Creation Waits...

Romans 8:19, "For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God."
May she wait no longer.

During our Bible Study time last night (which I like to call Wednesday with the Word) I decided to have some soaking time. I shared a couple of videos from Jonathan David Helser with a clip of Brennan Manning stuck in the middle. It was an incredible time of intimacy with the Lord. The last song from Helser that I played was "Endless Ocean." One of my favorites. An awesome song describing the infinite love of our Heavenly Father. This was an extended version where Helser began to sing, "I was made to swim in these waters." Powerful!

I came away from this experience with a couple of thoughts.
One of them being: Why have I never heard anything like this before?
The other: How can we ensure that this upcoming generation never loses sight of this truth?

We have done much harm to our understanding of our Heavenly Father. Speculating what He is actually like, and completely missing the revealing of the Father in Jesus. Not only that, but we have done much harm to our understanding of ourselves. Clearly misinterpreting Scripture to back up a flawed belief about humanity. And not taking into account the finished work of Christ. These two things coupled together has kept the church in an endless cycle of trying to discover our purpose. Missing out on the most basic understanding. We were created to be sons.

Isn't this what creation is longing to see? Isn't our liberation meant to free the Earth as well? Knowing that every time someone is awakened to this reality and begins to walk in their sonship, the earth is brought into more and more freedom. What do I mean? Look back at the curse in Genesis. The earth was brought into subjection as well. What happened to Adam and Eve happened to all of creation. Jesus coming to redeem man was to release us from bondage. So that we, in turn, would release creation.

As I was thinking about all of this, I was hit with the awareness of how we handle callings and gifts within the church. We have believed that when someone has a particular calling or operates in a particular gift that this is there purpose in life. I would disagree. This isn't an assignment, but a privilege. Our purpose is to be sons. But it is our privilege to relate to our Heavenly Father through our calling or gifting. It's a way to know Him more intimately, to see Him manifest in our life, and to reveal Him to others. We were created to be sons. As sons we are His image and likeness in the Earth. This is our purpose. My role in life as a pastor and teacher is to reveal more of Him in us. What a privilege!

Many have asked what it means for the sons of God to be revealed. We (the Church) tend to say that this speaks of a person's salvation experience. But I'm not sure that is the case. It's one thing to be awakened to Jesus' death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. It's quite another thing to awaken to your sonship. There is a huge difference between the phrase children and sons in Scripture. We have all been given the privilege of being called children of God [see John's letter to the church]. It's the Holy Spirit within us that reveals our sonship. Therefore, sons are those who have stepped into their maturity. Taken their place within the family. Those who understand their role and purpose. As a child, Jesus knew that He needed to be about His Father's business. At His baptism the Father declared His Sonship. Which created great excitement in the Earth. Imagine what takes place each and every time we step into who we were created to be.

Which brings me to the Helser picture and quote. "When we sing who He is, we remember who we are." Allow your worship to be a springboard. A meeting of hearts. A time to remember. Don't think of worship as the 15-45 minutes before the preaching. This is time with Him. Time that should be more than just a few minutes on Sunday morning. Take time to reflect upon the goodness of our Heavenly Father. Enjoy His presence. And watch as He transforms the way you see yourself.

Creation waits...FOR YOU!

Is It Finished?

I must admit that I never saw the movie "Turbo." I just really loved this image. Seems to describe so many of us. Straining and striving to reach the end. To finish strong. While I applaud the efforts of those who want to finish well, I question how so many are trying to get there.

Jesus made a statement on the Cross, a declaration really, "IT IS FINISHED!" And we have tried to adequately describe at this blog what that means. In regards to all that was needed to be done for mankind to be redeemed - IT IS FINISHED! All that needed to be done for our reconciliation - IT IS FINISHED! To restore that which was lost - IT IS FINISHED! Yet, I see so many who continue to struggle with various aspects of life. I see them straining to reach the end. Trying to attain something they don't believe they have. Which begs the question our lives continue to ask: Is it finished?

Of course, as we talk about what Jesus came to do it most definitely IS finished. There is nothing that we can take away from the Cross, and nothing that we can add to it. What is DONE is DONE. Where we seem to have the disconnect is in our thinking. The way in which we live our lives. Seeking to attain that which has already been granted to us. Doing what we can do to run the race and finish the course. The problem that I see is that we have a misunderstanding with what Paul was saying when he penned those words. Let me explain.

You cannot read the Pauline epistles without seeing his absolute confidence in the finished work of Christ. It's all over the place. His letter to the Romans, the Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians, Galatians, and this list goes on. This man wrote the majority of the New Testament. It's obvious that the Lord wants us to at least attain to his understanding. To grasp this beautiful revelation of Christ in us. I don't believe Paul was talking about finishing his course any differently than the way he said that he lived his life: "...the life I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God..." His finishing was a continuing of what Jesus had begun in him. Does that make sense?

Hear the words of the writer of Hebrews, speaking of Jesus: "[He is] the Author and Finisher of faith." Now, as far as we know, Paul did not write these words. Some may attribute them to the Apostle, but we don't have a firm confirmation of that. Regardless, this writer is not saying anything different than the famed Apostle. Paul wrote to the Galatians and asked them a simple and striking question: "Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being perfected in the flesh?" He encouraged the Philippians that "He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion." Over and over again we are brought to a place of trust in the finished work of Christ in His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. AND we are brought to a place of trust in His finished work in us. There's no way around this. We are being conformed to the image of Christ. Not a work of our own doing, but a work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It seems to me that the greatest work we have to do is to renew our minds. To labor to enter into rest. Something that is so contrary to what we have believed.

Paul told the Ephesians that they had been "seated with Christ in Heavenly places." Was that mere speculation or revelation? If it's speculation, then your faith has to be called upon to make it a reality. If it's revelation, then your faith is called upon to trust in the reality. Can you see the difference? One way says to believe to create. The other says to believe to enjoy. It just seems to me that if I am seated with Christ in Heavenly places, then my view needs to change. They way I see myself, the way I view life, and the way I understand who I am in Christ. It all needs to change. My mind needs to be continually renewed to this truth.

Is it finished?

Yes on both counts.
Yes - to the finished work of Christ in His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension.
Yes - to His work in me.
My life is now a catching up, if you will, of what He began. As I walk in the Spirit. As I trust Him. As I rest in His grace and love. As I continue to believe in my identity in Him. These are not things that I create. This is not my faith to finish out. It's HIS! Jesus believed in what He was doing. Jesus believes in what He is doing in me. He trust the work of His Spirit in each of us. He continues to give abundant life to us. He continues to conform us to His image. He continues to draw us to that place of being more of a conqueror in reality. To move us from a place of faith to sight. From believe to experience. From a religious idea to a relational identity.

Some will ask: "Can I stop this process?" "Can I reject what He want to accomplish in me?"
Here's what I believe: You can choose to live in the flesh. You can choose to walk in the darkness. And in the end, you will have to deal with the consequences of that kind of life. Or, you can choose to live in Him. Live by the Spirit. Live in the Light. And enjoy His goodness.
The choice is ours. It's about our judgement. Will we embrace the light or love the darkness? That may sound ridiculous, but isn't that what people did in Jesus' day? "They loved the darkness rather than the light." Sounds crazy, but we've all been there from time to time. However, I believe what the writer of Hebrews believed, "Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation." I'm trusting the work of the Lord in each of us. That His voice will be louder than any other. That we will do more than get a taste, but walk into the deep with Him.

That is the journey. Full of trust. Full of faith. Full of rest. Enjoy!

Resurrection Sunday

For Such a Time as This - Purim

Over the last few years I have come to appreciate the celebration of Purim among the Jewish people. A remarkable holiday that commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from Haman, who was planning to kill all the Jews. Esther (Hadassah) willingly put her life on the line in hopes that her people would be delivered.

One of the most famous verses from the book that bears her names is found in chapter 4: "Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a times as this." (verse 14) Words of encouragement from her uncle. A reminder that divine appointment comes in many different forms, places, and people. The question remains whether or not we will be willing to step to the plate when our time arrives.

What has been often noted about the book of Esther is that God's name never shows up in print. However, His providence is clearly seen. Continuing in His relationship with the Jewish people, He ensured that they would not be destroyed. Another reminder that even when it seems that the Father is absent, He is always working in all things for our good.

As we consider what Purim means to the Jewish people, many of our thoughts are upon the recent terrorist attach in Brussels. We are focused upon a particular group of radicals within the Earth that seeks to destroy any differing people group. I don't know where it will come from, and I don't know who will lead in this effort, but I honestly believe that the Father knows what we are going through and is working in the hearts of men. He cares deeply about the fear that terrorism evokes. And there will be someone who leads the cause against this insanity.

I've never believed that God works as a micro-manager of creation. While I believe He is in charge, I don't believe He controls everything. However, history has proven time and time again that there are men and women who believe they are in the position they are in for such a time as this. Those who are willing to put themselves on the line to ensure the greater good of mankind. There will be someone who will take the lead to end this insanity. Terrorism must end.

As our Jewish brethren celebrate Purim, we wish them a Hag Purim Sameach [Joyous (or Happy) Festival (of) Purim]. And we remember our Heavenly Father who knows the plans that He has for us. Plans to prosper - not harm. Plans to give us hope and a future.

Shalom!

FINALLY!

There are moments that take place while reading the Scriptures when the Holy Spirit breathes new life across the pages. When the verses are more than mere words, but there are Truth and they are Life. Yes...I had one of those moments this morning. And...Yes...I'm going to share it with you.

I was meditating on Jesus being the Mediator of the New Covenant. A thought that, in and of itself, is glorious. A line of thinking that we have done much injustice to over the last 2,000 years. I've heard people speak of Jesus as a Mediator and Intercessor always along the lines of Him pleading our case before the Father. However, today I was able to see this role of Jesus on our behalf. Not Him in heaven to bring assurance to the Father, but Him in heaven to assure US. Then...out of nowhere...another verse comes in and the heavens within me opened.

Acts 7:56 has always held a place of prominence in my thinking. When you consider the circumstances that Stephen was experiencing when he looked into the heavens and saw the Son of Man, you can understand why. Just before his death, the first martyr of the church had a vision that should bring incredible comfort to each of us. Boldness should leap up within us to become everything that we were created to be. Assurance should flood our souls. Because in that moment, Stephen saw what the Father has wanted us to see all along. "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand God." As these words busted through the doors of my thinking, I heard this: "FINALLY!"

To understand the significance of what Stephen saw we must be able to grasp all that Jesus had accomplished. Scripture tells us that He came to seek and save that which was lost. And while we can look at the Cross and His Resurrection to get an understanding of His finished work, I believe this vision shows us what the Father has wanted us to see all along.
Finally, man is seen in his proper context.
Finally, the Father had a Son who chose relationship.
Finally, that which had been lost had been restored.
Finally, humanity is seen in the circle of fellowship.
Finally, the heavens are opened and we can see where we belong.

While we could spend countless hours talking about the differences between the Old and New Covenants, I just want us to think about what Stephen saw. While we could go back and forth about theology, I just want us to hear what he is saying. The Son of Man stands with the Father in an opened heaven. Assuring us of our rightful place. Reminding us of His finished work. Bidding every son of man to walk as sons of God.

Jesus is not begging the Father for mercy.
He is not pleading our case before the great judge.
He's not trying to convince the Father of our worth.
He is there to convince US. He is there to grant us boldness. The Forerunner of our faith. The Firstborn among many brethren. FINALLY, we can see it. FINALLY, we understand our purpose. We were created to walk in relationship with our Creator. We HAVE BEEN reconciled.

The only question that remains is whether or not we will reconcile our own thinking. Will we begin to trust that what Jesus did was enough? Can we, by faith, believe that there is no middle wall of separation? Can we finally let our guard down concerning our wrongful thinking about God and be assured of the Father's love for us in Jesus? I realize the difficulty. We have been told so many things regarding our Heavenly Father. What Jesus would have us to believe is that we see the Father through His lens. To come to grips with His love regardless of how we see ourselves. To be assured that He has taken care of everything so that we can live in His unbroken fellowship. Enjoy His right standing with the Father. Have rest for our souls.

This is the beauty of the Gospel. The Good News that the world needs to hear and embrace. That we would trust in Jesus as our Savior and Lord. The One who came into our bondage and led us into the Promised Land. FINALLY!

For My Son...

Several years ago I read what has become one of my favorite books. "The Barbarian Way" by Erwin McManus, like most books that I love, came to me at the perfect time. You can see that I have listed it on the right in the Promoting Literacy column.

As many of you know, I have a teenage son. A son is a remarkable gift and a wonderful challenge. He's maturing the way most teenage boys mature. Learning what it means to "be a man." I'm investing a lot of time in these years especially to help shape the man he is to become. Which is why I am bringing up this book once again. I've bought him his own copy. We are reading it together and discussing each chapter. Look at these chapter titles: The Barbarian Invasion, The Barbarian Call, The Barbarian Tribe, and The Barbarian Revolt. [insert Tim Allen man grunt]

Why the Barbarian Way? Why not give my son another book? It's quite simple really. I never want him to settle. I want him to understand that this faith has always been led by those who were willing to be all in, and go all out for the cause of Christ. I want him to be confident in who the Father has created him to be. I want to stir up his inner warrior. To help him understand that this life isn't about fitting in but about being genuine. I also want him to understand that faith isn't always civilized. It doesn't always fit into our neat little boxes. That there may be risk involved. I felt that at his age this book was necessary. Although he has spent his entire life in church, it's all too easy to go through the motions. To be satisfied with a safe Jesus. I wanted to remind him, much like what is sad of Aslan in The Chronicles of Narnia, "He is no tame lion." This is no tame faith.

The Barbarian Way is a wonderful read for men. So many of them feel out of touch in many church cultures. They struggle to connect in environments where intimacy and raw emotion exist so freely. They need to hear about the rugged side of faith. Be challenged in their own. To understand that masculinity, adventure, and confidence are welcome here. They need to know that there is a cause besides their own salvation. That they have an opportunity to shape the world in which they live.

Most of us have seen how women outnumber men in most of our churches. Wives and Mothers tend to dominate the general population of most churches. It's led many of them to believe that this faith is emasculating. Being a man has often meant staying at home on Sunday morning while the wife and kids run off to church. They have heard the so called good news. At least the refined and civilized version. "Jesus died and rose from the dead so that you can live a life of endless comfort, security, and indulgence." OR..."If you will simply confess your a sinner and believe in Jesus, you'll be saved from the torment of eternal hellfire, then go to heaven when you die. Either case results in our domestication. One holds out for life to begin in eternity, and the other makes a mockery out of life." [page 32]

Men need to be confronted exactly where they live. They need to understand the true nature of the Lord's call to each of us. They need to know how this shapes being a man, a husband, and a father. To believe that there place among the body actually matters. Most of them have never heard that they shape the identity of their children. Many of them don't really know how their role as protector and provider in the home shapes the way their children see their Heavenly Father. The majority of them haven't read the statistics about how a father walking in faith increases the chances of the children walking in the same faith. They need the challenge. They will rise to the occasion.

But for my son...it's all about him walking out his own journey with the Lord. Even if it seems barbaric. I don't want him to bow down to the criticism of others. I don't want him giving up on a dream because others have said it's too big. I want him to hear the voice of God clearly and to follow the Lord's heart. Regardless of the struggle. This is something that I have tried to exemplify to him in my own life. He has witnessed firsthand what it looks like to walk the path you believe the Lord is leading you to travel while others mock. He has seen the confidence in the Lord that I carry along with others who have chosen this journey with me. He knows that the Barbarian Way isn't always easy, but that it is most definitely worth it.

I'm going to ask you to do something for me. Will you pray for us in this journey?
Will you pray that my son's heart will be completely open to the Lord in this season?
Will you pray that I not only walk humbly and confidently before him, but that I finish well?
You see...I'm still learning. I'm still being discipled. I'm no master. But I know that the Lord has granted me a son to pass on what I have learned. To live out an untamed faith before him. And to trust the work of the Holy Spirit in his life.

Pay attention to these words: "How is it, that for many of us, being a good Christian is nothing more than being a good person? The entire focus of our faith has been the elimination of sin, which is important but inadequate; rather than the unleashing of a unique, original, extraordinary, wonderfully untamed, faith." ~ McManus

Will you join us?

Belonging

My wife received a message the other day from an old friend. This friend had noticed some comments made on social media that piqued her curiosity. These are her words: "Your church sounds like more of a family. I've never been to a church that felt like family. Ever."

If you believe that sounds like a sad commentary on the church, you would be correct. The idea that we could spend at least one day a week with the same people, worship with them, pray with them, and then leave a building feeling just as disconnected as the moment we stepped inside is beyond my comprehension. This may be due to the size of a particular church. It could be as simple as a preoccupation with self. Regardless of the reasons, the truth is that this should be the place (and the people) where this person feels as though they truly belong.

I'm not saying that our particular fellowship has gotten this right 100% of the time. In fact, I'm sure that we haven't. But for those who continually come, and those who continue to stay, it is my hope that it feels like family. That they will discover a connection with the people around them. That they will feel at home.

How easily we forget the admonition of Romans 12:5, "...we are many parts of one body and we all BELONG to each other." It's verses like this that remind me that you cannot have church by yourself. You may be able to worship. You can pray. You can study the Scriptures. But the church is a people. A lot of people. People who have chosen to gather together because of one singular similarity: Jesus. We may have a ton of differences, but Jesus brings us all together.

Belonging is a powerful thing. We cannot overemphasize it. The other day my brother was sending me quotes from a book that he was reading. The author was a Jewish Rabbi, and many of the things that he said resonated deep within my spirit. Why is this important? It's important because our faith has deep Jewish roots. Here's one of his quotes talking about being Jewish: "You may not agree with each other, but you know that you belong to each other...It is less about believing and more about belonging. It is less about what we ow GOD and more about what we ow each other, because we believe GOD cares more about how we treat each other than HE does about our theology."

WHAT?
That's right! According to this Rabbi, Belonging to one another is more important than believing the same things.
A mindset that is so lacking in the Western Church. We have grown so accustomed to thinking that people only belong to us when they believe the same things that we do. We have our denominations and you must fit into them. We have lost any concept of the universal church. Disregarded the validity of other believers because they aren't Methodist, Lutheran, Baptist, etc. We have forgotten WHO truly unites us. Our Redeemer. Our Savior. Our Lord. Jesus Christ. We are His Body. And each of us belong to one another.

All I am asking is that we at least recapture His vision. That we see beyond the things that separate us and focus upon that which truly brings unity. HIM! And as we learn to focus upon Him, we will learn how to see one another. We will find that community comes much more natural. We will begin to live as family. And give something to the world that they can believe in.

I realize that I probably talk about unity and family in this blog as much as I do grace. But I believe in it. I believe that we were meant to share life together. To see one another completely. To have open hearts towards one another. To love unconditionally. To belong.

May it never be said of any fellowship that it never felt like family.
May we learn what it means to be one.

The journey continues...

Joy Unspeakable...

Unfortunately our Pioneer girls team lost yesterday. It's always a tough thing to watch. Knowing how hard these young ladies have worked, and being so close to the goal, makes losing so much more difficult. Times like these remind me to settle my heart, renew my mind, and find the joy in the journey.

In no way does a loss in the state semi-finals compare to what the Apostle Paul went through during his missionary journeys. However, I do believe that each of us can learn from him and his mindset during tribulations. It doesn't take long to realize that life doesn't always follow our plans. We go through ups and downs. Success and disappointments. But there is something abiding in you that you cannot neglect.

"We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NLT

Jesus said some things to His disciples that doesn't sound like very good news. He told them they would suffer tribulation. He let them know that they would experience persecution. Some of them would be thrown out of the synagogues. Some would be killed. Others would live in exile. But He made a promise to them in the midst of this not so great news:
"These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." John 15:11
"I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid."
John 14:27

Regardless of your circumstances. In spite of what the world may be throwing in your direction. In the face of loss, defeat, and even despair. There is joy unspeakable dwelling inside of you.

There's a reason why the fruit of the Holy Spirit in you is JOY.
There's a reason why Jesus wants His joy to be in us.
There's a purpose behind this gift of peace of mind and heart.
He wants you to experience it. And He wants it to overflow.

The Gospel isn't a story where God does something in Jesus and abandons us to live it out on our own. It's the story of "God with us." The God who abides with us. The God who takes away sin and gives His life to us. A Heavenly Father who is committed to His children. Abiding. Sharing. Loving.

I don't know what you may be going through today, but I promise you that there is joy in the journey. Take a moment to fix your eyes upon Him. Settle your fears. Hear His voice. You can be pressed in on every side, but there is no need to be crushed. You may be persecuted, but you are not abandoned. You may have been struck down, but it did not destroy you. You are teeming with life. His joy will overflow. And you can rest in Him.

Take a moment today - not to survey your difficulties, but to mine the depths of His goodness. Find His joy alive and well in your spirit. Drink deep in His love.

Remember the proverb: "A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken." Proverbs 15:13

EnJOY the journey!

Best of Luck Pioneers!

I'm taking a break from my regular blog posts to congratulate the Fort Chiswell Pioneers Varsity Girls Basketball Team. This past Saturday they punched their ticket to the state semifinals by defeating Alta Vista 45-33 at the Salem Civic Center.

It's been 20+ years since a Fort Chiswell girls basketball team has played in a state tournament.

The Fort Chiswell Pioneers will take the court 2 p.m. Thursday against Appomattox Regional Governor's School at VCU's Siegal Center in the 1A semifinals.

Best of Luck Pioneers!

The LORD Who Does Not Change

Things change. People change. Circumstances change. If you were wearing a mood ring, it could change while you were reading this blog post. The point is that change is often inevitable. Some change is good. Some change...not so good. However, in this ever changing world, there is one constant. The Lord DOES NOT CHANGE.

I was hit with this awareness once again this morning while scrolling through social media. I came across a memory on someone's page that was full of praise for an individual. Thanking them for the way they convey truth. Grateful and excited about all the Lord was going to do in them and the church they attended. Appreciative of the way in which the nature of God was articulated. The only problem: THAT WAS LAST YEAR. A lot has "changed" since then. Not necessarily in the person who was being praised, but in the one who was giving the praise. As I thought about this, I was immediately reminded of Malachi 3:6, "I am the LORD. I change not."

We have to be reminded of this from time to time. We need our memory to be re-awakened to this truth. God doesn't change. Which is a remarkable statement since most of us consider the God of the Old Testament to be so drastically different from the God of the New. That somehow Jesus was introducing us to a new God. When the reality is that Jesus was demonstrating who the Father truly was.

I appreciate the fact that God doesn't change. I don't need Him to.
When you come to understand the goodness of God. When you experience the unconditional love of your Heavenly Father. When you learn what it means to live by His grace and power. Why would we ever want Him to change?

The fact that God does not change should give us incredible security. To know that He is so drastically different than the people we encounter. To realize that what the Father feels towards you today is what He will feel towards you tomorrow. These are truths that you can build your life upon. I, for one, am grateful that I didn't have to get up this morning and make a sacrifice to the sun god to make sure that the sun would shine. I didn't have to burn incense to appease the wind god so that we would experience hurricane force winds today. You didn't have to sacrifice a child to ensure that your home didn't burn down, or to keep an angry god happy. NO! God didn't change this morning. And He never will.

Hebrews says of Jesus that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. While we may struggle to be the same from one day to the next, the Godhead has got this consistency thing down. Their mood doesn't fluctuate. They are not happy one minute then angry the next. They have always been, and always will be, consistent in their nature. They don't wake up one morning and decide to pick on you. They don't look at your behavior one day and then determine to take their love off of you. The remain steadfast in their nature.

While this should create an enormous amount of peace within people, I have come across some who struggle to believe this truth. Almost always citing the Old Testament as an example, they keep waiting for God to change faces. They keep looking for a catastrophic event that will be a sure sign that we have finally ticked God off enough. Not realizing that the Father has dealt with our sins long ago. Missing out on the reality that God made Jesus to be sin for us so that we could become the righteousness of God in Him. Forgetting that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself. And simply waits for us (as any good Father would) to be reconciled in our own thinking towards Him.

A God who doesn't change was drastically different to the gods of other nations. Just think about Roman and Greek mythology for a moment. The gods couldn't be trusted. You might be able to appease them for a day, but it was no guarantee that tomorrow would be the same. They were fickle. In a constant state of frustration. Known for fits of rage. In those two religious systems alone we discover what a god made in our image looks and acts like. This is not Jehovah. This is not the Abba of Jesus. The reason the writers of Hebrews could say that Jesus was the same yesterday, today, and forever, is because that is exactly the way His Father is. And by the way, the same way the Holy Spirit is today.

Take comfort in knowing that the Lord does not change. Regardless of your circumstances. Trust in Him with all your heart. Lean not unto your own understanding. Rest in His unchangeable nature.

Do We Even Know What We Are Saying?

Titus 2:11-13, "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works."

Hyper-grace. A word that has been invented over the last several years to cause people to question strong grace teaching. A word that has confused so many children of our Heavenly Father. Causing them to question every grace message and person. All the while, missing out on the joy of living completely confident in the grace of God.

I am a strong grace teacher. If you have spent any time in this blog at all you have come to realize that. I don't make any apologies for it either. I believe it is the grace and love of God that is central to the gospel message. That it is by grace, through faith, that you have been saved. That you could never do anything to obtain it. And that it is the grace of God that empowers you to live life as a son. With all of that being said, why are there so many people coming against grace these days?

***Since most people that are against a strong grace message like to label the proponents as "Hyper-grace", then I'm going to use the term "mixed-grace" to reference them. I don't like labels but it will make it much easier to type out my thoughts.***

Many of the mixed-grace teachers/preachers like to refer to the small letter of the New Testament titled Jude. It is here that we read a warning against those who would abuse the grace of God. Teach it in such a way as to validate a sinful lifestyle. Those who try to "change the grace of our God into a license for immorality." While I have no doubt that there are such teachers in the world, I have yet to hear any true grace preacher/teacher use those words. Most of us who have learned how to bank everything on the grace of God understand that grace was never meant to cover up a sinful life. The grace of God is meant to empower us to live the life He has always purposed for us. Therefore, it doesn't make sense to me to create these questions in the hearts of people every time they encounter a strong grace message.

The grace teachers (blows me away that I even have to use these words - all of us should be grace teachers) that I have listened to believe wholeheartedly that the grace of God produces something within us. A likeness to Jesus. None of them have ever advocated living a sinful life. They don't cheer destructive choices in the lives of people. They are completely convinced that it is the grace of God that makes lasting change. Empowers us to live. Is the divine influence of God upon the soul. Rather than seeing the grace of God as a license to sin, they see the grace of God as the ability to say "NO" to the things of the world while saying "YES" to the things of God. Grace is not a get out of jail free card, it's a never have to go to jail card. A gift from God that keeps us free from sin.

People keep calling it hyper-grace, but I don't think they know what they are saying. To say "NO" to grace is to say "YES" to the Law. It's the only other option out there. Paul taught the Galatian Church that to try to be justified by the Law is to fall from grace. A serious problem. Destined to live a life dominated by the rules. Bound to all religious ritual and tradition. Forced to fulfill all the requirements that must be filled for holiness to be a reality in your life. Folks, this has been tried and been found wanting. The only person in all of human history who was able to fulfill the Law has fulfilled it. Not only that, but He has offered His righteousness to each of us in the process.

The mixed-grace teacher/preacher does just what his/her label suggests. They mix the message. A little bit of law here, some grace there, and the thought that there is a perfect balance in between. The reality is that you can't mix the message. You cannot have grace and law abiding in the same place. It doesn't work. The Law says "you must do", while the grace of God says "it has been done." Is it any wonder why there is so much confusion on the matter? Couple that with the fact that there are so many people who have no idea what the grace of God is really all about and you have a major mess on your hands. So many children of God trying to earn what has already been given. Trying to do what has already been done. Missing out on the joy and rest of the Heavenly Father.

I get it. People want holiness to be a big issue. They struggle with the ideas that there aren't any rules. However, what they don't understand is that the grace of God is teaching what to say "NO" to and how to say "YES" to the life of Jesus within us. What often gets missed in the equation is the ability of the Holy Spirit within us to make up the difference. A mixed-grace message puts so much of holiness in your lap. You have to accomplish it. The strong-grace preacher/teacher understands that we don't live in such a way as to achieve holiness. We live in such a way as to display the holiness that He has already given to us.

By the way, just so people understand where I'm coming from, just because I say there aren't any rules doesn't mean that my life is not ruled. There is a drastic difference. When Jesus is Lord, living out His Lordship, I don't need rules. It's His rule and reign in my life that makes all the difference. We have to trust this in each and every person who claims faith in Jesus. I'm not looking for an adherence to rules. I don't need an inventory checklist. The Holy Spirit makes this evident in each and every one of us. The fruit of His life within us looks like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. He is evident in how we live our lives. He is the standard.

I realize that there are plenty of churches who still teach the "do not touch, do not taste, do not handle" approach to spirituality. However, Paul said that this was to live in such a way as to say that you are still alive to the elementary principles of the world, and that you are continuing to follow the commandments and teachings of men. There is a much better way to do life. The faith that we live in is so much greater than a list of do's and don'ts. It is a way of life where the Lord teaches us. Where He is able to speak into our lives. It's what the grace of God was meant to do from the beginning. And it opens up hand in hand, heart to heart, face to face relationship with the Lord.

So...we are not advocating a do whatever the heck you want type of spirituality because it will all be okay in the end. On the contrary, we believe fully in the law of reciprocity. You know the one that says that you reap what you sow. We believe fully in the responsibility of the believer to rest in the grace of God. We advocate intimacy with God and sensitivity to the Spirit. We want you to live in the freedom that Christ set you free to enjoy. But we also want you to know that your Heavenly Father is not always on board with your decision making. If you sow to the flesh then you will reap corruption. Oh, but if you sow to the Spirit then you will reap everlasting life.

Here's the question: Can you do in the flesh what can only be accomplished by the Spirit?
Paul asked a similar question to the Galatians. "Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?"
He says that this is a foolish way to do life. And...unfortunately...many of the mixed-grace folks have fallen into the same trap.
Do we even know what we are saying? Grace is a wellspring of life. Everything about our lives is to flow from this fountain. Don't miss out on this. Don't think for a moment that there has to be some kind of balance. GRACE is the life you were meant to live all along.

Really Think It Through

Paul asks the question of the Romans: "Who will separate us from the love of Christ?" Interesting that he even had to ask the question. What do you think?

What about tribulation?
How about distress?
Do you think persecution could get it done?
Can famine, nakedness, peril, or sword?
According to Paul - NOTHING!

This should be easy theology. Something that grips our hearts and gives us incredible confidence. However, if you were to listen to some preachers and teachers you would think that faith in Christ is a crap-shoot. Just a roll of the dice. Why haven't we grasped this incredible concept?

The god of our vain imagination is tricky. Rather than seated confidently in his love for us, it seems as though he sits in a swivel chair. One day his face is toward us. The next all we can see is his back. Usually based upon something we have done or not done. Fickle. Disinterested.

The only answer to this problem is when we truly begin to see our Heavenly Father through the same lens that Jesus does.
A Father who loves without condition.
A Father who knows our needs.
A Father who is willing to go to any length, mine any depth, and scale any height for us.
A Father who was willing to take our scorn, ridicule, and rejection just to redeem.
The more we see Him though the lens of Jesus, the more secure we become in our relationship.

Usually the first question is: "Does that mean I can do ___________________ and God is still going to love me?"
I believe He will and He does.
He may not agree with our choices. He doesn't bless our poor decisions. He is not obligated to change what we have sown so that we will only reap good things.
I believe He will loves us all the way down. Doing all that He can to get our attention.

To place a limitation upon the love of God is to place you in control of the heart of God. In other words, you get to decide whether He loves you or not. You get to decide which depth is too great, which length is too long, and what it is that determines His nature towards you. This is not the God that Paul speaks of.

Paul was convinced that...
Neither Death nor Life
Neither Angels or Rulers
Neither Things Present nor Things to Come
No Height nor Depth
Nor ANYTHING ELSE in ALL creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Can you believe that?
Can you live with that?
Take a deep breath and enjoy the goodness of your Heavenly Father.
Really think it through.