This week at Calvary Chapel El Cajon we finished the last chapter in the Bible, Revelation 22. I compared the bottom of the final page of scripture with my wife's Bible. Though hers was blank, mine read "THE END." I like that. There is nothing to add to the Word of God. There will be no divine inspiration that is to be written down and added to the text of my Bible. It is not an ever-expanding volume conditional on the passing whims of men.
But does the final chapter of my Bible mark the last of God's word to mankind? Certainly not! God still speaks to us with His still, small voice. Jesus makes this clear in John 16:12-14: "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you." After Jesus ascended to the Father, the Holy Spirit was sent to anoint, fill, and overflow believers for the glory of God. Whatever He hears, He speaks. No man can declare something without speaking. Announcements do not occur in the dark, but are intended to bring facts to light.
Jesus says in Revelation 1:8: "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." This makes me like "THE END" of my Bible even more! Jesus is LORD, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Because the lives of Christians are redeemed through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our lives will never end. Though our bodies will likely wither, die, and rot in the ground, our souls will dwell forever in His presence clothed in new incorruptible bodies. John 11:25-26 reads, "Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" If we are willing to repent and believe, we may freely receive of His life. Our lives will never draw to an end though our bodies depart this earth in death.
People all over the world experience a lifestyle devoid of life. They remain unsatisfied, disillusioned, empty, and thirsty for meaning. This life can only be found through Jesus Christ as it is written in John 14:6, "Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." Once Christ revealed Himself to me through His Word and the power of the Holy Spirit, my search for life found the End. Jesus Christ IS the End, the purpose for this life. It is in Him we live, breathe, and have our being. It is He who has created us, saved, sanctified, preserves our souls, and will someday glorify us. I thank God for His Word and for Jesus who is the Word who became flesh. Our lives are complete in Him!
12 October 2010
10 October 2010
Gimme the Original!
I recently watched the "new" Robin Hood movie directed by Ridley Scott starring Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett. Though it started with promise, in my opinion it ended in complete disarray. For those of you who have not yet watched the film and hope to, you might want to skip the next couple paragraphs because I will no doubt spoil it for you. For others I am only saving you the trouble of having high hopes dashed! Robin Hood is a well-known character in English folklore who "robbed from the rich and gave to the poor." This movie was a departure from that character. It seemed like Scott didn't know whether to have Russell Crowe return to his role in Gladiator or impersonate Mel Gibson in Braveheart. But what really bothered me was how Maid Marion was depicted in the latter part of the film. It seemed she was directed to channel Éowyn from Lord of the Rings swinging a sword and riding into battle accompanied by chain-mail clad Friar Tuck! And there was the new King John flamboyantly riding away from his egocentric character into battle...an absolute disaster.
The film may have been well-shot in beautiful locations with world-class actors and actresses. But it was a movie about Robin Hood that bore little or no resemblance to Robin Hood! The movie was a departure from the original characters I have enjoyed since my childhood. The comedy "Robin Hood Men in Tights" is more true to the fabled folklore than the Ridley Scott version! I understand it can be hard to do something which has already been done, perhaps even overdone. When musicians "cover" a song, they like to make it their own. But when a song departs so far from the original it becomes plagiarism rather than a cover! If I watch a movie about Robin Hood, I want it to be about the Robin Hood the world has enjoyed plays, books, and movies about since the middle ages. The "new" Robin Hood is a handsome impostor. Big names, famous people, and 200 million dollars couldn't hide the flaws. Of course, this is my opinion. My convictions will not allow me to see it differently.
Unfortunately, this kind of departure from the original is nothing new. This has happened with the Gospel of Jesus Christ! When it comes to the Gospel, I only want the original! Sometimes pastors feel like they have to put their own "spin" on God's Word to liven it up a little. Man can't come up with anything that can add anything of value to the Gospel. God is holy, man is wicked. Man deserves death for his rebellion from God, and because God loves mankind He sent His Son Jesus Christ to be the Savior of the World. John 3:16 reads, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." If man will repent and trust in Jesus Christ, he can be born again by the Holy Spirit and regain fellowship with God for eternity. This is not man's idea - this is the creation of God. He has offered to meet a need we did not know we had.
We can have different opinions about movies, music, or the Gospel. But the big difference is movies are fabricated and the Gospel is fundamental truth. The legend of Robin Hood has morphed and changed over time. There is a big difference between Kevin Costner's Robin Hood and the Disney animated version! But when it comes to the Gospel, there is no room for the opinions of men to alter it. These are aspects I love about God: He does not change, and His Word endures forever. Refuse to accept a "modern adaptation" of the Gospel, for this is no gospel at all! Go to the Word, o seeker! Repent, trust in Jesus and be saved!
The film may have been well-shot in beautiful locations with world-class actors and actresses. But it was a movie about Robin Hood that bore little or no resemblance to Robin Hood! The movie was a departure from the original characters I have enjoyed since my childhood. The comedy "Robin Hood Men in Tights" is more true to the fabled folklore than the Ridley Scott version! I understand it can be hard to do something which has already been done, perhaps even overdone. When musicians "cover" a song, they like to make it their own. But when a song departs so far from the original it becomes plagiarism rather than a cover! If I watch a movie about Robin Hood, I want it to be about the Robin Hood the world has enjoyed plays, books, and movies about since the middle ages. The "new" Robin Hood is a handsome impostor. Big names, famous people, and 200 million dollars couldn't hide the flaws. Of course, this is my opinion. My convictions will not allow me to see it differently.
Unfortunately, this kind of departure from the original is nothing new. This has happened with the Gospel of Jesus Christ! When it comes to the Gospel, I only want the original! Sometimes pastors feel like they have to put their own "spin" on God's Word to liven it up a little. Man can't come up with anything that can add anything of value to the Gospel. God is holy, man is wicked. Man deserves death for his rebellion from God, and because God loves mankind He sent His Son Jesus Christ to be the Savior of the World. John 3:16 reads, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." If man will repent and trust in Jesus Christ, he can be born again by the Holy Spirit and regain fellowship with God for eternity. This is not man's idea - this is the creation of God. He has offered to meet a need we did not know we had.
We can have different opinions about movies, music, or the Gospel. But the big difference is movies are fabricated and the Gospel is fundamental truth. The legend of Robin Hood has morphed and changed over time. There is a big difference between Kevin Costner's Robin Hood and the Disney animated version! But when it comes to the Gospel, there is no room for the opinions of men to alter it. These are aspects I love about God: He does not change, and His Word endures forever. Refuse to accept a "modern adaptation" of the Gospel, for this is no gospel at all! Go to the Word, o seeker! Repent, trust in Jesus and be saved!
08 October 2010
The latest...
After price watching for seemingly weeks on end, I have purchased tickets with United Airlines to fly to Sydney, Australia. We will drive up to Carlsbad, fly up to Los Angeles, and begin the non-stop trip into Sydney. Sitting on a plane for 14 hours is not great, but it certainly beats a four week voyage through the Pacific! I plan to return on December 14th, and I will remain in San Diego for the Christmas holiday. Then we'll pack up the family and make the big leap together, trusting God will provide our necessities concerning the religious workers visa and everything else.
Laura went to a Pastor's Wives Retreat this week and God has continued to lead her in the direction of homeschooling the boys, at least at the start. This will not only save some money but will also ease the culture-shock of transition. My schedule will likely provide opportunities for me to assist as well. Again, we find ourselves in the familiar position of knowing one more detail of the many which remain unknown. We rejoice in the fact that we know the God who has called us, will provide, guide, and enable us to fulfill His will. Isaiah 54:17 reminds us, "No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me," says the Lord." God is good, and His mercy endures to all generations!
Laura went to a Pastor's Wives Retreat this week and God has continued to lead her in the direction of homeschooling the boys, at least at the start. This will not only save some money but will also ease the culture-shock of transition. My schedule will likely provide opportunities for me to assist as well. Again, we find ourselves in the familiar position of knowing one more detail of the many which remain unknown. We rejoice in the fact that we know the God who has called us, will provide, guide, and enable us to fulfill His will. Isaiah 54:17 reminds us, "No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me," says the Lord." God is good, and His mercy endures to all generations!
06 October 2010
Free to Fight
I recently bought a re-print of a book written by Nathaniel Dwight (first published around 1840) called The Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. An interesting story with a spiritual application garnered my attention as I read through. This passage can be found on page 8 of the reprint:
But God be praised, who has given all people the opportunity to be liberated from the slavery of sin and death through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as LORD and Savior! Instead of inheriting eternal damnation for our sins, Christians are simply pilgrims who walk through this life having an eternal home secure in the heavens. Jesus has blazed the trail, and those who humble themselves in faith and receive His righteousness will follow Christ's footsteps to His heavenly throne. When we repent and believe in Christ, God declares us "free on the spot." Because our sins have been cleansed by the precious blood of Jesus, atonement is complete.
We, like Prince, are also engaged in warfare. But it is not the sort of warfare Constantine envisioned, using the cross as a banner to conquer the world. 2 Cor. 10:3-6 reads, "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. [4] For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, [5] casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, [6] and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled." It is first an inner warfare. We will be tempted through the deceitfulness of our own hearts to justify sin and entertain wicked thoughts and attitudes. All kinds of allurements will dance before us: wisdom of the world, fleshly lusts, favoritism, idolatry, godless philosophy, pursuit of wealth, etc. God has given Christians the ability and duty to purge our lives of everything that challenges Christ's authority. The warfare is also external. Once we have confessed all our sin one by one and allowed Christ to remove the beam from our eyes, we can see clearly to encourage others to greater devotion with Christ. Galatians 6:1 instructs us, "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted."
We should never have the expectations of the general, that the slave Prince would fight for his interests without being free. Sometimes Christians become judgmental of men and women still slaves to sin. They berate a sinner for sinning! That's like berating a bird for chirping! If a born-again Christian is pursuing a lifestyle of sin without knowledge of it, we should seek to restore this person to God with a spirit of gentleness. Can you imagine if Prince had been set free of slavery by the general and then screamed at his fellow ex-slaves for not fighting on the right side? This spiritual fight we find ourselves engaged with need never go beyond the inner warfare. But sometimes when we aren't looking for it or even wanting it the Holy Spirit will reveal something He wants us to act on. Since we are free, let us live like free men and women. Instead of going back to slavery to sin, may we honor God continually by keeping Christ first! Jesus had the right to throw the first stone, but He offered grace instead: "Go, and sin no more."
When General Whipple set out to join the army, he took with him for his waiting servant a colored man named Prince, one whom he had imported from Africa many years before. He was a slave whom his master highly valued. As he advanced in his journey, he said to Prince, "If we should be called into an engagement with the enemy, I expect you will behave like a man of courage, and fight like a brave soldier for your country." Prince feelingly replied, "Sir, I have no inducement to fight, I have no country while I am a slave. If I had my freedom, I would endeavor to defend it to the last drop of my blood." The reply of Prince produced the effect on his master's heart which Prince desired. The general declared him free on the spot. The act was certainly highly to the general's honor; had he not done so, the character of Prince would have stood forth the fairest of the two.Today every man is born a slave, whether he recognizes it or not. We have inherited the sin of Adam and have been born into sin. Our fathers going back to the very beginning have labored under the cruel oppression and tyranny of sin and death. We have been born into this arrangement, just like many children literally born into slave bondage because their parents are slaves. Slaves do not have the right to own land, and there is no one who really owns a square foot of God's earth. Though land may stay in the family through inheritance, we can't take a title deed to a house, acreage, or money to the grave. The wages of sin is death, and whoever dies in their sins deserves hell for eternity. How rotten sin is!
But God be praised, who has given all people the opportunity to be liberated from the slavery of sin and death through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as LORD and Savior! Instead of inheriting eternal damnation for our sins, Christians are simply pilgrims who walk through this life having an eternal home secure in the heavens. Jesus has blazed the trail, and those who humble themselves in faith and receive His righteousness will follow Christ's footsteps to His heavenly throne. When we repent and believe in Christ, God declares us "free on the spot." Because our sins have been cleansed by the precious blood of Jesus, atonement is complete.
We, like Prince, are also engaged in warfare. But it is not the sort of warfare Constantine envisioned, using the cross as a banner to conquer the world. 2 Cor. 10:3-6 reads, "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. [4] For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, [5] casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, [6] and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled." It is first an inner warfare. We will be tempted through the deceitfulness of our own hearts to justify sin and entertain wicked thoughts and attitudes. All kinds of allurements will dance before us: wisdom of the world, fleshly lusts, favoritism, idolatry, godless philosophy, pursuit of wealth, etc. God has given Christians the ability and duty to purge our lives of everything that challenges Christ's authority. The warfare is also external. Once we have confessed all our sin one by one and allowed Christ to remove the beam from our eyes, we can see clearly to encourage others to greater devotion with Christ. Galatians 6:1 instructs us, "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted."
We should never have the expectations of the general, that the slave Prince would fight for his interests without being free. Sometimes Christians become judgmental of men and women still slaves to sin. They berate a sinner for sinning! That's like berating a bird for chirping! If a born-again Christian is pursuing a lifestyle of sin without knowledge of it, we should seek to restore this person to God with a spirit of gentleness. Can you imagine if Prince had been set free of slavery by the general and then screamed at his fellow ex-slaves for not fighting on the right side? This spiritual fight we find ourselves engaged with need never go beyond the inner warfare. But sometimes when we aren't looking for it or even wanting it the Holy Spirit will reveal something He wants us to act on. Since we are free, let us live like free men and women. Instead of going back to slavery to sin, may we honor God continually by keeping Christ first! Jesus had the right to throw the first stone, but He offered grace instead: "Go, and sin no more."
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