I ride my bike 25 to 30 miles several days a week. It's great exercise and a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors. Once in a while I'll go further, and then it becomes challenging. Having ridden almost 1500 miles in 22 days, and knowing what that felt like at my own pace, I can't even imagine how hard the Tour de France would be.
Imagine riding a bike 100 miles or more each day, sometimes climbing thousands of feet of moutain passes, at speeds averaging 25 mph or more, for three weeks straight. It's crazy when you think about it. Every year nearly 200 riders start the Tour and only about two-thirds of them finish. The others either crash out or wear out along the way. The Tour de France is hard, very, very hard. Some have called it the hardest sporting event in the world.
In order to complete the Tour de France to must develop great endurance, otherwise the fatigue and pain will overwhelm you. You must have continuous encouragement from other teammates. You could never complete it on your own. And to keep you going you must have renewed hope every day of winning a category, a stage or at least the hope of helping a teammate win. In that way you will bring glory to your sponsors, whose names are on your jersey.
Because of the devastating effects of sin in our own lives and on all of creation, pain and suffering are frequent companions on life's journey. As a result, life is hard, very, very hard. No one gets through life unscathed. In a way it's like the Tour de France, only longer and more difficult. In Romans 15:4 Paul wrote: "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."
God has not abandoned us as we face the difficult challenges of the race called "life." He wants us to have the endurance that we need to conqurer and win. He wants us to have the hope we need to survive the most difficult of circumstances. That's why he has given us His Word. As we read how He has helped others through life in the past; as we learn how He has been at work on their behalf; as we see how He has used them for His glory, we are encouraged that God will do the same for us.
He's also given us teammates to help us endure, our fellow believers, the Body of Christ, His Church. In Romans 15:5-6 Paul says: "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Together, we can overcome the challenging difficulties of life and give God glory in every circumstance.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Feedom Limited by Love
In my final blog after my Canada to Mexico bike ride I offered a few philosophical musings one of which was, "Beer, ice cream and big juicy hamburgers taste a lot better when you've been on your bike all day." Indeed! Yesterday after working in the yard under the hot sun for an hour or two I had a cold beer. I don't think a beer has ever tasted better! In fact, I told my wife, "That's the smallest beer I ever drank!", since it seemed to go down so well.
On the other hand, I remember an occasion when my wife and I were having dinner in a restaurant and I was enjoying a cold beer with my meal. A good friend and his wife came into the restaurant and greeted us before sitting down at the table next to ours. He was a fellow pastor from a denomination that views any use of alcohol as being sinful. I immediately felt uncomfortable. I continued to drink my beer, but I have to confess that I didn't enjoy it at all.
What was the problem? Paul put his finger on it in Romans 14. "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall." (vs. 19-21)
The problem was not that I suddenly realized I was sinning. I was not. The problem was that I didn't want to be doing anything that might cause someone else to stumble. I believe my friend was strong enough in his faith that my use of alcohol did not cause him to fall, but I was troubled, nevertheless, because he was a dear friend in Christ and I didn't want to offend him, tempt him, or even treat his understanding of right action (not using alcohol) with contempt.
Two points grow out of this discussion. We must always be aware of how our actions can effect others. We need to be concious of the example we are setting or the standards we are upholding by our actions.
Second we must always care enough about those around us to limit our freedom if exercising it might cause them to fall. Paul writes: "If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died. Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (vs. 15-17) Since our brother or sister in Christ is so precious to our Lord that he died for them, we ought to care enough to try to avoid anything that might cause them to stumble.
"For freedom Christ has set you free" Paul wrote in Galatians 5:1. However, if we use our freedom in such a way that it destroys the faith of a brother or sister in Christ, then what we consider good will be spoken of as evil. The love of Christ should empower us to place limits on our own freedom out of concern for a brother or sister in Christ. It's the least we can do for one for whom Christ died, and it's a practical demonstration of our Savior's love.
On the other hand, I remember an occasion when my wife and I were having dinner in a restaurant and I was enjoying a cold beer with my meal. A good friend and his wife came into the restaurant and greeted us before sitting down at the table next to ours. He was a fellow pastor from a denomination that views any use of alcohol as being sinful. I immediately felt uncomfortable. I continued to drink my beer, but I have to confess that I didn't enjoy it at all.
What was the problem? Paul put his finger on it in Romans 14. "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall." (vs. 19-21)
The problem was not that I suddenly realized I was sinning. I was not. The problem was that I didn't want to be doing anything that might cause someone else to stumble. I believe my friend was strong enough in his faith that my use of alcohol did not cause him to fall, but I was troubled, nevertheless, because he was a dear friend in Christ and I didn't want to offend him, tempt him, or even treat his understanding of right action (not using alcohol) with contempt.
Two points grow out of this discussion. We must always be aware of how our actions can effect others. We need to be concious of the example we are setting or the standards we are upholding by our actions.
Second we must always care enough about those around us to limit our freedom if exercising it might cause them to fall. Paul writes: "If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died. Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (vs. 15-17) Since our brother or sister in Christ is so precious to our Lord that he died for them, we ought to care enough to try to avoid anything that might cause them to stumble.
"For freedom Christ has set you free" Paul wrote in Galatians 5:1. However, if we use our freedom in such a way that it destroys the faith of a brother or sister in Christ, then what we consider good will be spoken of as evil. The love of Christ should empower us to place limits on our own freedom out of concern for a brother or sister in Christ. It's the least we can do for one for whom Christ died, and it's a practical demonstration of our Savior's love.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Accusations
This week Floyd Landis finally admitted that he was guilty of doping when he won the Tour de France in 2006. For four years he denied it vehemently. He even wrote a book proclaiming his innocence entitled (ironically) "Positvely False." He set up a website and took donations for his defense. Although I didn't contribute, I chose to believe him. Now, in admitting to his own doping, he has also leveled accusations against numerous other cyclists, including Lance Armstrong. Why would anyone believe him now? Four years of living a lie, and now suddenly he's telling the truth?
What this episode is more instructive of than anything else is how deeply sin runs through our nature. Not only can we deceive others, but we are even capable of deceiving ourselves. 1 John 1:8 says: "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us." Of course, if we claim to be without sin the only one we'll be fooling is ourself.
That's why I love Romans 13:5-6 so much. "Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing."
April 15th is not exactly the happiest day of the year for many Americans. It’s a great American tradition to moan and grumble and complain and whine on April 15th as we pay our taxes. What does Tax Day prove? It proves that we need a Savior! Huh? How so?
Why did you write your check to the IRS? Was it because you’re thankful for all the things the federal government does for you? Was it because you delight in providing for those who govern full time? Was it because you wanted to give God glory by being a responsible citizen? Probably not.
Most likely, you wrote that check to the IRS so that you wouldn’t have to go to jail. You wrote it to avoid the interest and penalties you would owe if you didn’t pay on time. But Paul tells us that “it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.” So unless you wrote that check to the IRS with a smile on your face and a good feeling in your heart, you still need a Savior.
The point of my whole discussion is this. Many times we do the right thing. Floyd Landis did in finally admitting to his doping past. But doiing the right thing doesn’t necessarily make us right, because we often do the right thing for the wrong reason. When that happens, we’re just as wrong in the eyes of God as if we had done the wrong thing. And when we’re wrong in the eyes of God there’s only one hope — the grace God offers us through faith in our Savior Jesus Christ.
So, the next time you pay your taxes, whether quarterly or next April, put a smile on your face — not because you love paying taxes, but because you have a gracious Savior who makes you right with God even when you do the right thing with the wrong motives.
What this episode is more instructive of than anything else is how deeply sin runs through our nature. Not only can we deceive others, but we are even capable of deceiving ourselves. 1 John 1:8 says: "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us." Of course, if we claim to be without sin the only one we'll be fooling is ourself.
That's why I love Romans 13:5-6 so much. "Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing."
April 15th is not exactly the happiest day of the year for many Americans. It’s a great American tradition to moan and grumble and complain and whine on April 15th as we pay our taxes. What does Tax Day prove? It proves that we need a Savior! Huh? How so?
Why did you write your check to the IRS? Was it because you’re thankful for all the things the federal government does for you? Was it because you delight in providing for those who govern full time? Was it because you wanted to give God glory by being a responsible citizen? Probably not.
Most likely, you wrote that check to the IRS so that you wouldn’t have to go to jail. You wrote it to avoid the interest and penalties you would owe if you didn’t pay on time. But Paul tells us that “it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.” So unless you wrote that check to the IRS with a smile on your face and a good feeling in your heart, you still need a Savior.
The point of my whole discussion is this. Many times we do the right thing. Floyd Landis did in finally admitting to his doping past. But doiing the right thing doesn’t necessarily make us right, because we often do the right thing for the wrong reason. When that happens, we’re just as wrong in the eyes of God as if we had done the wrong thing. And when we’re wrong in the eyes of God there’s only one hope — the grace God offers us through faith in our Savior Jesus Christ.
So, the next time you pay your taxes, whether quarterly or next April, put a smile on your face — not because you love paying taxes, but because you have a gracious Savior who makes you right with God even when you do the right thing with the wrong motives.
Fitting In
In a previous blog I mentioned how cyclists like to wear disguises. I was talking about the "gear" that road cyclists wear when they ride. Over the last few days I've noticed several road cyclists who didn't fit in. One had the shorts and cycling shoes that identified him as a cyclist but he wasn't wearing a helmet (not a good idea). Another also had shorts and cycling shoes, but was wearing a loose fitting ordinary t-shirt instead of a cycling jersey. Maybe it was just a matter of comfort for those riders, or maybe they just wanted to be a little bit different.
We all like to "fit in" to some degree. Even when we want to differntiate ourselves we will usually conform to some standard. I saw a piece on the news a while back about High School students dressed as "werewolves." These students were certainly very, very different from the majority of their classmates, but in their werewolf clique, they fit right in.
The real question is, "What will I conform to?" In Romans 12:2 Paul wrote: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—-his good, pleasing and perfect will." The transformation Paul is talking about is God's purpose in saving us by his grace. Paul laid it out in Romans 8:28: "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers."
We cannot be conformed to the image of God's Son without being transformed by the renewing of our minds. We must have the mind of Christ, who said, "I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me," and that he had come, "not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me." This is the mind set that will enable us to "test and approve what God's will is—-his good, pleasing and perfect will."
So it's not really a matter of whether we want to fit in or not. It's a question of who we're going to fit in with. Personally, I prefer to fit in with my Savior, rather than fitting in with the world. Yes, it's a lot more challenging, but it's also much more rewarding eternally.
We all like to "fit in" to some degree. Even when we want to differntiate ourselves we will usually conform to some standard. I saw a piece on the news a while back about High School students dressed as "werewolves." These students were certainly very, very different from the majority of their classmates, but in their werewolf clique, they fit right in.
The real question is, "What will I conform to?" In Romans 12:2 Paul wrote: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—-his good, pleasing and perfect will." The transformation Paul is talking about is God's purpose in saving us by his grace. Paul laid it out in Romans 8:28: "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers."
We cannot be conformed to the image of God's Son without being transformed by the renewing of our minds. We must have the mind of Christ, who said, "I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me," and that he had come, "not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me." This is the mind set that will enable us to "test and approve what God's will is—-his good, pleasing and perfect will."
So it's not really a matter of whether we want to fit in or not. It's a question of who we're going to fit in with. Personally, I prefer to fit in with my Savior, rather than fitting in with the world. Yes, it's a lot more challenging, but it's also much more rewarding eternally.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Unsearchable Wisdom
When I first began to cycle seriously about six years ago, I thought it was just a matter of hopping on my bike and riding farther than I had before. I learned quickly that there was a whole lot more to endurance cycling or bicycle racing. It begins with a modern, lightweight road bike, but that's only the beginning. There's clothing, cycling computers, helmets and shoes. Then you need to learn about training techniques like using a fluid trainer or riding intervals, then comes understanding cadence, riding in a peloton, forming an echelon, and on and on.
Most subjects go deeper than we think they do initially. There's a lot more to learn about most areas of expertise than a person can master in a few hours, days, months or even years. And of all possible subjects, that is more true of theology than any other.
In Romans 11:33 Paul writes: "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!" There are many, many things about God that we will never fully comprehend. There are ways of God's working that simply don't make any sense to us at all. There are mysteries in God's revelation that are too deep for us to fathom. This shouldn't surprise us.
The God who created light simply by speaking the photons into existence is more powerful than we could ever imagine. The God who wrote the information that defines life into the neucleus of every living cell is wiser than we could ever contemplate. And that's a good thing. I often tell people that I'm thankful to worship and serve a God who is incomprehensibly greater than me. If I could wrap my brain all the way around the God of the universe this would be a frightening universe indeed. Just imagine if the Sorvereign Lord of all Creation were so simple and straightforward that I could completely understand his wisdom and ways. Creation would be under the direction of One no smarter than I am. Now that's a frightening thought!
Most subjects go deeper than we think they do initially. There's a lot more to learn about most areas of expertise than a person can master in a few hours, days, months or even years. And of all possible subjects, that is more true of theology than any other.
In Romans 11:33 Paul writes: "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!" There are many, many things about God that we will never fully comprehend. There are ways of God's working that simply don't make any sense to us at all. There are mysteries in God's revelation that are too deep for us to fathom. This shouldn't surprise us.
The God who created light simply by speaking the photons into existence is more powerful than we could ever imagine. The God who wrote the information that defines life into the neucleus of every living cell is wiser than we could ever contemplate. And that's a good thing. I often tell people that I'm thankful to worship and serve a God who is incomprehensibly greater than me. If I could wrap my brain all the way around the God of the universe this would be a frightening universe indeed. Just imagine if the Sorvereign Lord of all Creation were so simple and straightforward that I could completely understand his wisdom and ways. Creation would be under the direction of One no smarter than I am. Now that's a frightening thought!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
The End
The past couple days have been extremely frustrating for me. I am a cyclist. I love to watch bike races, and while there are some exciting times of strategic maneuvering, aggressive attacks or unexpected crashes during the race, most of the excitement is usually reserved for the end of the race, the last kilometer or so.
Consequently, on Tuesday when I watched the Tour of California I cannot express my degree of indignation when just a couple of kilometers (about 2 minutes worth of riding) from the end of the race Versus switched over to the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. (Arghhhh!) I didn't get to see whether the peloton was able to catch the breakaway of the three top riders, Dave Zabriskie, Michael Rogers and Levi Leipheimer, or who won the stage. Then last night I was watching the race on my DVR when the recording ended just one kilometer from the finish in Modesto. This time, I actually screamed in frustration at not being able to see if any of the other sprinters would be able to beat the fastest man in the world, Mark Cavendish.
Why is the end of the race most important? It's obvious. If you want to win, you must finish the course first. In Romans 10:4 Paul writes: "Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes." When we hear those words we might be tempted to think that they mean Christ has done away with God's Law, declared it null and void, or thrown it out. Actually, what Paul means is much closer to the end of a race, than to something being removed.
The Greek word "telos" is the first word in Paul's sentence, showing us that the emphasis is on that word. Although it is translated "end" in the NIV, telos actually has a much deeper meaning. "Telos" means end or goal, and includes the idea of fulfiillment, completion, even perfection.
What Paul means to tell us then, is not that Christ has done away with the Law, but rather that he has completed or fulfilled it on our behalf. He did what we cannot do. He ran the perfect race, fulfilling every command of God without fault or defect. His fulfillment of the Law even included taking the punishment decreed by the Law (death) on our behalf.
As a result, we are no longer under the Law's condemnation. We can now look to God's Law for guidance and direction as to how to live righteous lives that will please God and honor Him. Since we have been declared righteous, through faith in Christ Jesus, we now have his power and strength to fulfill the Law in our own lives. But we don't have to worry about being perfect. Jesus already achieved perfection for us. He won the race in our place. When it came to "the end" he was perfect!
Consequently, on Tuesday when I watched the Tour of California I cannot express my degree of indignation when just a couple of kilometers (about 2 minutes worth of riding) from the end of the race Versus switched over to the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. (Arghhhh!) I didn't get to see whether the peloton was able to catch the breakaway of the three top riders, Dave Zabriskie, Michael Rogers and Levi Leipheimer, or who won the stage. Then last night I was watching the race on my DVR when the recording ended just one kilometer from the finish in Modesto. This time, I actually screamed in frustration at not being able to see if any of the other sprinters would be able to beat the fastest man in the world, Mark Cavendish.
Why is the end of the race most important? It's obvious. If you want to win, you must finish the course first. In Romans 10:4 Paul writes: "Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes." When we hear those words we might be tempted to think that they mean Christ has done away with God's Law, declared it null and void, or thrown it out. Actually, what Paul means is much closer to the end of a race, than to something being removed.
The Greek word "telos" is the first word in Paul's sentence, showing us that the emphasis is on that word. Although it is translated "end" in the NIV, telos actually has a much deeper meaning. "Telos" means end or goal, and includes the idea of fulfiillment, completion, even perfection.
What Paul means to tell us then, is not that Christ has done away with the Law, but rather that he has completed or fulfilled it on our behalf. He did what we cannot do. He ran the perfect race, fulfilling every command of God without fault or defect. His fulfillment of the Law even included taking the punishment decreed by the Law (death) on our behalf.
As a result, we are no longer under the Law's condemnation. We can now look to God's Law for guidance and direction as to how to live righteous lives that will please God and honor Him. Since we have been declared righteous, through faith in Christ Jesus, we now have his power and strength to fulfill the Law in our own lives. But we don't have to worry about being perfect. Jesus already achieved perfection for us. He won the race in our place. When it came to "the end" he was perfect!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
No Condemnation
I'm glad I don't race bikes. 128 riders started in the Tour of California on Sunday, and over the course of eight days of racing there will be only a dozen or so winners, one for each stage, the King of the Mountains, the sprinters points winner, the best young rider, and the GC overall winner. Most riders will go home tired and empty handed, many sore from road rash, and if this race is typical one or two with a broken collar bone. A few may even feel the condemnation of teammates if they didn't have the "legs" to do their job on any given day. Just yesterday 30 riders hit the pavement in the rain on the descent from the two big climbs. Ouch! Overall, for the majority of racers, not a very positive experience.
Life itself can be a not very positive experience. All too often we go through life feeling painfully inadequate. The challenges we face sometimes feel like hills that are too steep to climb. We feel the sting of criticism and condemnation from those around who don't think our performance is what it should be. The challenge of persevering through the tough stuff of life can be draining, like we were trying to ride 100 miles in a day at 25-30 miles per hour in the heat or the rain. Too often we're so disappointed in our own efforts that if someone else isn't criticizing us we're beating up on ourselves. Have you ever been there? I have, and it wasn't necessarily while I was on my bike.
Into such a place comes a wonderful word of grace from Paul in Romans 8:1: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Let me share a few other translations or paraphrases of those words to help them sink in. "So now, those who are in Christ Jesus are not judged guilty." (NCV) "With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ's being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud." (MSG) "So those who are believers in Christ Jesus can no longer be condemned." (GWT) "If you belong to Christ Jesus, you won't be punished." (CEV) "So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus." (NLT)
Paul speaks these gracious, life-giving words immediately after he has spoken about his own, frequently unsuccessful struggle against sin, in chapter seven. "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." (Romans 7:15) We've all been there. And then Paul shares with us the grace of God in Jesus Christ. "There is now no condemnation." And don't pass over that little three letter word "now." It's three letters in Greek too, but it is tremendously important. Even now, even in the midst of failure and disgrace, even in the midst of mistakes and sins, THERE IS NOW NO CONDEMNATION.
I'm not going to try to complicate something simple by rambling on. Just let that promise dwell in your mind and heart for a few minutes and soak it in. No condemnation. Period. Amen.
Life itself can be a not very positive experience. All too often we go through life feeling painfully inadequate. The challenges we face sometimes feel like hills that are too steep to climb. We feel the sting of criticism and condemnation from those around who don't think our performance is what it should be. The challenge of persevering through the tough stuff of life can be draining, like we were trying to ride 100 miles in a day at 25-30 miles per hour in the heat or the rain. Too often we're so disappointed in our own efforts that if someone else isn't criticizing us we're beating up on ourselves. Have you ever been there? I have, and it wasn't necessarily while I was on my bike.
Into such a place comes a wonderful word of grace from Paul in Romans 8:1: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Let me share a few other translations or paraphrases of those words to help them sink in. "So now, those who are in Christ Jesus are not judged guilty." (NCV) "With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ's being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud." (MSG) "So those who are believers in Christ Jesus can no longer be condemned." (GWT) "If you belong to Christ Jesus, you won't be punished." (CEV) "So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus." (NLT)
Paul speaks these gracious, life-giving words immediately after he has spoken about his own, frequently unsuccessful struggle against sin, in chapter seven. "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." (Romans 7:15) We've all been there. And then Paul shares with us the grace of God in Jesus Christ. "There is now no condemnation." And don't pass over that little three letter word "now." It's three letters in Greek too, but it is tremendously important. Even now, even in the midst of failure and disgrace, even in the midst of mistakes and sins, THERE IS NOW NO CONDEMNATION.
I'm not going to try to complicate something simple by rambling on. Just let that promise dwell in your mind and heart for a few minutes and soak it in. No condemnation. Period. Amen.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Baptism - A Kill Switch that Works
Yesterday I did some weed whacking in the greenbelt behind my house. The weeds out there were about three feet high, and although I can't see them on the other side of my privacy fence, the neighbors across the way on the other side of the green belt have to look at them all the time. After whacking away for a while I tried to shut down my gas powered line trimmer by hitting the kill switch. Unfortunately, nothing happened. It just kept on whirling. After repeated attempts with no success I finally had to reach underneath the engine and pull the spark plug wire in order to stop the trimmer.
I thought about that episode when I read Romans 6 today. Paul asks: "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?" (Romans 6:1-2) What a wonderful thing it is to be forgiven. By God's grace, through Jesus' death on the cross for our sins, we have been forgiven. That's incredibly Good News. How shall we react to such Good News? Some people seem to think that the best thing might be to just go on sinning. After all, I like to sin and God likes to forgive sin. It's a nice arrangement, right? Besides, the more I sin, the more God's grace in on display in the forgiveness of my sins. So shouldn't I just continue on in my sinful ways so that grace may abound?
Paul's answer is strongly worded: "By no means!" In Greek it's actually a double negative. "NO! I'll say it again: NO!" God didn't forgive us so that we could go on sinning. He forgives us in order to set us free from sin, not just sin's guilt but also sin's power to control us and dominate our lives. Because of our sin nature, however, sometimes we're like that trimmer that just wouldn't quit. We love to just keep on keeping on in sin.
Fortunately, God has given us a "kill switch" for sin that does work, unlike the one on my trimmer. It's our baptism. Paul writes: "We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." (Romans 6:2-3) By our baptism, we were baptized into Christ's death. Therefore, we died to sin. In fact, Paul says: "For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin." (Romans 6:6)
Because our old self was crucified with Christ, sin can control us no more. All we have to do when faced with temptation to sin is to hit the "kill switch." And how do we do that? Paul says, "In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness." (Romans 6:11-14)
In other words, Paul says, remember that in baptism your sin nature was nailed to the cross and died with Christ. Therefore, consider yourself dead to sin. Hit the "kill switch" by counting on what God has told you about your baptism as being true. Then, take the positive step of offering the parts of your body to Christ, who set you free, as tools of righteousness. In this way, you will have His power to overcome sin and live a new life in Christ.
I thought about that episode when I read Romans 6 today. Paul asks: "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?" (Romans 6:1-2) What a wonderful thing it is to be forgiven. By God's grace, through Jesus' death on the cross for our sins, we have been forgiven. That's incredibly Good News. How shall we react to such Good News? Some people seem to think that the best thing might be to just go on sinning. After all, I like to sin and God likes to forgive sin. It's a nice arrangement, right? Besides, the more I sin, the more God's grace in on display in the forgiveness of my sins. So shouldn't I just continue on in my sinful ways so that grace may abound?
Paul's answer is strongly worded: "By no means!" In Greek it's actually a double negative. "NO! I'll say it again: NO!" God didn't forgive us so that we could go on sinning. He forgives us in order to set us free from sin, not just sin's guilt but also sin's power to control us and dominate our lives. Because of our sin nature, however, sometimes we're like that trimmer that just wouldn't quit. We love to just keep on keeping on in sin.
Fortunately, God has given us a "kill switch" for sin that does work, unlike the one on my trimmer. It's our baptism. Paul writes: "We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." (Romans 6:2-3) By our baptism, we were baptized into Christ's death. Therefore, we died to sin. In fact, Paul says: "For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin." (Romans 6:6)
Because our old self was crucified with Christ, sin can control us no more. All we have to do when faced with temptation to sin is to hit the "kill switch." And how do we do that? Paul says, "In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness." (Romans 6:11-14)
In other words, Paul says, remember that in baptism your sin nature was nailed to the cross and died with Christ. Therefore, consider yourself dead to sin. Hit the "kill switch" by counting on what God has told you about your baptism as being true. Then, take the positive step of offering the parts of your body to Christ, who set you free, as tools of righteousness. In this way, you will have His power to overcome sin and live a new life in Christ.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Facing Reality -- Bad and Good
In the past few weeks I've had to face reality. I'm getting older. Last week I went to the doctor because I was limping around on a bad knee. I couldn't even straighten my leg out completely. The doctor examined it and pronounced his diagnosis: "You're getting old." He told me my knee was full of arthritis and to take some Aleve. (Thanks, Doc.) I've also come to realize that I can't do the things on my bike that I could do just five years ago. Ride 200 miles in a day? I can barely ride 50!
Facing reality can be difficult, but it's made easier when there's both a good and a bad side, rather than just the bad. In Romans 5 Paul forces us to face reality. He gives us some descriptions of ourselves that are not very flattering. "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:6-8)
The three words that Paul uses to describe us are not very pleasant. Paul tells us that we are "powerless" to save ourselves. Why? Because we are "ungodly". Yes, by birth and nature we are "sinners" who deserve God's wrath and punishment. Not a pretty picture. In fact, it's a whole lot worse then hearing, "You're getting old."
But there's a lot of Good News there to soften the blow. Paul tells us that because Christ knew that we were powerless to save ourselves, He died for us. Paul reminds us that the reason God sent His Son to die for us is that He loves us. So although facing the reality about ourselves is painful, hearing the reality of God's love for us in Jesus Christ is a huge blessing.
The reality is that we can truly "rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation." (Romans 5:11)
Facing reality can be difficult, but it's made easier when there's both a good and a bad side, rather than just the bad. In Romans 5 Paul forces us to face reality. He gives us some descriptions of ourselves that are not very flattering. "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:6-8)
The three words that Paul uses to describe us are not very pleasant. Paul tells us that we are "powerless" to save ourselves. Why? Because we are "ungodly". Yes, by birth and nature we are "sinners" who deserve God's wrath and punishment. Not a pretty picture. In fact, it's a whole lot worse then hearing, "You're getting old."
But there's a lot of Good News there to soften the blow. Paul tells us that because Christ knew that we were powerless to save ourselves, He died for us. Paul reminds us that the reason God sent His Son to die for us is that He loves us. So although facing the reality about ourselves is painful, hearing the reality of God's love for us in Jesus Christ is a huge blessing.
The reality is that we can truly "rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation." (Romans 5:11)
Thursday, May 13, 2010
What Is Faith?
Faith is a word people use alot without really understanding what it means. Ask someone what faith means and you might get an answer like, "It means you believe something." For example, when I go in my garage and look at the mechanical device sitting there with a frame, two wheels, pedals, handlebars and a seat, I might say, "I believe this is a bike." Does that mean I have faith in my bike. Not necessarily. How could you know I have faith in my bike? When you see me get on and ride it, then you know I have faith in my bike.
Faith is all about trust. It's knowing something and accepting it to be true, but it's also trusting what you know enough to act on it. Take the example of Abraham. Paul said, "What does the Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.'" (Romans 4:3) When you look back to Genesis 15:6 where those words came from, God has just led Abraham out of his tent and told him to look up at the sky and count the stars, if he could. Then God said, "So shall your offspring be." That's when we're told Abraham believed God. But what did that mean?
Paul explains: "Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised." (Romans 4:19-21) Abraham's faith was very real. He trusted God's promise that he would have a son of his own to be his heir, and that from his son would come more descendants than he could possibly count.
Abraham's faith caused him to act. Remember, he's almost a hundred years old and there's no such thing as Viagra. Sarah's only a few years behind him, and menopause is a fleeting memory. But Abraham "gave glory to God." How? By making love to his wife, thus demonstrating that he trusted God's promise.
And that's not all. A dozen years later God tested Abraham's faith again. He told him: "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about." (Genesis 22:2) Imagine, the young man Abraham has loved and cared for as his only begotten son, the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, is now to become a sacrifice to God. Yet Abraham doesn't flinch. He acts. Why? Because he trusted God. "Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death." (Hebrews 11:17) Talk about faith!
Note that Abraham's faith involved knowledge of God and his almighty power. It involved believing what he knew to be true. But above all, it meant trusting God enough to act, even when that was hard to do.
God clearly rewarded Abraham's faith. Isaac was born to that aged couple. A ram caught in a thicket became the substitute for Isaac and a type of Christ. And you and I are numbered among the descendants of Abraham too numerous to count. So what is your faith going to do today?
Faith is all about trust. It's knowing something and accepting it to be true, but it's also trusting what you know enough to act on it. Take the example of Abraham. Paul said, "What does the Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.'" (Romans 4:3) When you look back to Genesis 15:6 where those words came from, God has just led Abraham out of his tent and told him to look up at the sky and count the stars, if he could. Then God said, "So shall your offspring be." That's when we're told Abraham believed God. But what did that mean?
Paul explains: "Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised." (Romans 4:19-21) Abraham's faith was very real. He trusted God's promise that he would have a son of his own to be his heir, and that from his son would come more descendants than he could possibly count.
Abraham's faith caused him to act. Remember, he's almost a hundred years old and there's no such thing as Viagra. Sarah's only a few years behind him, and menopause is a fleeting memory. But Abraham "gave glory to God." How? By making love to his wife, thus demonstrating that he trusted God's promise.
And that's not all. A dozen years later God tested Abraham's faith again. He told him: "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about." (Genesis 22:2) Imagine, the young man Abraham has loved and cared for as his only begotten son, the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, is now to become a sacrifice to God. Yet Abraham doesn't flinch. He acts. Why? Because he trusted God. "Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death." (Hebrews 11:17) Talk about faith!
Note that Abraham's faith involved knowledge of God and his almighty power. It involved believing what he knew to be true. But above all, it meant trusting God enough to act, even when that was hard to do.
God clearly rewarded Abraham's faith. Isaac was born to that aged couple. A ram caught in a thicket became the substitute for Isaac and a type of Christ. And you and I are numbered among the descendants of Abraham too numerous to count. So what is your faith going to do today?
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
A Lucky Break?
"I must have done something right." The thought crossed my mind the other day as I rode my bike to Bike World to have the gears adjusted. I was trying to navigate my way across four lanes of traffic in the frontage road on 1604 to get to the turnaround, and the situation was complicated by more cars exiting the freeway. But just as I turned around to check traffic a huge window opened up and I was able to safely ride all the way across without dodging a single vehicle.
Have you ever had a thought like that? Maybe you got the first parking spot in the lot in front of Target. Maybe you opened your mail to find an unexpected check for a rebate or refund. Maybe you found the last great looking blue shirt in your size on the 60% off rack at Penney's. "I must have done something right."
It amazes me how easily we can attribute good fortune to our own goodness. It also amazes me how much we can complain whenever some kind of trouble comes our way. "What did I do to deserve this?", we ask. And, "Why me?", we lament. Truth be told, what should amaze us is why we have so many good days, considering the sin we are guilty of committing each and every day. It should amaze us that we don't experience anything but discipline, considering our need for it.
So why does God show us so much kindness? Why is He so good to us? First, because that's his nature. God is love, and it's a part of who He is to show us His love. But there's another good reason that Paul brings out in Romans 2:4: "Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?"
Have you ever thought of God's kindness in that way? Rather than thinking "I must have done something right" when good things happen, maybe we should ask, "What do you want me to repent of, Lord?" God shows us kindness so that being drawn to Him by His love and mercy, we will turn from our sins and receive His grace. So the next time you catch that green light when you're running late for work, don't think, "I must have done something right", say "Lord, thanks for your kindness. What do you want me to turn away from so that I can experience more of your love?"
Have you ever had a thought like that? Maybe you got the first parking spot in the lot in front of Target. Maybe you opened your mail to find an unexpected check for a rebate or refund. Maybe you found the last great looking blue shirt in your size on the 60% off rack at Penney's. "I must have done something right."
It amazes me how easily we can attribute good fortune to our own goodness. It also amazes me how much we can complain whenever some kind of trouble comes our way. "What did I do to deserve this?", we ask. And, "Why me?", we lament. Truth be told, what should amaze us is why we have so many good days, considering the sin we are guilty of committing each and every day. It should amaze us that we don't experience anything but discipline, considering our need for it.
So why does God show us so much kindness? Why is He so good to us? First, because that's his nature. God is love, and it's a part of who He is to show us His love. But there's another good reason that Paul brings out in Romans 2:4: "Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?"
Have you ever thought of God's kindness in that way? Rather than thinking "I must have done something right" when good things happen, maybe we should ask, "What do you want me to repent of, Lord?" God shows us kindness so that being drawn to Him by His love and mercy, we will turn from our sins and receive His grace. So the next time you catch that green light when you're running late for work, don't think, "I must have done something right", say "Lord, thanks for your kindness. What do you want me to turn away from so that I can experience more of your love?"
Monday, May 10, 2010
The "Appearance" of Design
In 2007 I received as a gift one of the first "new generation" Trek Madone bicycles ever produced. Just as auto companies every few years will scrap the old paradigm and start from scratch to create a better car, Tred did the same thing with the Madone. Now my bike is 2 1/2 years old and the new Madones are better yet. The technology has improved and the bicycle has "evolved" into an even better racing bike than the one I ride.
I intentionally used the word "evolved" because of what Paul has to say about creation in Romans 1:18-19: "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them." The truth is that the scientific establishment today is doing exactly what Paul prophesied they would do almost 2000 years ago.
Scientists like Richard Dawkins deny the obvious and suppress the truth in order to promote Darwinian Evolution. Yet even while denying the truth, they unwittingly confess it. In his book The Blind Watchmaker Dawkins wrote: “Biology is the study of complicated things that give the appearance of having been designed for a purpose.” They give that appearance because they were, in fact, designed for a purpose by God. But Dawkins wants to suppress that fact.
In his book, Evolution and the Myth of Creationism, biologist Tim Berra used different models of Corvettes to show how evolutionary biologists could use similarities among organisms to construct an evolutionary "family tree." What he unwittingly demonstrated, however, was that designed objects could also be forced into an "evolutionary tree." So much for evidence of evolution.
All the true evidence of creation points to our eternal God whose divine nature is clearly revealed in everything he has created, especially life. That's why philosopher of science Steven Meyer called the complex, specified, functional information encoded in the neucleus God's "Signature in the Cell." God wants those of us who know him and can see his signature in his handiwork to stand up for the truth that so many try to suppress.
Yes, the Trek Madone has "evolved" over the years, but only under the guiding hand of intelligent designers who have constantly sought to improve this sophisticated racing machine. So also life may have "evolved" over the years from the initial kinds of animals that God created, but only under His sovereign hand, and only within the limits He has placed upon it.
The best part of understanding the truth that Paul said so many try to suppress, is knowing that we are not purposeless accidents of nature, random clumps of molecules with no more meaning, purpose or value than a rock. We are created in the image of God, designed for his glory, and able to experience his love and blessing. That gives you and me tremendous value and meaning. So let's fulfill our purpose and boldly proclaim the truth many seek to suppress: God is our Creator and our Redeemer. All glory be to God alone!
I intentionally used the word "evolved" because of what Paul has to say about creation in Romans 1:18-19: "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them." The truth is that the scientific establishment today is doing exactly what Paul prophesied they would do almost 2000 years ago.
Scientists like Richard Dawkins deny the obvious and suppress the truth in order to promote Darwinian Evolution. Yet even while denying the truth, they unwittingly confess it. In his book The Blind Watchmaker Dawkins wrote: “Biology is the study of complicated things that give the appearance of having been designed for a purpose.” They give that appearance because they were, in fact, designed for a purpose by God. But Dawkins wants to suppress that fact.
In his book, Evolution and the Myth of Creationism, biologist Tim Berra used different models of Corvettes to show how evolutionary biologists could use similarities among organisms to construct an evolutionary "family tree." What he unwittingly demonstrated, however, was that designed objects could also be forced into an "evolutionary tree." So much for evidence of evolution.
All the true evidence of creation points to our eternal God whose divine nature is clearly revealed in everything he has created, especially life. That's why philosopher of science Steven Meyer called the complex, specified, functional information encoded in the neucleus God's "Signature in the Cell." God wants those of us who know him and can see his signature in his handiwork to stand up for the truth that so many try to suppress.
Yes, the Trek Madone has "evolved" over the years, but only under the guiding hand of intelligent designers who have constantly sought to improve this sophisticated racing machine. So also life may have "evolved" over the years from the initial kinds of animals that God created, but only under His sovereign hand, and only within the limits He has placed upon it.
The best part of understanding the truth that Paul said so many try to suppress, is knowing that we are not purposeless accidents of nature, random clumps of molecules with no more meaning, purpose or value than a rock. We are created in the image of God, designed for his glory, and able to experience his love and blessing. That gives you and me tremendous value and meaning. So let's fulfill our purpose and boldly proclaim the truth many seek to suppress: God is our Creator and our Redeemer. All glory be to God alone!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Two Purposes
When I get on my bike, I can ride in one of two ways. Most of the time I ride for fitness. That means I try to do at least 20 miles at no less than 15 miles per hour. I push hard and try to keep my heart rate up around 135 average for more than an hour. But sometimes I ride for a totally different reason. I ride for the pure pleasure of being on my bike. I slow down. I notice the scenery. I don't push myself. I stop when I feel like it. These occasional pleasure rides are a wonderful change of pace from the way I normally ride, and I enjoy them immensely. It's great to remember that my bike has more than one purpose.
In 2 Timothy 3, Paul tells us that the Bible has more than one purpose as well. "But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Tim. 3:14-17)
As you read those verses you may think there are many, many purposes for Scripture mentioned by Paul, but there are basically only two. The first and most important purpose of God's Word is "to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." The Bible was written to bring us to faith so that we can be saved by grace and have the free gift of eternal life. This is called justification, being made right with God through faith in Jesus.
The second purpose of God's Word is "teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." God gives us His Word so that we can become like Christ, and do the good works that he prepared for us to do. This is called sanctification, becoming holy like Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us through God's Word.
Both of these purposes are vitally important to us. Without justification, we would be lost forever, condemned to spend eternity in hell apart from God. Without sanctification we would be helpless to serve God, love others, do God's will and bring Him glory. That's why the two always go together. If you are truly justified then you are in the process of being sanctified. And you can't be sanctified unless you have first been justified.
Why is the Bible able to accomplish both of these purposes? Because it is "God-breathed." God spoke His very Word into the hearts and minds of the prophets and apostles he used to write the Bible. He gave them the very words he wanted to communicate to us. That's why Scripture is alive and active, God's Holy Spirit always at work through it to both justify and sanctify.
So the next time you pick up your Bible remember that God wants to use it in two ways. To strengthen your faith in your Savior Jesus and to equip you to do His work. You will be blessed!
In 2 Timothy 3, Paul tells us that the Bible has more than one purpose as well. "But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Tim. 3:14-17)
As you read those verses you may think there are many, many purposes for Scripture mentioned by Paul, but there are basically only two. The first and most important purpose of God's Word is "to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." The Bible was written to bring us to faith so that we can be saved by grace and have the free gift of eternal life. This is called justification, being made right with God through faith in Jesus.
The second purpose of God's Word is "teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." God gives us His Word so that we can become like Christ, and do the good works that he prepared for us to do. This is called sanctification, becoming holy like Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us through God's Word.
Both of these purposes are vitally important to us. Without justification, we would be lost forever, condemned to spend eternity in hell apart from God. Without sanctification we would be helpless to serve God, love others, do God's will and bring Him glory. That's why the two always go together. If you are truly justified then you are in the process of being sanctified. And you can't be sanctified unless you have first been justified.
Why is the Bible able to accomplish both of these purposes? Because it is "God-breathed." God spoke His very Word into the hearts and minds of the prophets and apostles he used to write the Bible. He gave them the very words he wanted to communicate to us. That's why Scripture is alive and active, God's Holy Spirit always at work through it to both justify and sanctify.
So the next time you pick up your Bible remember that God wants to use it in two ways. To strengthen your faith in your Savior Jesus and to equip you to do His work. You will be blessed!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Not Easy but Worth It
Just the second time I went riding with my friend Michael he took me up the hardest hill I've ever climbed. It's over a mile long and quite steep, reaching a 20% grade in some sections. Several months later Michael told me that he used the hill to find out who would actually become a serious cyclist. If they made it up, they would. If not, they wouldn't. I made it up, but it wasn't easy. Endurance cycling is not easy. You have to ride through fatigue and pain. You have to keep going when you feel like quitting. It's not easy, but it's worth it.
Some people have the false idea that becoming a Christian will make life easier. They think that God will solve all their problems for them and that everything will fall neatly into place in their lives. Nothing could be farther from the truth. In 2 Timothy 2:3 Paul told Timothy: "Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus."
The analogy that Paul makes is even better than the analogy to cycling. Soldiers know when they sign up that it isn't going to be easy. But they do believe that it will be worth it. The work they do as soldiers for their country will help keep their homeland and families secure and free. So the hardship is worthwhile.
We need to be good soldiers of Jesus Christ. Yes, we are at war against the enemy, Satan. We can expect that he will regularly attack us and make our sevice to Christ difficult and discouraging. Hardship will come our way if we faithfully serve the Lord. Even though we don't belong to this world we are in the world and the world is not our friend. Even our own flesh will battle against the Spirit as we seek to serve Christ.
If we endure hardship for the sake of Christ, however, there will be a reward. That reward will be much better than the reward of fitness that comes from being an endurance cyclist. That reward is the crown of righteousness. It is the crown of life, eternal life with Jesus Christ.
So the next time life seems extra hard, and you're wondering where God is in the hardships you are having to endure, remember that Jesus never said it would be easy, he only said it would be worth it.
Some people have the false idea that becoming a Christian will make life easier. They think that God will solve all their problems for them and that everything will fall neatly into place in their lives. Nothing could be farther from the truth. In 2 Timothy 2:3 Paul told Timothy: "Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus."
The analogy that Paul makes is even better than the analogy to cycling. Soldiers know when they sign up that it isn't going to be easy. But they do believe that it will be worth it. The work they do as soldiers for their country will help keep their homeland and families secure and free. So the hardship is worthwhile.
We need to be good soldiers of Jesus Christ. Yes, we are at war against the enemy, Satan. We can expect that he will regularly attack us and make our sevice to Christ difficult and discouraging. Hardship will come our way if we faithfully serve the Lord. Even though we don't belong to this world we are in the world and the world is not our friend. Even our own flesh will battle against the Spirit as we seek to serve Christ.
If we endure hardship for the sake of Christ, however, there will be a reward. That reward will be much better than the reward of fitness that comes from being an endurance cyclist. That reward is the crown of righteousness. It is the crown of life, eternal life with Jesus Christ.
So the next time life seems extra hard, and you're wondering where God is in the hardships you are having to endure, remember that Jesus never said it would be easy, he only said it would be worth it.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Pass It On
Parents and grandparents frequently make a concerted effort to pass on their love for some certain endeavor to their children and grandchildren. Look how many sporting stars have had children excel in their chosen sport, for instance, Ken Griffey Jr. Look how many politicians have had children follow in their political footsteps, like the Bush family.
I must confess, that I'm doing the same thing, or at least trying. I love to ride my bike, and I've been pulling my grandson in a trailer behind my bike since he was six months old.
When he got too big for the trailer, I bought a "trailer bike" that attaches to the seat post of my bike so that I can pull him behind me while he holds the handlebars and pedals along. Now, I'm trying to teach him to ride a two-wheeler of his own without training wheels, and unfortunately, without much success. I thought my love for cycling would be translated to him, but he seems more afraid of falling, than excited about riding. More and more it looks like Elijah may be a runner, not a cyclist. Well, there's always hope... maybe Seth my younger grandson will fall in love with the bike.
Much more important, however, than passing on our love of sports or our career, is passing on the faith. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 1:5: "I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." Timothy was blessed to have a believing mother and grandmother, who passed along their faith to him. Because of this he was ready to be mentored by Paul, who became a spiritual father to him. As a result Timothy, although young, was able to pastor the churches in Ephesus and provide excellent leadership for them.
Even more than I want to see my grandson become a cyclist, I want him to be a believer. That's why I regularly read to him from the Bible, talk about my faith with him, tell him Jesus stories at bedtime, listen to Christian music in the car on the way to school, pray with him, and sit in worship with him at church. My hope and prayer is that through all these things I will be able to influence his young heart to love the Lord. I am grateful that the mothers of both my grandsons share my faith too and are also seeking to influence them for the Lord.
It would be great if Elijah or Seth would go on to win the Tour de France. But it would be even greater if they would go on the become "fishers of men" who are used by God to bring others to salvation, like Timothy was. So when you think about the things you want to pass on to your children and grandchildren, begin with your faith.
I must confess, that I'm doing the same thing, or at least trying. I love to ride my bike, and I've been pulling my grandson in a trailer behind my bike since he was six months old.
When he got too big for the trailer, I bought a "trailer bike" that attaches to the seat post of my bike so that I can pull him behind me while he holds the handlebars and pedals along. Now, I'm trying to teach him to ride a two-wheeler of his own without training wheels, and unfortunately, without much success. I thought my love for cycling would be translated to him, but he seems more afraid of falling, than excited about riding. More and more it looks like Elijah may be a runner, not a cyclist. Well, there's always hope... maybe Seth my younger grandson will fall in love with the bike. Much more important, however, than passing on our love of sports or our career, is passing on the faith. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 1:5: "I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." Timothy was blessed to have a believing mother and grandmother, who passed along their faith to him. Because of this he was ready to be mentored by Paul, who became a spiritual father to him. As a result Timothy, although young, was able to pastor the churches in Ephesus and provide excellent leadership for them.
Even more than I want to see my grandson become a cyclist, I want him to be a believer. That's why I regularly read to him from the Bible, talk about my faith with him, tell him Jesus stories at bedtime, listen to Christian music in the car on the way to school, pray with him, and sit in worship with him at church. My hope and prayer is that through all these things I will be able to influence his young heart to love the Lord. I am grateful that the mothers of both my grandsons share my faith too and are also seeking to influence them for the Lord.
It would be great if Elijah or Seth would go on to win the Tour de France. But it would be even greater if they would go on the become "fishers of men" who are used by God to bring others to salvation, like Timothy was. So when you think about the things you want to pass on to your children and grandchildren, begin with your faith.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Fight for Life
Yesterday afternoon I went out on my bike. It turned out to be a hard ride. It was hot. The wind was pretty strong in my face for most of the ride. At one point I thought about quitting and calling my wife for a ride home. Instead, I fought on and finished my 32 miles feeling much better about myself.
As I reviewed the ride in my mind, it struck me as a parable of life. Life is a gift and there is much that is wonderful and beautiful about it, even as it's a wonderful thing to be out on the bike on a sunny day. Nevertheless, life is hard. Even in the midst of wonder, beauty and joy, difficulties arise. Hardships hit us like steep hills rising ahead. Challenges confront us like riding into the teeth of a strong head wind in scorching heat.
In 1 Timothy 6:12 Paul writes: "Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses." When I read this verse I thought about the Confirmation Service I took part in on Saturday afternoon. 60 young people from Concordia made a "good confession", committing their lives to Christ, professing their faith in God and promising to be faithful, even to the point of death.
If they are going to remain true to their confirmation vows they will have to do as Paul said and "Fight the good fight of faith." If they want to take hold of eternal life they will have to persevere in the face of many temptations, trials, and tribulations.
Paul told Timothy to pursue "righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentlenss." We pursue righteousness when we seek Christ, godliness when we are obedient to His will, faith when we immerse ourselves in God's Word, love when we put into action the love Christ has shown us, endurance when we persevere even though it is difficult to remain faithful, and gentleness when we submit to God's will for our lives. This is how we fight the good fight of faith.
My prayer for our confirmands is that they will not give up or give in, but will persevere, fighting for their faith even when it is very hard to do. My prayer is the same for you. We all face challenges, from as insignificant as finishing a difficult bike ride, to as significant as working to save a crumbling marriage or rescuing a rebellious child. When these challenges seem overwhelming, don't give up. Fight the good fight of faith. In the end it will be worth it, because you will be laying hold of eternal life.
As I reviewed the ride in my mind, it struck me as a parable of life. Life is a gift and there is much that is wonderful and beautiful about it, even as it's a wonderful thing to be out on the bike on a sunny day. Nevertheless, life is hard. Even in the midst of wonder, beauty and joy, difficulties arise. Hardships hit us like steep hills rising ahead. Challenges confront us like riding into the teeth of a strong head wind in scorching heat.
In 1 Timothy 6:12 Paul writes: "Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses." When I read this verse I thought about the Confirmation Service I took part in on Saturday afternoon. 60 young people from Concordia made a "good confession", committing their lives to Christ, professing their faith in God and promising to be faithful, even to the point of death.
If they are going to remain true to their confirmation vows they will have to do as Paul said and "Fight the good fight of faith." If they want to take hold of eternal life they will have to persevere in the face of many temptations, trials, and tribulations.
Paul told Timothy to pursue "righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentlenss." We pursue righteousness when we seek Christ, godliness when we are obedient to His will, faith when we immerse ourselves in God's Word, love when we put into action the love Christ has shown us, endurance when we persevere even though it is difficult to remain faithful, and gentleness when we submit to God's will for our lives. This is how we fight the good fight of faith.
My prayer for our confirmands is that they will not give up or give in, but will persevere, fighting for their faith even when it is very hard to do. My prayer is the same for you. We all face challenges, from as insignificant as finishing a difficult bike ride, to as significant as working to save a crumbling marriage or rescuing a rebellious child. When these challenges seem overwhelming, don't give up. Fight the good fight of faith. In the end it will be worth it, because you will be laying hold of eternal life.
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