I had a wonderful Easter holiday, and I hope that you did as well. Knowing that we serve a risen Savior is a cause for great joy. As it says in a hymn, "We can face uncertain days because He lives."
As I've probably mentioned before, James is one of my favorite books of the Bible outside of the Gospels. James is a practical book. In it, the reader will find much that is recognizable from the teaching of Jesus recorded in the Gospels.
In today's verses, James discusses being both a hearer and a doer of the Word. These are both important concepts. They are both essential elements in a believer having a fruitful Christian life and becoming spiritually mature.
First of all, the believer is to be a hearer of the Word. I believe that this means more than just physical hearing. I believe that it also includes reading and studying the Word.
In other words, we as believers are to familiarize ourselves with the Word of God. How can we do this? First and foremost, we all need to have a regular habit of reading the Bible every day. I try to read portions of the Old Testament, New Testament, and the words of Jesus each day. This is just my spiritual discipline. I know some who like to start a book of the Bible and read it all the way through. Others are involved in the practice of reading the Bible in such a way that they read through the Bible in one year. Whatever the practice, the important thing is to be in the Word daily.
We need to study the Word as well. Study Bibles are a good tool which enable readers to come to a fuller understanding of the text. I like the ESV Study Bible and the Disciples Study Bible. Although I'm not a dispensationalist, I also like the Ryrie Study Bible.
Reading commentaries is also a great way to study and understand God's Word better. I like the New International Commentary on the New Testament and the Matthew Henry commentary. A good one-volume commentary is the Wycliffe Bible Commentary.
Whatever study guides or commentaries you use, it is important to study God's World in detail. You will never know all that there is to know. I've studied the Bible for over 30 years and graduated from Bible College, and I am still learning new things.
Hearing the Word does mean physically hearing the Word. There are several ways to do this. First of all, if you're not already attending one, find a church where the Bible is taught effectively. This is important. In this day, it is often hard to find solid, Biblical exposition of the Word of God.
Second, listen to good Bible teaching. I've always enjoyed listening to Charles Swindoll. Recently, I've been listening to Alistair Begg.
Third, a good Sunday school class or a Bible study group is an effective way to hear the Word of God. Hopefully, this blog teaches something.
Well, hearing the Word of God is essential. However, as James points out, it's not enough to be just a hearer of the Word. We are to be doers of the Word as well.
As a Christian, we can posses an abundance of knowledge about the Bible and theology, but if it isn't making a difference in our lives, we are in trouble.
I've known people who have heard the Gospel many times. They have a thorough knowledge of God's plan of salvation. However, they have never made a commitment to Jesus Christ.
I've also known long-time Christians who I'd consider Bible scholars who are the meanest, nastiest people you'd ever have the displeasure to meet. They have knowledge. They've heard the Word, but they aren't putting it into practice. They aren't doers of the Word.
We need to be doers. How can we be doers of the Word? One way is to follow the things commanded in the Scriptures. We are doers of the Word when we follow the moral code established in the Bible.
We are doers of the Word when we follow the commands of Jesus. When we fulfill the Great Commission and practice the Golden Rule, we are doers of the Word. When we feed the hungry and clothe the naked, we are doers of the Word.
Being a doer of the Word is really a hard thing to do. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. The old sin nature fights to have its own way. There is the idea that I want to do what I want to do when I want to do it.
In essence, being a doer of the Word means totally yielding to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. It means following Jesus wherever He may lead.
This week, let's all try to learn more from God's Word and then put it into practice. Amen.
P.S.--I would like to humbly ask the readers of this blog to pray for me as I try to find a new job. I'm having a difficult time. Thank you. Thank you for reading the blog. May you know the love of Jesus in your lives.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Weekend Sermon--Easter--Luke 24;1-12, I Corinthians 15
Christ is Risen. He is risen indeed. Easter is a wonderful day. It is a day of joy and happiness.
Let's just look back on the events of Holy Week. Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper. He then went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. Jesus asked if possible that this cup might pass from Him. But, then He said the words, "Not my will, but thine be done." After this, Jesus was betrayed, and then He was brought before the Sanhedrin and Pilate.
What Jesus went through on the cross was horrible. What suffering Jesus endured as He bore our sins in His body on the cross. He did it because He loved us, and He wanted to make atonement for our sins.
After the events of Good Friday, just think of the despair that must have filled the hearts of Jesus' followers. For the last three years they had faithfully followed Jesus. Then, the unthinkable happened. Jesus was crucified, dead and in the grave.
Many of Jesus' followers probably wondered what they would do now. They probably wondered how they would put their lives back together now that the one in whom they'd placed all their hopes was gone.
When the women went to the tomb on Easter morning, they weren't expecting Jesus to be alive. They weren't expecting the stone to be rolled away or that an angel would say, " He is not here, He is risen."
They should have been expecting it because Jesus made it clear that although He would die on the cross, He would rise again to new life.
If you remember, I gave a message about the sign of Jonah. Jesus said that just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the fish, so to would He be in the grave three days and three nights.
Even though His followers weren't expecting the resurrection, their sorrow was soon turned to joy when Jesus made multiple appearances to His disciples. The Apostle Paul said that Jesus appeared to the apostles, James, and to over five hundred other witnesses.
I know that because of Jesus' resurrection I can have joy in my heart even though the world is a very hard place for me right now. It is an ultimate joy. The last several years have been willed with a lot of hardship and sorrow. And things aren't really getting any easier.
I can have joy because Jesus is alive, and because He lives I will be with Him forever. Because Jesus is alive, I will be reunited with my parents again one day. They believed in Jesus as their Savior and Lord. Although they are gone, they are alive in Heaven with Jesus. One of these days when I pass away, I will be with Jesus, my parents, and my friend Toby. All of this is possible because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead.
Because Jesus rose from the dead, this life is not all that there is. In the world we live in today, the wicked are rewarded and the righteous are often persecuted. In the world today, it seems as if evil is everywhere and the forces of good are in retreat.
However, because Jesus rose from the grave He will return to earth again in glorious victory. One day, all things will be made right. The righteous will be rewarded, and the Kingdom of God will have no end.
Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. May the name of Jesus Christ be praised both now and forevermore. Amen.
Let's just look back on the events of Holy Week. Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper. He then went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. Jesus asked if possible that this cup might pass from Him. But, then He said the words, "Not my will, but thine be done." After this, Jesus was betrayed, and then He was brought before the Sanhedrin and Pilate.
What Jesus went through on the cross was horrible. What suffering Jesus endured as He bore our sins in His body on the cross. He did it because He loved us, and He wanted to make atonement for our sins.
After the events of Good Friday, just think of the despair that must have filled the hearts of Jesus' followers. For the last three years they had faithfully followed Jesus. Then, the unthinkable happened. Jesus was crucified, dead and in the grave.
Many of Jesus' followers probably wondered what they would do now. They probably wondered how they would put their lives back together now that the one in whom they'd placed all their hopes was gone.
When the women went to the tomb on Easter morning, they weren't expecting Jesus to be alive. They weren't expecting the stone to be rolled away or that an angel would say, " He is not here, He is risen."
They should have been expecting it because Jesus made it clear that although He would die on the cross, He would rise again to new life.
If you remember, I gave a message about the sign of Jonah. Jesus said that just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the fish, so to would He be in the grave three days and three nights.
Even though His followers weren't expecting the resurrection, their sorrow was soon turned to joy when Jesus made multiple appearances to His disciples. The Apostle Paul said that Jesus appeared to the apostles, James, and to over five hundred other witnesses.
I know that because of Jesus' resurrection I can have joy in my heart even though the world is a very hard place for me right now. It is an ultimate joy. The last several years have been willed with a lot of hardship and sorrow. And things aren't really getting any easier.
I can have joy because Jesus is alive, and because He lives I will be with Him forever. Because Jesus is alive, I will be reunited with my parents again one day. They believed in Jesus as their Savior and Lord. Although they are gone, they are alive in Heaven with Jesus. One of these days when I pass away, I will be with Jesus, my parents, and my friend Toby. All of this is possible because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead.
Because Jesus rose from the dead, this life is not all that there is. In the world we live in today, the wicked are rewarded and the righteous are often persecuted. In the world today, it seems as if evil is everywhere and the forces of good are in retreat.
However, because Jesus rose from the grave He will return to earth again in glorious victory. One day, all things will be made right. The righteous will be rewarded, and the Kingdom of God will have no end.
Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. May the name of Jesus Christ be praised both now and forevermore. Amen.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Good Friday
Today is the day we remember that Jesus gave His life in order to bring salvation to this world. There are two passages of Scripture that I would like to share with you today.
Philippians 2:5-11-"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
I Peter 2:22-25-"He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."
Philippians 2:5-11-"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
I Peter 2:22-25-"He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Maundy Thursday
Today is the day in Holy Week when we commemorate the events which occurred on the night before Jesus' crucifixion. What I would like to focus on today is Jesus washing His disciples feet. On this night, Jesus went to every disciple and washed their feet. When Jesus came to Peter, Peter said, "You shall never wash my feet." Jesus replied, "If I do not wash you, you have no share with me." Upon hearing this Peter said, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and head!"
After washing His disciples' feet, Jesus said, "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you."
Washing of feet was a job the servants of a house were supposed to perform. Jesus was demonstrating to His disciples the principle of service and humility. Jesus came to this earth to serve not to be served. That is what we as modern day believers should be about. We should be people of service.
One of the best ways we can serve our fellow man is to share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We also should reach out and help those in need who don't have enough to eat or who have other physical needs.
During this day, think of ways that you can be one who serves.
p.s--Tomorrow I will post about Good Friday. The Weekend Sermon will appear on Saturday.
After washing His disciples' feet, Jesus said, "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you."
Washing of feet was a job the servants of a house were supposed to perform. Jesus was demonstrating to His disciples the principle of service and humility. Jesus came to this earth to serve not to be served. That is what we as modern day believers should be about. We should be people of service.
One of the best ways we can serve our fellow man is to share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We also should reach out and help those in need who don't have enough to eat or who have other physical needs.
During this day, think of ways that you can be one who serves.
p.s--Tomorrow I will post about Good Friday. The Weekend Sermon will appear on Saturday.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Weekend Sermon--Mark 11:1-11--Palm Sunday
This Sunday is Palm Sunday. It is the introduction to Holy Week and the important days we will commemorate this week such as Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and ultimately Easter Sunday.
I have good memories of Palm Sunday. At one of the churches I attended as a boy, we all had palm branches and re-enacted the events of the Palm Sunday story. When I was older, my church gave everyone palm crosses signifying Palm Sunday and Good Friday. I know of one church in a nearby city that has a big parade on Palm Sunday with donkeys, sheep, horses and other animals. It sounds like fun.
Palm Sunday has been something of a puzzle to me. How could the people who shouted hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord be the same people who shouted crucify him less than one week later? It's hard to understand.
So, what do the events of Palm Sunday have to teach us as 21st century Christians? What can we learn from these events in the life of our Lord?
The first thing that strikes me from Palm Sunday is that Jesus is worthy of all of our praise. When the people praised Him and spread their garments in His path as He rode into Jerusalem, Jesus accepted the praise of the people. In fact, in another Gospel's account of Palm Sunday, the Pharisees demanded that Jesus command the people to cease from their praise and adoration of Him. Jesus said that if these people were to be silenced even the very rocks would cry out in praise of Him. In other words, Jesus is worthy of praise and adoration, and all of creation, even the inanimate creation, is aware that Jesus Christ is Lord.
This reminds me of my Dad and the two rocks he used to carry in his pocket. One day my Dad went to his church and the minister was speaking about the rocks crying out. After the message, the pastor handed out rocks to everyone and asked them to carry them with them throughout the week. He said that if anyone asked them why they were carrying the rocks, the people should respond that if we don't praise Jesus, the rocks will cry out.
My Dad didn't just carry those two stones in his pocket that week. He carried those stones for years right up until the day he died. I can't tell you how many times people asked my Dad why he carried around those stones in his pocket. Every time he was asked my Dad said, "If I don't praise Jesus, even the rocks will cry out." Everyone got a big kick out of it, and it turned out to be a good witness.
How can we bring praise to Jesus? The first thing that probably comes to mind is praising Jesus through song. This is a wonderful means of praise.
I know that the trend in evangelical churches is toward contemporary worship. But, I like the old hymns. In my opinion, they have a deeper meaning than some of the more modern music. Whatever the music, the important thing is to look to Jesus and make Him the focus of our adoration.
We can also praise Jesus by doing His will and His work in the world. When we obey Jesus' commands and follow His teachings, we are praising Him because we are acknowledging that we believe that the things He taught are true. When we feed the hungry, clothe the naked and help the hurting we are praising Jesus who said, "When you have done it unto the least of these my brothers, you have done it unto me."
Another component of Palm Sunday I find interesting is the fact that Jesus rode into Jerusalem knowing what was going to happen, yet He rode into Jerusalem anyway. Jesus knew what His mission on earth was from day one. Jesus was born in order to live a holy and sinless life, show us the way to live, die on the cross to purchase our redemption, and then to rise from the grave to conquer sin, death, and hell.
Jesus left the halls of Heaven and took upon human form. He became a servant obedient unto death, even death on a cross.
How much Jesus must have loved the world He made to put Himself through all of the the suffering He went through. He knew that He would be mocked, spit upon, and despised. He knew that He would be flogged, forced to carry His own cross and then be crucified between two thieves. Jesus knew all of these things, yet He rode into Jerusalem to give His life for the salvation of the universe. It was His will to restore all things.
Jesus loved us so much He was willing to do all of this. What Jesus wants is for us love Him and accept Him. He wants us to praise Him and thank Him for all He has done.
One day, Jesus will come again. He will return on a white horse leading the Heavenly host in glorious victory. When Jesus comes again every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Come quickly Lord Jesus. Amen.
I have good memories of Palm Sunday. At one of the churches I attended as a boy, we all had palm branches and re-enacted the events of the Palm Sunday story. When I was older, my church gave everyone palm crosses signifying Palm Sunday and Good Friday. I know of one church in a nearby city that has a big parade on Palm Sunday with donkeys, sheep, horses and other animals. It sounds like fun.
Palm Sunday has been something of a puzzle to me. How could the people who shouted hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord be the same people who shouted crucify him less than one week later? It's hard to understand.
So, what do the events of Palm Sunday have to teach us as 21st century Christians? What can we learn from these events in the life of our Lord?
The first thing that strikes me from Palm Sunday is that Jesus is worthy of all of our praise. When the people praised Him and spread their garments in His path as He rode into Jerusalem, Jesus accepted the praise of the people. In fact, in another Gospel's account of Palm Sunday, the Pharisees demanded that Jesus command the people to cease from their praise and adoration of Him. Jesus said that if these people were to be silenced even the very rocks would cry out in praise of Him. In other words, Jesus is worthy of praise and adoration, and all of creation, even the inanimate creation, is aware that Jesus Christ is Lord.
This reminds me of my Dad and the two rocks he used to carry in his pocket. One day my Dad went to his church and the minister was speaking about the rocks crying out. After the message, the pastor handed out rocks to everyone and asked them to carry them with them throughout the week. He said that if anyone asked them why they were carrying the rocks, the people should respond that if we don't praise Jesus, the rocks will cry out.
My Dad didn't just carry those two stones in his pocket that week. He carried those stones for years right up until the day he died. I can't tell you how many times people asked my Dad why he carried around those stones in his pocket. Every time he was asked my Dad said, "If I don't praise Jesus, even the rocks will cry out." Everyone got a big kick out of it, and it turned out to be a good witness.
How can we bring praise to Jesus? The first thing that probably comes to mind is praising Jesus through song. This is a wonderful means of praise.
I know that the trend in evangelical churches is toward contemporary worship. But, I like the old hymns. In my opinion, they have a deeper meaning than some of the more modern music. Whatever the music, the important thing is to look to Jesus and make Him the focus of our adoration.
We can also praise Jesus by doing His will and His work in the world. When we obey Jesus' commands and follow His teachings, we are praising Him because we are acknowledging that we believe that the things He taught are true. When we feed the hungry, clothe the naked and help the hurting we are praising Jesus who said, "When you have done it unto the least of these my brothers, you have done it unto me."
Another component of Palm Sunday I find interesting is the fact that Jesus rode into Jerusalem knowing what was going to happen, yet He rode into Jerusalem anyway. Jesus knew what His mission on earth was from day one. Jesus was born in order to live a holy and sinless life, show us the way to live, die on the cross to purchase our redemption, and then to rise from the grave to conquer sin, death, and hell.
Jesus left the halls of Heaven and took upon human form. He became a servant obedient unto death, even death on a cross.
How much Jesus must have loved the world He made to put Himself through all of the the suffering He went through. He knew that He would be mocked, spit upon, and despised. He knew that He would be flogged, forced to carry His own cross and then be crucified between two thieves. Jesus knew all of these things, yet He rode into Jerusalem to give His life for the salvation of the universe. It was His will to restore all things.
Jesus loved us so much He was willing to do all of this. What Jesus wants is for us love Him and accept Him. He wants us to praise Him and thank Him for all He has done.
One day, Jesus will come again. He will return on a white horse leading the Heavenly host in glorious victory. When Jesus comes again every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Come quickly Lord Jesus. Amen.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Weekend Sermon---II Peter 1:3-11
I'm feeling a little bit better again this week. I'm still having trouble breathing, but I feel like writing today. I've been thinking a lot again about Heaven and eternity. When my parents both passed away, many people told me that I'd feel better with the passing of time. This hasn't been true for me. I think I'm more sad now than I was. With being sick and missing my Mom, Dad, and Toby so much, I've been pretty down and depressed lately. I do take comfort from the fact that all of my family are in Heaven. They believed in Jesus with all of their hearts. I look forward to being reunited with my family and friends again. I know that if I were to die today I'd be with Jesus and my family. When I was a young boy, I accepted Jesus into my life as my Savior and Lord.
Sometimes though, if you're like me, you wonder whether or not you really are saved. I know that a believer shouldn't really have doubts like this, but sometimes I do. I think that all Christians do to some degree or another.
The Bible speaks about the ways that we can, "make our calling and election sure" as our passage states today. There are ways that we as believers can have assurance of our salvation.
First of all, we can look back on the decision we initially made for Christ. The Bible says in Acts 16:31 that those who believe in the Lord Jesus will be saved. Jesus also said in John 6:37 that He would never cast out anyone who comes to Him. Anyone who comes to Him by faith with sincerity of heart calling upon the name of Jesus is born again. We can take Jesus at His word. He is entirely trustworthy. If we come to Him, He receives us, and He will never let us go no matter what.
When my Mom had Alzheimer's so bad she couldn't recognize who Jesus was in our picture of Jesus hanging over the wood stove. I'd ask her if she knew who that was in the picture. If she responded at all, she would say she didn't know. That upset me, but my Dad said something that is so true. He said that my Mom might not remember who Jesus is, but Jesus knows who my Mom is. My Mom believed in Jesus when she was a girl. She faithfully taught Sunday school, children's church, and vacation Bible school for many years. She is forever safe with Jesus. Those who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. He who began a good work in us is able to complete it. When we make a decision to follow Christ it is settled. We pass from death to life. We can have assurance in remembering that day, and even if time robs us of our memory, Jesus remembers and will always take care of us.
In our passage today, Peter talks about how that the way we live our lives provides evidence of the sincerity of our faith. Peter lists several characteristics that should be part of the life of a follower of Christ. First of all, Peter says in verse 5 that faith is the starting point. We come to the Lord and accept Him by faith. Good works don't play any role in salvation. We are saved by grace through faith and not by works.
Peter goes on to mention virtue as another quality in the life of a Christian. A believer in Jesus lives a life in accordance with the commandments given in Scripture. Jesus clearly outlined for us in His teachings, especially in the Sermon on the Mount, the way His followers are to live.
To virtue Peter says we should add knowledge. A characteristic of a follower of Jesus is a strong desire to know about Jesus and His Word. The person who is truly committed to Christ studies the Word and tries to know more about Jesus through prayer.
The next quality on Peter's list is self-control. Those who are filled with the life of Christ are guided by the Holy Spirit. The self-controlled individual focuses his desires on the things of Christ and not on selfish pursuits.
Steadfastness is next on Peter's list. A steadfast person is immovable in the face of opposition. she is a person of integrity in all her dealings.
The next characteristic of a Christian is godliness. I think that another way to put this might be Christ likeness. When people see us are they seeing Jesus? There's an old song that says, "You're the only Jesus some may ever see." This is so true. We are Christ's ambassadors on earth. We are to show forth Christ in all we do and say.
Brotherly affection is mentioned next. In his epistles, John frequently mentions that love for our brothers and sisters in Christ is a characteristic of an authentic believer. John poses the question of how we can claim to love God who we have not seen and not love the brother we can see.
The final quality Peter mentions is love. This is what Christianity is all about. God loved us and sent His Son. Jesus loves us and gave His life. We are to love the Lord with all that we have, and we are to love our neighbors as ourselves. According to Jesus, this sums up the entirety of the law.
Not everyone who is a Christian will do all that Peter mentions perfectly all the time. Those who have their hearts focused on Jesus will have a sincere desire to follow all the commands laid out by Jesus.
We can have assurance of salvation. These are just a couple of the ways. If you are doubting your salvation, ask Jesus to give a sense of assurance to your heart by the power of the Holy Spirit.
I'd like to close by saying keep trusting in Jesus. I know that keeping my focus on Jesus is all that's keeping me going right now. I'm focusing on Him as I try to make it through this world and into eternity. Keep your eyes on the Lord and let Him lead. Amen.
Sometimes though, if you're like me, you wonder whether or not you really are saved. I know that a believer shouldn't really have doubts like this, but sometimes I do. I think that all Christians do to some degree or another.
The Bible speaks about the ways that we can, "make our calling and election sure" as our passage states today. There are ways that we as believers can have assurance of our salvation.
First of all, we can look back on the decision we initially made for Christ. The Bible says in Acts 16:31 that those who believe in the Lord Jesus will be saved. Jesus also said in John 6:37 that He would never cast out anyone who comes to Him. Anyone who comes to Him by faith with sincerity of heart calling upon the name of Jesus is born again. We can take Jesus at His word. He is entirely trustworthy. If we come to Him, He receives us, and He will never let us go no matter what.
When my Mom had Alzheimer's so bad she couldn't recognize who Jesus was in our picture of Jesus hanging over the wood stove. I'd ask her if she knew who that was in the picture. If she responded at all, she would say she didn't know. That upset me, but my Dad said something that is so true. He said that my Mom might not remember who Jesus is, but Jesus knows who my Mom is. My Mom believed in Jesus when she was a girl. She faithfully taught Sunday school, children's church, and vacation Bible school for many years. She is forever safe with Jesus. Those who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. He who began a good work in us is able to complete it. When we make a decision to follow Christ it is settled. We pass from death to life. We can have assurance in remembering that day, and even if time robs us of our memory, Jesus remembers and will always take care of us.
In our passage today, Peter talks about how that the way we live our lives provides evidence of the sincerity of our faith. Peter lists several characteristics that should be part of the life of a follower of Christ. First of all, Peter says in verse 5 that faith is the starting point. We come to the Lord and accept Him by faith. Good works don't play any role in salvation. We are saved by grace through faith and not by works.
Peter goes on to mention virtue as another quality in the life of a Christian. A believer in Jesus lives a life in accordance with the commandments given in Scripture. Jesus clearly outlined for us in His teachings, especially in the Sermon on the Mount, the way His followers are to live.
To virtue Peter says we should add knowledge. A characteristic of a follower of Jesus is a strong desire to know about Jesus and His Word. The person who is truly committed to Christ studies the Word and tries to know more about Jesus through prayer.
The next quality on Peter's list is self-control. Those who are filled with the life of Christ are guided by the Holy Spirit. The self-controlled individual focuses his desires on the things of Christ and not on selfish pursuits.
Steadfastness is next on Peter's list. A steadfast person is immovable in the face of opposition. she is a person of integrity in all her dealings.
The next characteristic of a Christian is godliness. I think that another way to put this might be Christ likeness. When people see us are they seeing Jesus? There's an old song that says, "You're the only Jesus some may ever see." This is so true. We are Christ's ambassadors on earth. We are to show forth Christ in all we do and say.
Brotherly affection is mentioned next. In his epistles, John frequently mentions that love for our brothers and sisters in Christ is a characteristic of an authentic believer. John poses the question of how we can claim to love God who we have not seen and not love the brother we can see.
The final quality Peter mentions is love. This is what Christianity is all about. God loved us and sent His Son. Jesus loves us and gave His life. We are to love the Lord with all that we have, and we are to love our neighbors as ourselves. According to Jesus, this sums up the entirety of the law.
Not everyone who is a Christian will do all that Peter mentions perfectly all the time. Those who have their hearts focused on Jesus will have a sincere desire to follow all the commands laid out by Jesus.
We can have assurance of salvation. These are just a couple of the ways. If you are doubting your salvation, ask Jesus to give a sense of assurance to your heart by the power of the Holy Spirit.
I'd like to close by saying keep trusting in Jesus. I know that keeping my focus on Jesus is all that's keeping me going right now. I'm focusing on Him as I try to make it through this world and into eternity. Keep your eyes on the Lord and let Him lead. Amen.
Friday, March 23, 2012
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