I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called... Ephesians 4:1
Therefore
I don’t know about your pastor, but my pastor always says, “Whenever you see the word ‘therefore’ in the Bible, you must always ask yourself, ‘what’s it there for?’” It’s here (this time) because Paul wants to remind us to sit down before we walk. More accurately he is saying that before we can walk-out our faith we need to remember where we are seated and how we came to be there. Two chapters earlier (in Ephesians 2:5-6) Paul writes…
When we were dead in trespasses, (He) made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus…
Walking effectively in Christ begins when we understand what He has already done for us, realizing that we had nothing to do with it, and that He finished the work on the cross. When we can appreciate this truth, our walks become a response to the love He has already displayed. When we fail to comprehend these facts, our walks become sidetracked as we search for things which are not missing. I like the summary outlined in 2 Corinthians 5:14a and 1 John 4:19:
For the love of Christ compels us…We love Him because He first loved us.
Therefore
Our Christian walk is a response of gratitude--our reward is not so much what we do as we walk, but the walk itself. I am so thankful that the Lord plucked me from the pig-sty that was my life, gave me a seat in Heavenly places, and now allows me to walk-the-walk. My need to share Him with others is not an obligation, but a reaction to His love.
COMPASSION dave
Monday, April 28, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Your Last Prayer
Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers… Ephesians 1:15:16
Your Last Prayer
Reflect upon your last prayer a moment. Did you pray for those in dire need, those who are sick and weary, the poor and the down trodden, the addicted and the unsaved? Praise be to God – you did well. But what about the spiritually fit…Did you pray for them? I submit to you that they need your prayers as well?
Think about it. Who is satan most interested in attacking and bringing down? Your alcoholic brother-in-law who isn’t walking with the Lord or that person you know who is walking according to God’s will? Obviously satan is most interested in destroying the obedient Christian.
Stop Praying For the Needy
That is NOT what I am saying. Of course we should be bringing those requests before the Lord. However let us not fail to remember those who are doing well in God’s sight, for arguably, they are in a hazardous position. And how should we pray for them? The next verse from Ephesians informs us……
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him… Ephesians 1:15:16
Stop Praying For the NeedyI have reconsidered my response to the previous statement. While prayer is always a good course of action, it is not always a necessity. I remember hearing Matt Rindge speak once and he said, “My biggest fear in life is that I’ll be in a horrible car accident and Christians will come to help--instead of administering first aid, they’ll choose to pray over me as I bleed out.” (Paraphrase mine) Let us learn to trust in God’s provision in regards to the prayers we have already prayed.
Let trust in God be evident by our actions...
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so. Proverbs 3:27
COMPASSION dave
Your Last Prayer
Reflect upon your last prayer a moment. Did you pray for those in dire need, those who are sick and weary, the poor and the down trodden, the addicted and the unsaved? Praise be to God – you did well. But what about the spiritually fit…Did you pray for them? I submit to you that they need your prayers as well?
Think about it. Who is satan most interested in attacking and bringing down? Your alcoholic brother-in-law who isn’t walking with the Lord or that person you know who is walking according to God’s will? Obviously satan is most interested in destroying the obedient Christian.
Stop Praying For the Needy
That is NOT what I am saying. Of course we should be bringing those requests before the Lord. However let us not fail to remember those who are doing well in God’s sight, for arguably, they are in a hazardous position. And how should we pray for them? The next verse from Ephesians informs us……
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him… Ephesians 1:15:16
Stop Praying For the NeedyI have reconsidered my response to the previous statement. While prayer is always a good course of action, it is not always a necessity. I remember hearing Matt Rindge speak once and he said, “My biggest fear in life is that I’ll be in a horrible car accident and Christians will come to help--instead of administering first aid, they’ll choose to pray over me as I bleed out.” (Paraphrase mine) Let us learn to trust in God’s provision in regards to the prayers we have already prayed.
Let trust in God be evident by our actions...
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so. Proverbs 3:27
COMPASSION dave
Friday, April 18, 2008
God’s Grace and Chuck E Cheese
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace… Ephesians 1:7
One of things I like about Chuck E Cheese’s is that when you (or your child) is finished playing a game, the machines spits out coupons, which can then be exchanged for a prize. In a small way it is symbolic of the redemption process spoken of in the Bible, for like those coupons, we have little or no face value; it could be said we are worthless.
Enter the Redeemer
You might say that the prize you get in exchange for your tickets (at Chuck E Cheese) is also without worth, and that’s of course where the similarity ends. For we see the blessing Christ provides is beyond the value; it’s worth being incalculable. This would not be possible if God were not rich in grace.
Riches of Grace
Imagine for a moment we’re back at Chuck E's. We’ve counted up our tickets and we announce to the prize-giver-outer guy, “We have three hundred and ninety-two tickets. What do we get?”
“Well, it seems you have just enough for the Mercedes convertible, ” he says.
Now imagine the reaction of your friends and family when you pull up in that shiny new car. That’s grace and it’s just a small glimpse of what our redemption, through Christ’s blood, looks like. What we have to offer the Lord is without worth, but what He desires to give us in exchange is beyond worldly explanation. When we show up at Heaven’s gate, surely every jaw will drop and it will be heard from one end of Heaven to the other, “That is one gracious God we serve!”
Might you be so bold as to share some of that grace?
COMPASSION dave
One of things I like about Chuck E Cheese’s is that when you (or your child) is finished playing a game, the machines spits out coupons, which can then be exchanged for a prize. In a small way it is symbolic of the redemption process spoken of in the Bible, for like those coupons, we have little or no face value; it could be said we are worthless.
Enter the Redeemer
You might say that the prize you get in exchange for your tickets (at Chuck E Cheese) is also without worth, and that’s of course where the similarity ends. For we see the blessing Christ provides is beyond the value; it’s worth being incalculable. This would not be possible if God were not rich in grace.
Riches of Grace
Imagine for a moment we’re back at Chuck E's. We’ve counted up our tickets and we announce to the prize-giver-outer guy, “We have three hundred and ninety-two tickets. What do we get?”
“Well, it seems you have just enough for the Mercedes convertible, ” he says.
Now imagine the reaction of your friends and family when you pull up in that shiny new car. That’s grace and it’s just a small glimpse of what our redemption, through Christ’s blood, looks like. What we have to offer the Lord is without worth, but what He desires to give us in exchange is beyond worldly explanation. When we show up at Heaven’s gate, surely every jaw will drop and it will be heard from one end of Heaven to the other, “That is one gracious God we serve!”
Might you be so bold as to share some of that grace?
COMPASSION dave
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Sustaining Praise
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ… Ephesians 1:3
Just Another Salutation
Isn’t it incredible that Paul would start out this letter to the church at Ephesus by praising the Lord? “Not really dave, ” you might say, “it’s not really that incredible; wonderful perhaps, but not incredible.” Ok, ok, I’ll tell you what makes it incredible.
Paul’s in Jail
When Paul writes, ‘Blessed be God the Father who has blessed us, ’ he is sitting in a Roman prison; he breaks out in praise despite the fact he’s in lock-down. Folks, that is incredible. Do want to know how he can do it?
I submit to you there are at least two reasons. First, Paul fully comprehends that blessings do not come from Jesus, but are realized in Jesus. Jesus is not a genie we go to when we have wants, but a Savior we live in who knows our needs.
For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
2 Corinthians 1:20
Secondly, Paul has seen the future in Christ, and to say it is ‘bright’ would be a gross understatement. Speaking of himself in 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, Paul wrote…
I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago--whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows--such a one was caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man--whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows--how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Reconsider Your PositionTake another look at your problems. Regardless of what they are, if you are in Christ, there is reason to praise the Lord. If for no other reason, others will look at you and say, “That must be some awesome God he (or she) worships!”
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
He IS Awesome!
Have you shared that news—have you shared the blessing? Are you an Acts 1:8 kind of believer? Do those under your roof know Him? Do your neighbors know Him? Do both your friends and enemies know Him? Has your witness reached the ends of the earth?I present to you the ends of the earth…
COMPASSION dave
Just Another Salutation
Isn’t it incredible that Paul would start out this letter to the church at Ephesus by praising the Lord? “Not really dave, ” you might say, “it’s not really that incredible; wonderful perhaps, but not incredible.” Ok, ok, I’ll tell you what makes it incredible.
Paul’s in Jail
When Paul writes, ‘Blessed be God the Father who has blessed us, ’ he is sitting in a Roman prison; he breaks out in praise despite the fact he’s in lock-down. Folks, that is incredible. Do want to know how he can do it?
I submit to you there are at least two reasons. First, Paul fully comprehends that blessings do not come from Jesus, but are realized in Jesus. Jesus is not a genie we go to when we have wants, but a Savior we live in who knows our needs.
For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
2 Corinthians 1:20
Secondly, Paul has seen the future in Christ, and to say it is ‘bright’ would be a gross understatement. Speaking of himself in 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, Paul wrote…
I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago--whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows--such a one was caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man--whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows--how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Reconsider Your PositionTake another look at your problems. Regardless of what they are, if you are in Christ, there is reason to praise the Lord. If for no other reason, others will look at you and say, “That must be some awesome God he (or she) worships!”
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
He IS Awesome!
Have you shared that news—have you shared the blessing? Are you an Acts 1:8 kind of believer? Do those under your roof know Him? Do your neighbors know Him? Do both your friends and enemies know Him? Has your witness reached the ends of the earth?I present to you the ends of the earth…
COMPASSION dave
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Farming Facts
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. Galatians 5:7-8
It’s A Fact
We will reap what we sow. It doesn’t matter if we are saved or unsaved, if we sow the seeds of our flesh, we will garner corruption. Oh, our salvation is still intact (our inadvertent sinful dabblings will not condemn us), but the fruit of those occurrences will still be manifest.
Manifested How?
I am not proud of it, but yes, I have seen X-rated movies (and more than a few adult magazines) in my life. The very good news is that I have been forgiven for all that illicit activity and (I am happy to say) I don’t consider them any longer. However, those seeds were still planted. So guess what images pop-up from time-to-time when my eyes might happen upon an alluring situation? You guessed it! The reality is that those images would not appear if those seeds were never planted in the first place.
Plant Better Seeds
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9
It’s been years since those aforementioned sins of mine and I am pleased to announce that although the ‘images’ are not completely vanished, their appearances are far and few between. Why? Because I have been sowing a new crop of seeds; seeds of faith and seeds of the Spirit, and their fruit is crowding-out the bad fruit—my Spirit crop is overtaking my fleshly one.
Praise Be to God
Be patient. If we are sowing good seed, the yield will be evident in due season and according to God’s perfect timing. So let us not be deceived, we will reap what we sow—God will never be mocked.
COMPASSION dave
It’s A Fact
We will reap what we sow. It doesn’t matter if we are saved or unsaved, if we sow the seeds of our flesh, we will garner corruption. Oh, our salvation is still intact (our inadvertent sinful dabblings will not condemn us), but the fruit of those occurrences will still be manifest.
Manifested How?
I am not proud of it, but yes, I have seen X-rated movies (and more than a few adult magazines) in my life. The very good news is that I have been forgiven for all that illicit activity and (I am happy to say) I don’t consider them any longer. However, those seeds were still planted. So guess what images pop-up from time-to-time when my eyes might happen upon an alluring situation? You guessed it! The reality is that those images would not appear if those seeds were never planted in the first place.
Plant Better Seeds
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9
It’s been years since those aforementioned sins of mine and I am pleased to announce that although the ‘images’ are not completely vanished, their appearances are far and few between. Why? Because I have been sowing a new crop of seeds; seeds of faith and seeds of the Spirit, and their fruit is crowding-out the bad fruit—my Spirit crop is overtaking my fleshly one.
Praise Be to God
Be patient. If we are sowing good seed, the yield will be evident in due season and according to God’s perfect timing. So let us not be deceived, we will reap what we sow—God will never be mocked.
COMPASSION dave
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Halle-lu-YOU
You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. Galatians 5:4
The doctrine of legalism does not justify. Anyone who would add the word ‘and’ to the sentence, “Salvation comes by faith in Jesus Christ, ” is essentially saying that Christ’s work on the cross was insufficient. They are in fact declaring, “I must finish the work Jesus began so that I might be saved.”
Halle-lu-YOU
If that were the case; that is, if you were able to achieve righteousness by your own effort, then of what use is the cross? We might as well toss out our hallelujahs (praises to God) and begin shouting, “Hallelu-US, ” instead. That of course would be ridiculous. Paul would say of this selfish doctrine…
This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you.
I suspect that a little legalism creeps into every Christian’s life. Initially, our motives ‘might’ be pure, after all, we do not want that anyone should perish, but like yeast, that little bit tends to grow and spoil the entire batch. By allowing just a smidgeon, whether we admit to it or not, we are really saying we don’t trust the Father. Let us not give in to the desire to impose rules, regulations, and rituals on ourselves or others.
A little leaven leavens the whole lump. Galatians 5:9
And finally
My ‘issue’ for the week has largely been our freedom in Christ, or more specifically the law of liberty. The bottom line is that we don’t have to do anything, but we sure do get to do a whole lot. And with that consideration, no one is required to help a child living in abject poverty, but what a blessing it is that we get to do such a thing in the name of Jesus Christ.
COMPASSION dave
The doctrine of legalism does not justify. Anyone who would add the word ‘and’ to the sentence, “Salvation comes by faith in Jesus Christ, ” is essentially saying that Christ’s work on the cross was insufficient. They are in fact declaring, “I must finish the work Jesus began so that I might be saved.”
Halle-lu-YOU
If that were the case; that is, if you were able to achieve righteousness by your own effort, then of what use is the cross? We might as well toss out our hallelujahs (praises to God) and begin shouting, “Hallelu-US, ” instead. That of course would be ridiculous. Paul would say of this selfish doctrine…
This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you.
I suspect that a little legalism creeps into every Christian’s life. Initially, our motives ‘might’ be pure, after all, we do not want that anyone should perish, but like yeast, that little bit tends to grow and spoil the entire batch. By allowing just a smidgeon, whether we admit to it or not, we are really saying we don’t trust the Father. Let us not give in to the desire to impose rules, regulations, and rituals on ourselves or others.
A little leaven leavens the whole lump. Galatians 5:9
And finally
My ‘issue’ for the week has largely been our freedom in Christ, or more specifically the law of liberty. The bottom line is that we don’t have to do anything, but we sure do get to do a whole lot. And with that consideration, no one is required to help a child living in abject poverty, but what a blessing it is that we get to do such a thing in the name of Jesus Christ.
COMPASSION dave
Monday, April 14, 2008
Legalizing Love
Legalizing Love
Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, * and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1
It’s the law!
Imagine if it were the law, that when you met a young man or woman and became ‘serious’ you must write love letters, you must hold hands, or you must buy flowers for them. It certainly is a silly concept isn’t it? It’s silly because when you fall in love with a person those types of things come naturally—they need not be legislated.
Love Does More
This is essentially Paul’s message to the church. We are free of mandatory rites and rituals of religion; we are free because love does more than legalism. Legalism—that doctrine that says, “Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ and…” something else. There is no ‘something else, ’ it’s just faith in Jesus Christ. If anyone adds the word ‘and’ after the sentence, “Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ, ” run away…Jesus finished the work on the cross.
It stands to reason that if legalism will drain the passion from an earthly relationship, it will consume a spiritual one as well. We just need examine the church to see all the depleted souls who have given up on Christ because of man’s imposition of religious duty. Faith in Christ Jesus alone will result in free display of passion; enthusiasm, zeal, and love cannot be legislated.
And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. Romans 5:11
BTW
Compassion Sunday events were held all over the United States yesterday and as a result, thousands of children were sponsored. The good news is that it is never to late to host a Compassion Sunday event at your church. Just follow this Compassion Sunday link to find out more.
And of course it’s never to late to sponsor a child…
COMPASSION dave
Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, * and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1
It’s the law!
Imagine if it were the law, that when you met a young man or woman and became ‘serious’ you must write love letters, you must hold hands, or you must buy flowers for them. It certainly is a silly concept isn’t it? It’s silly because when you fall in love with a person those types of things come naturally—they need not be legislated.
Love Does More
This is essentially Paul’s message to the church. We are free of mandatory rites and rituals of religion; we are free because love does more than legalism. Legalism—that doctrine that says, “Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ and…” something else. There is no ‘something else, ’ it’s just faith in Jesus Christ. If anyone adds the word ‘and’ after the sentence, “Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ, ” run away…Jesus finished the work on the cross.
It stands to reason that if legalism will drain the passion from an earthly relationship, it will consume a spiritual one as well. We just need examine the church to see all the depleted souls who have given up on Christ because of man’s imposition of religious duty. Faith in Christ Jesus alone will result in free display of passion; enthusiasm, zeal, and love cannot be legislated.
And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. Romans 5:11
BTW
Compassion Sunday events were held all over the United States yesterday and as a result, thousands of children were sponsored. The good news is that it is never to late to host a Compassion Sunday event at your church. Just follow this Compassion Sunday link to find out more.
And of course it’s never to late to sponsor a child…
COMPASSION dave
Friday, April 11, 2008
Stewardess, I've Changed My Mind
What purpose then does the law serve? Galatians 3:19
“Would you like a beverage?” the flight attendant asks sweetly.
“I’ll have a diet coke please, ” you respond.
“Would you like a parachute as well?” she calmly adds.
“Huh?”
“A parachute sir. Your life will be much better if you have one…I guarantee it! In fact your life will be full of peace and joy. Having a parachute is the only way sir—I have one, you should have one as well.”
“Thank you, ” you say as you look at her oddly through the corner of your eye, “But I have no need for a parachute, but I am very happy for you and your need to have one. I am glad your parachute gives you peace, comfort, and joy.”
What’s missing?
The attendant, not wanting to upset the passengers, failed to tell them that the plane was in fact going down. Why upset them she likely assumed, they were having such a good time. However, had she shared that little bit of ’critical information’ she would have had more success doling out the chutes.
That’s the purpose of the law!
The law in a sense, lets us know that we are going down--we are in fact all sinners. Tell most folks about salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and they will likely respond that they have no need for saving—they consider themselves ‘basically’ good people. The law declares otherwise.
"There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God.." Romans 3:10-11
No one seeks after God, at least not until after they realize that God was seeking them first. God sought us by providing the ‘Law’ as a mirror; a mirror that reveals to us how we truly look to Him…Dirty. It is that realization—that we are sinners in need of salvation, that leads us to the parachute that is Christ Jesus.
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes… Psalm 19:7-8
In case you missed it…
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
COMPASSION dave
***Hey everyone! Pray and fast with us today as we prepare for our nation-wide Compassion Sunday event (April 13, 2008). Can't wait for Compassion Sunday? Then click here --->Compassion Child to sponsor.
“Would you like a beverage?” the flight attendant asks sweetly.
“I’ll have a diet coke please, ” you respond.
“Would you like a parachute as well?” she calmly adds.
“Huh?”
“A parachute sir. Your life will be much better if you have one…I guarantee it! In fact your life will be full of peace and joy. Having a parachute is the only way sir—I have one, you should have one as well.”
“Thank you, ” you say as you look at her oddly through the corner of your eye, “But I have no need for a parachute, but I am very happy for you and your need to have one. I am glad your parachute gives you peace, comfort, and joy.”
What’s missing?
The attendant, not wanting to upset the passengers, failed to tell them that the plane was in fact going down. Why upset them she likely assumed, they were having such a good time. However, had she shared that little bit of ’critical information’ she would have had more success doling out the chutes.
That’s the purpose of the law!
The law in a sense, lets us know that we are going down--we are in fact all sinners. Tell most folks about salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and they will likely respond that they have no need for saving—they consider themselves ‘basically’ good people. The law declares otherwise.
"There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God.." Romans 3:10-11
No one seeks after God, at least not until after they realize that God was seeking them first. God sought us by providing the ‘Law’ as a mirror; a mirror that reveals to us how we truly look to Him…Dirty. It is that realization—that we are sinners in need of salvation, that leads us to the parachute that is Christ Jesus.
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes… Psalm 19:7-8
In case you missed it…
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
COMPASSION dave
***Hey everyone! Pray and fast with us today as we prepare for our nation-wide Compassion Sunday event (April 13, 2008). Can't wait for Compassion Sunday? Then click here --->Compassion Child to sponsor.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
The First and the Last
Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"*) Galatians 3:13
The First Adam
What we know about the first Adam (at least as it pertains to today’s verse) is found in God’s admonition to him recorded in Genesis 3:17-19:
"Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return."
The Last Adam
We know from 1Corinthians 15:45 that Jesus Christ is the last Adam, but what is the significance you might ask? We notice that sin, specifically the sin of the 1st Adam, brought about the curse, the thorns, and the sweat, but Jesus, the last Adam absorbed it all for the sake of all mankind.
Our Jesus took the entire curse upon Himself, He bore the thorns, and He sweat the blood. He prepared His body as bread that in faith we might partake of His flesh thus freely accepting His mercy and grace.
Saved By Faith
In light of all that, why would anyone think that any work of our flesh is required? The work was finished on the cross and all we need do to believe it is done. Our works unto salvation are pointless; attempts to adhere to the law, to rules, and to regulations are futile…Receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
But What About…
But doesn’t James 2:17 say, “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead, ” what is that all about? James is simply telling us that works are manifested as a result of faith – faith is not a result of works. Christians do not have to go to church, pray, fellowship, or spend time in the word…We GET to do these things.
We Get To !!!
COMPASSION dave
The First Adam
What we know about the first Adam (at least as it pertains to today’s verse) is found in God’s admonition to him recorded in Genesis 3:17-19:
"Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return."
The Last Adam
We know from 1Corinthians 15:45 that Jesus Christ is the last Adam, but what is the significance you might ask? We notice that sin, specifically the sin of the 1st Adam, brought about the curse, the thorns, and the sweat, but Jesus, the last Adam absorbed it all for the sake of all mankind.
Our Jesus took the entire curse upon Himself, He bore the thorns, and He sweat the blood. He prepared His body as bread that in faith we might partake of His flesh thus freely accepting His mercy and grace.
Saved By Faith
In light of all that, why would anyone think that any work of our flesh is required? The work was finished on the cross and all we need do to believe it is done. Our works unto salvation are pointless; attempts to adhere to the law, to rules, and to regulations are futile…Receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
But What About…
But doesn’t James 2:17 say, “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead, ” what is that all about? James is simply telling us that works are manifested as a result of faith – faith is not a result of works. Christians do not have to go to church, pray, fellowship, or spend time in the word…We GET to do these things.
We Get To !!!
COMPASSION dave
Sunday, April 6, 2008
You Were Only Meant To Read This If You Are Reading This
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them. Psalm 139:16
This past Thursday night I was at the New Monmouth Baptist Church in Middletown, NJ to see the Christian band known as Hawk Nelson. The truth is that I was there as a volunteer for Compassion International hoping to sign-up a gazillion new sponsors for children enrolled in the Compassion program.
That didn’t happen
Daniel Biro, the bass player for Hawk Nelson took time between sets to share about the Compassion child he sponsors and urged those in attendance to sponsor children as well. Afterwards they showed an impressive Compassion video. I stood waiting at the Compassion table for a rush of people that never came.
As the concert came to an end, two teenage girls approached the table and spoke those words that every advocate loves to hear, "We would like to sponsor a child!" After a few moments they walked away with a little girl from Honduras to whom they felt Spiritually led. That was the only child sponsored on this night.
One Child
It is very easy for me to become judgmental in situations such as these. On the drive home I began picking apart the evening in my mind, looking for fault in every corner. Then God spoke to my heart.
"Focus on what’s good, not bad;"God said, "don’t focus on what didn’t happen, but focus on what I did."
Then it hit me--the Lord had this entire evening orchestrated before He laid the foundations of the earth. God knew, long before this little Compassion child was ever born, that He would bring her into a loving relationship with two young, Christian teenage girls from New Jersey. Through them, the body of Christ, He would provide for her needs, both physical and spiritual. One could say that He allowed this entire Christian-concert event to occur just so these three girls could meet.
That is amazing
It also occurred to me that the Lord allowed me to witness this just so I might share it with others. He knew (long before I knew) that I would be writing this post, perhaps so that you might read it and discover for the very first time that God has a child He wants you to meet. Consider this: two teenage girls were given a choice…
And they said yes to God—Will You?
COMPASSION dave
This past Thursday night I was at the New Monmouth Baptist Church in Middletown, NJ to see the Christian band known as Hawk Nelson. The truth is that I was there as a volunteer for Compassion International hoping to sign-up a gazillion new sponsors for children enrolled in the Compassion program.
That didn’t happen
Daniel Biro, the bass player for Hawk Nelson took time between sets to share about the Compassion child he sponsors and urged those in attendance to sponsor children as well. Afterwards they showed an impressive Compassion video. I stood waiting at the Compassion table for a rush of people that never came.
As the concert came to an end, two teenage girls approached the table and spoke those words that every advocate loves to hear, "We would like to sponsor a child!" After a few moments they walked away with a little girl from Honduras to whom they felt Spiritually led. That was the only child sponsored on this night.
One Child
It is very easy for me to become judgmental in situations such as these. On the drive home I began picking apart the evening in my mind, looking for fault in every corner. Then God spoke to my heart.
"Focus on what’s good, not bad;"God said, "don’t focus on what didn’t happen, but focus on what I did."
Then it hit me--the Lord had this entire evening orchestrated before He laid the foundations of the earth. God knew, long before this little Compassion child was ever born, that He would bring her into a loving relationship with two young, Christian teenage girls from New Jersey. Through them, the body of Christ, He would provide for her needs, both physical and spiritual. One could say that He allowed this entire Christian-concert event to occur just so these three girls could meet.
That is amazing
It also occurred to me that the Lord allowed me to witness this just so I might share it with others. He knew (long before I knew) that I would be writing this post, perhaps so that you might read it and discover for the very first time that God has a child He wants you to meet. Consider this: two teenage girls were given a choice…
And they said yes to God—Will You?
COMPASSION dave
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Closeness Doesn’t Count
He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:5
Weeks ago I stumbled upon a phrase, "our effectiveness in ministry is relative to our closeness to Jesus, ” and I thought at the time, “What a wonderfully true sentiment!” After all, any effective ministry is borne out of a deepening relationship with Christ Jesus. Having said that, today I re-stumbled upon this Bible verse from John 15 realizing that it paints a truer picture.
When I read this piece of scripture I envision myself sawing a limb off an apple tree. Should I have any expectation that fruit will now grow from that limb? Of course not. Might I expect growth if I take that same branch and hold it but a centimeter from the tree, or better yet, prop it against the trunk? No. I would have no fruitful expectations.It is obvious to everyone that in order for fruit to appear, the branch must be attached or grafted back in—closeness does not count. John 15:5 demonstrates practically that my catchy little phrase missed the mark--closeness, it seems is not the same as being attached.
Semanticist
Arguably, this is merely a case of semantics, since those ‘in’ Christ likely consider themselves to be close to Him as well. In that respect I would agree. But the danger exists when a person falsely believes that because there is an appearance of closeness they actually are close. Showing others your picture taken with a celebrity would be an example: “Why yes, me and Bruce Springsteen are very close friends!”
Similarly, we might pray daily, go to church weekly, and fast monthly, but unless we are grafted into the branch, we are no more than limbs leaning up against trees—we appear close, but in reality we’re miles and miles away.
Show me the fruit
We all know plenty of folks who claim closeness to Jesus, but through the years there is no fruit. Oh, they might believe and love Him, but they are not in Him, and He is not in them—if He were there would be fruit all around that trunk. And what does fruit look like?
We can start here:By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35
COMPASSION dave
Weeks ago I stumbled upon a phrase, "our effectiveness in ministry is relative to our closeness to Jesus, ” and I thought at the time, “What a wonderfully true sentiment!” After all, any effective ministry is borne out of a deepening relationship with Christ Jesus. Having said that, today I re-stumbled upon this Bible verse from John 15 realizing that it paints a truer picture.
When I read this piece of scripture I envision myself sawing a limb off an apple tree. Should I have any expectation that fruit will now grow from that limb? Of course not. Might I expect growth if I take that same branch and hold it but a centimeter from the tree, or better yet, prop it against the trunk? No. I would have no fruitful expectations.It is obvious to everyone that in order for fruit to appear, the branch must be attached or grafted back in—closeness does not count. John 15:5 demonstrates practically that my catchy little phrase missed the mark--closeness, it seems is not the same as being attached.
Semanticist
Arguably, this is merely a case of semantics, since those ‘in’ Christ likely consider themselves to be close to Him as well. In that respect I would agree. But the danger exists when a person falsely believes that because there is an appearance of closeness they actually are close. Showing others your picture taken with a celebrity would be an example: “Why yes, me and Bruce Springsteen are very close friends!”
Similarly, we might pray daily, go to church weekly, and fast monthly, but unless we are grafted into the branch, we are no more than limbs leaning up against trees—we appear close, but in reality we’re miles and miles away.
Show me the fruit
We all know plenty of folks who claim closeness to Jesus, but through the years there is no fruit. Oh, they might believe and love Him, but they are not in Him, and He is not in them—if He were there would be fruit all around that trunk. And what does fruit look like?
We can start here:By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35
COMPASSION dave
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