Tag: salvation

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Let the adoptions begin.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“Some were persuaded by the things he said, but others did not believe. And after they had argued back and forth among themselves, they left with this final word from Paul: “The Holy Spirit was right when he said to your ancestors through Isaiah the prophet,” ‭‭Acts ‭28‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The Apostle Paul, formerly Rabbi Saul, trained and certified under the well known and respected Gamaliel, has made his case before his peers, the religious leaders. At first they were curious, “But we want to hear what you believe, for the only thing we know about this movement is that it is denounced everywhere”‭‭ (Acts 28‬:‭22‬). Paul did an excellent job presenting the gospel through the Law and the prophets. Some were even convinced, but others would not believe. Then he quoted a long and sad truth spoken by Isaiah: They would hear but not understand, see but not comprehend. Their hearts were hard and closed. Thus, they cannot turn to God and let Him heal them! All this time, all the cycles of grief and glee, they refused to listen to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. And… it was necessary!

Their resistance to the Messiah was part of God’s plan. This is the moment that Paul made the formal announcement to most of the official Sanhedrin – “So I want you to know that this salvation from God has also been offered to the Gentiles, and they will accept it” ‭‭(Acts 28‬:‭28). It had also been the plan before time began. It was told to the leaders of Israel, demonstrated by many of the stories and prophets’ behaviors that were confusing to the religious leaders of that day. The plan of salvation was for ALL human beings. Israel was to be mentors, teachers and examples to the nations! Before there would be converts to Judaism, in what the Jewish people call a “righteous convert.” But now, millions upon millions would become converts to Jesus Christ, adopted by God and grafted into the Jewish tree! Their righteousness would not be in the fulfillment of the Law, but in the fulfillment of faith in the work of Christ to repair the breach between God and humankind, permanently eradicating sin for those who would repent and believe.

Paul became God’s first missionary carrying the message of hope and inviting all to be adopted and come into the family of God!

Prayer

​Dad,
It is so rare to see the simple moments that shift the future so profoundly. This moment that Luke recorded about Paul is subtle but powerful- I have, we have, been grafted into this beautiful tree, this root of Jesse. I am so thankful salvation and redemption has come to all! Amen.

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Cults that diminish Jesus’ divinity.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

”Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.“ Hebrews‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Hebrews, chapter one, is the gold-standard verse against dozens of cults that proclaim that Jesus is just another… and fill in their own blank. A high-ranking angel, or the brother of Satan. Cults that walk our neighborhoods, knock on doors and stand around our city corners spreading lies, made up from Satan himself. Cults will give some pittance of honor to Christ, but ALWAYS diminish his divinity.

It’s one of the oldest heresies known since the first century. The early church was on constant guard and teaching against this warped theology. They will say that Jesus is the elder brother to Satan and “other churches,” have given the devil a bad rap. They will say that Jesus was also a created being, giving a false and damnable hope that humans can obtain a similar standing as a god. Folks, if Jesus was not God himself, as the Bible declares him to be so, then there is no salvation. There is no redemption or restoration back to God.

For only a sinless human can accomplish the payment necessary for our sins. Jesus became human and lived among us as fully God, fully human. Verses following in Hebrews, tell us it impossible for any angel to fulfill that requirement. Subjugating Jesus to be a created being, an angel, is an insult and impossibility for our salvation! Hebrews writes, “For God never said to any angel what he said to Jesus: “You are my Son. Today I have become your Father.”

It is forbidden to worship angel’s, because they are created servants who are supposed to be serving humans. John fell at an angel’s feet and was told not to worship, saying “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets.” (Rev. 19:10) Worshipping anyone or anything other than God is a direct violation of God’s command to worship him alone (Deut. 5:7). Jesus received worship because He is God! The Magi worshipped Christ at his birth, the disciples worshipped him after the storm, and the women worshipped Christ after his resurrection. Don’t be misled, anyone who denies Christ as God or claims that Jesus is a created being is false and should be called out as a cult.

Prayer

​Dad,
These cults, these lies are not even trying to hide what they believe! Each one will say that we are all “believers,” and a part of Your Church, but it is not true. They have caused so much harm, so much confusion, and I find it difficult that they would be allowed to continue to spread their cheap knock-off beliefs. Help us know you, know the truth, know Jesus! Give us your mercy and grace to believe and share the gospel – the good news of Your salvation! Amen.

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The Powerful Messiah.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭110‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This Psalm, written by David, sometime after his fall from grace, speaks of the future where Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father and is given the power to rule, reign and crush the enemies of God.

Jesus himself picks up this Psalm in a discussion with the religious leaders in Matthew 22:41-46. Jesus stumps the Pharisees by asking them who they thought the Messiah might be, “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?” They replied, “He is the son of David.” They agreed that the Messiah would come through the bloodline of David, but Jesus pressed them further when he quoted this Psalm. ”Jesus responded, “Then why does David, speaking under the inspiration of the Spirit, call the Messiah ‘my Lord’?” How can a father refer to his son as “Lord?” ”Since David called the Messiah ‘my Lord,’ how can the Messiah be his son?” So what’s the mystery, what’s the point?

One, David is prophesying about the Messiah, who will come and judge all things on the earth.

Two, it is clear that no one could figure out exactly what or who this Messiah would be. The war-language of enemies and footstool only lends itself to the idea that the Messiah would be a mighty warrior, a conquerer. The only problem with that is, as humans, we only interpret that as a world leader, bringing peace and prosperity to the people in the Messiah’s kingdom. But, do you remember Jesus saying, “My kingdom is not of this world,” in John 18:36? I wouldn’t be so hard on the Pharisees for being confused. The war-language, the battle over good and evil is far more than just bringing justice to bad actors of this world. It’s not like the warmongering doesn’t deserve judgement, because it does. And, it’s not like we don’t deserve death for our individual and collective selfish choices, because we do. What is far more powerful is that the Messiah, Jesus has conquered and made sin and evil itself his footstool – which is totally a reference to the earth itself as well (Isaiah 66:1). The Messiah has the power to create the new heaven and new earth, setting justice and God’s ways back to order.

Three, the Messiah has come to free the earth and its inhabitants from the ruler who had taken over the planet – Satan! We read the word, “enemy” as if it’s the people Jesus died for! We see the word “judgement” as though God wanted to rid the earth of people. Jesus has come to free people from sin, rescuing and redeeming our lives destined to destruction by our own choices of joining with Satan.

When Jesus returns, to fulfill the finality of all things, He brings justice and judgment to end evil and end the reign of terror on the planet from its ruler – Satan. When David wrote this Psalm, he had real enemies and Israel had real enemies as well. Those enemies were countries, tribes and people under the curse of sin as well as the spell of Satan. These groups were led and driven by ambition, gain and lust for more. Most of these countries and tribes had committed themselves to very real demonic influences, all of which God classified as idols. Behind the wooden and stone poles and statues of Ashtoreth, Baal, Chemosh, Dagon and multiple Egyptian gods there were very real demons desiring to lash out at God and destroy humanity. Even then, the enemies behind the maniacal, narcissistic men were all variations of Satan and the angels who rebelled against God. The Messiah would conquer the issue of human sin and death first. Then He will bring all evil to justice, starting with the prince of the power of the air, as Paul makes reference in Ephesians 2:2. I look forward to that day!

Prayer

Dad,
I know that evil permeates every part of the world. Evil is not an isolated, “American” problem, it’s global – every country, tribe or town has bad actors, making evil decisions. However, behind our human choices and behaviors, I also know there is a very real enemy that works to seduce and enslave us! It is that entity, that liar which is laying the foundation of enmity between us and you. Thank you for the Messiah that did not just come to save us, but will return to finally put evil, injustice, hate and destruction under His feet. Thank you that a new heaven and a new earth is coming. Your Kingdom come and thankfully your will be done! Amen.

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Hardcore Seventies Vibe.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭16‬:‭24‬-‭27‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Coming to Christ in 1977, the tail end of the “Jesus movement,” was a radical time of faith. Calvary Chapel and Chuck Smith were very much at the forefront of this raw truth, with this “turn or burn” belief system. Our youth group’s messages were all about picking up your cross, expecting opposition, even suffering and doing life for the cause of Christ! Yes, we all had rapture fever. And, there was a unified feeling that our family and friends could miss heaven and spend eternity in hell, if they didn’t believe and become saved. “Chic-tracs,” and salvation pamphlets could be found everywhere in restaurants and restrooms. The new translations of the Bible were selling like crazy. One of them, “Good news for modern man,” was a paraphrased version of the Bible. It read like a modern young adult drama, using surfing lingo instead of the King’s English. It was offensive to older folks and a bit off in the translation, but it was a big attention getter in High Schools. It became a conversation starter on campuses across America.

Students curiously stared at those who carried a Bible to school and read it at lunch. They would pass by these new “Bible Thumpers,” and with some respect say, “Whoa, that’s radical man!” I can tell you that it was powerful to be counter-cultural with Christianity in the seventies. But the message wasn’t soft, and filled with comfort and peace. It was considered to be hard-core, and in one’s face about their faith. When we would openly talk about Jesus in class, on campus, it wasn’t seen as judging, narrow minded, bigoted or phobic, it was hard truth. And, it was expected to challenged – we were taught that our faith would be challenged because Jesus himself was challenged!

In my high school science class, my teacher made this brash, arrogant statement about the theory of evolution. But in stating evolution as a fact, he just couldn’t help taking a jab at Christianity, saying, “who would be stupid enough to believe the God created the world?” I was young in my faith, and didn’t think through the moment. I just heard him insult my faith! I raised my hand and said, “I am.” I don’t think he expected anyone to challenge him. Ah, but the sixties and seventies were all about challenging authority figures! He gleefully took opportunity to mock me in front of the whole class.

“Garvin!” He shouted, “you are dumb enough to believe that God created the world?” “Yes,” I said, my cheeks turning bright red with emotion and embarrassment. “How in the world could you believe such nonsense?” he asked. I quietly responded “God said He did in the Bible. And I believe it’s true.” He went on with his lecture and I immediately thought of this idea of picking up the cross and losing my life – or at least my dismal high school reputation. My Youth Pastor had told me this kind of thing would happen when one follows Jesus and quoted Jesus saying “pick up your cross!” Great lesson, right?

I wasn’t being bold, I was just determined not to have anyone knock my faith in the One who had saved my life, promised to change me, lead me and love me. After class, I tried to slip out to avoid the blowback from other students. Shockingly, several of my classmates came up and said, “I’m a Christian too,” and congratulated me for standing up to “the man.” Quietly, I thought, why didn’t anyone else say something? Why didn’t any of them side with me in class? Here’s the thing. I was not some kind of bold, brash evangelist. I didn’t stand on a lunch table and start preaching. I just carried my Bible, had a few conversations with friends and lived my faith with confidence.

Where is that boldness to carry my cross of faith and conviction? Where is the fear of losing my life today? It’s been masked and submerged in trying not to OFFEND others. I must remember the Apostle Paul’s words, “the cross is offensive!” It’s also foolish, he said. (Galations 5:11 & 1 Corinthians 1:18). I understand being gracious, but I was much more forward about defending my faith when I was new believer. Christ died for me, saving me. That’s not just my story, it’s millions of others as well.

Prayer

Dad,
Restore unto me the joy of my salvation! Kindness does not mean I should deny truth, not my truth – THE TRUTH. It should not mean that I can’t boldly tell my story and let you work in those who will listen. Thank you for reminding me to pick up my cross, laying down my life to follow you.

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How could religion can be so off mission?

Reading Time: 3 minutes 
“The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees watched Jesus closely. If he healed the man’s hand, they planned to accuse him of working on the Sabbath. But Jesus knew their thoughts. He said to the man with the deformed hand, “Come and stand in front of everyone.” So the man came forward. Then Jesus said to his critics, “I have a question for you. Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” He looked around at them one by one and then said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored! At this, the enemies of Jesus were wild with rage and began to discuss what to do with him.” Luke‬ ‭6:7-11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

How could things have gone so far off-mission? We have the teachers of religious law and we have Jesus, completely human and God. And, they don’t agree on the correct interpretation nor the intent of God’s law. So the gospel writers give us these little “show-downs.”

Over the hundreds of years the scribes appointed by Ezra were asked to fulfill an important role on behalf of God. God never asked Ezra to assign this to a specific class of men, but it started out so simple, what could be the harm? The scribes duties were as caretakers: protect the law, the temple and the priesthood. Don’t MAKE laws or create systems to care for the temple or elevate and secure the priests to positions of power and wealth. Just help Israel keep God’s stuff in good working order.

Then over many hundreds of years through captivity and wars, and two complete cultural collapses of Judaism, the scribes took on the role of the Israeli secret police per se. They were the watchdogs of everything sacred and meaningful to the Jewish people. It is both surprising and heroic that they were successful in their pursuits and that the law, the temple system and priesthood were still in tact and operational by the time Christ is born and Israel/Judaism is still alive!

The names changed from simple scribes to Pharisees and Sadducees, but their roles had only increased in power and authority. By the time Jesus was thirty, these guys ran EVERYTHING. These “religious leaders” were now wealthy, powerful and very politically involved (too involved). I’ve written this before, but I’m kind of surprised Jesus didn’t THANK them for doing such a fantastic job protecting God’s stuff for him! They actually did keep things going!

Ah, but I’m also surprised that Jesus never had a conversation like this, “Did you guys forget who you work for?” You look and behave nothing like any of the prescribed attendants that Moses wrote about. I’m shocked that Jesus didn’t just directly tell them, “you’re supposed to work for me!”

These stories of conflict over the law and its practical application are how we know the religious leaders were OFF MISSION. The law was FOR people. God’s law was created for people, not people created for the law! Jesus question struck at the heart of the conflict about the Sabbath, “is this a day to SAVE life or DESTROY it? This question would apply to ALL of God’s laws really. Was the law created to save or destroy humans? That one is tricky. Of course it was created to save humans. However, it was also created to give us a clear standard of perfection that would prove how selfish and self-centered we really are. No one was able to keep all of the big ten. And anyone that could not keep the entire big ten would be judged and sentenced for NOT keeping ALL of them!

But, back to the story. Jesus was furious that these self-elevated scribes had so twisted God’s intention – that HEALING on the holy day would be even considered WORK! How horribly wrong could they be? As religious leaders they should have been FIRED and smoked!

Luke writes about the audacity of their complete and utter misunderstanding of their mission. They were NOT protecting they were perpetrating! And they were angry, wild with rage AT God for allowing such a flagrant disregard for all the work they done to perfect themselves. How dare God question our laws! Well now you see now what the fight was all about and who wins. Humans will always create their own laws and their own pitiful paths to perfection. Sad huh? So don’t be like that. And, don’t try to hold others to some ridiculous alternative plan to salvation. It will never work and you’ll end up working against God not for him.

PRAYER:

Dad,
Wow! I do not want my pretentious, religiosity to ever create some false system of salvation for me or anyone else. I get why the Apostles were so frustrated and angry at the regular and ongoing attempts to create these alternative doctrines trying to circumvent the mission of Jesus being the only way to salvation. No additions, no subtractions!