I have a confession to make. As a cyclist, I'm too much like a fisherman. You know how fishermen are; they've always got a story about the big one that got away. They always know how to make the one they caught weigh a little more, or seem a little bigger. Well, unfortunately I tend to do the same thing. If I rode 27 miles I like to say I rode 30. If I climbed 1067 feet I like to say it was 1100 feet. If I averaged 15.6 miles per hour I like to say I did 16. I always average up, never down. Truth is, I like to stretch the truth, especially when I think it makes me look better.
Stretching the truth, especially in things like cycling and fishing seems pretty harmless. But the truth is much more important when it comes to God. Four times in his Pastoral Epistles, Paul warns against "myths." In 1 Timothy 1:4 Paul urged Timothy to command certain men not to teach false doctrine or devote themselves to myths. In chapter 4 verse 7 Paul says: "Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales." In 2 Timothy 4:4 Paul warns against those who "turn aside to myths." And in Titus 1:14 Paul tells Titus to rebuke rebellious people who are teaching things they ought not to teach so that they will "pay no attention to Jewish myths."
Many of the religions of mankind are nothing but myth, made up stories about false gods and superheroes. What makes our Christian faith unique is the fact fact that it is firmly grounded in historical events that represent God's work in human history for our salvation. The Bible is not just a collection of spiritual or wise sayings. It's not just a bunch of laws or rules. It's not just tales about the supernatural realm. The facts in the Bible can be and have been checked against history and archaeology. The things God has done through his people Israel to bring us a Savior, and the things Jesus has done to accomplish our salvation are real. They actually took place, and we can stake our faith on them.
That's why it's so important that we don't turn aside from the truth to myths, whether they be "godless myths" that deny the truth of God's Word or "Jewish myths" that claim we must be circumcised or obey certain laws in order to be right with God. Have you ever heard someone say, "I don't know what the Bible says, but I think..."; that's what we need to avoid. We need to stick to the facts of how God has made Himself known to us in His Son and how He has acted in history for our salvation. We need to stick to God's Word. Then we'll be standing on solid ground.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Exclusively Inclusive
When I first became an endurance cyclist, my family was quite impressed by my feats, riding 200 miles in one day in the Seattle to Portland (STP) ride, or climbing Mt. Rainier on my bike. In a phone conversation my daughter joked that I should sign up for the Tour de France, since that's all there was left for me to conquer. I laughed and told her that the Tour de France was a very exclusive club, one that I could never hope to join.
Every year less than 200 of the best cyclists from all over the world compete in the Tour. You must hold a Catergory 1 license from the International Cycling Union, a license which must be earned through years of competing and winning in the lower categories. You must be under contract to one of the best professional cycling teams in the world, and you must be one of their top riders to be chosen for the Tour.
The best cyclist I've ever known personally was a Category 3. He could ride circles around me in his sleep. The STP is very inclusive, however. You just have to sign up before the registration closes at about 8000 riders. True, not everyone is able to finish, and only about 10% finish in one day, but it's nothing like the Tour de France in exclusiveness.
In 1 Timothy 2 Paul tells us that the Gospel is even more inclusive. He writes: "This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time" (1 Timothy 2:3-6). Note the emphasis I placed on the word "all."
Jesus spoke the same truth in John 3:16. "For God so loved the world...." God's love wasn't limited to Israel. He loves us all and sent his Son to die for us all. The apostle John tells us that Caiaphas prophesied about this when he spoke at Jesus' trial. "He prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one" (John 19:51-52). John says the same thing in 1 John 2:1: "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." And Paul teaches the same truth in 2 Corinthians 5: "God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them" (vs. 19). Thus, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is utterly inclusive. No one is left out. No one is forgotten. No one is excluded.
Yet, in another sense the Gospel is also very exclusive. Notice Paul's statement from 1 Timothy 2 again: "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (v. 5). Notice my emphasis on the word "one". Jesus is the one and only mediator between God and men. There is no other way to get right with God. That's why Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Peter recognized this truth too: "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). John also recognizes this exclusiveness: "God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life" (1 John 5:11-12).
These claims of exclusivity bother some people. They somehow think that all roads should lead to God. But that is not the sense in which the Gospel is inclusive. The free gift of eternal life is available to anyone and everyone who will put their faith in Jesus, because Christ died for all. But Jesus Christ is the only one who can make us right with God. His all atoning sacrifice is the only means by which we can obtain life. There is no other way!
Every year less than 200 of the best cyclists from all over the world compete in the Tour. You must hold a Catergory 1 license from the International Cycling Union, a license which must be earned through years of competing and winning in the lower categories. You must be under contract to one of the best professional cycling teams in the world, and you must be one of their top riders to be chosen for the Tour.
The best cyclist I've ever known personally was a Category 3. He could ride circles around me in his sleep. The STP is very inclusive, however. You just have to sign up before the registration closes at about 8000 riders. True, not everyone is able to finish, and only about 10% finish in one day, but it's nothing like the Tour de France in exclusiveness.
In 1 Timothy 2 Paul tells us that the Gospel is even more inclusive. He writes: "This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time" (1 Timothy 2:3-6). Note the emphasis I placed on the word "all."
Jesus spoke the same truth in John 3:16. "For God so loved the world...." God's love wasn't limited to Israel. He loves us all and sent his Son to die for us all. The apostle John tells us that Caiaphas prophesied about this when he spoke at Jesus' trial. "He prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one" (John 19:51-52). John says the same thing in 1 John 2:1: "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." And Paul teaches the same truth in 2 Corinthians 5: "God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them" (vs. 19). Thus, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is utterly inclusive. No one is left out. No one is forgotten. No one is excluded.
Yet, in another sense the Gospel is also very exclusive. Notice Paul's statement from 1 Timothy 2 again: "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (v. 5). Notice my emphasis on the word "one". Jesus is the one and only mediator between God and men. There is no other way to get right with God. That's why Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Peter recognized this truth too: "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). John also recognizes this exclusiveness: "God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life" (1 John 5:11-12).
These claims of exclusivity bother some people. They somehow think that all roads should lead to God. But that is not the sense in which the Gospel is inclusive. The free gift of eternal life is available to anyone and everyone who will put their faith in Jesus, because Christ died for all. But Jesus Christ is the only one who can make us right with God. His all atoning sacrifice is the only means by which we can obtain life. There is no other way!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Use It Properly
The bicycle is one of the most magnificent machines ever invented. It is one of the most efficient means of transportation ever devised. With very little effort on a good bicycle, a cyclist can proceed at three times the speed he could by running. It's quite safe compared to a skate board, having handlebars for steering and brakes for stopping. But suppose for a moment that I were to climb on my bike backwards, sit on the handlebars and hold on to the seat and pedal. What would be the result? If you're thinking "disaster" you're on the right track.
Paul says something similar about God's Law in 1 Timothy 1:8: "We know that the law is good if one uses it properly." The Law is good, but it can be misused in disastrous ways.
Some people, often Christian people, use the law hypocritically. They use it to judge and condemn others, while ignoring their own sins. "You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” (Romans 2:23-24). When the Law is used hyprocritically it causes others to reject God's Law, because the one who wields it like a hammer disobeys it himself.
Some people use the Law against themselves, when they should be applying the sweet salve of the Gospel to their wounded soul. When we are aware of our sin and guilt, putting ourselves on a further guilt-trip by beating ourselves up with the Law is useless. When we are sorry for our sins and have confessed them we need grace not guilt. But some people find it hard to forgive themselves even after they have sought God's forgiveness. They continue to listen to the Law's harangue when they should listen to the Gospel. Such misuse of the Law leads to despair and distance from God. Paul said, "We also know that law is made not for the righteous bu for law breakers..." (1 Timothy 1:9).
Some people misuse the Law by attempting to make themselves right with God by their own efforts. They think they can earn their standing before God by obeying the Law (or their own watered down version of the law that they find easier to keep). Paul said: "Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin." (Romans 3:20) Our own righteous acts will never be sufficient to overcome our sin. Instead we need to put our faith in the righteousness of Christ.
Rather, we should use the Law as a mirror to make us aware of our sins, so that confessing them and repenting of them, we can receive God's grace and be forgiven.
Paul says something similar about God's Law in 1 Timothy 1:8: "We know that the law is good if one uses it properly." The Law is good, but it can be misused in disastrous ways.
Some people, often Christian people, use the law hypocritically. They use it to judge and condemn others, while ignoring their own sins. "You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” (Romans 2:23-24). When the Law is used hyprocritically it causes others to reject God's Law, because the one who wields it like a hammer disobeys it himself.
Some people use the Law against themselves, when they should be applying the sweet salve of the Gospel to their wounded soul. When we are aware of our sin and guilt, putting ourselves on a further guilt-trip by beating ourselves up with the Law is useless. When we are sorry for our sins and have confessed them we need grace not guilt. But some people find it hard to forgive themselves even after they have sought God's forgiveness. They continue to listen to the Law's harangue when they should listen to the Gospel. Such misuse of the Law leads to despair and distance from God. Paul said, "We also know that law is made not for the righteous bu for law breakers..." (1 Timothy 1:9).
Some people misuse the Law by attempting to make themselves right with God by their own efforts. They think they can earn their standing before God by obeying the Law (or their own watered down version of the law that they find easier to keep). Paul said: "Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin." (Romans 3:20) Our own righteous acts will never be sufficient to overcome our sin. Instead we need to put our faith in the righteousness of Christ.
Rather, we should use the Law as a mirror to make us aware of our sins, so that confessing them and repenting of them, we can receive God's grace and be forgiven.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Sons of God
I often joke that cyclists like wearing disguises. We travel incognito. If you haven't ridden with a group of cyclists you may not know what I mean, but take note the next time you see a cycling club out for a ride. Everyone is wearing their club jersey. They're all wearing black spandex shorts. They all have on helmets and wrap around sunglasses. So unless you actually ride right alongside a person and talk to them, it's hard to tell one rider from another. I've ridden right past cyclists I know well going the other direction on a street or trail, and I didn't even recognize them because of their equipment and kit. It's hard to tell the men from the women, or the younger riders from the older ones until you get up close and personal.
In a sense, Paul says something similar about Christians in Galatians 3. "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (vv. 26-28). Paul says there's something similar about Christians as well. We are all wearing the same kit, "for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ."
Everyone of us who is a Christian has been robed in the righteousness of Christ. We are seen in God's eyes as holy and without sin for Jesus' sake. But it's not only in God's eyes, because when we are born again we begin to clothe ourselves with Christ, that is put on Christ's character so that we become more like him. As we grow in Christ-likeness we begin to look more and more alike since our words and actions are a reflection of the Son of God who lives in us (Gal. 2:20).
There's another sense in which we are alike as well, and that is in our rights and privileges as those who belong to Christ. I've occasionally met a woman who was offended by verse 25: "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ." She thought Paul was being chauvanistic, and that he should have said that we are all sons and daughters. On the contrary, Paul was being the exact opposite. In the culture and society where Paul lived women did not posses the same rights and privileges as men. Therefore, by saying that we are all sons of God, whether male or female, Paul was saying that we have the same status, the same privileged standing, and the same inheritance regardless of our sex.
Because in Christ there are no distinctions. All who come to him in faith are declared righteous by God. All who come to him are forgiven and free. All who come to him have the gift of eternal life. All who come to him are being transformed into his image. So we are all one in Christ, thank God!
In a sense, Paul says something similar about Christians in Galatians 3. "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (vv. 26-28). Paul says there's something similar about Christians as well. We are all wearing the same kit, "for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ."
Everyone of us who is a Christian has been robed in the righteousness of Christ. We are seen in God's eyes as holy and without sin for Jesus' sake. But it's not only in God's eyes, because when we are born again we begin to clothe ourselves with Christ, that is put on Christ's character so that we become more like him. As we grow in Christ-likeness we begin to look more and more alike since our words and actions are a reflection of the Son of God who lives in us (Gal. 2:20).
There's another sense in which we are alike as well, and that is in our rights and privileges as those who belong to Christ. I've occasionally met a woman who was offended by verse 25: "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ." She thought Paul was being chauvanistic, and that he should have said that we are all sons and daughters. On the contrary, Paul was being the exact opposite. In the culture and society where Paul lived women did not posses the same rights and privileges as men. Therefore, by saying that we are all sons of God, whether male or female, Paul was saying that we have the same status, the same privileged standing, and the same inheritance regardless of our sex.
Because in Christ there are no distinctions. All who come to him in faith are declared righteous by God. All who come to him are forgiven and free. All who come to him have the gift of eternal life. All who come to him are being transformed into his image. So we are all one in Christ, thank God!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Sin Promoter?
A couple of years ago I made a confession in a sermon. I admitted that when I am riding my bike and come to an intersection with a stop sign, if there are no other vehicles at the intersection I will roll through without stopping. I understand that this act on my part violates the letter of the law. If a policeman happened to see me do this he would be right to give me a ticket. Bicycles are bound by the same traffic laws as other vehicles.
Although I know it's wrong, I love to justify myself by reminding people that it's a lot different to stop for a stop sign in a car than on a bike. In a car all you have to do is depress the accelerator and you're going again. On a bike (as in a car) when you stop you lose all your momentum, however, on a bike it takes a lot more effort on the pedals to get going again. After a number of frequent stops it can be very wearing. I've even developed leg cramps in a situation where I had to make frequent stops during a long ride. Fortunately a couple of states have recognized this reality and have passed laws allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs.
One member of my congregation was particularly troubled by my confession, so much so that she came to my office to speak to me about it. It bothered her that her pastor would condone sin. She felt as though my confession had the force of declaring wrong right, and that a pastor should never do such a thing. I asked her forgiveness and by the time our conversation was concluded all was well.
I thought about that situation, though, when I read Galatians 2:17 this morning. "If, while we seek to be justified in Christ, it becomes evident that we ourselves are sinners, does that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not!" Paul was seeking to counter the argument of some who wanted to make themselves right with God by observing the Law. They argued that if those who trust in Christ for their righteousness fall into sin, that it means Christ is promoting sin. Paul wouldn't hear of such a thing. Forcefully he denied it. "Absolutely not!"
The truth is that every believing Christian who trusts in Christ is a sinner by birth and nature. We all sin and fall short of the glory of God. That's why we need a Savior. If we could observe the Law perfectly, there would be no need for a savior. We could save ourselves. The fact that we fall into sin even after we have been justified by grace through faith doesn't mean that Christ is promoting sin, encouraging us to "sin boldly" so that He can show His glory by providing us with even more grace. NO! In Romans 6:1-2 Paul writes: "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?"
Every sincere Christian receives God's forgiveness with a grateful heart and seeks to overcome sin by the grace of God at work in him. But we will not reach perfection until we get to heaven. So when unbelievers use "all those hypocrites" as an excuse for not believing, they just don't get it. Christ is not a promoter of sin, but He is a provider of grace. We need to be trusting him at all times, but especially when we fall into sin. He is our only hope of being right with God!
Although I know it's wrong, I love to justify myself by reminding people that it's a lot different to stop for a stop sign in a car than on a bike. In a car all you have to do is depress the accelerator and you're going again. On a bike (as in a car) when you stop you lose all your momentum, however, on a bike it takes a lot more effort on the pedals to get going again. After a number of frequent stops it can be very wearing. I've even developed leg cramps in a situation where I had to make frequent stops during a long ride. Fortunately a couple of states have recognized this reality and have passed laws allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs.
One member of my congregation was particularly troubled by my confession, so much so that she came to my office to speak to me about it. It bothered her that her pastor would condone sin. She felt as though my confession had the force of declaring wrong right, and that a pastor should never do such a thing. I asked her forgiveness and by the time our conversation was concluded all was well.
I thought about that situation, though, when I read Galatians 2:17 this morning. "If, while we seek to be justified in Christ, it becomes evident that we ourselves are sinners, does that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not!" Paul was seeking to counter the argument of some who wanted to make themselves right with God by observing the Law. They argued that if those who trust in Christ for their righteousness fall into sin, that it means Christ is promoting sin. Paul wouldn't hear of such a thing. Forcefully he denied it. "Absolutely not!"
The truth is that every believing Christian who trusts in Christ is a sinner by birth and nature. We all sin and fall short of the glory of God. That's why we need a Savior. If we could observe the Law perfectly, there would be no need for a savior. We could save ourselves. The fact that we fall into sin even after we have been justified by grace through faith doesn't mean that Christ is promoting sin, encouraging us to "sin boldly" so that He can show His glory by providing us with even more grace. NO! In Romans 6:1-2 Paul writes: "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?"
Every sincere Christian receives God's forgiveness with a grateful heart and seeks to overcome sin by the grace of God at work in him. But we will not reach perfection until we get to heaven. So when unbelievers use "all those hypocrites" as an excuse for not believing, they just don't get it. Christ is not a promoter of sin, but He is a provider of grace. We need to be trusting him at all times, but especially when we fall into sin. He is our only hope of being right with God!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
153
As a cyclist, I pay a lot of attention to numbers. I have a computer on my bike that tells me my speed, average speed, maximum speed, cadence (revolutions per minute that I pedal), average cadence, time the bike is moving, percent grade I'm climbing or descending, altitude I'm at, maximum altitude, total number of feet gained vertically during my ride, heart rate, average heart rate, maximum heart rate... you get the idea. There are lots of numbers to keep track of.
So naturally, when I read John 21 this morning and saw the number 153 I took note. Actually, most everyone who reads John 21 notices the number of fish the diciples caught at Jesus' command. It would have been one thing if John had said, "There were lot of fish," or "It was full of large fish, a couple hundred or so," but that's not what John wrote. "It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn." (John 21:11)
Ever since John wrote this account commentators have been speculating about the meaning of the number 153. Augustine speculated that it was the sum of all the numbers from 1 to 17, with 17 repepresenting the five disciples Jesus first called, then the Twelve (5 + 12 = 17) and ultimately 153 representing the much large number of disciples to follow. Jerome believed that there were 153 species of fish, and that the net contained one fish of each species, thus representing the people from every nation who would believe and be saved. I read another commentator who pointed out that the Gematria (or numberical value) of the phrase "The Son of God" in Hebrew is 153. A different commentator speculated that there would be 153 generations from Jesus time until the end of the world. One commentator noted that 153 individuals received a blessing from Jesus during his ministry in the four Gospels. And on and on it goes. One guy even tried to tie the 153 fish to Phythagorus and the ratio of an equilateral triangle!
So why did John say that there were 153 fish? My guess would be that there were actually 153 fish in the net when the disciples pulled it in! But why count? Why not? What do we count more carefully than anything else in life? Our income, right? For fishermen, fish were income. This was a lot of fish. So many that the net should have broken, but it didn't. It would make sense to count them. This was a remarkable miracle, and counting the number of fish caught would document it.
Ultimately, I think that's why John wrote down the number of fish in the net. First of all, I'm sure the number stuck in his mind. Second, he wanted everyone to know that this really happened. The exact number 153 puts the stamp of accurate history on John's account. It lets us know that we can trust what is written here, not only about the number of fish the disciples caught, but also about the fact that Christ actually rose from the dead. So there's really no need for further speculation. The disciples really did catch 153 fish that morning. And Jesus really did rise from the dead. Praise God!
So naturally, when I read John 21 this morning and saw the number 153 I took note. Actually, most everyone who reads John 21 notices the number of fish the diciples caught at Jesus' command. It would have been one thing if John had said, "There were lot of fish," or "It was full of large fish, a couple hundred or so," but that's not what John wrote. "It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn." (John 21:11)
Ever since John wrote this account commentators have been speculating about the meaning of the number 153. Augustine speculated that it was the sum of all the numbers from 1 to 17, with 17 repepresenting the five disciples Jesus first called, then the Twelve (5 + 12 = 17) and ultimately 153 representing the much large number of disciples to follow. Jerome believed that there were 153 species of fish, and that the net contained one fish of each species, thus representing the people from every nation who would believe and be saved. I read another commentator who pointed out that the Gematria (or numberical value) of the phrase "The Son of God" in Hebrew is 153. A different commentator speculated that there would be 153 generations from Jesus time until the end of the world. One commentator noted that 153 individuals received a blessing from Jesus during his ministry in the four Gospels. And on and on it goes. One guy even tried to tie the 153 fish to Phythagorus and the ratio of an equilateral triangle!
So why did John say that there were 153 fish? My guess would be that there were actually 153 fish in the net when the disciples pulled it in! But why count? Why not? What do we count more carefully than anything else in life? Our income, right? For fishermen, fish were income. This was a lot of fish. So many that the net should have broken, but it didn't. It would make sense to count them. This was a remarkable miracle, and counting the number of fish caught would document it.
Ultimately, I think that's why John wrote down the number of fish in the net. First of all, I'm sure the number stuck in his mind. Second, he wanted everyone to know that this really happened. The exact number 153 puts the stamp of accurate history on John's account. It lets us know that we can trust what is written here, not only about the number of fish the disciples caught, but also about the fact that Christ actually rose from the dead. So there's really no need for further speculation. The disciples really did catch 153 fish that morning. And Jesus really did rise from the dead. Praise God!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Believing without seeing!
I ride an amazing bike, a bike I could have never hoped to own or ride except that it was presented to me as a gift by wonderful people of God who wanted to thank their pastor for his ministry. Becuase I'm a big man, it's a big bike. When I tell people that I can pick it up with just one finger they frequently don't believe me, but my Trek Madone is made almost entirely of carbon fiber. When I actually take my forefinger, place it under the top tube, lift the whole bike off the ground and hold it there, they are amazed! Then they immediately want to feel for themselves how light the bike is, by picking it up. Again they are amazed! But now they believe.
Thomas heard some amazing things from his fellow disciples. He heard that even though Jesus had died on the cross, was buried in the tomb and laid there until the third day, that now he was alive! That's not only amazing, it's incredible! It's unbelievable! Suppose you saw a close friend die in a horrible accident, that you attended his funeral and watched him be buried. Suppose that mutual friends told you a couple days later that your friend was alive again. How would you react?
Truth be told, you would react exactly as Thomas did. "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." (John 20:25) Too often we refer to this hapless disciple as "Doubting Thomas." In fact, we should probably call him "Normal Thomas." He reacted exactly as the rest of the disciples did to the news that Jesus was alive. Until he saw with his own eyes he could not bring himself to believe the unbelievable.
When Jesus finally appeared to Thomas he said, Because you have seen me you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29) With those words, Jesus calls you and me "blessed." We have not seen the risen Christ with our own eyes, and yet we believe. Peter tells us just how wonderful that is: "Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1:8-9)
Does that make us better than Thomas? Not at all! We're no different than Thomas, or the other disciples, or people who want to pick up my bike for themselves. We do believe without having seen Jesus but we don't believe without having seen the evidence.
We believe because there is no better explanation for the empty tomb than the resurrection. We believe because we have seen and read the eyewitness testimony of dozens of people who saw the risen Christ with their own two eyes. We believe because we have seen the evidence of lives transformed by the salvation that Jesus' resurrection has brought. We believe because we have seen the evidence of people who staked their lives on the the truth of the Gospel, and willingly laid their lives down to proclaim the Good News of the resurrection.
Yes, we believe the amazing, incredible, unbelievable truth that Jesus Christ rose from the dead, and we do so without having seen him with our own eyes. But we don't believe without evidence. Thank God that he has given us so much credible evidence (just as Jesus did for Thomas when he showed him his hands and side) for the truth of the resurrection. And thank God that he has given us the faith to believe that evidence. Our faith gives us peace, just as Jesus gave his disciples when he appeared to them risen from the dead. And our faith gives us hope, hope that just as Jesus lives, we too shall live also. And that is amazing!
Thomas heard some amazing things from his fellow disciples. He heard that even though Jesus had died on the cross, was buried in the tomb and laid there until the third day, that now he was alive! That's not only amazing, it's incredible! It's unbelievable! Suppose you saw a close friend die in a horrible accident, that you attended his funeral and watched him be buried. Suppose that mutual friends told you a couple days later that your friend was alive again. How would you react?
Truth be told, you would react exactly as Thomas did. "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." (John 20:25) Too often we refer to this hapless disciple as "Doubting Thomas." In fact, we should probably call him "Normal Thomas." He reacted exactly as the rest of the disciples did to the news that Jesus was alive. Until he saw with his own eyes he could not bring himself to believe the unbelievable.
When Jesus finally appeared to Thomas he said, Because you have seen me you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29) With those words, Jesus calls you and me "blessed." We have not seen the risen Christ with our own eyes, and yet we believe. Peter tells us just how wonderful that is: "Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1:8-9)
Does that make us better than Thomas? Not at all! We're no different than Thomas, or the other disciples, or people who want to pick up my bike for themselves. We do believe without having seen Jesus but we don't believe without having seen the evidence.
We believe because there is no better explanation for the empty tomb than the resurrection. We believe because we have seen and read the eyewitness testimony of dozens of people who saw the risen Christ with their own two eyes. We believe because we have seen the evidence of lives transformed by the salvation that Jesus' resurrection has brought. We believe because we have seen the evidence of people who staked their lives on the the truth of the Gospel, and willingly laid their lives down to proclaim the Good News of the resurrection.
Yes, we believe the amazing, incredible, unbelievable truth that Jesus Christ rose from the dead, and we do so without having seen him with our own eyes. But we don't believe without evidence. Thank God that he has given us so much credible evidence (just as Jesus did for Thomas when he showed him his hands and side) for the truth of the resurrection. And thank God that he has given us the faith to believe that evidence. Our faith gives us peace, just as Jesus gave his disciples when he appeared to them risen from the dead. And our faith gives us hope, hope that just as Jesus lives, we too shall live also. And that is amazing!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Home?
One of the things I liked best about my bicycle tour from Canada to Mexico in June of 2008 was the fun of riding new places each and every day for three weeks. It's nice to ride familiar roads because you know what's coming up. You can go a little faster on the descents because you know what to expect. You can plan ahead for the gnarly parts of the ride where the traffic gets heavy or the pavement is bad. But there's something exciting about riding in new places. You see new sights and face new challenges around every bend and over every hill on the road. There's always something new to look forward to.
That's one of the things I've enjoyed about my life in the ministry as well. It has taken my wife and me to many different places. We've lived in ten different cities in seven different states over the course our lives, from the Midwest, to the West Coast and now in southern Texas. It's been an amazing journey. In fact, it was amazing to get away this weekend with my wife and discover her Wendish roots not far from here in Serbin, TX. We were actually able to visit Friendship Cemetary where some of her ancestors are buried.
Frequently people will ask me where is home. I'm always quick to reply, "I've lived too many places here on earth to call any place home. Heaven is my home!" I thought about that when I read John 18:36 this morning. Pilate asked Jesus, "Are you the king of the Jews?" The Jewish authorities had identified Jesus as such to Pilate hoping this would make Jesus seem like a threat to Pilate and the Roman authorities. They accused Jesus of subverting Roman authority and opposing payment of taxes to Caesar. But when Pilate asked if he was king Jesus replied, "My kingdom is not of this world."
Jesus knew that he had come into this world to do a job. His task was to save the world. He was to establish the Kingdom of God in the hearts of as many human beings as possible. He was not here to establish an earthly kingdom, and he was certainly no threat to Rome's authority. In fact, he told Pilate, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above." So Jesus understood that he came to die for our sins and rise again for our salvation, so that we could enter the Kingdom of Heaven and live with Him eternally.
That's why I like the fact that I don't have a "home" here on earth. Oh, yes, I own a house in San Antonio. But I haven't lived here long enough to call it "home." Yes, I grew up in Detroit, but I haven't lived there in so long that it doesn't feel like "home" anymore. Yes, I raised my daughters in Chicago, but that isn't home either. In truth, heaven in my home, my only real home, and I like that.
So in the meantime, I'm on an adventure, a daily journey filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, unexpected delights and unpredictable difficulties. This world cannot hold me down because I'm not of this world. This world cannot capture my affections because I've learned to love the One who first loved me. It's a nice way to live, setting your mind on things above and not on earthly things.
That's one of the things I've enjoyed about my life in the ministry as well. It has taken my wife and me to many different places. We've lived in ten different cities in seven different states over the course our lives, from the Midwest, to the West Coast and now in southern Texas. It's been an amazing journey. In fact, it was amazing to get away this weekend with my wife and discover her Wendish roots not far from here in Serbin, TX. We were actually able to visit Friendship Cemetary where some of her ancestors are buried.
Frequently people will ask me where is home. I'm always quick to reply, "I've lived too many places here on earth to call any place home. Heaven is my home!" I thought about that when I read John 18:36 this morning. Pilate asked Jesus, "Are you the king of the Jews?" The Jewish authorities had identified Jesus as such to Pilate hoping this would make Jesus seem like a threat to Pilate and the Roman authorities. They accused Jesus of subverting Roman authority and opposing payment of taxes to Caesar. But when Pilate asked if he was king Jesus replied, "My kingdom is not of this world."
Jesus knew that he had come into this world to do a job. His task was to save the world. He was to establish the Kingdom of God in the hearts of as many human beings as possible. He was not here to establish an earthly kingdom, and he was certainly no threat to Rome's authority. In fact, he told Pilate, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above." So Jesus understood that he came to die for our sins and rise again for our salvation, so that we could enter the Kingdom of Heaven and live with Him eternally.
That's why I like the fact that I don't have a "home" here on earth. Oh, yes, I own a house in San Antonio. But I haven't lived here long enough to call it "home." Yes, I grew up in Detroit, but I haven't lived there in so long that it doesn't feel like "home" anymore. Yes, I raised my daughters in Chicago, but that isn't home either. In truth, heaven in my home, my only real home, and I like that.
So in the meantime, I'm on an adventure, a daily journey filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, unexpected delights and unpredictable difficulties. This world cannot hold me down because I'm not of this world. This world cannot capture my affections because I've learned to love the One who first loved me. It's a nice way to live, setting your mind on things above and not on earthly things.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
No Pain No Gain
I don't have a personal trainer but I feel like I do. When I was training for my Canada to Mexico ride in 2008 I bought some DVD's called Spinervals by Coach Troy Jacobson. After riding my bike on my trainer for literally hundreds of hours with Coach Troy directing my training and pushing me harder and harder I felt as though I knew him personally. It was as though he was right there beside my bike egging me on when my strength would fade. He was there pushing me when the pain made me want to stop. He was there to kick up the tempo when I would want to slow down. Riding under Coach Troy's direction was literally painful. I would get off the bike and step into a puddle of my own sweat. The towel that was dry when I started the workout was soaking wet. I literally wanted to collapse in a pile on the floor after a three hour workout.
Why would I subject myself to such a regimen? I wanted to get stronger. I wanted to become a better cyclist. I wanted to be in good enough shape to achieve my objective. It was painful, but I felt it was worth it. And I felt as though I owed my success to Coach Troy, even though I never met him personally.
In John 15 Jesus uses an analogy to describe his relationship with us. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (v. 5) Jesus also tells us: "every branch that does bear fruit [the gardener] prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." (v. 2)
I liken the pruning of the vine by the gardener to the training that was provided by Coach Troy. I don't know if plants have feelings but if they did, I'm sure the process of pruning would not be pleasant but painful. But it is necessary and valuable, so that the vine can bear even more fruit. Someone once told me that the gardener is never closer to the vine than when he is pruining it. That makes sense. Pruning cannot be done from a distance. It is close up and personal. It requires a careful inspection of each branch to determine which ones need to be cut back or cut off. It requires precision with the pruning shears so it calls for careful attention.
I feel close to Coach Troy even though I've never met him because he was my cycling "gardener," pruning me to become a better cyclist. Sometimes it was painful but it was appreciated.
You may be going through a painful time in your life. Some "pruning" may be taking place, and it's not comfortable or easy. If that's the case you may wonder, "Where is God in all of this pain I'm feeling? Why is he letting this happen? Why doesn't he care about the suffering I'm going through?" As a result it may seem as though God is distant. But that's not the case.
God is never closer to us than when he is loving pruning us so that we can be more fruitful. We need to recognize this so that the painful times in life don't drive us away from God, but draw us closer to him. Just as I felt close to Coach Troy, we should see God as our loving Coach who is training us for success, and realize that he is very close to us when we are growing through our pain.
Why would I subject myself to such a regimen? I wanted to get stronger. I wanted to become a better cyclist. I wanted to be in good enough shape to achieve my objective. It was painful, but I felt it was worth it. And I felt as though I owed my success to Coach Troy, even though I never met him personally.
In John 15 Jesus uses an analogy to describe his relationship with us. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (v. 5) Jesus also tells us: "every branch that does bear fruit [the gardener] prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." (v. 2)
I liken the pruning of the vine by the gardener to the training that was provided by Coach Troy. I don't know if plants have feelings but if they did, I'm sure the process of pruning would not be pleasant but painful. But it is necessary and valuable, so that the vine can bear even more fruit. Someone once told me that the gardener is never closer to the vine than when he is pruining it. That makes sense. Pruning cannot be done from a distance. It is close up and personal. It requires a careful inspection of each branch to determine which ones need to be cut back or cut off. It requires precision with the pruning shears so it calls for careful attention.
I feel close to Coach Troy even though I've never met him because he was my cycling "gardener," pruning me to become a better cyclist. Sometimes it was painful but it was appreciated.
You may be going through a painful time in your life. Some "pruning" may be taking place, and it's not comfortable or easy. If that's the case you may wonder, "Where is God in all of this pain I'm feeling? Why is he letting this happen? Why doesn't he care about the suffering I'm going through?" As a result it may seem as though God is distant. But that's not the case.
God is never closer to us than when he is loving pruning us so that we can be more fruitful. We need to recognize this so that the painful times in life don't drive us away from God, but draw us closer to him. Just as I felt close to Coach Troy, we should see God as our loving Coach who is training us for success, and realize that he is very close to us when we are growing through our pain.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Contolled Panic
I watched the Criterium International on my DVR last night. David Millar of Great Britain won the Stage Three time trial by following the advice of his friend Christian Vande Velde who told him to ride in a "controlled panic." Controlled panic. What is that like? There are times in life when it's hard to avoid panic. Your job goes away. Your finances are collapsing. Your marriage falls apart. Your child is in rebellion. How do you control your panic in those kinds of situaitons?
Jesus knew that his disciples would soon be in that type of situation. Their teacher and master was soon to die. They would be left alone, seemingly hopeless. What were they to do? Jesus told them in John 14:1. "Do not let your hearts be troubled." He repeated the same command in verse 27. "Do not let your hearts be trouble and do not be afraid." But how do you do that when you find yourself in a panic inducing situation? How do you control your panic. How do you not allow your heart to be unsettled, in commotion, full of turmoil?
Jesus said: "Trust in God. Trust also in me." (v. 1) Jesus tells his disciples how to control the panic their hearts will feel when they see him suffer and die, when they watch him go to the grave. Trust in him. They've seen Jesus overcome everything from demons to disease. They've seen Jesus command the elements and multiply loaves and fishes. They've seen him defeat death on several occasions. They've even heard him predict his own death and resurrection. They have every reason to put their trust in him again, even when all hope seems to be gone.
We need to learn to trust God completely when life tries to instill panic in us. We need to believe that the God who loved us enough to send his own Son to save us will be there for us when we need him most. We need to believe that the Savior who loved us enough to die for us loves us enough to see us through the worst of circumstances.
But not allowing your heart to be troubled is a choice. It's a matter of choosing to trust in God rather than give in to the feelings of panic. It's a matter of choosing to look to Jesus instead of looking only at the things that are troubling you. It's a matter of controlling the panic that threatens to overwhelm us by trusting in our Lord and his overwhelming love for us. Easter reminds us that our trust in the Lord is never in vain. The disciples' panic turned to joy when they learned of Jesus' resurrection victory. So just skip the panic and do as Jesus said: "Do not let your hearts be troubled."
Jesus knew that his disciples would soon be in that type of situation. Their teacher and master was soon to die. They would be left alone, seemingly hopeless. What were they to do? Jesus told them in John 14:1. "Do not let your hearts be troubled." He repeated the same command in verse 27. "Do not let your hearts be trouble and do not be afraid." But how do you do that when you find yourself in a panic inducing situation? How do you control your panic. How do you not allow your heart to be unsettled, in commotion, full of turmoil?
Jesus said: "Trust in God. Trust also in me." (v. 1) Jesus tells his disciples how to control the panic their hearts will feel when they see him suffer and die, when they watch him go to the grave. Trust in him. They've seen Jesus overcome everything from demons to disease. They've seen Jesus command the elements and multiply loaves and fishes. They've seen him defeat death on several occasions. They've even heard him predict his own death and resurrection. They have every reason to put their trust in him again, even when all hope seems to be gone.
We need to learn to trust God completely when life tries to instill panic in us. We need to believe that the God who loved us enough to send his own Son to save us will be there for us when we need him most. We need to believe that the Savior who loved us enough to die for us loves us enough to see us through the worst of circumstances.
But not allowing your heart to be troubled is a choice. It's a matter of choosing to trust in God rather than give in to the feelings of panic. It's a matter of choosing to look to Jesus instead of looking only at the things that are troubling you. It's a matter of controlling the panic that threatens to overwhelm us by trusting in our Lord and his overwhelming love for us. Easter reminds us that our trust in the Lord is never in vain. The disciples' panic turned to joy when they learned of Jesus' resurrection victory. So just skip the panic and do as Jesus said: "Do not let your hearts be troubled."
Friday, April 2, 2010
Good?!?!? Friday?
Last week there was a controversy last week in Davenport, Iowa over a memo that went out saying the city offices would be closed today for "Spring Holiday." A number of people protested the name change from "Good Friday" to "Spring Holiday." Rumors even arose that there was a vote by the city council to make the change.
How in the world did the day of Christ’s death ever come to be called “Good Friday?” I don’t know the answer to that question, but perhaps it had something to do with this prophecy from the Jewish high priest, Caiaphas.
Many, many Christians have wondered why we call this day Good Friday. They really don’t understand. How could the day of Christ's death be considered good? In a similar way, Caiaphas did not understand what he was saying when he said “it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” (John 11:50) He thought that by killing Jesus he was getting rid of a rabble rouser who would make trouble with Rome for the whole nation of Israel. But it was God who caused him to speak those words.
God didn’t want his chosen people Israel to die, so instead he sacrificed his own Son in their place. And Jesus’ death was not just for Israel, but for the whole world! Jesus himself predicted it in John 12:32-33: "'And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.' He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die."
That’s what makes this a Good Friday. It is good that Jesus died! If not, you and I would have to die eternally, separated forever from a holy God because of our sins. But because his death paid the penalty for our sins, we are forgiven. As a result, through faith in Jesus Christ we can live eternally with God in heaven.
Nowadays there are even more people who have no idea why this day is called Good Friday. Christ died for them too. So if you get the chance today, tell someone why you think this Friday is especially good. It’s as simple as saying, “Today, Jesus died for me — and you.”
How in the world did the day of Christ’s death ever come to be called “Good Friday?” I don’t know the answer to that question, but perhaps it had something to do with this prophecy from the Jewish high priest, Caiaphas.
Many, many Christians have wondered why we call this day Good Friday. They really don’t understand. How could the day of Christ's death be considered good? In a similar way, Caiaphas did not understand what he was saying when he said “it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” (John 11:50) He thought that by killing Jesus he was getting rid of a rabble rouser who would make trouble with Rome for the whole nation of Israel. But it was God who caused him to speak those words.
God didn’t want his chosen people Israel to die, so instead he sacrificed his own Son in their place. And Jesus’ death was not just for Israel, but for the whole world! Jesus himself predicted it in John 12:32-33: "'And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.' He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die."
That’s what makes this a Good Friday. It is good that Jesus died! If not, you and I would have to die eternally, separated forever from a holy God because of our sins. But because his death paid the penalty for our sins, we are forgiven. As a result, through faith in Jesus Christ we can live eternally with God in heaven.
Nowadays there are even more people who have no idea why this day is called Good Friday. Christ died for them too. So if you get the chance today, tell someone why you think this Friday is especially good. It’s as simple as saying, “Today, Jesus died for me — and you.”
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Fooled Again
I read somewhere that April 1 was "National Atheist Day" and I believed it, in fact, I told my wife it was so. Actually, I got fooled. Several years ago there was an internet story circulating about an atheist who sued in Florida because there were Christian holidays, but no atheist holiday. Supposedly the judge ruled that in Florida April 1 would be Atheist day because "The fool has said in his heart,"There is no God." (Psalm 14:1) and, of course, April 1 is "April Fools Day." Naturally, the story was false and anyone who believed that April 1st had become National Atheist Day was being fooled.
Yesterday I learned of a Facebook page entitled, "Pray for an Atheist", asking Christians to pray by name for an atheist friend or acquaintance during the month of April. I assumed the connection was to National Atheist Day. Come to find out it was chosen to correspond with the release of two new books, one on the causes of atheism and one by a former atheist. Again, I was fooled. Not that it mattered. I'm still glad I signed up to pray for an theist.
Today in John 11 I read about a lot of other people who were fooled. They thought they were going to a funeral, Lazarus' funeral. They were there for several days doing all the things people do at a funeral: weeping, eating, mourning. Then suddenly everything changed. Jesus stepped up to the tomb and after he finished shedding his own tears, called forth Lazarus alive and well!
John 11:45 says: "Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in him." It's not surprising that many people would put their faith in Jesus after seeing a man who had been in the tomb for four days come out. What is surprising is that there were some fools there who did not believe. In fact, we are told in the next verse that some of them went and squealed on Jesus to the Pharisees.
This account convinces me that there will always be those fools who will deny God's existence and remain blind to all the evidence of his hand at work in creation and in our world every single day. Of course, they would consider me to be the fool. Richard Dawkins, probably the world's most famous atheist has said: "Religion teaches the dangerous nonsense that death is not the end." Dawkins would consider me a fool, indeed, a dangerous fool for believing such "nonsense."
But I've seen Jesus standing in front of the empty tomb of Lazarus. I've seen him cause a young man to arise from his own funeral bier. I've seen Jesus tell a dead child, "Little girl, I say to you, get up!" and she did. I've seen Jesus show his disciples his hands and feet, and eat a piece of fish in front of them to convince them he wasn't a ghost. I've heard Jesus say, "Because I live, you too shall live also," and because of what I've seen (in Scripture), I believe him, "fool" that I am. But that's okay. I'd rather be a "fool" for Christ, "For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom." So let the atheist call me a "fool" for seeing God's fingerprints all over creation, and for believing the accounts of his saving work in Jesus. Someday we'll see who was really fooled.
Yesterday I learned of a Facebook page entitled, "Pray for an Atheist", asking Christians to pray by name for an atheist friend or acquaintance during the month of April. I assumed the connection was to National Atheist Day. Come to find out it was chosen to correspond with the release of two new books, one on the causes of atheism and one by a former atheist. Again, I was fooled. Not that it mattered. I'm still glad I signed up to pray for an theist.
Today in John 11 I read about a lot of other people who were fooled. They thought they were going to a funeral, Lazarus' funeral. They were there for several days doing all the things people do at a funeral: weeping, eating, mourning. Then suddenly everything changed. Jesus stepped up to the tomb and after he finished shedding his own tears, called forth Lazarus alive and well!
John 11:45 says: "Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in him." It's not surprising that many people would put their faith in Jesus after seeing a man who had been in the tomb for four days come out. What is surprising is that there were some fools there who did not believe. In fact, we are told in the next verse that some of them went and squealed on Jesus to the Pharisees.
This account convinces me that there will always be those fools who will deny God's existence and remain blind to all the evidence of his hand at work in creation and in our world every single day. Of course, they would consider me to be the fool. Richard Dawkins, probably the world's most famous atheist has said: "Religion teaches the dangerous nonsense that death is not the end." Dawkins would consider me a fool, indeed, a dangerous fool for believing such "nonsense."
But I've seen Jesus standing in front of the empty tomb of Lazarus. I've seen him cause a young man to arise from his own funeral bier. I've seen Jesus tell a dead child, "Little girl, I say to you, get up!" and she did. I've seen Jesus show his disciples his hands and feet, and eat a piece of fish in front of them to convince them he wasn't a ghost. I've heard Jesus say, "Because I live, you too shall live also," and because of what I've seen (in Scripture), I believe him, "fool" that I am. But that's okay. I'd rather be a "fool" for Christ, "For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom." So let the atheist call me a "fool" for seeing God's fingerprints all over creation, and for believing the accounts of his saving work in Jesus. Someday we'll see who was really fooled.
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