The Half-Hearted Grace Gospel

A popular idea running through many churches now-a-days is the idea that “there is grace for you.” While this is indeed a true and powerful statement, many Christians and even church leaders have ended up watering down the Gospel with these words. We see women dressed inappropriately as they walk into church or even for a social gathering of believers, and no one opens their mouth against it, even if there are brothers in Christ present who may stumble as a result. I’m the guy who would say to someone in private, “Don’t you think someone should say something to her, so she knows what she’s doing?” The person I’m talking with would likely say something like, “Well, you don’t want to condemn people or sound critical. There is grace for her, Joel.” Blah, blah, blah, I say! I hope you’re beginning to see where I’m going with this. If you need more clarity, then read what Proverbs 27:5-6 says: “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” And yet I rarely, if ever, see any kind of rebuke at all! And if it means protecting many people from stumbling in their ways, then why would we not want to attack sin and indecency in our lives? Otherwise we are letting the devil win in our lives!

Now don’t think this applies only to dressing immodestly; that was merely one example of ways I’ve seen the ‘Grace Card’ used to excuse people’s sins. For instance, we may see someone smoking or cursing or doing any number of things we see as wrong, and we don’t even begin to confront the issue. Instead we become passive and complacent and excuse ourselves by saying, “There is grace for them! Praise Jesus!” But let me challenge your thinking for a moment. What is the grace of God without the wrath of God? I tell you, if God’s wrath was not real, powerful and imminent, then there would be no need for grace and therefore no need for Jesus’ death on the cross. We spit off these ridiculous half-truths about how grace is sufficient and that we should just turn a blind eye at certain things, but this is not the case! We are called to be “bold as a lion” (See Proverbs 28:1) and to show open rebuke. Sin, especially in the church, should be addressed without fear or restraint.

I know in the past the “fire and brimstone” speeches have scared Christians away from talking about God’s wrathful side, but if we ignore God’s wrathful side, we ignore a part of who God is and therefore believe in a false version of God. Indeed, God MUST be wrathful, for He hates sin; and if He hates sin, He will one day do away with it. And if we are all sinful, then He must do away with us, for He is Holy. God cannot just forgive sin; if He did, without the sacrifice of Jesus, then He would be denying His character. If this were true and He allowed people to dwell with Him in eternity, He would have fellowship with darkness and would lose His holiness. In order for God to be Light and Love and remain fully Holy and perfect, He had to send His son as a propitiation for our sins. This was the only way; it is the truth that leads to life. But grace means nothing without maintaining the perspective of the reality of God’s wrathfulness that is to come. So let us stop teaching people only about the grace of God that ignores His wrathful side and remember that the wrath of God is part of the reason we come to have the fear of the Lord!

The Destructive Power of Favoritism

Lately, I have been witnessing a lot of favoritism in various places, whether work, church, etc. The one that bothers me the most, however, is at church, for the Bible is clear on this topic: ‘My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory…But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors’ (James 2:1, 9). What even baffles me is that this continues and hardly anyone speaks out against it! One elder recently said of Pastor Adrian Rogers who formerly preached at Bellevue Baptist Church, ‘He was a charismatic man, a good speaker,’ or something along those lines. Immediately after this he admitted something along the lines of this: ‘Unfortunately, those kinds of things are important to us at times.’ At first, this seemed to be a humble statement by the elder I was speaking with, but after speaking with him longer, I saw that he sincerely valued charisma in a pastor, and not the charisma that comes from a kind, compassionate, loving man but one that comes from a smooth talker, someone with a silver-tipped tongue if you will. He valued the gift of a man’s speaking more than he believed in the power of God speaking through that man.

So why am I mentioning this? Well, I have recently seen how this elder began to favor one of my friends who is also charismatic. Instantly, though I wish this were not the case, I felt devalued and insignificant. Due to the fact that I’m a quieter individual and not a great speaker, I was pushed to the side as unimportant. Now this is only a small example, but I have seen through the lives of others how destructive favoritism is. In fact, I have seen many people leave churches because they felt they would never be of any use to the church, or worse to the Kingdom of God. But according to the Bible this should not be the way we live. In fact, how can we not preach the true Gospel message that we are all valuable in God’s eyes? Look closely at these words in 1 Timothy 2:3-4: ‘This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth’ (emphasis added). Jesus came to die for all, and we discredit God’s grace and His love for us by choosing favorites. ‘…but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us’ (Romans 5:8). We are all sinners, and not one of us is greater than the next.

Consider this today: how has favoritism (either aimed at you or withheld from you) affected you today? And what message are we sending the world by favoring some and discrediting others? In order that we do not teach lies about the Gospel, we must stop showing favoritism and begin to recognize and appreciate everyone, for God sent His son to die even for the most lowly, repulsive sinner on earth.

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War of the Last Remnant

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Can You Turn the Other Cheek?

In Matthew 5:39, Jesus teaches us: ‘I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.’ How many of us can so willingly deny our urges to retaliate and submit to this command from Jesus? But Jesus is challenging us to become doormats. What? Did I mean to say that just now? Absolutely. After all, our Lord and Savior essentially became the most well known doormat for our sakes. When he was mocked, accused falsely, beaten, even killed, he didn’t speak one word against the people doing those evil things to him. In fact, ‘He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth’ (Isaiah 53:7).

So wait, am I trying to say we shouldn’t oppose those who try to persecute us? Why should we? If we are being persecuted for the sake of Jesus Christ, then that is a joy and a blessing. ‘Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted’ (2 Timothy 3:12). Jesus even teaches us that we should be glad and rejoice when we are persecuted, and he tells us that our reward in heaven is great when this happens (See Matthew 5:11-12).

But you say to yourself, ‘Jesus was both God and human; I am only a man, so surely this kind of restraint isn’t expected of me.’ But if you think this, you are wrong! Jesus does expect this of you, if indeed you are of God, filled with the Holy Spirit, a disciple of Jesus. And read these words also found in Matthew 5: ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’ (verse 44). And Jesus was the perfect example of this, for when he was crucified, he called out to God and said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do’ (Luke 23:34). Jesus had every right as the perfect Son of God to condemn every last one of those people. But he knew his calling was from God and always remembered to pray, ‘not as I will, but as you will’ (Matthew 26:39). Jesus obeyed God perfectly and died for us without speaking a word against anyone. And in the end he prayed that God would forgive them. In his last moments, Jesus forgave those men; he turned the other cheek.

Still you might think, ‘Jesus was God! How do you not understand that? I’m just a man.’ Well then let me give you another example–the disciple Stephen. Read Acts chapters 6 + 7 to learn about Stephen. When he had testified about the Lord Jesus, he was stoned to death (See Acts 7:54-58). And Stephen in his last moments mirrored the words of Jesus on the cross by saying, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them’ (Acts 7:60). There is your fully human example to show us that this type of life isn’t just some unattainable fantasy. If you are being persecuted for being a disciple, then remember to endure no matter what type of verbal, physical or emotional pain is inflicted upon you. This is the will of God.

Humility Is Key

Have you ever wondered how a man can be so prideful? What is it that causes man to be filled with pride as if he is anything special? After all, the Bible says, ‘O Lord, what is man that you regard him, or the son of man that you think of him? Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow’ (Psalm 144:3-4). Our lives are so fragile and brief. When standing before the Lord our God, we are nothing. And yet pride not only exists, but it dominates many people’s lives.

The importance of humility is scattered about the Bible, but we must always look to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as our example. And Jesus is the most humble one of all. After all, he forsook his throne in heaven, his place of glory and power, to become flesh and die for the sins of mankind. This was by far the most humble thing ever done in human history.

The Bible constantly teaches the message of humility. ‘When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom’ (Proverbs 11:2). ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble’ (James 4:6). Be warned of the dangers of pride! ‘In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God’ (Psalm 10:4).

And yet we continue to boast in ourselves. If you are ever filled with pride or arrogance, repent at once and ask God to humble you. Humility is an important trait of our Savior, and it should certainly be a major trait of his disciples. ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord’ (2 Corinthians 10:17). Never boast in anything, but only in God. Are you willing to suffer for Christ by always remaining humble? The world will certainly be against such humility, but this will please your Father in Heaven.

The Mark of a True Disciple

Read these words carefully: ‘But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed’ (Isaiah 53:5). When Jesus was crucified, he was pierced with nails in his hands and feet to hold him to the cross. When you read through the gospels, there is nothing that suggests that Jesus lived an easy life once he began his ministry. Though many believed him, often times their belief was rooted in miracles–they were the seed that fell upon the rocks. Not many followed Jesus and stayed with him until the end. He was mocked, plotted against, betrayed, beaten and ultimately killed. But all the while, even in his agony and sadness, he prayed, ‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done’ (Luke 22:42). Jesus made every decision of his life in accordance with God’s will. Even at a young age he said, ‘Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?’ (Luke 2:49). He was always one with the Father.

So if we are to be true disciples, should our lives really look and feel ‘easy?’ A comfortable, easy, happy and relaxed life is the furthest thing from the life of a true disciple. A true disciple’s life will be marked with suffering. Jesus even said, ‘Remember the word that I said to you: “A servant is not greater than his master.” If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours’ (John 15:20). If we are not being persecuted, that is living a life of suffering for our faith, then we are not true disciples. True disciples live a life following a LIVING being, that is the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is not dead; no! he is risen! And so we must live following the example he set for us by following the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit as we become one with God.

The popular Christian phrase is this: ‘Be the hands and feet of God.’ If you want to be the hands and feet of God, then you must be the hands and feet of Jesus, which were pierced for our transgressions. The hands and feet of Jesus–the saints–WILL suffer and be persecuted and, if God calls us to it, will even be led  to the point of death!

How are we living today? Are we living as true disciples who receive our calling from the risen, living Christ and thus suffer because of it? Or are we living comfortable, easy lives and turning from Jesus? This is an important question to ask yourself. Are you willing to risk everything even to the point of death for the Lord Jesus Christ?

The Greatness of God

Today I went through Psalm 145. Here, David sings a song of praise to God, echoing the many great qualities of our Father in heaven and his kingdom. Today, I will try to be brief and just point out those qualities for us to reflect upon.

1. He is God and King (verse 1)

2. He is great, and greatly to be praised! (verse 3)

3.  His majesty is splendid and his works are wondrous and mighty (verses 4-6)

4. His goodness is abundant, and He is righteous (verse 7)

5. God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love (verse 8)

6. He is good to ALL, and His mercy is over all that He made (verse 9)

7. He is powerful and His kingdom is glorious (verse 11-12)

8. He endures through all generations, his kingdom reigns forever (verse 13)

9. He is faithful with every word He speaks, and kind in all His works (verse 13)

10. He lifts up the falling, those who are bowed down and humble (verse 14)

11. He gives all things food in their season, and He satisfies the desires all living things (verses 15-16)

12. He is near to all who call upon him (verse 18)

13. He hears and saves those who fear Him (verse 19)

14. He preserves all who love Him (verse 20)

Challenge: Let us be the ones who humble ourselves and bow down only to God. Let us be the generation that loves God and fears God, a generation that forsakes our fleshly desires in order to gain the promises of God. May we not end up like the wicked, whom God will destroy! (See verse 20). May our words reflect those of King David: ‘My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever’ (verse 21).  Reflect on the awesome qualities of God and His promises to us. May they be your strength and peace throughout today. God bless!

 

The True Power of the Holy Spirit

Looking at Acts chapter 5, we see some incredible things happening in and through the apostles by the Holy Spirit. In the beginning, Ananias and Sapphira (husband and wife who lied about how much money they earned from selling their  field) were struck dead by the Holy Spirit. We learn an important lesson here from Peter: ‘You have not lied to man but to God’ (See verse 4). Now this by no means implies that every time we lie, the Holy Spirit will strike us dead. However, we must look at how incredibly powerful the Spirit of God is. We cannot despise the Holy Spirit or act as though He isn’t part of God.

The apostles were absolutely on fire for God. They believed ever so strongly in the power of the Holy Spirit (see verse 32). Verse 12 says, ‘Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles.’ The apostles were so close in their relationship to God that many signs and wonders were done regularly by their hands. The people even began to bring the sick to the streets so Peter’s shadow might fall on them (see verse 15). What’s incredible is that the more sincere and bold we are, indeed the more we ignore what matters to man and devote ourselves to what matters to God, then the more powerful the Holy Spirit will be in our lives. It says in verse 16 that all who were brought before the apostles were healed! This is incredible! Do we, in our comfortable lifestyles, believe that healing exists today? Are we confident that if we live obediently to God in everything, that such things will happen through us by the power of the Holy Spirit? I personally believe our faith is wavering. These things are real! But we treat them as fairy tales.

Continuing on, we see the Holy Spirit act in a more powerful way when the apostles are arrested. He sets them free without anyone noticing! (See verse 17-25). Let’s be honest: weird things happen when the Holy Spirit is present. Being filled with the Holy Spirit can be scary with all the strange things talked about in the Bible regarding Him. But we should not be uncomfortable with this. We should be a Spirit filled people. And when we are, we can be certain that suffering and persecution are waiting for us. Indeed, the apostles suffered time and time again for the name of Jesus (See verse 40-42). They were beaten and only rejoiced afterwards! Then, they continued to preach and teach. The Bible says, ‘they did not cease…’ How many of us would want to go preaching the name of Jesus after being beaten and threatened? The apostles not only continued but rejoiced! This is the life of a true disciple, someone being led in an intimate way by the Holy Spirit. ‘Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds…’ (See James 1:2-4).

If we would just believe, great things would be done in and through us–even greater works than Jesus performed (See John 14:2). Let me encourage you, brothers and sisters in Christ, to believe in the name of Jesus, to know that there is no other name by which you must be saved, and to live a life of obedience to God that you might bring great glory and honor to Him. Over time, you will be sanctified and made holy and blameless in the presence of God; then maybe the Holy Spirit will be poured out upon us to do ‘greater works than these.’

Called to Be Bold

In Acts chapter 4, we see Peter and John brought before the leaders of the church after healing a lame man in the name of Jesus. They were brought before the priests and leaders because they were annoyed that Peter and John were proclaiming the name of Jesus (See Acts 4:1-3). And even with opposition and the threats of the leaders, there were five thousand who believed in Jesus as a result of Peter and John’s boldness. They were then asked in the presence of the high priestly family, ‘By what power or by what name did you do this?’ Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and told them it was in the name of Jesus of Nazareth that the man was healed. This is a bold statement especially being in the presence of the same people who sent Jesus to be crucified. Peter showed no fear. What happens after Peter’s response is incredible: ‘Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus’ (Acts 4:13).

This is what gives a person like me hope. Peter and John weren’t some well-learned, intelligent, ‘valuable’ members of society. After all, Peter was a fisherman. And yet, despite the fact that they lacked the qualities that man deems important, they astonished the members of the high priestly family. The priests took note of their boldness and even recognized that they had been with Jesus, which posed a threat to them.  But God took care of them, for the people were shouting praises to God, and there was no reproach they could bring before them (See Acts 4:14-22). The priests even went so far as to ask them to stop speaking the name of Jesus. Of course, Peter and John refused.

When they returned to their friends, they revealed what happened in the presence of the chief priests. Then they prayed a mighty prayer together: ‘And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus’ (Acts 4:29-30). Despite the threats and despite their success in being bold, they prayed for more boldness. After praying their prayer, they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak with boldness. This inspiring moment even led them all to sell their possession and share according to each one’s needs.

God can do mighty things through the one who is bold in the name of Jesus. But where is that boldness today? Jesus said we would do mightier works than he did (See John 14:12). And yet our faith is wavering. Healings are happening less; people don’t cast out demons in the name of Jesus as much. Instead, we focus our energy on constant service, the only thing we know we can do without God’s help. But God called us to be bold, not lazy and fearful. With even the faith of a mustard seed, we can move mountains (see Matthew 17:20). But our faith is failing.

MAIN POINTS: Never let anyone or anything stand in your way. Be considered foolish by the world for the sake of Christ and be bold in the name of Jesus, being not ashamed of the gospel of our Savior. It’s time to be a nation, a generation, that rises up and boldly proclaims the name of Jesus to the ends of the earth. Be strong and courageous; be bold; always love; stay in oneness with God; and be humble.