Identity

  It has been a loooong time since I've posted anything here. Nevertheless, I was listening to a message today while exercising and the minister said something profound. I'm sure some may have heard this before, but it struck a chord in my soul. 

He said, "God does not define you by your worst mistakes."  Think about that for a minute. What torments your soul? What regret(s) are you harboring? What have you done or failed to do that causes you to shrink back from boldly entering the throne of grace? 

I was reading my bible recently and was in Luke. In the third chapter he gives a genealogy. Generally I have sort of skimmed over these. As I was doing this in Luke, I got to the end of the genealogy. It says in verse 38, "the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God". I didn't think much about it when I read it until I heard the minister today. 

If you are like me, I typically associate Adam with original sin. After all, it was his act of treason that led to the fall of man. Go back and read Genesis when you have time. Because of the fall, we all inherited a sin nature. Lust, greed, envy, hate, murder, etc are all fruit of our sin nature. It's natural for us to associate Adam with these consequences of sin. Not only does his sin have consequences but ours too! Yet God defines him in Luke still as the son of God. God never gave up on Adam and His purpose for Him. He doesn't give up on us either regardless of how bad we've royally blown it! Isn't that good news? 

I don't know about you, but I've already blown it in 2018 more than once, but God does not define me or you by our mistakes! He has provided the solution in Christ Jesus. Because of Christ, we have been eternally adopted as sons and daughters. We are joint heirs with Christ. We are loved. 

No matter how bad you think you've messed up, you can confess your sin to Jesus. He is faithful and just to forgive us and purify us from all unrighteousness. You might say I've messed up and confessed a lot. Well I believe scripture teaches where sin abounds, grace much more abounds. We cannot out sin His grace. When he defeated sin and death, he whooped it completely. 

What sin are you lifting above the finished work of Jesus Christ? Trust in His word and what He says about you, not what you feel or what others might say. He loves us and will never leave us nor forsake us. As a Christian, we are sons and daughters of God. This is our identity. 

                                 

You're Included

When I first came to the Christian faith, I struggled not with daily bible readings, praying, church attendance, or being fired up about sharing Jesus. Ironically, I struggled believing and accepting God really loved me with no strings attached. I wouldn't admit it at first. Yet after hearing several sermons in church, I began to let it be known first to my wife and then close friends that I doubted God's love for me and whether or not he really included me in what His Son did. Altar call after altar call, sinner's prayer after sinner's prayer, multiple baptisms. I just couldn't seem to be convinced God loved me. 

Eventually, I got sick of not believing God loved me and gave up on Christianity altogether. For about a year I was as hard hearted towards anything with faith as one can imagine. Then one day on the way to work while flipping through the radio station, it just clicked. I suddenly became aware of God's mercy towards me and was convinced Jesus included me when He died and rose again. 

Many people, whether they will admit it or not, struggle with God's love for them. You will never be able to truly enjoy His gifts if you're not convinced He loves you. As long as you're not convinced, God will always seem like an Indian giver or task master.   

You cannot relax and have faith in someone if you think they might not love or even like you. God demonstrated His love for us when He sent Jesus Christ to die on the cross. God doesn't have our relationship with Him based on a probationary state. His Son actually finished the dividing wall of sin at His death. It is finished. You can be confident of God's love for you. It is not based on how well you are doing this week or if you are going to blow it tomorrow. God's relationship with us is based on the finished work of Christ, not your work for Him. 

Jesus ate with sinners and the outcast of society not because they promised to do better at reading their bible that week, pledged to quit drinking beer, or promised to quit cussing. He ate with sinners because He loves us. He is still the same yesterday, today, and forever. We are all included in that love. Yes, you too. 

Incapable

15 And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16 And the scribes of[a] the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat[b] with tax collectors and sinners?”17 And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:15-17

Many Christians are currently in the thicket of Lenten season. It's a time where many give up particular things to focus on God. I have personally given up chocolates, Facebook, and Internet in the past for Lent. Here is what I have found how it works out for a lot of us. We start out well. We have the best intentions. Yet at some point down the line we get weary and slip up on our commitment that began on Ash Wednesday. Our spirit is willing but our flesh is weak so to speak. Now keep in mind, we are speaking of a seasonal fast, not a lifetime commitment. Yet even though it's for a season, we struggle to finish with the gusto we began with. 

Isn't that like a lot of things in our life? How many times have we promised God we would give up something for good or began doing something for the rest of our lives only to fall short. Lent can be like that for a lot of us. It's a reminder of our sinfulness and despite our best intentions, we are weak in ourselves. No matter how hard we try and no matter how rigorous our discipline, we fall short of God's standard. Some of us recognize it, some of us don't. 

Even when I think I am doing really well, I often find later my motives aren't pure. The Pharisees in the gospel story thought they were completely pure and nothing like those sinners and tax collectors Jesus reclined to eat with. Little did they know, they belonged at that table with Jesus too. 

Jesus came for sinners and bad people because quite frankly that's all there is. No matter how terrible of a sinner you are or how good you think you may be, Jesus came for you. Romans 5:8 says, "God demonstrates His love for us in this. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." 

You see it isn't that anyone was worth saving. Even the best of us are undeserving of God's love.  No, it's while we were still sinners, while we hated God, while we were at our worst that God still sent His Son and He willingly, full of love, gave Himself for us. That's the gospel. The good news is that those who are the most undeserving are the ones that Jesus pours out his mercy and grace on. 

So take heart. No matter how bad you've blown it or how good you think you are doing at being a Christian, Jesus' commitment to you is unwavering. He is the same always. We are incapable.  He is capable of saving to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him. 

Led by the Spirit

This post is based on some notes I prepared for a discussion with our youth group. There is a lot more that can be said on the topic. However, I believe the points made are a good foundation for daily application.

When it comes to being led by the Spirit, the Christian must remember we follow a Person who lives out the definition of what it means to be Spirit led. We don't have to scratch our heads as if no one has done it. Jesus, even to this day, lives by the Spirit. There is no moment when our Savior ceases to yield Himself to the control of God's Spirit. So we must not look to others as our chief example of the Spirit filled life. We are to fix our eyes on Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2)

In scripture we see how Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, dealt with temptation, loved people, prayed, and forgave. If we are going to do the same, we too must be filled with the same Spirit. I have been a Christian almost half my life now. I have seen and experienced what it looks like when people allow the Spirit fill them. Unfortunately, I have seen what it looks like when those who say they follow Jesus don't allow the Spirit to fill them. I won't go any further with that one.

Below are four practical ways I see in scripture and experience to be Spirit led.
1-  Read the bible, John 14:25.  How can the Spirit remind you of what Jesus has already said if you don't download it? Many times in my life there have been instances in which I would have made a decision that could have a negative consequence if the Spirit had not reminded me of a scripture passage. See how Jesus defeated temptation in Luke 4. He spoke the Word.

2- As a Christian, ask for the Spirit, Luke 11:9-13. Notice how the Lord promises when we ask and seek for the Spirit from the Father, He will not send something else. He will send the Spirit. This is something that should be done daily. I ate three square meals yesterday. Will that keep me going today or tomorrow? It might for a little while, but eventually my energy will be depleted from lack of caloric intake. It's the same with the Spirit. Yesterday's fill up will not sustain me forever. It must be daily sought. 

3- Be a person of prayer. Luke 11:1 Jesus got up early to pray and spend time with God. He had a spot the bible said was "certain". Designate a place that is known to others you live with as that "certain place". If He needed to do it, shouldn't we? If we are to walk and be led by the Spirit, it must be intentional and will take effort on your part to make it a priority. Jesus didn't live a life in the Spirit by chance, he had a relationship.

4- Actively listen for the Spirit's leading as you go about your day. Galatians 5:16. Don't be shocked when God gives you a prompting. When He does, obey. Have you ever been driving along and someone popped into your mind and wouldn't go away? So you drop by their house or gave them a call and they needed it?  That's a God thing that happens when we listen and obey the Spirit. 

Again, there is more that can be said about living a Spirit led life. However, I do think the above points are great starting point. Remember, it is Jesus who is our example of what it means to live Spirit led. Follow Him. 

Remember your baptism

21 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son;[c] with you I am well pleased - Luke 3:21-22

4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. -Romans 6:4

27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. - Galatians 3:27

Today we remember the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ. What is the big deal about remembering the baptism of our Lord? We read in Luke's account that "all the people had been baptized, and Jesus had been baptized". The baptism being performed was led by John the Baptist. It was for repentance. Yet Jesus is sinless and has no need of repentance. In His baptism he identified with sinners like you and me. The voice from heaven declared, "this is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased". Everything Jesus did and does pleases the Father. When the Son of God chose to identify with sinners in His baptism, it was God's desire and will. It pleased the Father for His Son to identify with you and me. Let that sink in.  2 Corinthians 5:21 says, "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." 

So, in our baptism we are identified with the Son of God (Colossians 2:12).  In our baptism our sins are washed away (Acts 22:16). In our baptism we put on Christ (Galatians 3:27). In our baptism our hearts are circumcised (Colossians 2:11). In our baptism God speaks over us as He did with Christ, "this is my child" (Luke 3:22). 

Baptism is God's doing, not anyone else's. He does it right the first time so there is no need for any "re-baptisms". Ephesians 4 states that there is one Lord, one faith, and one baptism.

We would do well to remember our baptism and be thankful.  Martin Luther would tell himself each morning, "I am baptized."  He knew what his baptism meant and what it meant for all who had been baptized. He encouraged his hearers that each time they washed their face they should remember their baptism. 

Today and tomorrow, remember your baptism and be thankful. 

Starting back in the gym

                          

As the new year starts, it's quite common for many of us to want to get back into the gym. Whether it's been several years of no physical activity or we blew our diet and exercise through the holidays like a boss, there are a few important things I would like to share to ensure we all safely get back to the grind. 

First things first, if it has been a long long long time since you last did any physical activity, check with your doctor. They will be able to help with any underlying issues. It might be time for a check up?

Second, you need to have some clear goals. What are you wanting to do? If you plan on losing weight, have a goal you can realistically attain by a certain time frame, and then make another goal from there. Maybe you want to get back into that swimsuit you were rockin' three years ago by July? Whatever it is, you need to have a specific goal and a specific time frame. This will help you stay disciplined and track your progress. 

Next, when you get back in the gym, warm up. A 5-10 minute walk on a the treadmill will help get the blood circulating. Numerous injuries can be prevented with a simple warm up. Don't neglect your warm up people. After your warm up, stretch for a few minutes.

Lastly, ease back into it. This probably is more for the guys. We have been gifted with the larger than life ego. Anyways, start back light. Just because you used to workout with three wheels on each side of the bar a month or years ago, doesn't mean that's where you should pick back up. 

       

Leave your ego in '82, and start light...real light. You will be sore, don't cripple yourself by adding unnecessary weight. 

Here's to us all.  Good luck. 

Advent 2015

Today is the first day of Advent. For many this means absolutely nothing. In our American consumeristic culture, it marks the beginning of holiday shopping deals, a season long of special coffees, and making travel plans to visit family.

A youtuber, Maple Anglican, provides a nice overview of what advent is.

Advent actually marks the beginning of the Christian calendar. Advent is a Latin term that literally means "coming". Christians kick off the year preparing our hearts for the second coming of the Christ. You see Christ came the first time to reveal Himself and ransom people for God. His second coming will bring judgement and separation of the sheep and goats. To some it will be met with joy. To others it will be a time of great sorrow and regret. 

This season of Advent reminds me of the story Jesus told of the ten virgins in Matthew 25.

25 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids[a] took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.[b] 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those bridesmaids[c] got up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise replied, ‘No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. 11 Later the other bridesmaids[d] came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12 But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ 13 Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.[e]

Friends, we must be diligent to prepare ourselves for "that Day". We must make sure our lamps have oil. We do not know the time the Master will return. It will come upon us like a thief in the night.

I know it is easy to get distracted during the holidays. We all want to be able to give gifts and see our loved ones. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.  Yet, we are commanded to always seek first the kingdom of God. Instead of focusing on what our culture says the season is about, let us fix our eyes on Jesus first and foremost. 

Men, take your family to church. As the dad goes, so goes the family.  Quit putting your hobbies in the way of your family and God. It's not the mom's responsibility to lead your family. It's yours! Quit being a coward. Man up and show your family what it looks like to seek the Lord. That's another blog post for another day.

This Advent season, be diligent in seeking the Lord. Prepare your heart for His coming. Do not say to yourself, "tomorrow I will seek the Lord." None of us know the day or the hour when He will come. Be ready. 

It's Thanksgiving, RELAX

We are officially on the eve of the big day! It's truly a moment for us all to reminisce and be thankful. It's a time for us to enjoy the good company of family and friends. It's also a time for us all to enjoy eating good food!

I can't emphasize the enjoy good food part enough. I have stated in a previous post about healthy living that it's important to have a healthy diet. When I say healthy diet, I'm not talking about binge diets many of us roller coast on. I'm talking about an overall lifestyle of eating healthy. It's important to eat a good balanced diet consisting of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. We need to eat good meat, assortments of vegetables, and fruits. We also need to relax and enjoy the holiday food.

Nothing is worse than being "that guy" or "that girl" who during holidays sticks with water only and snoodily looks at everyone else eating turkey and dressing while rummaging through a salad. Here's some advice from someone who by grace has survived congestive heart failure. Enjoy the holiday food! Eat the turkey, ham, dressing, green bean casserole, sweet potato pies, deviled eggs, etc. Live a little!

When I was initially recovering from heart failure in 2003, I was placed on a strict low sodium diet. I went hardcore and monitored every single milligram of sodium in my diet. When I would report back to my heart doctor every few weeks, I didn't hesitate to let them know how I was following "the plan". Well, after about two months of visiting my doctor, he frustratedly told me to "chill out!", in his Indian accent. He said I needed to not be afraid to live a little and enjoy a snickers or slice of pizza every now and then. He wasn't telling me to just drop my diet, however he was telling me to relax.

During this holiday season, RELAX. Enjoy the company of family, friends, and food.

Fixing our eyes on Jesus

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." - Hebrews 12:1-4

2016 is almost here. For many, 2015 was a spectacular year. They grew spiritually, health is the best it's ever been, and their career is taking off. For others, 2015 was painful. Perhaps the loss of a loved one, a break up or divorce, a career set back, or their own health is declining. For these people they can only hope the new year will be kinder. 

Life doesn't always come at us as we expect and rarely does. We need Someone who is stronger than our world. We need Someone who understands what it's like to live on this earth and face adversity. We need Someone who understands as humans we fall and sin. We need Someone who not only knows we fall and sin, but can lift us up out of our weaknesses and sinfulness. We need Someone who will deal mercifully with us and not as our sins deserve. We need Someone who can restore our brokenness. 

I want to encourage you, no matter where you are spiritually, financially, or emotionally, to fix your eyes upon Someone who lives for you. Maybe you find yourself in the group of people where life can't get any better. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Perhaps 2015 was a disaster for you and seemingly all hope is gone. Fix your eyes on Jesus.  

Jesus Christ is perfect theology

John 14:6-9

 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you know me, you will know[d] my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

Colossians 1:15-19

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; 16 for in[h] him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He himself is before all things, and in[i] him all things hold together. 18 He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything.19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell.

Hebrews 1:3

3 He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being

For the Christian, Jesus Christ is perfect theology. Any belief or perception we have about God has to be checked with the Person of Jesus Christ. It is Jesus who reveals to mankind who God is. It is also Jesus who reveals to mankind God's intention of what humanity should look like. 

It is in the Person of Jesus Christ the law and the prophets are fulfilled (Matthew 5:17). Is it any wonder that when the disciples saw The Lord transfigured on the mountain, Moses and Elijah were seen with Him? Moses (the law) and Elijah (the prophets) are the Old Testament. 

It's all about Jesus. 

Many times our religious life gets off focus and we don't keep the main thing the main thing. In Luke 24, we read the story about two men on the road to Emmaus. They were followers of Jesus. They had walked with Him and seen Him minister to many people. They had hopes He was the long awaited messiah, but after Jesus' crucifixion they had their doubts. Even though they had been around the Lord and did religious stuff, they failed to see the main point. Like these disciples, we can sometimes get caught up in our religious routines and attempt to make God fit our agenda. When it doesn't workout how we thought it ought to, we get sad and upset. Well that's exactly how the two disciples on the road to Emmaus felt. It wasn't until Jesus began explaining from the law and prophets that everything that had transpired the past few days were necessary and about Him. He then went with them into the village and broke bread with them. When He broke bread with them, their eyes were opened to everything He explained to them. Even Holy Communion is about Him. It was as the disciples broke bread with Jesus that He was made known to them. 

We don't have to try and figure out who God is. He has come in the person of Jesus Christ to reveal Himself fully. There are no secrets. He stands at the door of our hearts. Will we open them to Him?

Something to share on loneliness

In addition to utilizing the Book of Common Prayer for personal and family devotions, I have also been using an app on my phone from Holy Trinity Brompton Church. HTB is an Anglican Church in London led by Fr. Nicky Gumbel. The app they created is called Bible in One Year (BiOY). It's daily scripture readings from Old and New testaments as well as the Psalms and Proverbs. Each day has a short commentary on the scriptures as well as a brief essay on the themes for the daily readings. Below is the essay for today's theme. It was too good not to share. 

"I remember reading an article in The Big Issue (the magazine sold by, and in aid of, the homeless) called ‘Single Lives’. It pointed out that most people’s image of loneliness in London is of a frail old lady stuck on the 24th floor of a block of flats. In reality, it could equally be a young, fashionably dressed guy trying desperately to make conversation with a girl standing next to him in a crowded bar. Being surrounded by so many people only compounds the feeling of isolation.

Mother Teresa said, ‘Loneliness and the feeling of being uncared for and unwanted are the greatest poverty.’ Loneliness is one of the greatest problems facing humanity today.

‘The solitary human being is a contradiction in terms,’ writes Desmond Tutu. He continues, ‘We are made for complementarity. We are created for a delicate network of relationships, of interdependence with our fellow human beings... We belong in one family – God’s family, the human family... the greatest good is communal harmony.’

God does not intend for you to be lonely and isolated. Loneliness has been described as ‘a homesickness for God’. God created you for community – calling you into relationship with him and with other human beings."

You can download their BiOY app for free on your smartphone. 

God bless. 

The Church

On November 1, we celebrate All Saints Day. This is a day for those of us in the Church to celebrate the lives of saints living and ones who came before us. They are the "great cloud of witnesses" mentioned in the letter of Hebrews. They are the early church fathers. They are martyrs of the faith. They are the pastors, Sunday school leaders, youth and children's ministry directors, grandparents, and friends who are faithful to Christ.

This celebration was a favorite of John Wesley and one he "peculiarly loved".  It is a time we recognize and give thanks for the body of Christ which is His Church.

Now, we live in a day in which society, even some who call themselves Christians, have a low or negative view of the church. You might have even heard some say you don't need the church to be a Christian. This view is contrary to scripture and apostolic tradition.

So what is so special about the church? I will answer the question from the historic Nicene Creed. This was a statement of faith of the early church that distinguished the apostles teaching's handed down to the body of Christ from heresies. The confession of this creed states, "And I believe in One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church."

First, the Church is One. Ephesians 4:4-6 says, "4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." Jesus Christ has one Bride, not many. He loves her and gave Himself for her. He will never divorce her and is always faithful to her. 

Second, the Church is Holy. Ephesians 5:26-27 says, "26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 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." Christ Jesus is actively sanctifying His Body. She will be perfected in love. Holiness is not an option for the Church. She is forever set apart for God. 

Third, the Church is Catholic. This might unnerve some of you. However, another term that can be used for catholic is universal. The Church consists of people of all languages, races, and geographical locations. Galatians 3:28 says, "28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave[g] nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." At one time, God's people were considered to be of one national race. Since Christ has come, salvation has come to all people of every nation, tribe, and tongue. 

Lastly, the Church is Apostolic. Within the Church can be found the teachings of the apostles. Jude says, "3 Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints." There is no new revelation concerning Jesus Christ and the message of salvation. Ephesians 2:20 tells us the body of Christ is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Jesus being the chief cornerstone. 

What do some of our early church fathers, who we celebrate on All Saints Day, say about the church?

Saint Irenaeus (died A.D. 202):

“[The Church] is the entrance to life; all others are thieves and robbers. On this account we are bound to avoid them… We hear it declared of the unbelieving and the blinded of this world that they shall not inherit the world of life which is to come… Resist them in defense of the only true and life giving faith, which the Church has received from the Apostles and imparted to her sons.” (Against Heresies , Book III)

Origen (died A.D. 254):

“Let no man deceive himself. Outside this house, that is, outside the Church no one is saved.” (In Iesu Nave homiliae )

Saint Cyprian (died A.D. 258):

“He who has turned his back on the Church of Christ shall not come to the rewards of Christ; he is an alien, a worldling, an enemy. You cannot have God for your Father if you have not the Church for your mother. Our Lord warns us when He says: `he that is not with Me is against Me, and he that gathereth not with Me scattereth.’ Whosoever breaks the peace and harmony of Christ acts against Christ; whoever gathers elsewhere than in the Church scatters the Church of Christ.” (Unity of the Catholic Church )

“He who does not hold this unity, does not hold the law of God, does not hold the faith of the Father and the Son, does not hold life and salvation.” (Patrologiae Cursus Completus: Latina , Father Migne)

“Nay, though they should suffer death for the confession of the Name, the guilt of such men is not removed even by their blood…No martyr can he be who is not in the Church.” (Ancient Christian Writers )

Martin Luther said, "Therefore he who would find Christ must first find the Church. How should we know where Christ and his faith were, if we did not know where his believers are? And he who would know anything of Christ must not trust himself nor build a bridge to heaven by his own reason; but he must go to the Church, attend and ask her. Now the Church is not wood and stone, but the company of believing people; one must hold to them, and see how they believe, live and teach; they surely have Christ in their midst. For outside of the Christian church there is no truth, no Christ, no salvation."

Perhaps today we have too low a view of the Church. Instead of criticizing the Bride of Jesus Christ, maybe we should be more reverent of her. Maybe why you no longer sense the Lord's blessing on your life is because you are cursing His very Body? The apostle Paul thought he was terrorizing a sect of people. Instead he found he was persecuting Christ Jesus Himself. He quickly repented. If we are guilty of having a low view of the Church or criticizing her, let's repent quickly like Paul. 

Thoughts on grace

There are few subjects more misunderstood among people as grace. Most people here in the south have heard the saying "we are saved by grace" about as much as we hear someone say "roll tide" or "war eagle".

Yet what does it mean to be saved by grace? Unfortunately, there are common heretical understandings of what it means . One of the more popular heresies is that grace allows us to do whatever we want, regardless of whether it is contrary to God's law because Jesus' death allows us to do as we please without fear of consequence. As if grace is somewhat of a divine cover up. Those who espouse such ideas might even twist scriptures out of context as proof of their teaching. It's almost as if they picture God telling people He loves them just as they are and to please never change whatsoever.

Friends this is not so. God does love us and has done so from eternity, but so much so that He doesn't allow those who belong to Him to remain in their fallen state. So what idea does the bible give us on grace?

Titus 2:11-14New International Version (NIV)

11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

You see the New Testament teaching of the grace of God gives us the truth that grace isn't a system of thought that allows lawlessness. Rather it is an active energy at work in us through the Holy Spirit. The Orthodox Study Bible's footnote on Titus 2:11-15 states "grace is the uncreated energy of God, the gift of the Holy Spirit, through which He gives His gifts to man in tender mercy and good will. It is a formative power, the rule of life of the age to come, requiring our determined participation." This is the same idea on grace that 1 Peter 1:2-4 gives us. It is grace that allows us to be partakers of the divine nature. 

In the New Testament times, there were teachers who infiltrated the churches known as Gnostics. The people known as Gnostics claimed to know God without becoming godly. Sound familiar? 

I want to be clear.  We are definitely saved by grace through faith. However, the grace given by God teaches us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions. God's grace empowers us to live godly, self controlled, and righteous lives in this present age. 

May we all have God's grace multiplied in our hearts and minds.