Trusting God to Provide a Title

Is it too early to begin reflecting on lessons learned in 2009? Perhaps this isn’t reflection as much as it is anticipation. Early indications suggest that this year brings with it a very specific theme; the need to trust in God’s provision. Sure it lacks creativity, and is not exactly an earth-shattering concept (or is it?). The West’s most powerful economy is in shambles, while war rages in the Middle East. Unemployment is on the rise, while job-security is on the decline. One is hard-pressed to find a person untouched by lay-offs and market downturns. America is on shaky ground financially. Shaky finances lead to shaky lifestyles. Nevertheless, Paul writes in 1st Timothy 6:

Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into
this world, and it is certain[c]
we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we
shall be content… Command those who are rich in this present age not to be
haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us
richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works,
ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for
the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.[1]

“And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” In shaky financial times, plans quickly change. Things that were concrete in 2008 are now a thick soupy mud. Constants are questionable. And life’s typical speed-bumps are mighty mountains this year, requiring supernatural navigation to climb and conquer. This year has already been characterized by last second, long lasting decisions, similar to a movie that features a loudly beeping bomb and a nervous bomb-disarmer who must decide whether to cut the red or blue cord. Even when I cut the figurative cord and the figurative bomb remains dormant, I’m left to ponder the possibility of a delayed explosion. I have already been assured that I should expect more last-minute loud-beeping bomb-like decisions as 2009 trudges along. It’s like my future is looking back hoping I’ll make the right decision, while my past looks up and questions every move. I long to be content merely with food and clothing. Isn’t that the essence of trusting God?

Being content with the bare essentials affirms that we believe God is God. But when we strive for more material possessions and try to make our own way for the future we deny the very nature of God, and call into question His ability to satisfy our yearnings. As life’s ball of yarn unravels before our eyes our thoughts are consumed with making provisions to ensure that our quality of life is preserved. But is that necessary? Is it not the desire to preserve his quality of life that kept the Rich Young Ruler from embracing faith in Christ? Though he was a pious, self-proclaimed keeper of the law, he loved his riches more than God; and himself more than his neighbors, and walk away from Christ with sorrow.[2] To love God is to trust God. But trusting God is totally contrary to our nature. That is why men love money, because it offers them and opportunity to control their own destinies. And that is why the love of money is the root of all evil, because it denies the absolute sovereignty of Almighty God over man. But is it even possible to wholly trust God, and how much are we supposed to be proactive in our preparations for that with which we should be content?

Trust and faith are synonymous. In the second chapter of Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians he affirms that grace and faith are gifts from God. Therefore we can conclude that ability to trust God is itself a gift from God. But that does not answer the question of how proactive we should be in providing for and ensuring our futures. Should we simply sit and wait for manna to fall from the sky and water to spring forth from a rock? 1 Timothy 6:9-16:

But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness,
faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold
on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good
confession in the presence of many witnesses. I urge you in the sight of
God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good
confession before Pontius Pilate, that you keep this commandment without spot,
blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing, which He will manifest in His
own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord
of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no
man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.

Flee from the love of material things and run toward Jesus; in him exists all righteousness godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Lay hold on eternal life in God who gives life to all things. Trust in the supreme and only potentate, the One who dwells in unapproachable and indescribable light. The only reasonable answer to the question at hand is to trust God. Perhaps that does not on the surface offer any practical assistance, but practical assistance is not the goal-trusting God is. In order to trust God we must set our minds on the things above[3] and walk worthy of the gospel, only then we will know exactly how proactive we must be, if proactive at all. Otherwise we can keep striving to provide for ourselves as the foolish man chases after the wind.

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above,
where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things
above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with
Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will
appear with Him in glory.”-Colossians 3:1-4

[1] 1 Timothy 6:6-8; 17-19
[2] Matthew 19; Mark 10; Luke 18
[3] Colossians 3

-Gary

Outline of Matthew 25-26 (Not original with me)

This starts with what we left off with last week. Once again, this is from the website www.founders.org.

Three parables concerning preparedness for the Lord’s return (24:45-25:30): the Parable of the Wise Steward, the Parable of the Ten Virgins, and the Parable of the Talents. Each of these little stories illustrates Jesus’ point about the blessedness of being prepared for his Second coming and the foolishness of being unprepared.

D. The Final Judgment (25:32-46): When the Lord comes in his glory, he will effect a great separation among the inhabitants of the world. Like a shepherd separating sheep and goats, Jesus will divide the righteous and the wicked. The sheep, separated to the right (the position of honor and blessing), will b distinguished by their service to Christ through concrete ministry of compassion on the poor and hungry, and the goats, separated on the left will be marked by their disregard for the broken and needy. The righteous will enter into eternal life and the wicked will be consigned to eternal punishment.

I. Events Leading to the Crucifixion of Jesus (26:1-27:31)

A. The conspiracy of the religious leaders (26:1-5): All four Gospels reveal that this conspiracy intensified over a lengthy period, but, of course, the plot came to a crescendo during Passion Week. These were not genuinely misguided men. The text indicates that they knew exactly what they were doing, and they strategized stealthfully to carry out their sinister plan at an opportune moment.

B. The anointing of Jesus at Bethany (26:6-13): Three gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, and John record this story. A devoted disciple of Jesus, a woman named Mary, approached Jesus as he ate the evening meal in the house of a Simon the Leper. John tells us that Martha and Lazarus, Jesus’ old friends, helped host the gathering. I appears that the Mary mentioned in John’s account was the sister of these siblings from Bethany. A. T. Robertson argued persuasively that Bible students should not confuse this story with the narrative in Luke 7:36-50. The disciples responded poorly to the worshipful act Mary. They grew indignant and criticized Mary for her devoted extravagance toward the Master (John points out the central role Judas played in this criticism). Jesus, however, met their disapproval with a firm commendation of Mary’s memorable act, an act that symbolized the impending death of the Savior.

C. Jesus’ observance of the Passover with the disciples (26:14-35)

1. the plot of Judas (vv. 14-16): Judas, stung by Jesus’ rebuke of the disciples’ criticism of Mary, conspired with the Jewish leaders to betray Jesus into their hands. John pointedly mentioned that Satan entered Judas as he carried out his unthinkable scheme.

2. the observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread (vv. 17-29): Traditionally, the Jews observed a special meal on the evening before Passover, and Jesus appears to combine the two observances. As the disciples ate the meal, Jesus tacitly identified Judas as his betrayer; then, the Lord instituted the eucharist (New Testament term for the thanksgiving meal--see I Corinthians 11:24), and enjoined a commemorative ordinance still observed by God’s people today.

3. Jesus’ prediction of Peter’s denial (vv. 30-35): As Jesus’ and his disciples walked to the Mount of Olives, the Lord predicted that his followers would abandon him, in his hour of trail. Peter, impetuous as always, bristled at the Lord’s words, and Jesus observed that the impulsive disciple would deny the Master three times.

D. Jesus’ Prayer in Gethsemane and Betrayal by Judas (26:36-56)

1. Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane (vv. 36-46): The Lord prepared for his passion through prayer. The disciples accompanied the master to Gethsemane, but, oblivious to the impending crisis, they fell asleep as Jesus prayed. Peter, James, and John followed Jesus to a secluded place, but they dozed as the Savior agonized. We do not know how the drowsy disciples knew the content of Jesus’ prayer, but all three Synoptic Gospels record the Lord’s words. The weight of a world of sin pressed upon him, and he asked that the cup of God’s wrath might pass from him; nevertheless, he submitted to the Father’s sovereign design. This passage gives some insight into the mysteries of the Lord’s humanity and deity.

2. Judas’ betrayal of Jesus (vv. 47-56): As previously arranged, Judas betrayed the Lord by a kiss. One of the disciples (John identifies Peter) drew a sword and struck off the ear of the high priest’s servant (John says his name was Malchus). The Lord, pf course, rebuked Peter for his violent act and reminded the violent disciple that those who live by the sword will die by the sword. Matthew pointed out that a large crowd of armed men came to arrest him, and, in the face of this intimidating circumstance, the disciples ran away.

E. Jesus’ trial before Caiaphas (26:57-68): The men who arrested the Lord took him to the high priest, and the religious authorities produced false witnesses who brought spurious charges against Jesus. Finally, Caiaphas asked Jesus about his identity, and Jesus answered with an unmistakable claim of deity. The high priest, outraged at Jesus’ response, pronounced Jesus guilty and deserving of death on the charge of blasphemy. The religious leaders spat on the Lord and mocked him.

F. Peter’s denial of Jesus (26:69-75): As Jesus predicted, Peter three times denied his connection with the Lord, the last denial in the form of an oath. Peter, broken by his weakness, wept bitterly.

Pictures from Honduras

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!"
-Romans 10:14-15

Here are some Honduras pictures for those of you who have not seen them. I had to steal these from Gary and post them, because Gary is "so busy" that he can't do it himself. Two downloaded programs later, I have stole them from his Facebook page. I hope you are all doing well. To be honest, it was a very difficult trip (on many different levels), and I think we have all recovered (to some extent). Without further delay... enjoy...





















For the Scripture says, "Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame."
-Romans 10:11

The Great Exchange

Martin Luther calls 2 Corinthians 5:21 “The Great Exchange.” Paul writes, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” It is indeed as Luther suggests a great exchange. The eternally existent Jesus-the One through whom all things were created and currently consist, did not consider equality with God something to be attained, but is the eternally blessed God-became sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.[1]

It is important to note and meditate on the verses prior which indicate that one who is in Christ is a “new creation.” When Paul writes that he became sin “for us,” we are those who are in Jesus-believers who have been, “crucified with Christ.”[2] It is not just anyone who can lay claim to this amazing verse, but only those who have received the birth of the Spirit that Jesus speaks of in John chapter three. But if one professes to be a Christian then he claims this verse. He became sin-Jesus was not merely subjected to the savage scourging of the Romans, the crown of thorns, nails in his hands, nails in his feet, and slow painful suffocation-but on Him was placed the iniquity of us all. Christ suffered as a serial murderer, someone who hunted and killed other human beings for pleasure’s sake. He suffered as a white-lying hypocrite, and a Sunday-saint living like hell on Saturday. He suffered as a career prostitute, and a wicked slave master. He suffered as one who captures children to sell for sexual favors, and a money launderer that depletes the hard-earned retirement funds of the average working man. He suffered as one who worships objects fashioned by the hands of man, and an atheist who denies the existence of any heavenly being. He suffered as one who loves money more than his God or fellow man, and one who preaches that Godliness is congruent with handsome material gain. He suffered as a rapist, and a thief. To quote Shai Linne, “I could write for a billion years and still can’t name, all of the sins placed on the Lamb slain.” Consider that this suffering is equal to the penalty incurred by the sin, namely eternal damnation. Our sin warranted eternal punishment, thus it was necessary for our savior to be eternal. Christ suffered the full penalty for the sin of those who believe, becoming sin on our behalf.

Christ became sin; we became righteousness-the great exchange. Shall we go on sinning so that grace may abound? Perish the thought![3] This is the new life; we have been crucified with Christ, buried and raised with Him in newness of life.[4] It is therefore a dangerous thing to consider someone a “carnal Christian.” If one’s passion is for the flesh then he is indeed of the flesh. Sin is death. Christ did not become sin on our behalf so that we could continue dying, but so that we could live and live abundantly. Believers are the righteousness of Christ through Him who became sin, thus freed from the oppression of fleshly desire. We are free to live abundantly, content even with food and clothing, because we are God’s. Can the wonder of helpless sinners being reconciled to God be overstated?

When contemplating this great exchange it is imperative to remember that not everyone participates. In fact most do not. Most fail to submit to the gospel and receive the new birth and; thus remain in their sin. One must also remember that the exchange is not done by human hands. The Father placed His wrath on the Son, who became sin on our behalf, and the Father then imputes Christ’s righteousness to us. It is not our righteousness, or our work that we can boast in, but Christ alone is our boast. If we are indeed His then we ought to love our neighbor as He commanded, not that we might rigorously earn what has already been paid for, but because loving Christ entails loving our neighbor-the two are inseparable. Also we ought to revile sin in our lives. We ought not tolerate our sin, allow it to fester and grow; but we must mortify sin by the Spirit. We ought not to tolerate sin in the lives of our brethren, but in love we must mortify sin in the Church as well. Not as haughty Pharisees lording our righteousness over others as if we have earned it our self, but as family holding one another accountable for their own sake and the family’s-knowing that it is Christ who became sin on our behalf that we might become His righteousness.

We ought not to take lightly the work Christ has done, becoming sin so that we might become righteousness. Let us celebrate His tremendous gift, while humbly remaining aware of its implications. By the Spirit let us strive for holiness, not conforming to the pattern of this world, but nevertheless loving those living in the world-caring for them as Christ did.


"Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” -John 3:5-8



[1] See Philippians 2; John 1; Colossians 1, 2; and Romans 9 for scriptural proof that all these things are indeed true of Jesus.
[2] Galatians 2:21
[3] See Romans 6:1-2
[4] Romans 6:3-11ish