July 28
Freedom is something that is viewed differently from one culture to another. It is a shocking revelation to the Western observer, but some people don’t want us to liberate them. Signs of this cultural discrepancy were graphically conveyed during a march by Moslems in the city of London where they have immigrated in large numbers.
In addition to bearing signs that extolled the virtues of Islam, they also carried shocking messages such as, “Freedom, Go To Hell!” When one considers that the word ‘Islam’ means ‘submission,’ it becomes more readily understandable that there is a great divide between the mindset of the West which has been largely influenced by Christianity and that of the Islamic world.
Our Lord and Savior gave Himself in order that we may be free—free from bondage to sin—and Western thinkers have extrapolated from that the further freedom that men are to enjoy in a political and societal sense. That idea of individual freedom has come to its fullest fruition in the founding documents of the United States of America.
Lest we become smugly complacent in our freedom, however, let us be mindful of the qualification stipulated in II Corinthians 3:17, “…where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” If we continue to expunge Jesus from the fabric of our national life, the precious freedom we now enjoy will be lost from us.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Power
July 27
There is a power that spoke the word and the worlds came into existence and the stars were hurled into space. It is the power that took dust from the earth and a man was brought forth. From the rib of the man, a helpmate was created and Adam and Eve were given charge of all creation—by the power within them as they walked with God. (Genesis, Chapters One and Two)
There is a power that ordained the children of Sarah to be the children of the Living God while the children of Hagar were to be disinherited (Genesis 21:9-21). There is a power that spoke to Abraham and a sacrifice was provided at Mount Moriah (Genesis 22: 1-13). There is a mighty voice that spoke to Moses and the people were brought forth from captivity and led to safety on the other side of the Red Sea—and that power allowed them to walk through the sea on dry ground (Exodus 14: 13-27).
There is a power that spoke to Mary and caused a Holy Life to be planted within her that would emerge as a Babe but would grow to become the Savior of the world (Luke 1:27-35). There is a power that caused that Holy Child to grow in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52). There is a power that endued the God-Man with wisdom that amazed the scholars of the day (Luke 2:46). There was a power within Him that enabled Him to touch blind eyes and they would see, to unstop deaf ears and they would hear, to reach out to crippled limbs and they would run.
The Holy One whose power was employed could speak to the raging waves, “Peace, be still,” (Mark 4:39) and they would obey Him. Jesus could speak to demonic powers that tormented the faithful and cast them into the midst of the sea (Mark 5: 2-13). The power that controlled the forces of nature and delivered man from every sort of oppression of the enemy is the same power that raised Jesus when the evil one thought he had triumphed over Him (Luke 24:6).
That same power abides in you (Romans 8:11).
There is a power that spoke the word and the worlds came into existence and the stars were hurled into space. It is the power that took dust from the earth and a man was brought forth. From the rib of the man, a helpmate was created and Adam and Eve were given charge of all creation—by the power within them as they walked with God. (Genesis, Chapters One and Two)
There is a power that ordained the children of Sarah to be the children of the Living God while the children of Hagar were to be disinherited (Genesis 21:9-21). There is a power that spoke to Abraham and a sacrifice was provided at Mount Moriah (Genesis 22: 1-13). There is a mighty voice that spoke to Moses and the people were brought forth from captivity and led to safety on the other side of the Red Sea—and that power allowed them to walk through the sea on dry ground (Exodus 14: 13-27).
There is a power that spoke to Mary and caused a Holy Life to be planted within her that would emerge as a Babe but would grow to become the Savior of the world (Luke 1:27-35). There is a power that caused that Holy Child to grow in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52). There is a power that endued the God-Man with wisdom that amazed the scholars of the day (Luke 2:46). There was a power within Him that enabled Him to touch blind eyes and they would see, to unstop deaf ears and they would hear, to reach out to crippled limbs and they would run.
The Holy One whose power was employed could speak to the raging waves, “Peace, be still,” (Mark 4:39) and they would obey Him. Jesus could speak to demonic powers that tormented the faithful and cast them into the midst of the sea (Mark 5: 2-13). The power that controlled the forces of nature and delivered man from every sort of oppression of the enemy is the same power that raised Jesus when the evil one thought he had triumphed over Him (Luke 24:6).
That same power abides in you (Romans 8:11).
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Be Assured
July 26
Jesus “does all things well,” according to Mark 7:37. There was never a time in the entirety of His ministry—or His life for that matter—when He can be observed to be at variance with the commandments of God or with the dictates of propriety. He always comported Himself with dignity and godliness, and He never failed.
Jesus, the perfect God-Man was renowned for His good works. In an age when communication relied primarily upon men on foot or on horseback, the news of His exploits spread like wildfire not only in the regions of Palestine where He lived but throughout the Roman Empire.
It is said that the Emperor Tiberius was so enthralled with the itinerant preacher who had lived in the far recesses of his empire that he commissioned a likeness of Him to be carved upon an emerald so he could see for himself the visage of this amazing Man among men. Because no one has ever been able to negate or refute Jesus’ amazing reputation, His fame has continued to be passed through the generations.
If the sands of time sifting through the hour glass of history affirm and substantiate the claims made about the Lord Jesus Christ—that He healed all manner of disease and delivered from every type of affliction—cannot we who recognize our need for salvation rely upon His assurance, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed”? (John 8:36) Can we not be assured that He has done even this remarkable feat well!
Jesus “does all things well,” according to Mark 7:37. There was never a time in the entirety of His ministry—or His life for that matter—when He can be observed to be at variance with the commandments of God or with the dictates of propriety. He always comported Himself with dignity and godliness, and He never failed.
Jesus, the perfect God-Man was renowned for His good works. In an age when communication relied primarily upon men on foot or on horseback, the news of His exploits spread like wildfire not only in the regions of Palestine where He lived but throughout the Roman Empire.
It is said that the Emperor Tiberius was so enthralled with the itinerant preacher who had lived in the far recesses of his empire that he commissioned a likeness of Him to be carved upon an emerald so he could see for himself the visage of this amazing Man among men. Because no one has ever been able to negate or refute Jesus’ amazing reputation, His fame has continued to be passed through the generations.
If the sands of time sifting through the hour glass of history affirm and substantiate the claims made about the Lord Jesus Christ—that He healed all manner of disease and delivered from every type of affliction—cannot we who recognize our need for salvation rely upon His assurance, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed”? (John 8:36) Can we not be assured that He has done even this remarkable feat well!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Dogs in Heaven
July 25
Do dogs go to heaven? This is a question that dog lovers and those who are allergic to these frisky creatures might ponder on any given day. While those who count their beloved pets as members of the family can’t see any reason why Fido won’t be there, those who have an aversion to dogs, for whatever reason, are hoping he won’t.
The Bible tells us in Isaiah 11:6, “The wolf shall lie down with the lamb…and a little child shall lead them,” so we know there will be no fear among various species of animals that are predator and prey in our fallen world, and humans will be able to interact with fearsome animals who are too wild to tame as things are today.
We also know that there is a blanket promise regarding death that seems to include all of life in Romans 8:21. Here Paul states, “Creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God." We know that Jesus died that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.
This passage seems to indicate that when the Kingdom of the One who inhabits eternity has been attained, representatives of all species of creation will be found there. It is hard to imagine that creation, which the Word says is groaning in anticipation of deliverance from corruption (Romans 8:22), shall be disappointed on that glorious day.
Do dogs go to heaven? This is a question that dog lovers and those who are allergic to these frisky creatures might ponder on any given day. While those who count their beloved pets as members of the family can’t see any reason why Fido won’t be there, those who have an aversion to dogs, for whatever reason, are hoping he won’t.
The Bible tells us in Isaiah 11:6, “The wolf shall lie down with the lamb…and a little child shall lead them,” so we know there will be no fear among various species of animals that are predator and prey in our fallen world, and humans will be able to interact with fearsome animals who are too wild to tame as things are today.
We also know that there is a blanket promise regarding death that seems to include all of life in Romans 8:21. Here Paul states, “Creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God." We know that Jesus died that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.
This passage seems to indicate that when the Kingdom of the One who inhabits eternity has been attained, representatives of all species of creation will be found there. It is hard to imagine that creation, which the Word says is groaning in anticipation of deliverance from corruption (Romans 8:22), shall be disappointed on that glorious day.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Self-made?
July 24
I’m my own man. I’m a self-made man. These are rather impressive-sounding assertions. Anyone who states these emphatic claims is either a complete fool who is unaware of the realities of life, or a liar.
No one is entirely his own. Each life is like the pie chart we used in elementary school to learn our fractions. Our lives are divided into several separate areas, each under the influence of people or circumstances within the various categories. Ones professional life, for example, is impacted by co-workers or customers or supervisors or all the above.
None of us is self-made. Those who have reached a high pinnacle on the ladder of success have had help along the way. Nobody attains a significant degree of success without some kind of ‘break’—an inheritance, a worthy recommendation from an admiring teacher, a novel idea expressed at the precise right moment in time…So we are all indebted to someone or something. This is true even in the spiritual realm.
We must serve someone to whom we are ‘beholding.’ In Romans 8:21 Paul says it this way, “Now that you have been set free from sin, you have become slaves to God and the benefits lead to holiness and the result is eternal life.” While we were once slaves to sin and subjected to its dictates, we are now free to submit our will to the will of Jesus, who will exchange our surrender of the temporary for the joy of the eternal.
I’m my own man. I’m a self-made man. These are rather impressive-sounding assertions. Anyone who states these emphatic claims is either a complete fool who is unaware of the realities of life, or a liar.
No one is entirely his own. Each life is like the pie chart we used in elementary school to learn our fractions. Our lives are divided into several separate areas, each under the influence of people or circumstances within the various categories. Ones professional life, for example, is impacted by co-workers or customers or supervisors or all the above.
None of us is self-made. Those who have reached a high pinnacle on the ladder of success have had help along the way. Nobody attains a significant degree of success without some kind of ‘break’—an inheritance, a worthy recommendation from an admiring teacher, a novel idea expressed at the precise right moment in time…So we are all indebted to someone or something. This is true even in the spiritual realm.
We must serve someone to whom we are ‘beholding.’ In Romans 8:21 Paul says it this way, “Now that you have been set free from sin, you have become slaves to God and the benefits lead to holiness and the result is eternal life.” While we were once slaves to sin and subjected to its dictates, we are now free to submit our will to the will of Jesus, who will exchange our surrender of the temporary for the joy of the eternal.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
He Fills and Fulfills Prophecy
July 23
Biblical prophecy is ‘yea and amen.’ It has never failed. It will never fail. The Old Testament is a remarkable book. It not only accurately chronicles the history of God’s chosen people Israel, it also includes many types and shadows of the Messiah who is to come. The Word includes prophecies that have been fulfilled of the ‘Suffering Messiah,’ and prophecies that are yet to be fulfilled of the ‘Conquering Messiah.’
One of these prophetic passages was read by Jesus when He stood up in the congregation at the onset of His earthly ministry. Doing so was His way of announcing that He was the One whose coming had been long awaited by the Jews, yet when He stated the prophecy in Luke 4:18, 19, He stopped short of its full message from Isaiah 61:1, 2.
He read Isaiah 61:1 in its entirety but only part of verse two, “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon Me because He has anointed Me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and to release the prisoners from darkness, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” Indeed, these words encompass the ministry of Jesus during the three years He walked upon the earth.
Jesus healed the sick and broken in spirit; he set free those who were imprisoned in spiritual darkness and He declared that now is the time to receive Him, but He did not proclaim the second part of verse two which says, “…to proclaim the day of vengeance of our God.” That day, when He shall set all things right and establish His complete authority, is yet to come. As we see the signs of that day unfolding before our eyes, may we be ready to see Him, to meet Him in the air (I Thessalonians 4:17).
Biblical prophecy is ‘yea and amen.’ It has never failed. It will never fail. The Old Testament is a remarkable book. It not only accurately chronicles the history of God’s chosen people Israel, it also includes many types and shadows of the Messiah who is to come. The Word includes prophecies that have been fulfilled of the ‘Suffering Messiah,’ and prophecies that are yet to be fulfilled of the ‘Conquering Messiah.’
One of these prophetic passages was read by Jesus when He stood up in the congregation at the onset of His earthly ministry. Doing so was His way of announcing that He was the One whose coming had been long awaited by the Jews, yet when He stated the prophecy in Luke 4:18, 19, He stopped short of its full message from Isaiah 61:1, 2.
He read Isaiah 61:1 in its entirety but only part of verse two, “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon Me because He has anointed Me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and to release the prisoners from darkness, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” Indeed, these words encompass the ministry of Jesus during the three years He walked upon the earth.
Jesus healed the sick and broken in spirit; he set free those who were imprisoned in spiritual darkness and He declared that now is the time to receive Him, but He did not proclaim the second part of verse two which says, “…to proclaim the day of vengeance of our God.” That day, when He shall set all things right and establish His complete authority, is yet to come. As we see the signs of that day unfolding before our eyes, may we be ready to see Him, to meet Him in the air (I Thessalonians 4:17).
Friday, July 22, 2011
The Barrier
July 22
One of the profound differences the religion of Islam has with Christianity (the two are often compared because Moslems purport that they worship the same God as do Christians and Jews) is their differing doctrine of sin and forgiveness . There are many things that are considered to be sin in the Islamic worldview that are not esteemed so in Christianity.
One of the most obvious is the necessity of women to be veiled in many Moslem countries. The offense of being uncovered will be harshly punished where this tenet of the faith is emphasized. Yet, when it comes to understanding the way to forgiveness of sin, it is perhaps here that Moslem thought departs most from that of that of faith in Jesus.
In Christianity, it is not until the sin is confessed and Jesus’ atonement has been accepted that the penitent may be forgiven. Jesus is the perfect sacrifice presented to God in order to gain forgiveness. In Islam, it is believed that the sin that is uncovered weighs more heavily upon the sinner than the sin that remains concealed.
This is at variance with what David said in Psalm 32:5, “I acknowledged my sin to You and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord, and You will forgive the guilt of my sin.'” Christians believe this promise. They know they must lay their sins upon the altar and receive the cleansing of Christ’s shed blood if they are to be made clean. This one thing—the perception of sin and how it is washed away—stands forever as a barrier to any true melding of the minds of these two faiths.
One of the profound differences the religion of Islam has with Christianity (the two are often compared because Moslems purport that they worship the same God as do Christians and Jews) is their differing doctrine of sin and forgiveness . There are many things that are considered to be sin in the Islamic worldview that are not esteemed so in Christianity.
One of the most obvious is the necessity of women to be veiled in many Moslem countries. The offense of being uncovered will be harshly punished where this tenet of the faith is emphasized. Yet, when it comes to understanding the way to forgiveness of sin, it is perhaps here that Moslem thought departs most from that of that of faith in Jesus.
In Christianity, it is not until the sin is confessed and Jesus’ atonement has been accepted that the penitent may be forgiven. Jesus is the perfect sacrifice presented to God in order to gain forgiveness. In Islam, it is believed that the sin that is uncovered weighs more heavily upon the sinner than the sin that remains concealed.
This is at variance with what David said in Psalm 32:5, “I acknowledged my sin to You and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord, and You will forgive the guilt of my sin.'” Christians believe this promise. They know they must lay their sins upon the altar and receive the cleansing of Christ’s shed blood if they are to be made clean. This one thing—the perception of sin and how it is washed away—stands forever as a barrier to any true melding of the minds of these two faiths.
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