As I sit here staring at a blank document, I wonder what to write.  I had written all the right words for this lesson yesterday.  That document vanished.  Oddly, I cannot remember what it said.  Since then a lot has happened.  Truthfully, a lot has been going on for quite some time.  I would be utterly lost beneath the brokenness around me and in me were it not for that glimmering hope which holds me steadfast within.  You see, my hope is not based on anything I own, nor what surrounds me.  Family, work, money, health, and life are such fleeting things.  Mom is desperately ill and I cannot reach her.  I cannot go to her or comfort her because I left Missouri to come to Florida when my son called me and needed help.  That is what one does, isn’t it?  Doesn’t perfect love drop everything to save another?

Only then we find that we cannot save anyone.  No amount of love or sacrifice can.  The harsh reality is just that.  Sometimes, we must walk away and let them fall.  How often did I fall or fail God before the scales began to fall off my eyes?  Is that not what we find as true throughout scripture?  How desperately Moses tried to stand in the gap for the people of Israel, pleading for God’s mercy and grace to fall upon them?  Yet, judgement had to come repeatedly, while only a remnant turned to God for salvation. But without the heartbreak and sorrow, would any have awoken from their sleep?    Yet, there are these truths to sustain me.  Therein is my hope anchored on Jesus Christ, the solid rock on which I stand.  There is no sweeter name.  He is my joy, my hope, and my strong tower.

Micah 7:1-6

Continue reading In the Thicket of Despair, What Is Our Hope? →

As we turn to Romans 13, Paul begins with addressing the people concerning their need to be good citizens and neighbors.  Why?  Didn’t Paul suffer at the hand of governments?  Was it not a government who crucified Christ?  Yes.  Then why does Paul say, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.  For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.   Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation” (Romans 13:1-2).

Did not Paul preach even when the authorities told him not to?  Certainly!  Then what could he mean?  Paul does not forget that all authority, (the good, the bad, and the ugly) are ordained by God, for God is Sovereign.  It was God who placed Nebuchadnezzar on his throne.  Ultimately, God awoke His people to their sin and lead Nebuchadnezzar to declare there was only one God.  Note what he spoke in Daniel 4:37. “Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.”

When Pilot said, “knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?  Jesus answered, ‘Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above.’” (John 19:10-11).

Therefore, God’s plan marches forward and every leader of Government God has ordained to be there.  “What others mean for evil, God can use for good.”

Good Citizens

Continue reading Christians are to be Good Citizens and Neighbors. Why? →

What would a life wholly dedicated to God look like?  Were you to lay aside everything else-every desire, every selfish wish to just follow Him, what would your life be?  Paul begins chapter 12 of Romans with just that idea.  After painstakingly outlining the truth of humanity’s sin, he presented the truth of justification by faith in Jesus Christ.  He detailed the workings of the Holy Spirit within each believer providing the power to victoriously live this Christian life.  Therein he described in chapter 8 of Romans, the Holy Spirit’s work of sanctification beyond that of sealing us eternally as adopted children of God by faith.  From no condemnation before a perfect, holy righteous God to no separation ever from Him for all who know Jesus as Lord and Savior. Paul has presented the theological background needed to live the Christian life.

Furthermore, he presented the mystery of the gospel message, having always been intended for both Jew and Gentile.  God’s majestic and magnificent plan of salvation to a world so undeserving of His Grace and Mercy.  A mystery beyond our greatest hope or imagination.

God’s Wondrous Master Plan

Continue reading 15 Characteristics of A Life Wholly Dedicated to God →

Romans Chapters 1 through 11, Paul dealt largely with theology.  He laid out the truth regarding sin, human depravity, humanity’s inability to save themselves, God’s miraculous plan of salvation and sanctification.  Then, ending that with a shout of exuberant praise and joy; he turned to discuss the practicality of what that means in our lives.  Having shown us the how to, he turns to the what for in our lives.  It is no wonder that in Romans 12, he addresses the truth that we MUST love with no hypocrisy! But what does that mean?  We speak a lot about love in our society. However, do any of us understand love at all?  Or are we more like Joni Mitchell’s song Both Sides Now.

Moons and Junes and ferries wheels
The dizzy dancing way that you feel
As every fairy tale comes real
I’ve looked at love that way

But now it’s just another show
And you leave ’em laughing when you go
And if you care, don’t let them know
Don’t give yourself away

I’ve looked at love from both sides now
From give and take and still somehow
It’s love’s illusions that I recall
I really don’t know love
Really don’t know love at all[1]

I guess we could try to say, “Paul is referring to a different kind of love than Ms Mitchell.”  But is he?

C.S. Lewis’s wrote of 4 types of love: Storge (Affection), Philleo (Friendship), Eros-(Romantic), and Agape (Divine Love).  Yet, would it not be true that all types of love must be subjected to the highest love to be real?  Was Jesus addressing this when questioning Peter about his love?  He asked Peter twice ‘do you “agapeis” me?’ And Peter answered, ‘I “Philo” you’.  Then, Jesus asked, “Do you ‘Phileas’ me?”

Peter and Jesus

Continue reading What is True Love with No Hypocrisy? →

As Paul continues in Romans 11, we find he continues with his discussion regarding the nation of Israel.  And the mystery of the gospel message to the Gentile nation. There are those who question whether perhaps God abandoned His promises to the children of Abraham. However, the Apostle Paul presents the argument that due to their disobedience, God has allowed them to slumber. Imprisoned by their own sin their eyes were blinded to the truth. Meanwhile, God sends forth His gospel message to the Gentile nation. Thereby, the church age began.  The church is to worship God with such fervency as to draw back in a remnant of the Jewish nation.  That is to continue until the day God calls the nation of Israel forth to fulfill His promises for them.

Jesus Christ will yet return and reign over all the earth during His millennial reign as prophesied with Jerusalem at the center.  We also know that there will be 144,000 Jews who during the tribulation proclaiming the gospel message.  Therefore, Paul asks and answers this question in Romans 11:1. “Hath God cast away His people?  God forbid!”

Then Paul proceeds with a warning to any of the Gentiles not to move forward with pride that God has chosen them to establish His church. Rather, this had always been His plan. He desired to present salvation to all who would believe, the Jews and the Gentiles.  Don’t fall into their same pride filled rebellious ways of thinking.

Was God surprised by what the Nation of Israel did? Never!  Did He take their failure and turn it into something beautiful for you and me? Yes! Therein, lies the mystery which compels us to worship God—overflowing with praise for His wisdom, grace, and love.

Warning: Behold the Goodness and the Severity of God.

Continue reading What Is the Mystery Compelling Us to Worship God? →