God will always do what He says.

In the introduction of Revelation, there is a promise of blessing to all who obey its words (1:3). In the conclusion, there is a warning of judgment to all who twist its words (22:18-19; cf. Deut. 4:2).

BUT IS JESUS COMING SOON?

“And behold, I am coming soon” (v. 7).

“Behold, I am coming soon” (v. 12).

“Surely I am coming soon” (v. 20).

“The appointed time has grown very short” (1 Cor. 9:29). “The Day is drawing near” (Heb. 10:25). “The coming of the Lord is at hand” (James 5:8). “The end of all things is at hand” (1 Peter 4:7). “The time is near” (Rev. 1:3).

About two thousand years have passed since Jesus said, “I am coming soon.” Did He break His promise? In 2 Peter 3:1-13, Peter tells us how we can answer “scoffers” who ask, “Where is the promise of his coming?” (v. 4).

First, God has a different perspective on time (v. 8). To God, 1000 years are like one day.

Second, God is patient (vv. 9-10). He is “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (v. 9). The “delay” in Christ’s return allows people more time to turn to faith in God. Jesus declared, “This gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matt. 24:14).

Third, God allows us to speed up or delay Christ’s coming (vv. 11-13). Does this violate the sovereignty of God? No. God is able and willing to use our actions in His sovereign plan.

The return of Christ is imminent. It is the next big event in God’s plan of salvation (incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, Pentecost, second coming). We are living in the “last days.”

Unlike Daniel (Dan. 12:9), John was told, “Do not seal up the works of the prophecy of this book” (v. 10). Why? “For the time is near.”

MARANATHA!

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! (v. 20).

What should we do until Christ’s return?

First, we should long for Christ above the world’s attractions. Paul ended 1 Corinthians with the words, “Our Lord, come!” (1 Cor. 16:22). In Aramaic, this phrase is marana tha. It was probably an early Christian prayer for the return of Jesus. Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come” (Matt. 6:10).

Second, we should live for Him for Christ despite the world’s adversity. “Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book” (v. 7). (Much of the imagery of the epilogue reflects the warnings and promises given to the seven churches in chapters 2-3. They would be reminded that Jesus expected them to be faithful no matter what.) The NT passages that address the return of Christ often end with an appeal for Christians to live godly lives. “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Cor. 15:58). “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil” (2 Cor. 5:9; cf. Rev. 22:12). (We are saved by grace and judged by works.) “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter” (2 Thess. 2:15). We should obey not only because we “ought to” but also because we “want to.”

The Revelation of Paradise Regained

2011-08-23T16:39:00.001-03:00

Part 28 of a sermon series through the book of Revelation

Text: 22:1-5

PARADISE LOST

The Bible ends at the beginning (compare Rev. 22:1-15 and Gen. 2-3).

What does the beginning of the Bible tell us about the original paradise?

First, in Eden, there was a river.
Second, in Eden, there was a tree of life.
Third, in Eden, there was no curse.
Fourth, in Eden, there was fellowship with God.

Paradise was lost because Adam and Eve disobeyed God. But Christ crushed the head of the serpent (Gen. 3:15) through His death and resurrection and opened up the way to paradise.

PARADISE REGAINED

What does the end of the Bible tells us about the new paradise?

First, in heaven, life will be satisfying.

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city (vv. 1-2a).

In heaven, we will not, as some people think, sit on a cloud and play a harp for eternity. Life will be completely fulfilling.

Second, in heaven, life will be endless.

Also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations (v. 2b).

Our days are limited (like grains of sand in an hourglass). In this life, there is never enough time to do everything we would like to do. But in the life to come, time will be unlimited. You can't "spend" eternity.

Third, in heaven, life will be perfect.

No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him (v.3).

When the Boston Red Sox won the World Series in 2004, Red Sox fans said the “Curse of the Bambino” was reversed. Can man reverse the curse of sin? Futurist and inventor Ray Kurzweil thinks it’s possible. In the 2009 documentary Transcendent Man, He predicts that by 2029 humanity will solve the problem of death (because of continued progress in genetics, nanotechnology, and robotics). However, the Bible declares that only God is able to reverse the curse.

Fourth, in heaven, life will be glorious.

They will see his face, and his name will be in their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever (vv. 4-5).

It could be said that the Garden of Eden was the first temple. Why? (1) Israel’s temple was where the priest experienced God’s presence, and Eden was where Adam walked and talked with God (Gen. 3:8). (2) The entrance to Eden was from the east (Gen. 3:24), which was also the direction from which on entered the tabernacle and the later temples of Israel. (3) Genesis 2:15 says God placed Adam in the Garden “to work it and keep it.” The two Hebrews words translated “work” and “keep” are usually translated “serve” and “guard” elsewhere in the OT (Num. 3:7-8; 8:25-26; 1 Chron. 23:32; Ezek. 44:14). (4) When Adam failed to guard the temple by sinning, he lost his priestly role, and the two cherubim took over responsibility of “guarding” the garden temple: God “placed the cherubim…to guard the way to the tree of life” (Gen. 3:24). God commanded Moses to make two statues of cherubim and stationed them on either side of the ark of the covenant in the Most Holy Place. (5) The wood carvings gave Israel’s temple a garden-like atmosphere (1 Kings 6:18, 29, 32, 35; 7:18-20). (6) “God said to Adam, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it’” (Gen. 1:28). It is plausible to suggest that Adam was to extend the geographical boundaries of the garden until Eden extended throughout and covered the whole earth. This meant the presence of God, which was initially limited to Eden, was to be extended throughout the whole earth. What Adam failed to do, Revelation pictures Christ as finally having done (G. K. Beale, The Book of Revelation, pp. 1109-1111).

God always wants what is best for us. Follow His will and you won’t be disappointed.

The Revelation of Heaven

2011-08-19T09:42:00.001-03:00

Part 27 of a series through the book of Revelation

Text: 21:1-27

HEAVEN IS UNDER ATTACK

There are many lies about heaven that Satan wants us to believe. Here are three. The first lie is that heaven isn't real. Stephen Hawking recently said, “There is no heaven. That is a fairy story for people afraid of the dark.” A second lie is that heaven can wait. Gary Player once said, “If there’s a golf course in heaven, I hope it’s like Augusta National. I just don’t want an early tee time.” A third lie is that heaven is the destiny of most. But Jesus declared, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”(John 14:6).

A NEW REALITY

The word “new” is found four times in 21:1-8.

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth (v. 1a).

And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God (v. 2a).

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new” (v. 5a).

“New” here means not only new in time, but also new in quality (like replacing a regular telephone with a smartphone).

“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind” (Isaiah 65:17). “According to [God’s] promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth” (2 Peter 3:13). There will be “heaven on earth”—literally.

Heaven will be much better than we can imagine. So be courageous, not cowardly.

“For [Abraham] was looking forward to a city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God…. But as it is, they [the heroes of the faith] desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city” (Hebrews 11:10, 16).

Three reasons why heaven will be much better than we can imagine: First, in heaven we will experience the presence of God.And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God (v. 3). One of the great promises of the Bible will be fulfilled in heaven. “I will make my dwelling [the Shekinah] among you, and my soul shall not abhor you. And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people” (Leviticus 26:11-12). God did this in different ways in Scripture: (1) in the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire (Exodus 13:21-22), (2) in the Most Holy Place of the tabernacle and temple, (3) in the incarnation (John 1:14). But in heaven we will fully experience His presence. (New Jerusalem is a temple city, 21:22, 15-16.)

Second, in heaven we will experience the absence of sorrow.“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (v. 4). See Romans 8:18-23.

Third, in heaven we will experience the end of dissatisfaction. "To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment" (v. 6b). See John 4:7-14.

MORE BEYOND

The Strait of Gibraltar is the strait that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. On either side of the Strait of Gibraltar there are two mountains, which were known in ancient times as the Pillars of Hercules. According to Greek mythology, Hercules built these pillars to mark the edge of the world. Remember that in those days people believed that the earth was flat. The pillars bore the warning, “No More Beyond,” cautioning sailors to go no further. But in 1492 Christopher Columbus destroyed the belief that there was “no more beyond” when he sailed far out into the Atlantic Ocean and discovered the New World. In the town where the explorer died, there stands a monument commemorating him. On this monument there is a statue of a lion. The lion’s paw is tearing away the word “No” from the phrase “No More Beyond,” making it read “More Beyond.” Columbus had proven that there was “more beyond.”

Whether people believe it or not, there is "more beyond" this world. Heaven is real, and it will be much better than you or I can imagine! So follow Christ courageously.

The Revelation of the Final Judgment

2011-08-11T11:59:00.000-03:00

Part 26 of a series through the book of Revelation

Text: 20:11-15

DON’TJUDGE ME!

Perhaps the most quoted versetoday is Matthew 7:1: “Judge not, that you be not judged.” Another favoriteverse is John 8:7: “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throwa stone.” People don’t like to be judged.

Of course, much of our judgingis unfair or hypocritical. Jesus said, “Do not judge by appearances” (John7:24). We often say, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Or, “Don’t judge a bookby its movie.” But whether we like it or not, there is coming a judgment dayfor each one of us. “It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comesjudgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

THEGREAT WHITE THRONE

The Bible has much to say aboutthe coming judgment day. Consider the passages below.

“At that time shall ariseMichael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be atime of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till thattime. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose nameshall be found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust ofthe earth shall awake some to everlasting life, and some to shame andeverlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:1-2).

“An hour is coming when all whoare in the tombs will hear [the Son of Man’s] voice and come out, those whohave done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to theresurrection of judgment” (John 5:28-29).

“Why do you pass judgment onyour brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all standbefore the judgment seat of God; for it is written, ‘As I live, says the Lord,every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue confess to God.’ So then each ofus will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:10-12).

Scholars debate about whether thereare several judgments or just one final judgment. We won’t get into thisdebate. We’ll simply say that there is coming a judgment for us all—whether weare followers of Christ or not.

What will happen at the finaljudgment?

First, we will be judged by Jesus.

Then I saw a great white throneand him who was seated on it(v. 11a).

And I saw the dead,great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened (v. 12a). “…

Christ Jesus, who is to judge the livingand the dead” (2 Timothy 4:1).

Second, we will be judged according toour deeds.

Andthe dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to whatthey had done(v. 12b).

Andthey were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done (v. 13b).

“God will bring every deed intojudgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:14).

“I tell you, on the day ofjudgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for byyour words you will be justified, and byyour words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37).

“Nothing is covered up thatwill not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever youhave said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whisperedin private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops” (Luke 12:2-3).

“On that day when, according tomy gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus” (Romans 2:16).

“No creature is hidden from[God’s] sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we mustgive account” (Hebrews 4:13).

God “judges impartially according to eachone’s deeds” (1 Peter 1:17).

If you are saved by God’s grace,the judgment will determine your level of reward.

We are saved by grace, but wewill be judged by works.

“We must all appear before thejudgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive what is due for what he hasdone in the body, whether good or evil” (2 Corinthians 5:10).

“[The Lord] will bring to lightthe things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart.Then each one will receive his commendation from God” (1 Corinthians 4:5).

If you are condemned by God’s law,the judgment will determine your level of punishment.

“Do you presume on the richesof his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindnessis meant to lead you to repentance? But because of you hard and impenitentheart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’srighteous judgment will be revealed” (Romans 2:4-5).

“Now we know that whatever thelaw says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may bestopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God” (Romans 3:19).

“[God] commands all peopleeverywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judged theworld in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and this he has givenassurance to all by raising him from the dead” (Acts 17:30-31).

Luke 20:45-47 and Matthew11:20-24 suggest that some people will receive more severe punishment.

HOWFUTURE JUDGMENT AFFECTS TODAY

How can the doctrine of finaljudgment influence our lives? (This is borrowed from Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem, pp. 1147-1148.) First, it satisfies our desire for justice (Colossians 3:25). Second, it enables us to forgive others (Romans 12:19; Luke 23:34). Third, it provides a motive for righteous living (Matthew 6:20). Fourth, it provides a motive for evangelism (Ezekiel 33:11; 2 Peter 3:9).

The Revelation of Christ's Kingdom

2011-07-26T13:44:00.001-03:00

Part 25 of a series through the book of Revelation

Text: 20:1-10

THREE VIEWS ON THE MILLENNIUM

The earthly reign of Christ is often called the “millennium.” The word “millennium” means “one thousand years.” The phrase “thousand years” is found six times in Revelation 20 (vv. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7). Many Christians believe that the “thousand years” should be interpreted symbolically as a long period of time.

Throughout the history of the church, there have been three major views on the time and nature of the millennium. First, amillennialism – There will be no future millennium. According to this view, Revelation 20:1-10 describes the present church age and the binding of Satan (v. 2) refers to his restriction, not inactivity. However, the following verses do not seem to suggest something more than Satan's restriction. Satan is “the god of this world” who “has blinded the minds of unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 4:4). He is “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31). He is “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work” (Ephesians 2:2). He “prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). And what about the phrase "came to life" (v. 4). For the amillennialist, this means new spiritual life, not physical life. But in Revelation 2:8, Jesus is described as the one “who died and came to life"--obviously referring to His physical resurrection. Second, postmillennialism – Christ will return after the millennium. Christ’s reign will be spiritual (through the influence of the church). This view is very optimistic. Third, premillennialism – Christ will return before the millennium. Christ’s reign will be physical. Some would argue that the prhase “Then I saw” (v. 1) indicates the sequence of events (i.e., the millennium will occur after the second coming, which is described in the previous chapter). Premillennialism is my personal view.

LIVING IN ANTICIPATION

Don’t worry about the future; be happy about your future blessings.

We should live in anticipation of Christ’s return. When He returns (according to premillenialism), followers of Christ will experience the following three blessings.

The blessing of a resurrection. Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power (v. 6a).
The blessing of a reign. But they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years (v. 6b).
The blessing of righteousness. The devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever (v. 10).

The Revelation of the Second Coming

2011-07-18T10:23:00.005-03:00

Part 24 of a series through the book of Revelation

Text: 19:11-21

A QUICK LESSON IN ESCHATOLOGY

Eschatology is the study of last things. Important eschatological terms:

Tribulation Period – An unprecedented time of trouble when God will pour out His wrath upon the earth. (There is debate as to whether or not the tribulation will last seven literal years.)
Rapture – Christ’s coming for His church. The bodies of dead believers will be raised; the bodies of living believers will be changed; both groups will be caught up to meet the Christ in the air (see John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:50-53; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). “Rapture” is not actually found in the Bible. The word can refer to an experience of being carried away. Believers will be “caught up” (carried away) to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17). When I was a kid, one of my favorite toys were Transformers. There was a Transformers cartoon, and part of the theme song went, “Transformers, more than meets the eye.” “Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). We will be transformed. There is more to us that meets the eye!
Second Coming – Christ’s return to earth to defeat and judge His enemies.

Among premillennialists (those who believe that the second coming will be followed by Christ’s earthly reign), the two most popular views concerning the rapture are:

The Pretribulational View – The church will be raptured before the tribulation period. According to this view, the rapture will precede the second coming by seven years (tribulation period). Arguments for the pretribulational view: (1) the word “church” is not mentioned after Revelation 3; (2) “I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world” (Revelation 3:10).
The Posttribulational View – The church will be raptured after the tribulation period. According to this view, the rapture and the second coming will happen at the same time. Arguments for the posttribulational view: (1) 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 seems to suggest that the church will be on earth for the second coming; (2) the same words are used for the rapture and the second coming (e.g., parousia: “the coming of the Lord,” 1 Thessalonians 5:15; “the coming of the Son of Man,” Matthew 24:27).

Why fight about the timing of the rapture? This is our great hope!

THE RETURN OF CHRIST

Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war (v. 11).

On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords (v. 16).

What does the Bible say about the second coming? Three revelations:

Christ will return in a sudden, personal, visible, and bodily way. Jesus declared, “The Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44). At the ascension, the angels said to the disciples, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way you saw him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). The book of Revelation begins with the words “The revelation of Jesus Christ.” “Revelation” (apokalypsis) means “unveiling.” “Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him” (Revelation 1:7).
If you are an unbeliever, the return of Christ is something to dread. Jesus will come “like a thief” (2 Peter 3:10). His coming will be unexpected and unwanted. He will also come as a mighty warrior (see Revelation 16:12-16, “Armageddon”).
If you are a believer, the return of Christ is something to desire. “Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body” (Philippians 3:20-21). We are “waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us” (Titus 2:13-14). “Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him” (Hebrews 9:28).

LONGING FOR CHRIST’S RETURN

When we’re running low on food in my house, one of the snacks I resort to is peanut butter on soda crackers. But it’s never really when I’m looking for. If I am planning on going out to eat at my favorite restaurant, I wouldn’t have a big plate of crackers and peanut butter before I left.

The pursuits of this life are like peanut butter and crackers. They are nothing compared to what is to come. There are many worthy goals in life, but do you long more for earthly accomplishments or for the return of Christ? It could be said that the intensity of our longing for Christ’s return is a gauge of our love for Him.

When you stand before Christ, you will not think, “I wish I should have spent more time improving the look of my home,” or, “I wish I would have been smarter about investing my money.” Instead, you will think, “I hope Jesus will say, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.’”

The Revelation of the Marriage Supper

2011-07-11T12:58:00.004-03:00

Part 23 of a series through the book of Revelation

Text: 19:6-10

THE MARRIAGE OF THE LAMB

When you think about your life, do any memorable meals come to mind (first date, birthday party, family reunion, wedding reception, etc.)? Revelation 19 tells us about the most amazing meal: the marriage supper of the lamb.

“Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready” (v. 7).

The church is the bride of Christ. “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:25-27; cf. 2 Corinthians 11:2).

Three Jewish marriage customs: (1) the betrothal (Matthew 1:18; Luke 2:5). When a man and woman were betrothed to one another, they were already considered husband and wife, though they did not yet live together. The church is betrothed to Christ, and He is preparing a place for her in heaven. (2) The procession (Matthew 25:1-13). The bride knew (thought she didn’t know exactly when) that the bridegroom would come to take her to his house. The church is waiting for Christ to come to earth for her. Jesus said, “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour” (Matthew 24:44; cf. 25:13). (3) The feast (John 2:1-2).

HEAVEN’S CELEBRATION

“Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb” (v. 9).

In verse 7, the church is described as the bride. In verse 9, the church is described as invited guests.

Two amazing meals with Jesus: The first amazing meal is the Last Supper. After Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper, He said to His disciples, “I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom” (Matthew 26:29). When would that day be? He was probably referring to the marriage supper of the Lamb.

The second amazing meal is the marriage supper. In Jesus’ story of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-30), Lazarus ate the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. When the two men died, the rich man went to Hades (a place of punishment), and Lazarus went to “Abraham’s side [bosom, KJV].” Some Christians believe “Abraham’s bosom” refers to an intermediate state that OT saints went to until Christ’s resurrection. Personally, I believe that “Abraham’s side/bosom” refers to the fellowship of heaven. Jesus once said, “I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 8:11). In those days, people did not sit on chairs when they ate. (Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper is historically inaccurate.) Instead, they reclined on cushions around a low table. John refers to himself in the Gospel of John as “the one who had been reclining at table close to [Jesus]” (21:20). At the marriage supper of the Lamb, we will not only recline around the table with great saints of the past like Abraham, Moses, and David; we will sit with Jesus. We can only imagine what that will be like.

Have you accepted the invitation to heaven’s celebration?

The Revelation of Babylon's Fall

2011-07-05T15:02:00.002-03:00

Part 22 of a series through the book of Revelation

Text: 17:1-19:5

BABYLON THE GREAT

“Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality, and with the wine of whose sexual immorality the dwellers on earth have become drunk” (17:1-2).

The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations.” And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus (17:4-6).

We read of the fall of ancient Babylon in the book of Daniel (“great Babylon,” 4:30).

Babylon’s Symbol: The great prostitute. There is a contrast in Revelation between New Jerusalem (the city of God) and Babylon (the city of man). New Jerusalem is portrayed as a bride (21:2); Babylon is portrayed as a prostitute.

Babylon’s Identity: The world opposed to God. Other interpretations of Babylon include: (1) a restoration of ancient Babylon, (2) the Roman Empire (probably party correct), (3) a revived Roman Empire, and (4) the Roman Catholic Church. “You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?” (James 4:4). “Sexual immorality” (17:2, 4; 18:3, 9) should be interpreted as spiritual infidelity—in other words, idolatry (worshiping what is not worthy of worship).

Babylon’s Message: You can be happy without God. Advertisements tell us, “This is what you need to be happy.”

Babylon’s Enticements: possessions, power, and pleasure.

INTOXICATED MINDS

“All nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living” (18:3).

The intoxicated mind thinks that the world’s enticements will someday satisfy.

Jesus warned about “the deceitfulness of riches” (Matthew 13:22). Immanuel Kant said, “Give a man everything he wants and at that moment, everything will not be everything.”

SOBER MINDS

“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!” (18:2).

“Alas! Alas! You great city, you mighty city, Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come” (18:10; cf. 18:16-17, 19).

“Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever” (19:3).

“Come out of her, my people” (18:4).

The sober mind knows that the world’s enticements will one day pass away.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:15-17).

“There are no U-Hauls behind hearses.”

We must not be nearsighted. Polycarp, before he was burned at the stake, said, “You threaten with fire which burns for a season and after a little while is quenched: for you are ignorant of the fire of the future judgment and eternal punishment, which is reserved for the ungodly. But why do you delay? Come, do what you will”

Jesus: “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world” (John 17:15-16). We are in the world but not of the world.

The Revelation of God's Justice

2011-06-29T12:15:00.001-03:00

A series through the book of Revelation

Text: 15:1:16:21

THE GOD WHO IS NEVER WRONG

“Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed” (15:3-4).

“Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was, for you brought these judgments. For they have shed the blood of the saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve” (16:5-6).

“Yes, Lord God the Almighty, true and just are your judgments!” (16:7).

Because humans have been created in God’s image, we have a desire for justice (though we often have a twisted sense of what is right and wrong). We are troubled when we see injustice (e.g., the O. J. Simpson trial).

God’s judgment is perfect. Why? First, God is never mistaken. “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” (Genesis 18:25). Second, God is never partial. Third, God is never intimidated. Fourth, God is never unfair. “I the LORD speak the truth; I declare what is right” (Isaiah 45:19). “Will you even put me in the wrong? Will you condemn me that you may be in the right?” (Job 40:8; cf. vv. 1-5; Romans 9:20). With God, the punishment always fits the crime. “God always acts in accordance with what is right and is himself the final standard of what is right” (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, p. 204).

God is absolutely just: trust Him for salvation and trust Him daily.

A NEW EXODUS

And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb (15:3).

There are many parallels between Revelation 15 and 16 and the Old Testament account of the Exodus.

First parallel: plagues. God brought ten plagues against Egypt (Exodus 7-11), and God will pour out seven plagues (bowls) on the earth. Some of these seven plagues are similar to the Egyptian plagues: sores (16:2), water turned into blood (16:3-4), darkness (16:10), and frogs (16:13). In 16:6, the angel says, “You have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!” The Egyptians deserved to have the Nile River turned to blood because they had killed the infant sons of the Israelites by throwing them into the Nile (Exodus 1:22).

Second parallel: hardened hearts. After each of the plagues, Pharaoh hardened his heart (Exodus 7:14, 22; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:7, 12, 35; 10:20, 27; 11:10), and the people on earth “did not repent” and “cursed” God (16:9, 11, 21).

Third parallel: the blood of a lamb. The Israelites avoided the tenth plague (death of the firstborn) by the blood of the Passover lamb (Exodus 12), and the saints avoid the judgment of God by the blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God.

Fourth parallel: salvation and judgment. The parting of the Red Sea resulted in both salvation and judgment: salvation for the Israelites, but judgment for the Egyptians. The Second Coming will result in both salvation and judgment: salvation for the saints and judgment for the unrepentant.

Fifth parallel: the song of Moses. In 15:3, the “song of Moses” is sung in heaven. There are two songs of Moses in the Old Testament (Exodus 15:1-18; Deuteronomy 31:30-32:43). The first song was sung after the Israelites’ crossing of the Red Sea. “Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?” (Exodus 15:11). “The Rock, his work in perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he” (Deuteronomy 32:4).

Sixth parallel: the defeat of Satan. “You divided the sea by your might; you broke the heads of the sea monsters on the waters. You crushed the heads of Leviathan; you gave him as food for the creatures of the wilderness” (Psalm 74:13-14). In this passage, the Leviathan (a dragon-like monster) is a symbol of Egypt. Satan, the “dragon” (Revelation 12) was using Egypt to oppress God’s people. He was defeated then, and He will be defeated again when Christ returns.

IS THERE JUSTICE ANYWHERE?

People often complain about the injustice in the world (“life is unfair”). Ultimate justice is present in only two places: in the lake of fire and at the cross. “Whom God put forth as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Romans 3:25-26).

The Revelation of Man's Destiny

2011-06-23T11:29:00.000-03:00

Part 20 of a series through the book of Revelation

Text: 14:1-20

BEYOND YOUR WILDEST DREAMS

This month we traveled to North Conway, New Hampshire for a family vacation. Traveling can be difficult if the kids are fighting in the back seat, or they’re asking every five minutes, “Are we almost there?”, or the baby is crying, or you get lost, or your car gets a flat tire. (Fortunately, we avoided most of these difficulties.) Following Christ is like a journey.

Following Christ can be a difficult journey, but the destination will be rewarding beyond imagination.

Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads (v. 1).

The 144,000 (cf. 7:1-8) give us two ways to view our commitment to Christ. First, we are committed to Christ as His army. A “good soldier,” according to 2 Timothy 2:3-4, does not get involved in “the affairs of this life” (NLT) but always seeks to “please his commanding officer” (NIV). Second, we are committed to Christ as His bride.

IN WHAT ARE YOU TRUSTING?

“Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water” (v. 7).

“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality” (v. 8).

People make one of two choices: either they trust in the gospel, or they trust in substitutes. The first commandment states, “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). An idol is a substitute for God. The substitutes (money, power, fame, etc.) don’t satisfy.

The gospel is “eternal” (v. 6), but Babylon is “fallen” (v. 8). Babylon could be seen as symbolizing man’s self-reliance. (The number of the beast, 666, symbolizes man’s incompleteness without God.) In Daniel 4, King Nebuchadnezzar said to himself, “Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power...?” (v. 30), and was humbled by God.

If you trust in substitutes, you will be disappointed in the end. Jesus said, “What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26).

As Christ’s army and bride, idolatry is betrayal. As Christ’s army, we must not betray our leader. As Christ’s bride, we must not betray our true love. “Sexual immorality” (v. 8) probably symbolizes idolatry (spiritual adultery).

WHAT IS YOUR DESTINY?

“And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name” (v. 11).

“Write this: Blessed are the dead who dies in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” (v. 13).

People have one of two destinies: either heaven, a place of eternal rest and reward or hell, a place of eternal unrest and punishment.

When we traveled to North Conway, there were many possible routes we could have taken (the shortest route, the scenic route, etc.). Are there different routes to heaven? No. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

My children found the trip long, but there were willing to endure it because of the destination: Story Land—and amusement park for kids. In the journey of life, there is a destination! The journey might be difficult, but the destination (heaven) is rewarding beyond imagination.

The Revelation of Man's Incompleteness

2011-05-31T14:15:00.000-03:00

Part 19 of a series through the book of Revelation

Text: 13:1-18

THE TWO BEASTS

And I saw a beast rising out of the sea.... (v. 1).

Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth.... (v. 11).

In Revelation 13, there are two beasts. These two beasts can be interpreted three ways (and perhaps all three can be seen as valid). First, the beasts symbolize the Roman emperor and the Imperial cult during the first century. Second, the beasts symbolize opposition to God and His people during this present age. Third, the beasts symbolize two individuals, the antichrist and the false prophet (cf. 19:20), who will rise to power before the second coming.

There are several allusions to Daniel 7 in Revelation 13. In Daniel 7, there are four beasts: one that looked like a lion, one that looked like a bear, one that looked like a leopard, and one that had ten horns. In Revelation 13, the beast out of the sea looks like a leopard, has feet like a bear, has a mouth like a lion, and has ten horns. The four beasts of Daniel 7 symbolized four kingdoms (probably Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome). So the beast out of the sea probably symbolizes human power—human power that Satan uses in his attempts to oppose God and the saints.

The word “antichrist” is only found in John’s epistles. John writes that the “spirit of the antichrist” was already in the world in his day—in the form of false teachers. “Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come” (1 John 2:18). “Every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already” (1 John 4:3; cf. 2:22; 2 John 7).

The dragon (Satan), the Antichrist, and the false prophet form an unholy trinity. “As Christ received authority from the Father (Matt. 11:27), so Antichrist receives authority from the dragon (Rev. 13:14), and as the Holy Spirit glorifies Christ (John 16:14), so the false prophet glorifies the Antichrist (Rev. 13:12)” (Robert H. Mounce).

God’s sovereignty is seen throughout this chapter in the world “allowed” (vv. 5, 7, 14, 15). Though Satan and the beasts may seem to be in control of this world, their actions are only permitted by God. In the end, God will defeat and judge them and prove His sovereignty.

CONFORM!

Also [the first beast] was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them (v. 7).

And by the signs that [the second beast] is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth (v. 14).

What strategies does Satan use to try to get us to conform to his ways? Strategy #1: Deception. How can you detect deception? By knowing God’s word. If Satan’s first strategy is unsuccessful, he moves on to his second strategy.

Strategy #2: Persecution. All who do not conform are persecuted. In North America, this persecution usually comes in the form of ridicule. For example, when a person declares, “I believe that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God,” he is instantly mocked—even by many who call themselves “Christians.”

The false prophet “caused all...to be marked on the right hand or the forehead” (v. 16). What is the mark of the beast? Is this a literal mark or a symbolic mark?

In Deuteronomy 6:8, Moses told the people of Israel, “You shall bind [the words of the law] as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.” Though many Jews have obeyed this command literally with phylacteries, it was intended to have a symbolic meaning: follow God with your head (what you think) and your hands (what you do).

In Revelation, there are two marks: the mark of the beast and “the seal of the living God” (the 144,000 are sealed “on their foreheads,” Revelation 7:1-8). These marks symbolize a person’s loyalty: either to the beast or to God.

Those who do not worship the image of the beast are “slain” (v. 15). Whose wrath would you most want to avoid: God’s or Satan’s? Of course, God’s wrath (holy) and Satan’s wrath (evil) are two very different kinds of wrath! Jesus said, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him [God] who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).

666

This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666 (v. 18).

In Revelation, 7 is the number of completion.

Without Jesus Christ, we are incomplete.

People are constantly searching for completion. They have been deceived into thinking that they can find it on their own. So they look for it in many things—accomplishments, freedom, money, marriage, children. The list goes on and on. But without Christ in a person’s life, there will always be an empty space.

Are the following instances of the number six in Scripture a coincidence? Man was created on the sixth day. Nebuchadnezzar’s image of gold (a monument to the glory of man) measured “sixty cubits” high and “six cubits” wide (Daniel 3:1). “The weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was 666 talents of gold” (1 Kings 10:14).

Augustine said, “Thou hast made us for Thyself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee.” Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). In eternity, those who put their trust in the beast will “have no rest, day or night” (Revelation 14:11). But those who put their trust in the Lamb will “rest from their labors” (Revelation 14:13). They will be satisfied, fulfilled, complete.

Have you put your faith in Jesus? Have you found completion in your life?

The Revelation of Satan's Defeat

2011-05-23T11:10:00.000-03:00

Part 18 of a series through the book of Revelation

Text: 12:1-17

THE WOMAN, THE CHILD, AND THE DRAGON

Who do the three characters of Revelation 12 represent?

The woman represents the messianic community (first Israel and then the church). In the Old Testament, Israel longed for the arrival of the Messiah (like a pregnant woman longs for the birth of her baby). Today, the church longs for His return.

The child represents the Messiah (Jesus). He “is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron” (v. 5; cf. 19:15). “

The dragon represents Satan. “Red” (v. 3) represents bloodshed. Jesus said, “He was a murderer from the beginning” (John 8:44). The “seven heads,” “ten horns,” and “seven diadems” (v. 3) might represent his intelligence and power. Verse 4 says, “His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth” (v. 4). This probably refers to Satan’s original rebellion. The “stars” are fallen angels.

ESCAPING THE DRAGON

And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it (v. 14b).

And when the dragon saw that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child (v. 13).

How does the dragon fail?

First, Satan could not devour Jesus.

Satan tried to prevent the birth of the child by attempting to destroy Israel. “Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives..., “When you serve as midwife to the Hebrew women and see them on the birthstool, if it is a son, you shall kill him” (Exodus 1:15-16). “Haman sought to destroy all Jews...throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus” (Esther 3:6).

Satan attempted to devour the child through Herod. “Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all the region who were two years old or under” (Matthew 2:16). Throughout Jesus’ ministry, Satan tried to incite people to kill Jesus. Eventually, Satan used Judas to bring Jesus into the hands of His enemies. “Satan entered into Judas” (Luke 22:3; John 13:2; 27).

Satan probably thought he had devoured Jesus when He was crucified. Did the cross devour Jesus? No! The cross is not the defeat of Jesus; it is the defeat of Satan. After the sin of Adam and Eve, God pronounced a curse upon Satan. He said to “that ancient serpent” (v. 9), “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring [seed] and her offspring [seed]; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15). The “woman’s seed” is Jesus. Satan would bruise Jesus' head (the cross), but Jesus would bruise Satan's head (a fatal blow). This verse has been called the “Protoevangelium,” the first announcement of the gospel.

Second, Satan cannot devour the saints.

First Peter 5:8 says, “You adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

“The woman was given the two wings of the great eagle so that she could fly from the serpent into the wilderness” (v. 14). The wilderness (v. 6) was a place of provision for Israel. The “1,260 days” (v. 6) and “a time, and times, and half a time” (v. 14) refer to a period of persecution during which the people of God are spiritually nourished. “They that wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles” (Isaiah 40:31).

SLAYING THE DRAGON

And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death (v. 11).

Satan is a defeated foe. "He knows that his time is short!” (v. 12).

How can we daily defeat Satan?

First, by trusting in the power of Jesus’ blood.

Our enemy “is called the devil and Satan” (v. 9). “Devil” means “slanderer” or “accuser.” “Satan” means “adversary” or “enemy.” Satan is “the accuser of our brothers [and sisters]...who accused them day and night before our God” (v. 10; cf. Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6; Zechariah 3:1-2). But he has been “thrown down” (v. 10).

Satan is like a prosecutor. Jesus is like a defence attorney. “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:1-1). Those who are cleansed by the blood of Jesus will never be condemned.

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). “Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies” (v. 33). Nothing “will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (v. 39).

Second, by loving Jesus more than life.

Jesus said, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” (Matthew 10:28). “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it” (Mark 8:34-35). If you love Jesus more than life, Satan is powerless against you.

Effective Prayer

2011-05-23T10:39:00.000-03:00

THE POWER OF PRAYER

“Prayer is a duty, and the neglect of prayer is therefore a sin.”—John MacArthur

“I doubt if there is any Christian who has not sometimes found it difficult to pray. In itself this is neither surprising nor depressing: it is not surprising, because we are still pilgrims with many lessons to learn; it is not depressing, because struggling with such matters is part of the way we learn.”—D. A. Carson

What does prayer change?

Prayer changes us.
Prayer changes the world around us.

God sovereignly uses our prayers to fulfill His perfect plan.

PRAYING MORE EFFECTIVELY

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops” (James 5:16-18).

There is no secret formula that will guarantee that our prayers are always answered in the way we desire.

How can we pray effectively?

First, pray with a pure heart. “If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer” (Psalm 66:18-19; see also Matthew 5:12, 14; 1 Peter 3:7).

Second, pray with a selfless heart. “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions” (James 4:3; see also 1 John 5:14-15).

Third, pray with an believing heart. “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord” (James 1:6-7). But faith does not force God to do as we wish.

Fourth, pray with a patient heart. We “ought always to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). God answers, “Yes,” “No,” or “Wait.”

Fifth, pray with a submissive heart. "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42; see also Romans 8:28).

Sixth, pray with a willing heart. You could play a part in answering your own prayer!

The Revelation of God's Wrath

2011-05-16T14:53:00.002-03:00

Part 17 of a series through the book of Revelation

Text: 11:1-19

THE RIGHT KIND OF FEAR

“The nations raged, but your wrath came” (v. 18a).

“The nations were filled with wrath, but now the time of your wrath has come” (NLT).

“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever” (v. 15b).

The book of Revelation was written to Christians who were being persecuted.

Fear God, not man.

“But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men’” (Acts 5:29).

MAN’S WRATH

“[The temple] is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months” (v. 2b).

And when [the two witnesses] have finished their testimony, the beast that rises from the bottomless pit will make war on them and conquer them and kill them (v. 7).

What is the temple (vv. 1-2)? Two interpretations:

A rebuilt temple in Jerusalem
The church—we have God’s presence

Who are the two witnesses (vv. 3-13)? Two interpretations:

Two individuals similar to Moses and Elijah
The church—we are God’s prophets

GOD’S WRATH

“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign. The nations raged, but your wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged, and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear your name, both small and great, and for destroying the destroyers of the earth” (vv. 17-18; cf. Psalm 2).

The Bible repeatedly declares that God is filled with wrath because of the sin of man:

“But the LORD is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King. At his wrath the earth quakes, and the nations cannot endure his indignation” (Jeremiah 10:10).
“The LORD, the God of Israel, said to me: ‘Take from my hand this cup of the wine of wrath, and make all the nations to whom I send you drink it’” (Jeremiah 25:15).
“The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD is avenging and wrathful; the LORD takes vengeance on his adversaries and keeps wrath for his enemies. [...] Who can stand before his indignation? Who can endure the heat of his anger? His wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken into pieces by him” (Nahum 1:2, 6).
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him” (John 3:36).
“The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth” (Romans 1:18).
“But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed” (Romans 2:5).

This song of worship reveals five truths about God’s wrath:

First, God’s wrath is personal.

“But your wrath came” (v. 17).

God’s wrath is not merely an impersonal “cause and effect” wrath (e.g., you punch a wall and you break your hand).

Second, God’s wrath is certain.

“But your wrath came” (v. 17).

“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience” (Ephesians 5:6). “On account of these [sins] the wrath of God is coming” (Colossians 3:6). “The great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” (Revelation 6:17). “[God] has fixed a day on which he will judge the world” (Acts 17:31). The greatest miracle in the world is God’s patience.

Third, God’s wrath is horrible.

“But your wrath came” (v. 17).

The book of Revelation reveals the awfulness of God’s wrath. “He [who worships the beast] also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulphur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb” (Revelation 14:10). “So the angel swung his sickle across the earth and gathered the grape harvest of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and the blood flowed from the winepress, as high as a horse’s bridle, for 1,600 stadia” (Revelation 14:19-20). “The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell, and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath” (Revelation 16:19). “From [Christ’s] mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty” (Revelation 19:15).

Fourth, God’s wrath is right.

“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty” (v. 17).

The twenty-four elders praise God for His wrath and judgment of sin. “Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25, KJV).

Fifth, God’s wrath is avoidable.

“Those who fear your name” (v. 18).

“In wrath remember mercy” (Habakkuk 3:2). Though God hates our sin, He has made a way to show us mercy. We “were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy....” (Ephesians 2:3-4). (The ark of the covenant, which appears in verse 19, is a symbol of God’s mercy.)

What do we mean when talk about being “saved”? From what are we saved? We are saved from the wrath of God. “Since, therefore, we have now been justified by [Christ’s] blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God” (Romans 5:9). We “wait for [God’s] Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:10). “For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:9).

In Scripture, the wrath of God is often described as a cup. “[Jesus] fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.’ [...] Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, ‘My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, you will be done’” (Matthew 26:39, 42). The cup of the Lord’s Supper is a reminder that Jesus faced the wrath of God in our place.

We can never understand the love of God until we understand the wrath of God.

(This section was adapted from a sermon by Mark Dever of Capitol Hill Baptist Church.)

Spiritual Warfare Prayer

2011-05-16T14:06:00.004-03:00

Part 3 in a Bible study series called Does Prayer Really Change Things?

PRAYING FOR VICTORY

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”—Jesus (Matthew 6:13)

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”—Apostle Peter (1 Peter 5:8)

What the Bible says about spiritual warfare:

We are in a real spiritual battle. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).
We are to resist the devil and he will flee from us. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7; see also 1 Peter 5:9).
We are to use spiritual weapons to overcome evil. “And take...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:17-18; see also 2 Corinthians 10:3-4).

In 2 Chronicles 20, Moab and Amon came to battle against Judah, and King Jehosh-aphat proclaimed a fast in the land. “And Judah assembled to seek help from the Lord; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord” (v. 4). The first thing to do when you are in spiritual warfare is to ask help from God. The Lord reminded the people, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (v. 15). God wants to fight our battles for us. What we need to do is go to Him in prayer and ask for His help.

PREPARING FOR SPIRITUAL BATTLE

“Where God is on one side, you may be sure to find the devil on the other.”—William Gurnall

How to prepare for spiritual battle:

Pray always. We must develop a lifestyle of prayer. “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Be watchful. “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).
Have perseverance.

(Much of the material from this study was taken from a series of blog posts on prayer by Winfield Bevins.)

Intercessory Prayer

2011-05-09T15:22:00.006-03:00

Part 2 in a Bible study series called Does Prayer Really Change Things?

WHAT IS INTERCESSORY PRAYER?

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved to come to the knowledge of the truth.”—Apostle Paul (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

Intercessory prayer is prayer for others.

In intercessory prayer, we act as priests, taking the needs of others before God. This is what our “great high priest” (Hebrews 4:14) does for us. “There is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 4:5). Jesus is at the right hand of God “interceding for us” (Romans 8:34; see also Hebrews 7:25).

Paul was an intercessory prayer warrior. He constantly prayed for others (Romans 1:9; 1 Corinthians 1:4; Ephesians 5:16; Philippians 1:4; Colossians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 1:11; 2 Timothy 1:3; Philemon 1:4). In Paul’s intercessory prayers, he put spiritual needs before physical needs.

When we pray for someone facing some form of adversity, we usually pray that the adversity would be removed. However, consider that sometimes God intends for the adversity to benefit that person in some way.

WHY INTERCEDE FOR OTHERS?

“You do not have, because you do not ask”—James the brother of Jesus (James 4:2)

“Every movement of God can be traced to a kneeling figure.”—D. L. Moody

Why should we pray for others?

Intercessory prayer is the duty of all Christians. “I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf” (Romans 15:30). Intercessory prayer is not the job of a special class of Christians. Paul appealed to all the "brothers [and sisters]" in Rome to pray for him.
Intercessory prayer is a way of loving others. Richard Foster writes, "If we truly love people, we will desire for them far more than it is within our power to give them, and this will lead us to prayer.” How many times have you told someone, "I'll remember you in my prayers," and never did.
Intercessory prayer is often answered by God. Here are three examples from Scripture: Abraham’s prayer for Sodom (Genesis 18:22-26), Moses’ prayer for Israel (Numbers 14:11-20), the church’s prayer for Peter (Acts 12:1-17).

Meditative Prayer

2011-05-09T11:42:00.005-03:00

Part 1 of a Bible study series called Does Prayer Really Change Things?

STRUGGLING TO PRAY

“If you are too busy to pray, you are too busy. Cut something out.”—D. A. Carson

Prayer is essential. We will make time for things that are important to us. When we don't make time for prayer, we demonstrate that prayer is not our top priority.

Prayer is rigorous. Jesus said to His disciples, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). As Christians, we desire to pray ("the spirit is willing"), but we often don't ("the flesh is weak").

PRAYER IS NOT A ONE-SIDED CONVERSATION

“We have some idea, perhaps, what prayer is, but what is meditation? Well may we ask, for meditation is a lost art today, and Christian people suffer grievously from their ignorance of the practice. Meditation is the activity of calling to mind, and thinking over, and dwelling on, and applying to oneself, the various things that one knows about the works and ways and purposes and promises of God.”—J. I. Packer

In personal prayer, we speak to God, but in meditative prayer we allow God to speak to us.

Eastern meditation is an attempt to empty the mind. Christian meditation is an attempt to fill the mind. With what do we fill our minds? God’s word.

There are many biblical references to prayerful meditation:

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night” (Joshua 1:8).
“But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:2).
“O how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day” (Psalm 119:97).
“My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise” (Psalm 119:148).
“I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands” (Psalm 143:5).

Busyness and distractions are the enemies of meditative prayer. Stillness and solitude are the friends of meditative prayer.

We see the need for prayerful meditation illustrated in the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42):

Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching” (v. 39).
Martha “was distracted with much serving” (v. 40).
Jesus said, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her” (vv. 41-42).

HOW TO PRACTICE MEDITATIVE PRAYER

“It is in meditation that the heart holds and appropriates the Word.... The intellect gathers and prepares the food upon which we are to feed. In meditation the heart takes and feeds on it.”—Andrew Murray

Steps for meditative prayer:

Designate a quiet place. Jesus often withdrew to “desolate places” to pray (Luke 5:16).
Give yourself 20-30 minutes.
Choose Scripture to prayerfully meditate on.
Allow God to speak to you.

(Much of the material from this study was taken from a series of blog posts on prayer by Winfield Bevins.)

The Revelation of the Little Scroll

2011-05-09T11:01:00.007-03:00

Part 16 of a series through the book of Revelation

Text: 10:1-11

A GOD OF LOVE AND JUSTICE

An ice cream sundae is sweet in the mouth, but sometimes bitter in the stomach (especially if you’re lactose intolerant). This was John’s experience with the “little scroll.”

Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven.... He had a little scroll open in his hand (vv. 1-2).

And I took the little scroll from the hand of the angel and ate it. It was sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it my stomach was made bitter (v. 10).

The “little scroll” might be the same scroll that was introduced in chapter 5—the scroll “sealed with seven seals.” The seven seals have been broken by the Lamb, and now the scroll lies open in the hand of the mighty angel. Perhaps it is described as “little” because of the immense size of the angel. This scroll reveals God’s plan for the future.

God’s plan for the future is bittersweet.

Why? First, it is sweet because many will be saved. We are saved by God’s grace. Salvation is undeserved. The symbol of Christianity is the cross, not a set of scales. We are saved through faith in Christ, not by our own works. Second, it is bitter because many will be condemned. We are condemned for our sin. Condemnation is deserved. John 3:16 is both bitter and sweet: whoever believes will not perish, but whoever does not believe will perish.

THE BITTERSWEET TRUTH

...there would be no more delay (v. 6).

And I was told, “You must again prophesy about many peoples and nations and languages and kings” (v. 11).

How should we respond to the bittersweet truth of Revelation? First, we should celebrate the message of salvation. Second, we should share the message of salvation. Jesus’ last words to His followers: “You will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8). The gospel “will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). The reason for the apparent delay in the second coming of Christ is the patience of God. “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). We should also pray--for opportunities to share the gospel, for the right words to say when those opportunities do come, and for the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of the unsaved. God “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4).

A Mother's Day Communion Meditation

2011-05-07T20:27:00.005-03:00

When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.

“Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.”

This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said,

“They divided my garments among them
and cast lots for my clothing.”

So this is what the soldiers did.

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that point on, this disciple took her into his home (John 19:23-27).

Mary proudly holds her newborn baby boy as she and her husband Joseph enter the temple court in Jerusalem. Only forty days ago she gave birth to Jesus. Today they have made the short trip from Bethlehem to dedicate her firstborn son to the Lord. As they make their way through the crowd, an elderly man spots them. His name is Simeon. God has revealed to him that he will not die until he sees the Messiah. That day has come.

To Mary’s surprise, Simeon takes her baby in his arms and praises God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel” (Luke 2:29-32).

The old man’s words amaze Mary and Joseph. But Simeon is not finished. He looks at the boy’s mother and says, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed” (vv. 34-35a).

Then Simeon says something Mary will never forget. “And a sword will pierce your very heart” (v. 35b).

Fast forward 33 years.

Now Mary understands Simeon’s prophecy. The little baby that she had once held in her arms is now hanging on a Roman cross. And her heart is pierced.

The sign above His head reads, “This is Jesus of Nazareth.” But Mary weeps as she thinks, “This is my Son.”

She remembers kissing her boy’s brow as she put Him to bed. Now that brow is marred by a crown of thorns. She remembers guiding his tiny hands and feet as He learned to walk. Now those hands and feet are nailed to a cross. She remembers rubbing His back to console her crying Son. Now that back is bloodied and beaten.

As Mary surveys the heartbreaking scene, her mind goes back to a happier visit to Jerusalem. It was 22 years ago. Jesus was twelve. It was his first time Mary and Joseph had taken Jesus on their pilgrimage from Nazareth to observe the Passover. She recalls how excited her Son was to see the temple. But most of all, she remembers the journey home. Jesus was missing. In a panic, she and Joseph rushed back to Jerusalem. They finally found Him in the temple. “Son,” Mary scolded Him, “why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.”

Jesus replied, “Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” Mary didn’t understand what He meant. But as the years passed by, she began to realize that His life would be shaped by His Father’s will, not His mother’s dreams. (See Luke 2:41-50.)

Now as Mary stands beside her Son’s cross, she wonders if Jesus is now finishing the final piece of His Father’s business. But still, her heart is pierced.

She had experienced the sorrow of losing Him for just three days. Now she is losing Him to death.

In John 19, there may be a connection between the seamless garment and Jesus' words to Mary from the cross. It's possible that this garment had been made by Mary, sewn with a mother’s love. And now as the Roman soldiers gamble for this garment, Jesus’ eyes turn to Mary.

Even as Jesus was dying, He didn’t stop thinking of others--especially His mother.

At the time of Jesus’ death, Mary was probably between 45 and 50 years old. And since we never read of Joseph after the visit to Jerusalem when Jesus was twelve, it seems that Mary was a widow.

As the oldest son, Jesus made sure His mother would be cared for after His death. He looked down from the cross and saw Mary and John (“the disciple whom he loved”). He spoke first to Mary. “Mother, I’m leaving you now and I’m not going to be able to take care of you after I’m gone. Mother, John will now be your son. He will take my place.” Then Jesus addressed John. “John, My mother will now be your mother. Take care of her. Provide for her as I would if I were still alive.”

In Jesus’ words to Mary and John we learn an important lesson: a person should never stop honoring his mother.

As Christians, we must also remember that we form a spiritual family. Jesus points to each of His followers here today and says to us, “Here is your son. Here is your mother. Here is your father. Here is your brother. Here is your sister. Here is your child.” We are to love one another as Christ has loved us.

In God We Trust?

2011-05-05T10:30:00.003-03:00

I'm sure you know that the phrase "IN GOD WE TRUST" is written on American coins. But perhaps you aren't aware that God is also mentioned on Canadian coins. Next to the Queen's image the words "D. G. REGINA" can be found. This is a Latin phrase. The letters "D. G." stand for dei gratia. Dei gratia regina means "Queen by the grace of God."

I think it's ironic that American and Canadian coins both mention God. Why? Because North American society does not trust in God; it trusts in money. The recent Canadian election campaign demonstrated this. I don't recall any of the candidates talking about God. But they talked nonstop about money (lowering taxes, creating jobs, reducing the national debt). If we were honest, our money would say, "In God we do not trust."

If our trust is in temporary riches, our joy will be temporary. But if our trust is in the eternal God, our joy will be eternal. Jesus said, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19-21).

The Revelation of the Trumpet Judgments

2011-05-03T11:03:00.005-03:00

Part 15 of a series through the book of Revelation

Text: 8:1-9:21

THE PRAYERS OF GOD’S PEOPLE

And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel (8:3-4).

Incense is symbolic of prayer in the Bible. “Let my prayer be counted as incense before you” (Psalm 141:2). “...golden bowls of incense, which are the prayers of the saints” (5:8).

Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10; Luke 11:2). The book of Rev-elation reveals that this prayer will be answered: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever” (11:15).

Prayer is not a waste of time.

In this vision we see the value of our prayers (“golden censer”). We also see that our prayers do reach God (“before the throne”). “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

THE GOD TO WHOM WE PRAY

Then the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth, and there were peals of thunder, rumblings of lightning, and an earthquake (8:5).

The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk (9:20).

The trumpet judgments reveal that it is not a waste of time to pray:

First, we pray to the God who is real.

Second, we pray to the God who hears.

Sometimes we wonder if God really hears our prayers. “They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” (6:10).

Third, we pray to the God who is sovereign.

The censer that contained “the prayers of all the saints” (8:3) is filled with fire, which is thrown down to earth (8:5). The prayers of God’s people are answered in the form of judgments upon the earth. “The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God” (8:4). “The smoke from [Babylon] goes up forever and ever” (19:3).

PRAYER CHANGES THINGS

If God is sovereign, do our prayers matter?

God uses our prayers like He uses our preaching. (If we don’t evangelize, will the elect be saved?)

God is sovereign, but in His sovereign plan He has chosen to use the prayers of His people to accomplish His will.

How then should we pray? First, we should pray with aggressive faith, claiming the promises of God. Second, we should pray with submissive hearts, trusting the wisdom of God.

Easter Changes Everything

2011-04-25T15:48:00.004-03:00

DOUBTING THOMAS

Spring is a time of change. It’s often said, “April showers bring May flowers.” The weather is getting warmer, the grass is turning green, and the flowers will soon be in bloom.

Every spring, we observe Easter. But Easter is a celebration, not of natural change, but of spiritual change. Spiritually, Easter—the message of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection—changes everything.

Easter changes lives.

The life of Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples, was radically changed by Easter. John’s Gospel reveals that Thomas, before the resurrection, was loyal, but pessimistic.

Then Thomas (called Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him” (John 11:16).

Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (John 14:5).

But [Thomas] said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it” (John 20:25).

A CHANGED LIFE

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:26-28).

Thomas applied to Jesus two titles of deity: “Lord” (kyrios) and “God” (theos). The most outrageous doubter of the resurrection uttered the greatest confession of faith in the risen Jesus.

Thomas went from “Doubting Thomas” to “Daring Thomas.”

First, Thomas may have taken the gospel as far east as India.

“There is a considerable amount of ancient testimony that suggest Thomas carried the gospel as far as India. There is to this day a small hill near the airport in Chennai (Madras), India, where Thomas is said to have been buried. There are churches in south India whose roots are traceable to the beginning of the church age, and tradition says they were founded under the ministry of Thomas” (John MacArthur, Twelve Ordinary Men, p. 164).

Today, Christianity is India’s third largest religion, with approximately 24 million followers, constituting 2.3% of India’s population (Census of India, 2001).

Second, Thomas was martyred for his faith in the risen Jesus.

“The strongest traditions say he was martyred for his faith by being run through with a spear—a fitting form of martyrdom for one whose faith came of age when he saw the spear mark in his Master’s side....” (John MacArthur, Twelve Ordinary Men, p. 164).

BELIEVING WITHOUT SEEING

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29).

Thomas believed because he had seen the risen Jesus. We are in the second category of people: “those who have not seen.” How can we believe in the resurrection?

I have in my library three books: Who Moved the Stone? by Frank Morison, Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell, and The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel. What do these three authors have in common? All three were once skeptics of Christianity, but were converted when they studied the biblical accounts of the resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name (John 20:30-31).

The greatest miracle in the Gospel of John is the resurrection of Jesus. Christianity rises and falls on the resurrection. If Jesus didn’t rise from the dead, the gospel is a lie. If Jesus did rise from the dead, He is Lord.

How can we who have never seen Jesus be sure that He really rose from the dead?

First, the disciples were transformed.

“Perhaps the transformation of the disciples of Jesus is the greatest evidence of all for the resurrection” (John R. W. Stott, Basic Christianity, pp. 58-59).

When Jesus was arrested, “All of the disciples deserted him and fled” (Matthew 26:56). But after they claimed that Jesus had risen from the dead, they were changed men. For example, Peter, after the resurrection, said to the Jewish authorities in Jerusalem, “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:8-12). Could Peter have been any more bold? Remember that this was the man who had denied Jesus three times prior to the resurrection. Now he was speaking to the same people who had been responsible for the death of Jesus. Something had changed him.

None of the theories used to deny the resurrection are believable: (1) The disciples did not steal the body. “When therefore the disciples began to preach the resurrection in Jerusalem and people responded, and when religious authorities stood helplessly by, the tomb must have been empty. The simple fact that the Christian fellowship, founded on belief in Jesus’ resurrection, came into existence and flourished in the very city where he was executed and buried is powerful evidence for the historicity of the empty tomb” (William Lane Craig). (2) The disciples did not go to the wrong tomb. (3) The disciples did not see a resuscitated Jesus. (4) The disciples did not hallucinate.

Second, liars make poor martyrs.

According to church tradition, all of the apostles, except John, were martyred.

“Men will die for what they believe to be true, though it may actually be false. They do not, however, die for what they know is a lie” (Paul Little, Know Why You Believe, p. 52).

“When a sword is at your throat and you are told to deny the resurrection of Christ or die—what kind of evidence causes you to choose death over life? What prevents you from speaking the simple words, “Well, I never actually saw Him alive. You must be right—He didn’t rise from the dead”? We can imagine that two or even three deluded disciples might be willing to die for mistaken belief in the resurrection of Jesus—but all eleven? Isn’t it reasonable to suppose that at least one of them would cave in when threatened with death? Yet none of them did so. The only explanation must be that, when confronted with death, the minds of the disciples raced back to several rock-solid, airtight reasons for maintaining their unshakeable conviction that Jesus rose from the dead. Without that, what could have kept at least one or two from recanting? Yet none of them ever did so. Why not? Because they not only believed He had risen from the dead, they knew He had. They had spoken to Him. They had seen Him. They had watched Him eat. They had touched Him. They knew” (Tim LaHaye, Jesus: Who Is He?, p. 266).

JESUS IS ALIVE. PASS IT ON.

Chris Moretz decided to ride out Hurricane Katrina alone at home. After the worst of the storm had passed, his house was flooded and destroyed. Chris needed to let his family know that he was still alive. But they were in Tucson, Arizona, and there was no way to contact them. So Chris painted the following message on the roof of his house: “C. MORETZ IS ALIVE. PASS IT ON.” Also included was the phone number of Chris’s brother Gerard.

Finally, Chris’s rooftop message was shown on TV and posted on some websites. Chris’s family began getting phone calls from all over the country that Chris was alive (USA TODAY).

Thankfully, because of people like Thomas, the message “JESUS IS ALIVE” has been passed on to us. Now it’s our turn. We must pass it on to others, so that the lives of others might be changed.

Jesus is alive. Pass it on.

Come Awake!

2011-04-24T14:39:00.000-03:00

Sunday's Comin'

2011-04-22T23:16:00.000-03:00

Good Friday 2011

2011-04-22T23:08:00.002-03:00

It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!” (Luke 23:44-47).

The last words Jesus uttered before dying were, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” In Jesus’ day, these words were often used as a prayer before going to sleep. Jesus says this prayer before He dies in order to express His undying trust in His Father. (Though Jesus is equal to the Father, He lived His life daily trusting the Father.)

The words of this prayer are taken from Psalm 31. This psalm, written by David, is a psalm of an innocent sufferer. Jesus was the ultimate innocent sufferer. Three times in Luke 23 Pilate declared that Jesus was not guilty of any crime. “I find no guilt in this man” (v. 4). “Nothing deserving death has been done by him” (v. 15). “I have found in him no guilt deserving death” (v. 22). The centurion said, “Certainly this man was innocent!” (v. 47).

Jesus was perfect. He never once committed a sin. Yet He was falsely accused (v. 2). He was mocked (vv. 11, 35-37, 39). He was humiliated. He was beaten. And He was crucified.

It’s easy to see why Jesus identified with this psalm as His life came to an end. In Psalm 31, David laments about the distress that his enemies are bringing into his life. “You have seen my affliction; you have known the distress of my soul” (v. 7). “I am in distress; my eye is wasted from grief; my soul and my body also” (v. 9). “Because of all my adversaries I have become a reproach” (v. 11). “I hear the whispering of many—terror on every side!—as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life” (v. 13). That’s what the enemies of Jesus had done. They had plotted to take His life. But unlike David’s enemies, they had succeeded.

So there is also much in this psalm that Jesus could not identify with—especially verse 8: “You have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy” (v. 8). David declared his trust in the Lord and was delivered. Jesus announced His trust in the Lord and died.

Psalm 31 has a happy ending: “Love the LORD, all you his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful.... Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!” (vv. 23-24). The life of Jesus seemed to have an unhappy ending.

Was it a mistake for Jesus to put His trust in His Father? No! We know how the story really ends. “For the joy set before him he endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2 NIV). Jesus prayed, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” because He knew that after His death would come His resurrection, ascension, and His glorious return.

As Jesus died, so we should live. I should commit my life to God. We should say, as Jesus did, “Into your hands I commit my life.” This means to trust in God no matter what happens. Jesus didn’t stop trusting during His intense agony on the cross. We must not stop trusting when life gets difficult. Why should I commit my life to God? Two reasons:

First, I should commit my life to God because He loves me. God is the “Father” of all who put their faith in Jesus. He is a perfect Father who knows and wants what is best for His children. During the final hours of Jesus’ life there was darkness—from noon to 3:00 p.m. But even in the darkness the God who loves us is still present.

Second, I should commit my life to God because His plan is always best. God’s “hands” make no mistakes. Sometimes, though, it appears to us that God does make mistakes. Before the resurrection, the followers of Jesus viewed the crucifixion as a mistake. They didn’t understand that the hands of God delivered Jesus into the hands of sinful men. “This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men” (Acts 2:23). Jesus was delivered into the hands of sinners so that sinners could be delivered. That was God’s plan. There was a happy ending!

And there is a happy ending to all who say, “Father, into your hands I commit my life.” Today, Jesus does not regret His decision to endure the suffering of the cross. And if who put your trust in Him, you will not regret that decision when you stand before Him in heaven. You will not regret that decision when He presents you with your heavenly rewards. You will not regret that decision as you live forever in His presence. There will be a happy ending.

Have you said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit”?

That's My King!

2011-04-22T12:36:00.000-03:00

The Easter Story... One Tweet at a Time

2011-04-20T18:15:00.000-03:00

The Revelation of the Lamb's Followers

2011-04-19T13:57:00.004-03:00

Part 14 of a series through the book of Revelation

Text: Revelation 7:1-17

WHO ARE THE 144,000?

And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel (v. 4).

Chapter 6 ends with the question, “Who can stand?” Chapter 7 gives us the answer: those who are sealed with “the seal of the living God” (v. 2). Those who are sealed are protected from the wrath of God and purchased as the people of God. The seal of God is the opposite of the “mark of the beast” (Revelation 13:16-18). Both seals signify allegiance—either to God or to Satan. There is no middle ground.

How should we interpret the 144,000? If we take a literal approach, they are Jewish believers. But if we interpret the 144,000 literally, what about 14:4? “It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins.” If we take a symbolic approach, they are the church. Christians are described as “Abraham’s offspring” (Galatians 3:29).

“Many who hold to a pretribulation ‘rapture’ of the church think that the two groups of 7:1-8 and 7:9-17 are different (converted Jewish people still suffering on earth in vv. 1-8, but the raptured church rejoicing in heaven in vv. 9-17). Others think these are Gentiles converted during the tribulation through the witness of the 144,000 Jewish believers who remain on earth (v. 4). Those who do not hold to a pretribulation rapture usually see vv. 1-8 and vv. 9-17 as the same group, with their suffering in vv. 1-8 turned to joy and reward in vv. 9-17” (ESV Study Bible).

If the two groups are the same, this vision would be similar to the vision of the Lion and the Lamb. In chapter 5, John heard about the Lion and then saw the Lamb. In chapter 7, John “heard the number of the sealed, 144,000”(v. 4) and then saw “a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages” (v. 9).

Verses 1-8 might be describing an end-time army preparing for spiritual battle. (A census was usually taken before battle.) But victory is achieved in an unusual way. “They have conquered [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death” (Revelation 12:11). As Jesus conquered Satan through His death, His saints will conquer Satan through their deaths. The greatest witness to the truth of the gospel is the death of a martyr.

HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST!

[Read John 12:12-19]

During the Triumphal Entry (Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-10; Luke 19:28-40; John 12:12-19), the people in Jerusalem welcomed Jesus as the King of Israel. In the vision of Revelation 7, the saints in heaven praise Jesus as the King of all nations.

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb (v. 9a).

“Hosanna in the highest” (Matthew 21:9; Mark 11:10) means “may those in heaven sing, ‘Hosanna.’” “Hosanna” means “save us.” It expresses both prayer and praise.

What kind of King is Jesus?

1. Jesus is the coming King.

“Hosanna to the Son of David!” (Matthew 21:9).

“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” (Mark 11:10).

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” (John 12:13).

“Fear not, daughters of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!” (John 12:15).

Jesus went to Jerusalem to die. “[Pilate] said to the Jews, ‘Behold your King!’ They cried out, ‘Away with him, crucify him!’ (John 19:14-15).

Jesus will return to earth to reign. “Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. [...] On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:11, 16).

During the Triumphal Entry, Jesus rode down from the Mount of Olives into Jerusalem. Jesus was on the Mount of Olives with His disciples when He ascended into heaven (Acts 1:12). After the ascension, the angels said to the disciples, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). “In the same way” means bodily and visible. But the angels could also have been saying that Jesus would return to the exact same place. “On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives” (Zechariah 14:4).

2. Jesus is the victorious King.

Clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (vv. 9b-10).

“They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (v. 14b).

“White robes” and “palm branches” were symbols of victory.

The people of Israel were expecting a different kind of salvation. The Triumphal Entry took place at the beginning of Passover week, which was a time to recall the Jewish people’s liberation from Egyptian slavery. Now as Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the people expected liberation from Rome’s oppression.

As the 144,000 will be sealed by God, we who are Christians today are “sealed” by the Holy Spirit “for the day of redemption”(Ephesians 4:30; cf. 1:13-14). This sealing guarantees future victory. “God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:9). (But we are not exempt from persecution.)

3. Jesus is the Shepherd-King.

They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (vv. 16-17).

IS JESUS YOUR KING?

To make Jesus the King of your life is often a difficult decision, but it is always the best decision.

“And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, [Jesus] said to them, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?’” (Mark 8:34-36).

“The purpose of this section is to encourage every believer to persevere in this life, for God will make up to us all that we have suffered. It is strange that many Christians will sacrifice and struggle in their earthly jobs, working always for future financial rewards and security, yet will sacrifice little or nothing for their final eternal rewards. Why give everything for earthly ‘blessings’ that will last only a short time and surrender heavenly blessings that will last for eternity? As Jesus said in Matt. 6:19-24, seek heavenly treasures, not earthly” (Grant R. Osborne, Revelation, p. 334).

Nothing on this earth can compare to what is waiting in heaven for those who put their faith in Jesus.

The Revelation of the Seal Judgments

2011-04-11T14:40:00.006-03:00

Part 13 through the book of Revelation

Text: Revelation 6:1-17

WORTH IT IN THE END

In Revelation 6, we see:

Divine sovereignty. Review: God is on His throne (ch. 4); Jesus is on our side (ch. 5).
Human depravity. We see man’s inhumanity to man. God permits man’s self-destruction.

“O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” (v. 10).

“How long?” is a common question in Scripture. “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked?” (Psalm 82:2). Habakkuk complained, “O LORD, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? (Habakkuk 1:2). Later, God said, “For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay” (v. 3).

In the end, Jesus will judge sinners and vindicate His saints, so take up your cross and follow Him.

THE OPENING OF THE SEALS

Many people believe that the “great tribulation” begins with the opening of the first seal. “In those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. And if the Lord had not cut short the days, not human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days” (Mark 13:19-20; cf. Matthew 24:21). “The great day of the LORD is near, near and hastening fast; the sound of the day of the LORD is bitter; the mighty man cries aloud there. A day of wrath is that day, a day of distress and anguish, a day of ruin and devastation, a day of darkness (Zephaniah 1:14-15). “The day of the LORD is great and very awesome; who can endure it?” (Joel 2:11; v. 31).

Jesus opens six of the seven seals:

1. First Seal: Conquest (the rider on the white horse)

Now I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer (vv. 1-2).

Jesus is in control. He opens the seals. The divine passive “was given” is found in vv. 2, 4, 8).

Jesus declared, “When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. There are but the beginning of the birth pains” (Mark 13:7-8).

2. Second Seal: Bloodshed (the rider on the red horse)

When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword (vv. 3-4).

3. Third Seal: Famine (the rider on the black horse)

When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!” (vv. 5-6).

A “denarius” was an average day’s wage for a labourer. A “quart of wheat” was enough food for one person for a day.

4. Fourth Seal: Death (the rider on the pale horse)

When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth (vv. 7-8).

5. Fifth Seal: Martyred saints

When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the alter the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been (vv. 9-11).

Will the church go through the “tribulation”? Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 6:33). Most of the apostles were martyred. According to one recent estimate, 100 million Christians presently face persecution. Personally, I believe that Christians will go through the “tribulation” and face the wrath of Satan, but not the wrath of God.

“Since, therefore, we have not been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God” (Romans 5:9). “God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:9; cf. 1:10). “I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth” (Revelation 3:10). The Greek word for “keep” can be translated either “remove” or “preserve.”

We should follow Jesus whether our lives are free of trouble or full of trouble. Jesus was willing to die for us on the cross, and we should take up our cross and be willing to die for Him—if necessary.

6. Sixth Seal: Shaking of the heavens

When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale. The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place (vv. 12-14).

Jesus said, “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heaves will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven” (Mark 13:24-27).

IS GOD REALLY FILLED WITH WRATH?

Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” (vv. 15-17).

“Who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?” (Malachi 3:2). “Who can stand before his indignation? Who can endure the heat of his anger? His wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken into pieces by him” (Nahum 1:5-6; cf. Hosea 10:8). “In that day mankind will cast away their idols of silver and their idols of gold, which they made for themselves to worship, to the moles and to the bats, to enter the caverns of the rocks and the clefts of the cliffs, from before the terror of the Lord, and from the splendor of his majesty, when he rises to terrify the earth” (Isaiah 2:20-21).

What does the Bible say about God’s wrath? First, God’s wrath is His intense hatred of sin. “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men” (Romans 1:18; cf. 2:5-8). Second, God is patient and longs for people to repent. God is “slow to anger” (Psalm 103:8). God desires to pour out His love, not His wrath. “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Third, those who reject God’s mercy will face His wrath. “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him” (John 3:36).

The Revelation of Jesus as the Lion and the Lamb

2011-04-04T11:40:00.004-03:00

Part 12 of a series through the book of Revelation

Text: Revelation 5:1-14

GOD’S PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

Back in the eighties, there was a Canadian Tire commercial in which a group of boys are picking teams for a game of pond hockey. The littlest boy is Albert, and no one wants him on their team—not even his older brother. The commercial then skips about twenty years into the future. Albert is now a professional hockey player. (I’m not sure why Albert’s first name is on the back of his jersey.) The crowd is chanting his name. “Albert! Albert! Albert!” The commercial ends with the opposing team’s coach saying to his assistant coach, “Sure wish we had a guy like Albert.”

Right now, the Pittsburgh Penguins and their fans sure wish that Sidney Crosby will be ready to play when the playoffs start. (He’s been out with a concussion since early January.) When you have a guy like Albert or Sidney Crosby on your side, there’s a good chance that your team will win. The book of Revelation reveals that the victory of Jesus is certain.

Jesus is on our side, so be filled with worship, not fear of the future.

Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” (vv. 1-2).

The scroll with seven seals contains God’s plan for the future (seven seals, seven trumpets, seven bowls).

THE LION IS A LAMB!

In verses 5-6, Jesus is symbolized by two animals. First, Jesus is a mighty Lion. And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals” (v. 5). The background to the titles "the Lion of the tribe of Judah" and "the Root of David" can be found in the Old Testament. “Judah is a lion’s cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He stooped down; he crouched as a lion and as a lioness; who dares rouse him? The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until tribute come to him; and to him shall be the obedience of people’s” (Genesis 49:9-10). “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. [...] In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious” (Isaiah 11:1, 10; cf. Revelation 22:16). Jesus is both a descendent (“shoot”) of David (Matthew 9:27; 12:23; 15:22; 20:30-31) and the source (“root”) of David’s rule (cf. Mark 12:35-37).

Second, Jesus is a slain Lamb. And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth (v. 6). A lion is an animal of strength (“king of the beasts”). A lamb is an animal of vulnerability. The Greek word for “Lamb” is arnion, which means “a little lamb.” This word is found 29 times in Revelation, and only once elsewhere in the NT (John 21:15).

The Lamb looked “as though it had been slain.” This represents the crucifixion of Jesus. The sacrificial lambs of the OT foreshadowed Jesus. He is the “ram, caught in a thicket by his horns” (Genesis 22:13). He is the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:1-13; cf. 1 Corinthians 5:7). He is the “suffering servant” who was “led like a lamb to the slaughter” (Isaiah 53:7 NIV).

The Lamb was “standing.” This represents the resurrection of Jesus. Following the resurrection, the body of Jesus still bore the scars from His crucifixion. “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it by my side” (John 20:27). Victory over sin and Satan was accomplished through the death and resurrection of Jesus. “He will bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15). He conquered not by sword, but by sacrifice.

The Lamb had “seven horns.” This represents the omnipotence of Jesus. “Seven” is the number of completion, and horns are symbols for strength. The Lamb also had “seven eyes.” This represents the omniscience of Jesus. The Lion is a Lamb, and the Lamb is a Ram. (A ram is a powerful animal. Dodge has named their truck the Dodge Ram—“ram tough.”)

THE MERCY AND JUSTICE OF THE LAMB

When John the Baptist saw Jesus, he declared, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). “Takes away” has two possible meanings.

First, "takes away" can mean that Jesus has atoned for the sin of the world. Sometimes it’s said that a person has “atoned for his mistakes” (e.g., NFL quarterback Michael Vick). Jesus didn’t atone for His own sins; He atoned for ours. We call this substitutionary atonement.

Second, "takes away" can mean that Jesus will judge the sin of the world. Jesus didn’t live up to most people’s expectations. When John the Baptist was put in prison, it seems even he was not certain that Jesus was the Messiah. (Isn’t the Messiah supposed to set the captives free?) He sent some of his followers to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” (Matthew 11:3). The people of Israel didn’t think that suffering was part of the Messiah’s job description. They believed He would come as a Lion, not a Lamb. They didn’t understand that He would not appear as a Lion until His second coming. When He returns, the kings of the earth “will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings” (Revelation 17:14).

WORTHY IS THE LAMB!

“Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth” (vv. 9-10).

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” (v. 12).

Why is Jesus worthy of our worship? (Keep in mind that worship is more than just praise. It is also devotion. We worship with our lips and our lives.)

First, He redeemed us. We are redeemed “not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19). Second, He will allow us to reign with Him.

Is Jesus on your side? (Or perhaps it would be better to ask, are you on Jesus’ side?) Have you put your faith in Him?

If Jesus is on your side, have you stopped to truly appreciate what that means? Be filled with worship, not fear of the future.

The Revelation of God's Throne

2011-03-29T11:58:00.005-03:00

Part 11 of a series through the book of Revelation

Text: Revelation 4:1-11

GOD ON HIS THRONE

As I meditated upon John’s vision of God’s throne, I thought of what it would be like to be in God’s presence. I don’t think we can come close to imagining the majesty and glory of heaven.

When we think of standing before God’s throne, we might compare it to standing before Queen Elizabeth II’s throne. How would you act if you were in the presence of the Queen? There are certain rules you are expected to follow when in the presence of the Queen.

Whatever you do, don’t touch the Queen! (Did Michelle Obama break protocol when she put her hand on the back of the Queen?)
If the Queen extends her hand, you can shake her hand—but not firmly.
Your initial address to the Queen should be “Your Majesty.” After that, you may address her as “Ma’am.”
Don’t say, “Pleased to meet you.” This is considered redundant since it’s assumed that everyone who meets the Queen is pleased to do so. (Carole Middleton, the mother of Prince William’s fiancé, said this when she first met the Queen.)
There are several other things you should not do in the Queen’s presence. Don’t chew gum. Don’t wear gloves. Don’t turn your back on her. Don’t keep eating after she has finished.

Being in the presence of the Queen is a humbling experience, but it’s nothing like being in the presence of the King of kings (and queens). In Revelation 20:12, John writes, “I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne.” When the “great” stand before God’s throne, they will feel very small (including Queen Elizabeth II).

John’s vision of God’s throne is similar to two OT visions (Isaiah 6:1-4; Ezekiel 1:4-28). This vision requires our imagination. John doesn’t have the words to describe what he sees (“like”). (Illustration: It would be like John having a vision of today’s world and trying to describe it. How would you describe a computer to people of the first century?) This is not a literal description of God. (The Bible never gives us a literal description of God.)

After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this. At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne (vv. 1-2).

God’s throne is mentioned twelve times in this chapter.

God is in control, so be filled with worship, not fear of the future.

Some people see the rapture of the church in verse 1 (“Come up here”). It’s true that the “church” is never said to be on earth during the remainder of Revelation, but neither is it said to be in heaven. However, we do see “saints” both on earth and in heaven. If the church does go through the tribulation preceding the second coming, it's fitting that this vision of God's throne comes first. No matter what might happen, God is still in control.

WORTHY OF WORSHIP

Who are the twenty-four elders? Some say they are angels. Others say they symbolize the saints of all ages (12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles).

Who are the four living creatures? They are angels. They seem to be a combination of the seraphim of Isaiah 6 and the cherubim of Ezekiel 1. Why do they have the appearance of a lion, an ox, a man, and an eagle? Some speculate that the lion, ox, man, and eagle represent how Jesus is presented in the four Gospels: the lion represents Matthew (royalty), the ox represents Mark (servanthood), the man represents Luke (humanity), and the eagle represents John (deity). Others believe that they represent the whole of animate creation, perhaps detailing what is the noblest (lion), strongest (ox), wisest (man), and swiftest (eagle).

[The four living creatures] never cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (v. 8).

Why is God to be worshiped?

First, God is holy. He will always do what is right.

To be holy means to be separate—separate from creation and separate from sin. God is perfect in every way. There have been many kings, queens, and dictators who have done some horrible things to their people--but not God.

Second, God is almighty. He is able to do what He promises.

In Canada, the Queen is called the “sovereign.” But really she is only a figurehead. She has no power over us. Unlike the Queen, God is sovereign. John is told he will be shown “what must take place after this” (v. 1). Perhaps the rainbow that is around the throne (v. 3) symbolizes God’s faithfulness. The rainbow was given to Noah as a promise that God would never destroy the earth by water again.

Third, God is eternal. He is not limited by time.

The reign of an earthly ruler is limited to only a few years. God is in control of the past, present, and future.

MANNER OF WORSHIP

The twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created” (vv. 10-11).

How is God to be worshiped?

First, our worship should be unceasing.

The four living creatures “never cease to say, ‘Holy, holy, holy.’”

Second, our worship should be humble.

The twenty four elders “fall down before [God].” He is our Creator. We would not exist if it were not for Him. To give us some perspective on how big God is and how small we as humans really are, check out this chart.

Third, our worship should be submissive.

The twenty four elders “cast their crowns before the throne.” We worship not only with our lips, but also with out lives.

WHY DOES GOD DESIRE OUR WORSHIP?

Augustine said, “God thirsts to be thirsted after.” Our worship is like a child giving his mother a bouquet of dandelions. She loves to receive the dandelions because she knows they are an expression of her child’s love.

Why does God long for our worship? Why does He even care if we worship Him or not? First, He deserves our worship (“worthy”). He is the holy, almighty, and eternal God. But there’s a second and less obvious reason why God desires our worship. He is our Creator and He knows that we—whether we realize it or not—desire Him (we thirst after Him). He has made us to be worshipers. We will either worship Him or we will worship a substitute. But only when we know and worship God will our spiritual thirst be quenched. Only then will we find our reason for existence.

Worship puts our troubles into perspective. God is on His throne. He is in control. So worship Him. Don’t fear the future.

The Revelation of Christ's Expectations (Devotion)

2011-03-21T10:54:00.006-03:00

Part 10 of a series through the book of Revelation

Text: Revelation 3:14-22

A LUKEWARM CHURCH

“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation’” (v. 14).

The city of Laodicea was famous for its financial wealth, its popular eye salve (there was a medical school in the city), and its textile industry (black wool). Its one weakness was its lack of an adequate water supply.

Sixteen kilometres to the north, Hierapolis was known for its hot springs. Ten kilometres to the east, Colosse was known for its cold drinking water. But Laodicea’s water was lukewarm. Laodicea had to pipe in its water from the hot springs of Denizila (ten kilometres to the south). By the time the water arrived in Laodicea, it was lukewarm.

Spiritually, the church in Laodicea was like its city’s water: lukewarm.

“I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot!” (v. 15).

The popular interpretation of verse 15 is that “hot” is good and “cold” is bad. But both hot and cold water is good. (Does Jesus really prefer people to be spiritually cold than spiritually lukewarm?)

If any of the seven churches of Asia could represent the North American church, it would be the church in Laodicea (wealthy but lukewarm, casual Christianity).

Jesus expects us to be devoted to Him.

We devote ourselves to many things (money, sports, shopping, a political party, television, a hobby). How is your devotion to Jesus?

RENEWING OUR DEVOTION

Three reasons why we should eliminate spiritual lukewarmness from our lives:

1. Lukewarmness makes Jesus sick.

"So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth" (v. 16).

Not only was Laodicea’s water lukewarm, it also contained bad-tasting min-erals.

The Greek word for “spit” could also be translated “vomit.” Jesus is saying, “Don’t you know that you make me sick? You make me feel like vomiting.”

"For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see" (vv. 17-18).

Laodicea was a wealthy and self-sufficient city. Following the devastating earthquake of A.D. 60, the Laodicea was rebuilt without financial aid from Rome. The Roman historian Tacitus said, “Laodicea arose from the ruins by the strength of her own resources, and with no help from us.”

Because the Laodiceans were materially rich, they assumed they were also spiritually rich.

"Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent."

Jesus is not an enabler of lukewarmness. He will discipline us if we don’t repent. This is tough love. (Illustration: We can enable a child’s/spouse’s/friend’s bad behaviour, or we can show tough love.)

2. Lukewarmness reveals a lack of desire for Christ’s presence.

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me" (v. 20).

Jesus is not knocking on the door of an unbeliever’s heart (thought there were probably several unbelievers in the church in Laodicea). He is knocking on the door of the church!

In Christ’s message to the church in Philadelphia, He tells them that He has set before them an “open door” (to heaven). But in Laodicea, the door of the church is closed, and Jesus is left outside. Is Jesus knocking on your heart’s door? Do you have any time for Him?

The Laodicean’s attitude of self-sufficiency led to complacency. They felt they were in need of nothing. But they were lacking a longing to be with Jesus.

In the Psalms, the writers often express their deep longing for the presence of God.

“As the deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God” (Psalm 42:1-2a).

“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water” (Psalm 63:1).

“For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere” (Psalm 84:10).

“One thing I have asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD, all the days of my life” (Psalm 27:4a).

“You have said, ‘Seek my face.’ My heart says to you, ‘Your face, LORD do I seek’” (Psalm 27:8).

Can you honestly say that you have the same desire for Christ’s presence?

3. Lukewarmness is an improper response to Christ’s promises.

"The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne" (v. 21).

The one who wants to spend time with us is the one who is coming to rule the world! And He promises that we will reign with Him! (This is the premillennial interpretation.) (Illustration: Imagine receiving a phone call that you’ve won a million dollars. What would your response be? Jesus has promised us something much more valuable than a million dollars.)

The Revelation of Christ's Expectations (Trust)

2011-03-16T18:40:00.004-03:00

Part 10 of a series through the book of Revelation

Text: Revelation 3:7-13

TRUSTING THE “TRUE ONE”

“Philadelphia” means “city of brotherly love.” Both the modern and ancient cities of Philadelphia haven’t always lived up to their name. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is notorious for its rabid sports fans. Phillies fans once threw “D” batteries at outfielder J. D. Drew. Eagles fans cheered when Dallas Cowboys receiver Michael Irvin suffered a career-ending neck injury. In ancient Philadelphia, Jews were throwing Jewish Christians out of the synagogue. Jesus says these Jews are the “synagogue of Satan” (v. 9; cf. 2:9). “No one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly” (Romans 2:28; cf. Deuteronomy 30:6; Galatians 6:16). “Satan” means “adversary.” He is “the accuser of our brothers” (Revelation 12:10). The Jews in Philadelphia thought they were God’s people, but they were actually doing the work of Satan, persecuting the church (the people of God in this age).

Jesus expects us to trust Him, even in our darkest days.

The church had only a “little power” (v. 8). They needed to depend on Jesus.

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens'" (v. 7).

Jesus is described in three ways: (1) He is “the holy one.” In Scripture, this is a title for God (cf. Isaiah 40:25; Habakkuk 3:3; Mark 1:24; John 6:69). (2) He is “the true one.” This means either “the genuine one” (the Jews in Philadelphia thought Jesus was a false Messiah) or “the faithful one” (He can be trusted). (3) He “has the key of David” (cf. Isaiah 22:22; Matthew 16:19). He is the one who provides access to the kingdom of God. The Jews in Philadelphia had shut the door of the synagogue, but Jesus had opened for them the door of the kingdom.

ENCOURAGMENT FOR OUR DARKEST DAYS

In your darkest days, remember:

1. Your acceptance

“I have set before you an open door” (v. 8).

“I will make them come and bow down before your feet and they will learn that I have loved you” (v. 9).

What is the “open door”? Is it a door of opportunity for ministry? “A wide door for effective work has opened to me” (1 Corinthians 16:9; cf. 2 Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 4:3). Is it a door of access to the city of God? In “the new Jerusalem” the dark days of this life will be no more (cf. Revelation 21:1-4). (Illustration: “My door is always open.”) This interpretation fits the context better.

2. Your hope

“I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world” (v. 10).

“I am coming soon” (v. 11).

What is “the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world”? “And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been sine there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book” (Daniel 12:1). “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short” (Matthew 24:21-22).

“Those who dwell on earth” always refers to unbelievers in Revelation (6:10; 8:13; 11:10; 12:12; 13:8, 12, 14; 17:2, 8).

What does “keep you from” mean? Does it mean deliverance from (pretribulation view)? Or does it mean deliverance through (posttribulation view)? There are examples of this in Scripture (the Israelites during the plagues in Egypt, Noah and his family during the flood). There will be believers on earth during the great tribulation prior to the second coming (cf. Revelation 6:9-11). (Will these believers be on earth because there is no rapture prior to the “hour of trial,” or because many will put their faith in Christ after the rapture?) If believers will be delivered through the “hour of trial,” how is there any comfort in believers being kept from God’s wrath but not being kept from Satan’s wrath? There is a great difference between the wrath of God and the wrath of Satan. In the NT, persecution is seen as a great privilege (cf. Philippians 3:10; Colossians 1:24; 1 Peter 3:13-14). In Revelation, martyrdom is seen as victory over Satan, not a defeat. “They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death” (7:11). As when Satan (with the help of wicked men) put Christ on the cross, he defeats himself whenever he takes the life of one of the saints (there is no greater witness than a martyr’s death). Someone has said, “Pray for ‘pre,’ but prepare for ‘post.’”

Was Jesus wrong when He said, “I am coming soon”? (Illustration: “But, Dad, you promised!” Jesus doesn’t forget or change His promises.) The hope of Christ’s return is certain, even if (from our perspective) it has been delayed.

3. Your security

“I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God” (v. 12).

The entire city of God is a temple. “And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb” (Revelation 21:22).

Philadelphia experienced a devastating earthquake in A.D. 17. There is a sense of insecurity after an earthquake. (Illustration: The earthquake and tsunami in Japan.)

A pillar is a permanent part of a building (not like a piece of furniture that can be moved out). There is security in knowing that believers will be with God forever in His city. “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God’” (Revelation

The Revelation of Christ's Expectations (Authenticity)

2011-03-16T18:30:00.005-03:00

Part 8 of a series through the book of Revelation

Text: Revelation 3:1-6

ARE YOU REALLY WHAT YOU CLAIM TO BE?

Michael Guglielmucchi is a former Australian pastor. In October 2006, he announced that he had gone to the hospital for a series of tests and was diagnosed with “quite an aggressive form of cancer.”

As he struggled with his battle with cancer, he wrote the popular Christian worship song “Healer.”

You hold my every moment,
You calm my raging seas.
You walk with me through fire
And heal all my disease.

I trust in You,
I trust in You.

I believe You’re my Healer;
I believe You are all I need.
I believe You’re my Portion;
I believe You’re more than enough for me.
Jesus, You’re all I need.

On YouTube, you can find a video of Guglielmucchi singing “Healer” with an oxygen tube in his nose.

Guglielmucchi’s story and song became an inspiration to many Christians—especially those struggling with illness. There was only one problem. Michael Guglielmucchi didn’t have cancer. He was living a lie.

He faked symptoms of cancer. He wrote bogus emails from doctors. He sat in hospital waiting rooms alone while his family assumed he was getting treatment.

What do we call a person who lives a lie? A hypocrite.

Hypocrisy was a problem in the church in Sardis. Their reputation did not match reality. “You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead” (v. 1c).

Many people call themselves Christians but don’t live as Christians. They are Christians in name only (“nominal” Christians). That’s hypocrisy.

Jesus expects us to be authentic Christians, not hypocrites.

An authentic Christian is not a perfect Christian.

THE IMPORTANCE OF AUTHENTICITY

We hate hypocrisy, but we often tolerate it in our own lives.

Here are four reasons why it’s vital that we be authentic Christians:

1. Jesus hates hypocrisy.

Jesus hated the hypocrisy of the religious leaders of the Jews. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness” (Matthew 23:27-28).

Hypocrisy leads people away from Jesus. (“There are so many hypocrites in the church.”)

2. Jesus is not fooled by hypocrisy.

“I know your works” (v. 1b).

The Greek word for “hypocrisy” means “an actor.” (People are often surprised when an actor is nothing like the character he portrays.)

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart’” (1 Samuel 16:7).

3. Jesus will not tolerate hypocrisy.

“If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you” (v. 3b).

Twice in the history of Sardis, the city was captured because the people were not watching (“thief in the night”).

Why were the asleep? Were they feeling too comfortable (no persecution is mentioned)?

4. Jesus offers no hope to those who are content with hypocrisy.

“The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels” (v. 5).

Can we lose eternal life? No. Salvation is by grace. But those who are content with hypocrisy should examine themselves.

Are “nominal” (name-only) Christians real Christians? Gangster Mickey Cohen once made a profession of faith in Christ. But later, when he didn't change his lifestyle, he said, “You never told me I had to give up my career. You never told me that I had to give up my friends. There are Christian movie stars, Christian athletes, Christian businessmen. So what’s the matter with a Christian gangster? If I have to give up all that—if that’s Christianity—count me out.”

The Revelation of Christ's Expectations (Holiness)

2011-03-02T11:07:00.005-04:00

Part 7 of a series through the book of Revelation

Text: Revelation 2:18-29

STAYING PURE IN A DIRTY WORLD

“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write….” (v. 18a).

In Thyatira, doctrinal compromise was leading to moral compromise. Wrong beliefs lead to wrong behavior.

In Thyatira, there were many trade guilds. Inscriptions mention the following: wool-workers, linen-workers, makers of outer garments, dyers, leather-workers, tanners, potters, bakers, and bronze-smiths (W. M. Ramsey, The Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia, pp. 324-35). Lydia, “a seller of purple goods,” was from Thyatira (Acts 16:14).

Christians in Thyatira were feeling economic pressure to join the trade guilds. These guilds led to participation in idolatry, and idolatry led to sexual immorality.

Compromise was a problem in both Pergamum and Thyatira, but apparently it was a greater problem in Thyatira. To the church in Pergamum, Jesus says, “You have false teaching in your church” (2:14). To the church in Thyatira, He says, “You tolerate false teaching in your church” (v. 20).

In the letters to the seven churches, Jesus declares His expectations for each church (and for us today). The expectation Jesus had for the church in Thyatira was holiness.

Jesus expects us to be holy, no matter the temptation.

Holiness is often viewed as old-fashioned. If you’re “holy,” you’re “weird.” But “different” doesn’t necessarily mean “weird.” When I was a teenager, if I would have worn a winter hat, gloves, and boots to school during winter, I would have been considered “weird.” But I actually would have been smart. Sadly, I usually wasn’t very smart.

“You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy” (Leviticus 19:2; cf. 1 Peter 1:16).

Another word for “holiness” is “purity.” Purity is extremely important to Jesus. “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, so that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:25-27). Sin is spiritual adultery. When Israel turned to a false god named Baal, God said to the people through Hosea the prophet, “You have played the whore, forsaking your God” (Hosea 9:1).

We can look “pure” on Sundays, but what about the rest of the week?

We have our own idols (false gods) today: the god of materialism, the god of sex, the god of “me-first.”

When we think of “impurity,” we often think of sexual sins. But consider also the sins listed in Ephesians 4: falsehood (v. 25), anger (v. 26), stealing (v. 28), corrupting talk (v. 29), bitterness (v. 31).

CHRIST’S MESSAGE TO A SIN-TOLERATING CHURCH

Not only is being holy the right thing to do; it’s also the wise thing to do. Why is it unwise to tolerate sin in our lives? Two reasons:

1. I can’t get away with sin.

“The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze” (v. 18b; cf. 1:14-15).

Apollo was the divine guardian of Thyatira. In the message to Thyatira, Christ seems to make a contrast between Himself and Apollo. Apollo is the son of Zeus. Jesus is the “Son of God.” (This is the only time in Revelation that Jesus is called the “Son of God.”)

I can't get away with sin because, first, Jesus sees everything.

Apollo was considered a god of the sun. Jesus has “eyes like a flame of fire.”

“I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first. But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. I gave her time to repent, but she refused to repent of her sexual immorality. Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works, and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works” (vv. 19-23).

I can't get away with sin because, second, Jesus will judge everyone.

Bronze-working was an important industry in Thyatira. Jesus has “feet…like burnished bronze.”
“Be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23).

“The Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done” (Matthew 16:27).

Important: Good works do not make us right with God (law and grace/punishment and reward).
“I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds” (Jeremiah 17:10).

2. Sin promises more than it delivers.

Sin is like those commercials for "as seen on TV" products. They promise more than they deliver.

“The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. And I will give him the morning star” (vv. 26-28; cf. Psalm 2:8-9).

What is the meaning of the “morning star”? It could be an allusion to Numbers 24:17 (Balaam’s prophecy) with its use of a star and scepter as messianic symbols: “A star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel.” Or it could be a reference to the planet Venus. Venus is called the “morning star” when it appears in the east before sunrise. Roman legions carried the symbol of Venus on their banners to depict Roman invincibility. Rome considered itself to be invincible, but Rome was nothing compared to Christ.

Jesus promises and delivers—more than we can imagine!