Your Lifestyle Testifies

It is the church’s purpose to bear witness to the truth of Jesus Christ in light of the Day to come. Jesus—the Judge—has called each church member up to the witness stand in their life, and we are called to testify to the truth.

So, if it’s all about our testimony of words, does our testimony of lifestyle matter?

Yes, because our lifestyle testifies.

Below is a briefly edited excerpt from the book The Gospel of Christ Crucified by John Harrigan, that explains the importance of the lifestyle of the witness.

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Those who proclaim the hope of the age to come must actually live for the age to come.

Believers are repeatedly exhorted to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called" (Eph. 4:1; cf. Phil. 1:27; Col. 1:10; 1 Thess. 2:12).

If we proclaim that the saints will rule the earth in the age to come, then what happens when unbelievers see us squabbling over the trivial things of this age? When we proclaim that the age to come will be full of righteousness, peace, and love, and yet we tear one another down with our words, then we "grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom (we) were sealed for the day of redemption" (Eph. 4:30).

When we tell people that Jesus is the Messiah—that "God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name" (Phil. 2:9)—and yet we follow after human personalities, what becomes of our witness? 

When we condemn greed yet show favouritism to the rich, we deceive ourselves, for "has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?” (James 2:5).

Those who say they live for the age to come yet actually live for this age “bring the way of truth into disrepute” (2 Peter 2:2).

Similarly, chose who proclaim the cross must actually live out the cross.

To preach the cross without actually taking up your cross results in the message of the cross being "emptied of its power" (1 Cor. 1:17). Those who say they follow Christ crucified yet lord it over those they lead, masquerading as kings, will be revealed by fire, "for the Day will disclose it" (1 Cor. 3:13).

What becomes of the message of the cross if we set aside the grace of God and impose a harsh [legalism] on others? Instead of "One beggar telling another beggar where to find bread," we become bankers passing by beggars, scolding them for their lack of a work ethic.

Rather, our words must be demonstrated by our lives. In this way the church witnesses to Christ Jesus, concerning both his first and second coming, by word and deed.

Our Words Matter

As disciples of Jesus, does what we say matter?

Absolutely.

Consider Jesus’ sobering words:

“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37).

Perhaps nothing more needs to be said!

But I want to briefly address the why behind our speaking with “care”.

Hundreds of years before Jesus uttered those words above, a prophet named Isaiah in Judah witnessed a magnificent vision of the LORD in his heavenly temple (see Isaiah 6:1-7).

Exalted. Other-worldly. Earth-shattering. Glory-filled. Holy.

These are but some words to describe the powerful event.

Upon Isaiah seeing and hearing what he did, he immediately cried out:

“Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!” (Isaiah 6:5).

Notice that at the sight and sound of this glorious and holy vision, Isaiah recognized the uncleanliness of his lips—and not only his, but the lips of all whom he dwells in the midst of.

Why is this?

This vision revealed God’s holiness, which in turn revealed Isaiah’s unholiness. And Isaiah described his unholiness by the impurity of his words.

Therefore, our words matter because holiness matters. And holiness matters because God is holy, and we are called to be holy as he is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16)—for we were created to reflect God as his image-bearers (see Genesis 1:26-27), which means speaking as he would speak.

Consider this: Jesus is the “Holy and Righteous One” (Acts 3:14) from God. In fact, he is “the Word of God” (Revelation 19:13) who has “[become] flesh” (John 1:14). As God once spoke through the prophets, he’s now spoken by his Son (see Hebrews 1:1-2).

In one sense, therefore, we can say that God’s voice and words are Jesus, for Jesus is God’s very Word. God thus demonstrates his holiness through Jesus.

With all this in mind, the reason for why we ought to speak with care is because just as God speaks through Jesus—and we are to speak in reflection of him—then we ought to speak this way as well. It’s part of our call to holiness.

And if ever we think that holiness in this life doesn’t matter “because I’m saved by grace and not by works!” then let us carefully read Hebrews 12:14:

“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”

Do you want to see the Lord as Isaiah saw him?

Then take care that you speak as God speaks—that is, that your lips produce words that come from someone who’s been “washed…sanctified…[and] justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11).

Although this might bring conviction to some of us, good evidence that this “washing” and “sanctifying” work of Jesus has been done in our hearts is by listening to what we say, for it’s “out of the abundance of the heart [that] the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34).

Church, let’s take care how we speak.

Yes, as Isaiah was cleansed and forgiven of his sinful lips (Isaiah 6:6-7), we’ve also been cleansed and forgiven (see Titus 3:4-7). But our salvation is never to be understood apart from real-life transformation and ongoing holy living. In fact, after declaring the wonder of the gospel to Titus, Paul wrote, “The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things [of the gospel], so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works” (Titus 3:8).

Since Paul would’ve easily understood “careful speech” as included under “good works,” it might be helpful to reread that last part as, “so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good words.”

Our words matter!

Therefore, in union with Jesus—abiding in him for everything (see John 15:1-17)—speak as he speaks.

God's Purposes: He Wants to See His Son!

What exactly are God’s purposes?

This is a great question with a multi-faceted answer, I believe. In one sense, we could say that God’s ultimate purpose for creation (including you and I) is for all created things to reverently know his holy name. You can read more about that here.

But as noted, the answer to this question has many sides to it.

What, then, would be another way to understand God’s purposes? In fact, let’s ask it this way: what is the purpose of God that will be completed—or at least begin completion—when Jesus returns?

Ephesians 1:9-10 give an answer to this question.

For a brief context, this passage falls in the introduction of Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus, where he lists several “spiritual blessings” that have been given to the Ephesian Christians by nature of their union with Christ (see Ephesians 1:3-14).

It’s in the middle of this section where our passage lies. Paul wrote,

“[God makes] known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth” (Ephesians 1:9-10).

Let’s note what Paul seems to be saying at the beginning:

• God has a will which was once hidden but now revealed. This is the idea behind the phrase, “the mystery of his will.”

• This “will” is in accordance with God’s purpose. This means it’s not based on spontaneity or a whim. Therefore, God’s will and purpose is steadfast and unchanging.

• God’s purpose-driven “will” is “set forth in Christ”—meaning, God the Father executes his “will” in and through God the Son. This is similar to the fact that although God’s Word says that God made the heavens and the earth (see Genesis 1:1), we find out later that God executed this through Jesus (see Colossians 1:16).

• This “will,” which is a plan according to God’s unchanging purpose, is “for the fullness of time.” It’s a plan “to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment” (NIV). This has to do with the end of days—when the fullness of times are complete. When all times and all seasons have been carried out, and at last Jesus descends upon the earth, this “will” will be done.

Okay, but what is his purpose-driven “will” that will come about through Christ at the end of time?

Verse ten has the answer: God will bring all things together in and under his Son, Jesus Christ. That’s the “mystery of his will” that we’ve been blessed to have been given the knowledge of.

At the end of times, God will bring together all things in heaven and earth in Jesus.

What this means is that when all is said and done, when all days, weeks, months, seasons, years, decades, and centuries have been carried out according to God’s will, God will finally and fully bring everything together under Jesus Christ, his Son.

This means that everything—all humans, all creation, all angelic and demonic entities, everything—will find where they stand in relation to Jesus and be judged accordingly.

It also means that everything, having been united in and under Jesus Christ in a final way, will be totally made new in him.

As a sidetone, this doesn’t mean that every demonic entity and every unsaved person will automatically be saved. What it does mean is that every rebel of God, in heaven and on earth, will come to see Jesus as King of kings and be dealt with according to his righteousness.

Therefore, God has a purpose-driven “will,” enacted by Jesus Christ, that will find its completion at the very end.

God will unite all things in Christ Jesus.

So, looking at all of this from 30,000 foot perspective, we can see that part of God’s purposes is for him to see his Son in all creation.

What else would a father most desire?

He wants to see his Son! And he wants to see his Son make all things new—including you and me.

Why "Church" is Important ⛪

What’s the big deal with “church”? I’m not talking about “church” as a non-profit charity or as some building, but as disciples in Christ in local assemblies of God around the world (and some of these meet in buildings and are registered as charities!).

Why should careful thought and consideration be put in regard to the purpose and structure of these gatherings called “church”?

Here’s why: the church directly impacts God’s glory.

Let me explain.

“To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Philippians 4:20)

This verse sums up the goal of God: to be glorified.

On a basic level, this means that God’s goal is for his goodness to be reflected.

But how does this happen? When creation reflects the goodness of God by making it seen and known. This is why creation—including you and I—exist (Gen. 1:26-27; Ps. 19:1; Isa. 43:6-7; 1 Cor. 10:31; etc.)!

All of creation glorifies God, then, at least in a basic way. But sin has marred much of this (Gen. 3; Rom. 3:23). Therefore, there’s a more important and “total” way that God is glorified…

…through the exaltation of Jesus. How does this glorify God? It glorifies God because Jesus is the perfect reflection and representation of God (eJn. 14:8-10; Col. 1:15; Heb. 1:3). If Jesus is seen, known, worshipped, and followed, then God is therefore glorified.

But how, then, is Jesus exalted most effectively? How is Jesus seen and known?

Being that Jesus is the king of God’s kingdom (Jn. 18:36; Eph. 5:5; Col. 1:13), the extension and advancement of the kingdom of God would exalt king Jesus (Acrs 8:12; 28:31; Rev. 12:10).

How, then, is God’s kingdom extended and advanced on the earth? Through disciples of Jesus making disciples of Jesus (Matt. 28:19). This necessarily means that they are being faithful to declare and demonstrate the kingdom of God.

This finally leads us to the connection with the “church.”

You see, how are disciples encouraged and equipped for proclaiming king Jesus and extending God’s kingdom? The church.

Therefore, the healthier a church is, the healthier and more mature its disciples will be. And mature disciples will advance God’s kingdom, bringing about the exaltation of Jesus.

And when Jesus is exalted, God is glorified.

All this being said, “church” is a big deal. I agree that the “system” of church can sometimes be a hindrance, but church as an assembly of God in Christ Jesus is invaluable to the accomplishment of the goal of God:

His Glory.

Two Verses that Say Two Thousand Things!

When the early disciples in Ephesus gathered in a home to hear for the first time a letter written to them by Paul (who had spent much time with them earlier on), I don’t think they knew what was coming.

In the first couple of lines Paul gave a standard greeting, but then he suddenly plunged into a depth of spirituality that has continued to excite and boggle mankind for centuries.

It’s within this spiritual ocean where we find two verses that speak to many profound realities. Paul wrote,

“…[God] predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:5-6).

Let’s consider each component and how we benefit from them.

• God predestined us. Without his providential direction in our lives, we’d be left to our own willpower to dictate our future. And if you’re like me, willpower can’t be relied on. Praise God for his ultimate power over us to lead us where he desires us to be!

• God adopted us to be his sons through Jesus Christ. Without God’s adoption, we’re unsettled and undisciplined children in Satan’s orphanage—with no hope. But God adopted us to himself! How? By putting forth his perfect Son to be the sin-sacrifice for us. Through what Jesus Christ has done, we get the privilege of being united to him—becoming sons of God and co-heirs with Jesus himself!

• God has a will that he is purposed to do. God has a plan, an agenda, a will. It’s perfect and holy. Of course, God has standards of right and wrong that are messed with every day by humanity (this is why so much suffering and evil exist), but that doesn’t diminish the fact that he has an overarching will that can be absolutely trusted. In fact, your adoption is in accordance with this will!

• God has a goal: for his glorious grace in Jesus Christ to be praised. God’s not aimless in life, nor random in his desires. Everything is fixed on a goal, and that goal is all about Jesus—that he and his Son (and all they’ve done) would receive the due praise worthy of them. Do you want to know what God is up to? He’s up to working things according to his will to ultimately exalt Jesus and his grace demonstrated in the gospel!

• God includes you in his goal to exalt Jesus and his grace. Think about it: if God desires that he be praised for his glorious grace, then that would mean those who praise him must have experienced his glorious grace! We praise that which we’ve been positively affected by. In this case, we praise God for his undeserved blessing and favour in our lives! According to God’s will and goal, he desires that many people receive the overwhelming flood of his glorious grace in Jesus Christ, and that in their God-centred ecstasy they praise him all their days!

These observations merely scratch the surface of the depth of these wonders. Maybe you can see more!

The Secret to Accomplishing Good Works

Tucked away in Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians is a little verse with massive power.

In context, Paul was encouraging the Corinthians to give generously for the support of other saints. He wrote,

“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

Firstly, Paul provided the biblical truth that generous giving results in generous receiving. And, secondly, the idea seems to be that Paul conditioned the “generous receiving” on the attitude of the giver—that is, the generous giving came from one who’s heart was free and happy to give.

It’s what follows that I’d like us to now consider. Paul wrote,

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good word” (v. 8).

This verse struck me the other day when I read it, and I hope you see its power!

We’ve already noted how generous and cheerful giving results in a bountiful harvest, but what exactly is included in this harvest?

The above verse tells us: the all-sufficient and God-given ability to abound in every good work.

God has created good works for you and I to accomplish (see Ephesians 2:10). The areas for where we’re to do them cover all of life: at home, at work, on the road, in the church, during recreation, while reading, walking, etc.

Any genuine disciple would confess that they desire to effectively accomplish God’s good works for them in all of these areas. But what can happen, as I can testify, is that we lack the ability at times—or better, we feel we lack the ability—to do these works.

But what if there was a promise in Scripture that God’s sufficiency and ability would provide all you need, at all times, to abundantly accomplish all the works he has for you?

There is! And we’ve already looked at it!

But what’s this promise connected to? What is its context?

Generous and cheerful giving.

If you’re like me, you want to do all the good works God has prepared for you. And if you’re still like me, you want God’s sufficiency and ability to do them.

If that’s the case, then let us give ourselves to giving! Let us generously and cheerfully give much, and thus receive the blessing of God’s abundant grace in every good work.

What's a Healthy Church?

Around AD 50 Paul and his coworkers travelled to Thessalonica (modern day Thessaloniki in Greece) and preached the gospel. Amid stirring up controversy, they successfully made some disciples by God’s grace.

This resulted in the church at Thessalonica—an assembly of gathered disciples.

Paul would go on to other cities and countries, but he wrote to this church at least twice before he was martyred.

As in many of his letters to various churches, he begun in thanking God for the ways God’s grace has moved in the life of their church.

Paul wrote,

“We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers [and sisters], as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing” (2 Thessalonians 1:3).

Note the seeming simplicity of why Paul thought it right to thank God for them. It wasn’t because they all became scholars, nor that they set up social service programs for the community, nor because they received enough donations to start a building project.

It’s not wrong to be educated, nor to serve the hungry, nor to build a building—but Paul thanked God that God’s grace was continuing to grow the Thessalonians’ faith and love.

That’s it!

Their faith in Christ was growing abundantly, and their love for one another was increasing.

This means that their assurance and conviction of God’s glorious promises in Christ Jesus kept getting stronger, and their brotherly love and affection for one another in the church likewise grew.

I don’t think it’s wrong to actually measure the health of a church by these outcomes. If a church’s faith and love are growing, then thank God!

Do you feel like your faith in Christ is increasing? What about your love for others in our church community—is that getting stronger?

Also consider the fact that Paul had to have heard about the life of the church in order to write what he did. In other words, he witnessed evidence of their increasing faith and love. Most likely this came via messengers either from Thessalonica or others who had passed through Thessalonica.

Whatever the case, the reality is that the faith and love of the Thessalonians was “loud” enough for Paul’s ears to hear—even though he was miles away.

Therefore, genuine faith and love are not merely private experiences, closed off to others. While beginning in the heart, genuine faith and love must be exercised through the physical body—through feet, hands, mouths, etc.

In fact, in Paul’s first letter to this same church, he wrote of their “work of faith and labour of love” (1 Thessalonians 1:3).

Do you see it? Their faith and love were evidenced by their corresponding work and labour.

Let us pray that God, by the Holy Spirit, would increase our faith in Christ and love for one another!

Let’s be a healthy church!

Discipleship Training: How to Get Out of Handcuffs

If you haven’t heard of Brother Yun, I’d encourage you to read The Heavenly Man: The Remarkable True Story of Chinese Christian Brother Yun. I have two extra copies that I can lend out. If you’re interested, let me know.

Brother Yun is part of a ministry called Back to Jerusalem. It’s a Chinese ministry that seeks to evangelize “the thousands of unreached people groups, towns and villages between China and Jerusalem.” [1] Through this ministry, men and women are equipped to boldly bring the gospel to where it’s needed most.

As some of you may know, China has a dark history in the persecution of Christians—and it’s ongoing. Faithful disciples like Brother Yun, and many others, are living testimonies of those who’ve suffered for Jesus’ name at the hands of the Chinese government.

While reading through the biography mentioned above, something caught my eye that I’d like to share with us.

Near the end of the book when Brother Yun is explaining the ministry of Back to Jerusalem, he writes that each “Back to Jerusalem missionary receives training in several main subjects.” He then lists three, which I’d like to share:

1. How to suffer and die for the Lord. We examine what the Bible says about suffering, and look at how the Lord’s people have laid down their lives for the advance of the gospel throughout history.

2. How to witness for the Lord. We teach how to witness for the Lord under any circumstance, on trains or buses, or even in the back of a police van on our way to the execution ground.

3. How to escape for the Lord. We know that sometimes it is the Lord who sends us to prison to witness for him, but we also believe the devil sometimes wants us to go to prison to stop the ministry God has called us to do. We teach the missionaries special skills such as how to free themselves from handcuffs, and how to jump from second-storey windows without injuring themselves.

For their particular ministry, which includes confronting the deeply demonic strongholds of Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, these areas of training are critical.

In fact, Brother Yun states that “Nothing less is required if we are to break down the walls that separate Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists from knowing the sweet presence of Jesus.”

For the Back to Jerusalem missionaries, these areas of equipping are essential. But what about for us, here in the Fraser Valley in this present time?

Considering what Brother Yun wrote about their particular ministry, ask these questions about our ministry:

• Are you gripped by a vision to bring the gospel to those around you?

• In what areas do you feel lacking in spreading the name of Jesus to the unreached around us?

• What main trainings do you feel that you and other Christians around you need in order to be better equipped to advance the gospel?

I’d be curious to know your answers! Feel free to share them with me.

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[1] All quotations in blog come from the book, The Heavenly Man (Yun and Paul Hattaway, The Heavenly Man: The Remarkable True Story of Chinese Christian Brother Yun. London: Monarch, 2002.).

God's Goal and Your Part In It

As Jesus taught his disciples on a mountain in Galilee, he took time to elaborate on prayer. He taught them to pray simply and in secret, since God knows what they already needed (Matt. 6:5-8).

He then gave an example of what to pray, and it’s in this example—known traditionally as “The Lord’s Prayer”—that we see the goal of God.

Jesus taught his disciples in Matthew 6:9,

“Pray then like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.’”

Before addressing anything else (like praying for needs to be met, forgiveness, etc.), Jesus strikes the centre of everything: God.

As disciples of Jesus in the 21st century, we ought to seriously consider the fact that Jesus first taught us to seek and ask the Father for his name to be hallowed.

As the footnote in my English Standard Version writes on this verse, for God the Father’s name to be hallowed means, “Let your name be kept holy,” or, “Let your name be treated with reverence.”

So, what is Jesus teaching us here?

Firstly, God’s name is who he is. It encompasses his whole Being. We’re not talking simply about his “name.”

Now, God doesn’t need us to pray that he keeps himself holy, or treats himself with reverence. God knows who God is, and perfectly upholds his name in holiness and reverence.

Therefore, for us to pray for God’s name to be hallowed is to for us to pray that we revere God as holy. And even though Jesus rightly teaches us that we are to treat and commune with God in holiness and reverence, he more importantly teaches us that the Father plays a necessary role in bringing that about. If he didn’t, then Jesus wouldn’t teach us to pray this way.

In other words, we need God’s supernatural help to revere God and keep his name holy in our lives.

And in all of this, we find the goal of God: for creation to reverently know his holy name.

God is glorified when we live in reverence of him.

So, how does God answer our prayer to hallow his name?

One word: Jesus.

No one lived in reverence to God’s holy name more than Jesus. He never once lost sight of his Father, nor said or did anything that would misrepresent him.

And thankfully, the gift of the gospel is union with Jesus! Our old self that revered only ourselves was crucified with Christ, and we became new creations in him—the same Christ who perfectly hallowed the Father’s name. To be in him is to have him as our life, and to actually live out his life in ours.

Therefore, our part in God’s goal is twofold:

1. Pray to the Father that his name would be hallowed every day—in your life, in your family’s life, in your church’s life, etc. Jesus’ teaching still stands: “Pray then like this…” So, obey!

2. Recognize your new life in Christ Jesus, and walk in him. Realize that he isn’t an addition to your life, but is truly your life. As you walk and live in him, you will naturally revere God’s name as holy.

How Do We “Love” the World?

Most of us have the awareness that we, as Christians, ought to love and minister to the unbelieving world around us.

That’s true!

But what do we think about when we consider the kind of love and ministry we are to have? What is particular and peculiar about “Christian” love and ministry? Does it look the same as other non-Christian charitable works? If so, what makes it “Christian”? And if not, then what is our love and ministry to the world supposed to look like?

Before I continue, let me make clear up front that general charitable works of love and ministry to those in need is a good thing. General works of love and ministry include things like feeding the poor, providing essential goods to those without, caring for the mentally ill, helping bring justice to the victimized, and more. These are all good things! In fact, Jesus himself models for us feeding the hungry (Matt. 14:31-21) and enjoying the company of outcasts (9:10-13).

While these things are important, what is unique about “Christian” love and ministry?

In Matthew 9:35-38 we find an answer,

“And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.’”

From this passage we find six unique things about the particular kind of love and ministry we are to engage in as disciples of Jesus.

1. Our work is global. Notice how Jesus “went throughout all the cities and villages.” He was not content in one area. The work of his love and ministry had to spread everywhere, because his heart was for everyone and everyone was truly in need. Therefore, as his disciples, we are to also consider our work of love and ministry as global.

2. Our work is words. Whether intentional or not, Matthew chooses to describe Jesus’ ministry by first emphasizing his “teaching” and “proclaiming” of the good news of the kingdom. In other words, before stating what he did we hear what he said. This is because the focus and foundation of Jesus’ (and our) love and ministry to the world is the reality of the kingdom of God. God has broken through the dominion of sin and darkness, and provided a way for all people to experience his grace, power, and love in his perfect kingdom. Therefore, as his disciples, we are to love and minister to the unbelieving world with our words: teaching and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom.

3. Our work is healing. This shouldn’t be a controversial issue. The plain reading of the gospels displays a Man (Jesus) who heals—all the time. And this isn’t merely a “spiritualized” healing, but physical healings of diseases and afflictions. Therefore, as Jesus’ disciples, we are to understand that our love and ministry to the world includes the supernatural power of healing. New Testament scholar Craig Keener writes, “The disciples are to demonstrate God’s reign the way Jesus did, through healings and exorcisms, a commission Matthew nowhere revokes” (Craig S. Keener, Gift & Giver: The Holy Spirit for Today; Grand Rapids, Mich: Baker Academic, 2001).

4. Our work is motivated by deep compassion. Of course, unbelievers may also claim that their works of love are motivated by compassion. So what’s unique about Jesus’ compassion? As Matthew notes, when he saw the crowds he saw their true state and identity: “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” It wasn’t just that these people were hungry, needy, without essential goods, ill, afflicted in various ways, etc. In truth, they were harassed by the enemy of their souls—Satan—and completely helpless in their fight against him and sin. And without life-giving direction and leadership, they roamed about like shepherdless sheep—aimless and fruitless. Jesus’ compassion for them, therefore, was deep, because he saw the depth of their need. They weren’t just hungry for food, they were hungry for life—life that he could give them. Therefore, as his disciples, our work of love and ministry to the lost is motivated by deep compassion—compassion that goes beyond the surface and into their hearts and souls.

5. Our work is constant. Jesus said plainly that “the harvest is plentiful.” Jesus understands his work of love and ministry in farming terms. All those people in need—in need of the kingdom’s message and power of love and truth—are like a field that is waiting to be reaped of its fruit. And with this harvest, there are no off seasons. The fields are constantly being sown and reaped. The gospels don’t portray Jesus as taking long and frequent vacations and breaks. He was constantly reaping the harvest of souls! Therefore, as his disciples, we must understand that our work of love and ministry is always before us—and ready to be reaped.

6. Our work needs workers. It’s exciting to know that the harvest is plentiful, but the reality that Jesus makes clear is that there are not enough labourers. So, what’s his plan? Prayer. Unfortunately, we often forget what Jesus always knew: the Father listens to and answers our prayers. We ought to always pray that the Father sends out workers of Spirit-empowered love and ministry to the world. But of course, while Jesus encouraged prayer for workers, he didn’t substitute that with his own work. He prayed for workers and worked himself. Even after exhorting his 12 disciples to pray for harvest workers, he himself sends them out to work (Matt. 10:1-15). And then after that, he sends out 72 (Lk. 10:1-20). And if that weren’t enough (it obviously wasn’t), he sends out all of us (Matt. 28:18-20). Therefore, as Jesus’ disciples, our love and ministry to the unbelieving world includes regular prayer for more workers—but always in addition to our own harvest work.

At least these six things help us see the unique nature of our love and ministry to the world. And while we may become overwhelmed and think, “I can’t do that!” that's actually a healthy place to be! Jesus knows we can’t do it. That’s why he united himself to us, and generously poured out his Spirit so that we would be empowered by God himself in this harvest work.

So yes, none of us can do it! It’s too much! Too scary! Too overwhelming!

But thanks to God that he chooses the weak and foolish to accomplish his mighty purposes.

Pay Attention to Your Dreams

This morning as I continued my reading through Genesis, I came to the beginning of the story of Joseph. Within five verses of this massive story in Genesis the narrator makes mention of Joseph’s dreams.

His first dream was that of a sheaf of grain that he bound standing upright, while his brothers’ sheaves bowed down to his (Gen. 37:7). And then his second dream had the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowing down to him (v. 9). 

As some of you know, these dreams weren’t random psychological effects that happened in Joseph’s brain while he slept, but they were from God and prophetic. They spoke to a future reality that was to take place—which did in fact take place (see Gen. 37-50).

The Bible is sprinkled with stories of how God used dreams and the interpretation of dreams to make his will known and advance his purposes. In fact, even with the birth of Jesus did dreams play an essential role (see Matt. 1:20; 2:13, 19-20, 22).

The reality is this: in the Bible, one of the ways God revealed truth was through dreams.

So the question is, is that still a reality today?

I believe it is.

Not only do we see the examples of God using dreams for his purposes in the New Testament (see Acts 16:9-10), but we also read in Acts 2:17 that prophecies, visions, and dreams will be part of the Spirit-baptized church.

So, if that’s the case, what do we do about this reality?

Here are a handful of points I’d make about dreams, in no particular order:

1. Pray that God would reveal his will to you through dreams, and that you’d remember them.

2. If you dream a dream, and are not sure if God is involved or not, ask him. And if you’re still unsure, talk about it with a mature Christian.

3. Not all dreams are God’s revelation to you.

4. Compare your dreams to Scripture, for Scripture is your testing ground and foundation for God’s revelation. If, for example, you had a dream that you were being applauded for separating yourself from church community, then you’ll know right away by comparing this dream to Scripture how to interpret it—at least in part. You’ll know at least that the dream isn’t God leading you to separate yourself from church community, because Scripture calls us in to church community.

I’m sure there are other important points to make, but these are the first that came to mind.

Let’s ask and expect God to use dreams to reveal his truth to us.

Stop Trying and Start Living

Who we are and what we have “in Christ” is a never-ending wonder and discovery.

To truly be a Christian is not to merely be forgiven and on your way to heaven—it’s to have died to your old life, and become totally new in union with Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:30 displays for us a powerful truth,

“And because of [God] you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption.”

Note what’s not being said. What’s not said is that because of Jesus Christ, we now have wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Rather, what’s being said is that we have been put in Christ, who is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.

In other words, everything we need to live the abundant life with God that we were made for, is ours in Christ Jesus.

Revel in this wonder!

• You don’t need to muster your own wisdom, for Christ in you is your wisdom.

• You don’t need to try and “be good” for God’s acceptance, for Christ in you is the righteousness of God for you.

• You don’t need to be the source of your spiritual maturity, for Christ in you is the progression of your godliness.

• And you don’t need to try and save yourself, for Christ in you is your redemption and salvation.

So, if this is true (and it is) then what do we do?

I believe Colossians 2:6-7 provides the answer,

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”

If you’ve received the Lord Jesus, then the reality of 1 Corinthians 1:30 has happened to you: you’ve been put in him.

That being the case, what’s now our responsibility is to “walk in him.” Live your entire life—and every part of it—with the recognition of Christ in you, rooted and built up in him.

We get to live out the finished work of Jesus in our lives! We don’t need to try and finish the work, it’s done! We simply recognize Christ in us, and we live out Christ in us.

This is why we are to abound in thanksgiving. Christ is the victor for us, and we respond in daily gratitude.

Let us see and live out Christ in us today!

What Do You Want to Be Known By?

Christians are known today by many things. For example, we are known as those who believe in Jesus, those who go to church, and those who believe the Bible. Sometimes we’re known by more negative things, like those who are haters, narrow-minded, and arrogant.

As a disciple, what do you want to be known by?

I want to emphasize for us a biblical identity-marker for Christians that I don’t hear very much of today. Perhaps in a short study of it, we’d take it on as what we’d want to be known by as Christians.

Ananias and the Damascus Church

In Acts 9 we have the story of Saul’s dramatic encounter with Jesus. It immediately left Saul physically blind, but quickly resulted in not only his physical healing, but the spiritual sight of salvation.

Part of this process involved God calling on a disciple named Ananias to assist Saul. It’s important to remember that Saul, prior to his Jesus-encounter, was a staunch persecutor of Christians. In fact, he was on his way to Damascus (where Ananias lived) with legal authority to imprison Christians.

But praise God, Jesus had other plans!

When God spoke to Ananias to be of assistance to Saul, Ananias—with some trepidation—said,

“Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name” (Acts 9:13-14).

Notice how Ananias described what the disciples were known by in Damascus: those who “call on [Jesus’] name.” He could have easily described them as simply “all the Christians here” or “the members of the church,” but he instead chooses the active description of those who “call on Jesus’ name.”

Could it be that Ananias chose this identity-marker of the disciples in Damascus because it was truly what they were known by? I believe so. But what does it mean?

Calling Upon the Name of the Lord

To “call on the name of God” is a phrase sprinkled throughout the whole Bible (Gen. 4:26; 12:8; 1 Kgs. 18:24; Ps. 116; Zeph. 3:9; Acts 2:21; 1 Cor. 1:2; etc.). It’s not overly complicated to understand, for it simply refers to one’s active prayer of seeking God.

But let me note two other additions to this description. To truly call upon the name of the Lord means that one is depending on the Lord (e.g., for deliverance), and is calling on him with the expectation that he can and will answer. Therefore, calling upon the name of the Lord is the active prayer of seeking God expectantly, depending on his grace and power.

Coming back to Ananias, could it be that he was part of a community of believers in Damascus that were generally known by their active and expectant prayer to God, depending on him for life and salvation?

Yes! And I think it’s what the church ought to be known by today as well.

Let us be known by who we call upon!

Let’s join with the church of Damascus and call upon the name of the Lord! Let’s refuse to depend and rely on worldly avenues of salvation, and call upon Jesus!

And let our call not be clothed in religious theory or empty habit, but in the living and expectant faith of Jesus, along with all those men and women throughout history who exhibited a godly faith. For when Elijah called upon the name of the Lord to miraculously light his offering, he expected God to answer him with fire—and God did (1 Kings 18:24).

Imagine, the whole church calling upon the name of the Lord.

Not only would we gain a new identity-marker like those Christians in Damascus, but we’d see and experience the movement of God in powerful ways.

Make time this week to call upon the name of the Lord—with expectancy and dependence on him alone.

Jesus is the Key to Your Purpose

The church is to reveal God by revealing his glory, most wonderfully displayed in the excellencies of the gospel (1 Pet. 2:9). Put in a memorable way, the church is to reveal God’s glory, goodness, and gospel—both in word and action. This is what she’s all about!

Now, that’s a lofty and weighty purpose! How could any community—let alone any individual, no matter how “gifted”—ever be able to effectively reveal God?

This is where Jesus comes in—the key to this whole conversation. In fact, he’s the key to our purpose.

Jesus perfectly revealed and reflected God in God’s glory and goodness, and was himself the main character and hero of God’s gospel. It’s a profound New Testament truth that Jesus perfectly revealed God (Jn. 1:1, 14, 18; 14:9; Col. 1:15; Heb. 1:3).

Therefore, Jesus sufficiently and perfectly accomplished the church’s purpose!

And how did he do this? What did it look like?

He fulfilled God the Father’s will for him, which can be summarized in Jesus’ own words when he read from the prophet Isaiah in the synagogue in Nazareth.

In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus said,

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”

Jesus’ entire public ministry can be described from this passage. In the empowerment of the Spirit of God, Jesus gave himself to the ministry of declaring God’s kingdom (in his preaching, teaching, and conversations) and demonstrating God’s kingdom (in his healing of the sick and deliverance of the demonically oppressed).

But he went even further. In order to both inaugurate God’s kingdom purposes (i.e., make real the liberty he preached and gave to others) and extend it to the whole world, Jesus underwent the grit and glory of his death, resurrection, and ascension. This was his unique part to play in God’s gospel, paving the way for sinners to become united with him.

This is where we see how Jesus is the key to the church’s purpose—to my purpose and yours! When a sinner experiences the call of God on them in their hearing of the gospel, and they respond to this call in repentance and faith (which continues on a daily basis by the way!), they become united to Jesus Christ. And it’s within this union with Christ that that sinner is thus forgiven of their sins, counted righteous in God’s sight, given a new heart and spirit, blessed with the Holy Spirit, and so much more (e.g., Eph. 1:3-14).

What this union with Jesus does, is fully redeems a sinner from their rebellion against God, enslavement to sin and Satan, and consequential death of judgment. The redemption in Christ that a sinner experiences is so immense that it literally brings about a death to their old life, followed by a new life in Christ. This death and life occurs because in repenting and believing in Jesus, followed by baptism into his name, a sinner is united to Jesus in his death and resurrection, and will soon be united with him in his glorification.

Paul thus wrote to the churches of Galatia,

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Gal. 2:20).

And again, to the Corinthian Christians, Paul wrote,

“…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold the new has come” (2 Cor. 5:17).

We can now see how you and I, as part of the church, can fulfill the purpose of revealing God’s glory, goodness, and gospel: in Christ!

It’s only in your union with Christ that you can effectively display and reveal the majesty and power of God and the gospel.

He is Jealous for You!

Upon humanity turning their backs on God, death and separation were counted unto them—that is, spiritual and physical death as well as separation from the full presence of God as their judgment for sin.

But God graciously chose a people, Israel, to initiate a great redemption that would extend to the four corners of the earth to all peoples, tribes, languages, and tongues.

The covenant (i.e., purposeful relationship) that God made with Israel at the start had the ideal purpose to cause them to shine the light of God’s glory to the world. In obeying God’s Word in everything and being faithful only to him, they would be a light to the surrounding nations of how great God is.

But the problem was that their stubborn hearts prevented them from being obedient and faithful to God. One of many evidences of this is found in Zechariah 7:11, where we hear that Israel “refused to pay attention [to God] and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears that they might not hear.” We then read the strong statement that they “made their hearts diamond-hard” toward God’s Word (v. 12).

This disobedience and unfaithfulness of Israel obviously injured their God-given purpose—to be a light of God’s glory to the world. And so due to their sin and God’s consequent judgment, they were “scattered…among all the nations” and their “land they left was desolate” (v. 14).

On the surface, this early history of God’s people and redemptive purposes seems dismal and ineffective…

…until we remember that God is gracious and sovereign. For God, it simply will not do for his chosen people to ignore him, thus robbing his glory and stunting his redemptive plan.

But it wasn’t as if he didn’t know about their unfaithfulness until it happened—in fact, his global redemptive plan recognized and worked through the issue of sin from the start.

And so God promised a gracious redemption and restoration—gracious because it would be entirely undeserved. And it wouldn’t just be for unfaithful Israel, but for the unfaithful world. God promised to bring the light of his glory to shine upon the world in such a powerful way that transformation of the heart would have to happen.

This is where Jesus Christ enters the picture. He is God’s Redemption, providing the way, truth, and life in himself for all people to be saved and reconciled to God. Their part would be to live lives in keeping with their repentance and faith in him.

All of this brings us to the verse I initially wanted to share. In Zechariah 8:2, in the context of God promising to graciously bless unfaithful Israel in the future, God says,

“I am jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I am jealous for her with great wrath.”

In other words, God is fierce in his desire for his people, because he alone deserves their love and devotion. And what Israel failed to see—and what so many Christians today often fail to remember—was that it’s only in true and obedient relationship with God that his steadfast love and faithfulness are personally experienced!

God desires you! Both for his sake and your’s!

And it’s true that the verse above speaks only of Israel, but what we come to find in the new covenant is that all peoples are invited into relationship with God. By his grace, non-Israelites (like myself, for example) can share in Israel’s promises by faith.

And so, God is jealous for you.

He is like a lovestruck husband who will do anything for his beloved bride. And his jealousy for you and I is “with great wrath.” If anything or anyone gets in the way of his Bride, there will be violent consequences.

I’ll end with both a warning and encouragement:

The warning is this: don’t get in the way of God’s jealous desire for you! He alone deserves the glory of your love and devotion. So give him your everything! Don’t selfishly depend on his “kindness and forbearance and patience,” thinking that he’ll just love and accept you whatever you do. Rather, his “kindness is meant to lead you to repentance” (Romans 2:4). Live as a pure and undefiled fiancé toward him as you await your wedding day.

And the encouragement is this: God wants you! And despite your diamond-hard heart of sin against him, he sacrificed his beloved Son to make a way for you to be his own. His love and faithfulness have truly been steadfast and patient, as your testimony has proven! And remember, it’s only in committing yourself to him in faithfulness and righteousness that the glory of his love and joy is personally felt in you.

Jesus is Coming Soon

Jesus is returning to the earth in the flesh—that is, in his resurrected physical body.

He will come to judge the world, and bring the final salvation to all those who are eagerly waiting for him in faith.

He will reign unhindered and fully exposed as King of kings and Lord of lords over all the nations—none will overpower him.

And after some time, he will remake the heavens and the earth and bring to reality the New Jerusalem where he and the Father will dwell permanently with their people: the Church.

This return of the King will be big, glorious, powerful, terrifying, cosmic, real, ground-breaking, shout-worthy, and global.

Many of us understand all of this in theory, but do we believe it? I think we daily need to humble ourselves before God and ask that the Spirit reveal more and more of this to our hearts.

We need the expectation and reality of Jesus’ return to burn in our hearts.

We need his second coming to be all-consuming in our lives.

We need to be eagerly waiting for his bodily return.

We need to cry out, “Come, Lord Jesus!”

In Romans 13:11-12, Paul encouraged the Church in Rome with these words:

“…the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light.”

Apparently Paul knew that some Christians in Rome were becoming “sleepy” in their walk with Christ. As we all know from experience, this inevitably leads to compromise and sinful acts—even if they begin small and almost unnoticeable.

This compromising and sinful behaviour are the “works of darkness” that Paul commanded they “cast off.”

Why?

Because as Paul wrote, “salvation is closer than ever before!” By saying this, he’s referring to our final salvation when Jesus returns.

Not only is “sleepy faith” always dangerous, but how much more when the “day” (i.e., Jesus’ return) is near?

Church, might I come alongside Paul and encourage all of us (including myself):

“The hour has come for you and I to wake from our slumber! Jesus is coming! His return is closer now than it has ever been before. The night is gone, friends. So throw off your sinful acts, thoughts, and attitudes. Every day be vigilant in putting on Jesus Christ!”

Consider: if Jesus’ coming was “nearer” at the time when Paul wrote his letter, how much “nearer” for us today? And if Paul—inspired by the Spirit—felt that the church in his day needed to wake from their slumber (though only decades after Jesus was resurrected and the Spirit was poured out), then how much more to we need to wake up?

Our Husband is coming for us.

Let us all be ready.

Amen.

Learn & Live Your Freedom 🆓

I came across a great illustration recently that helps clarify the reality of our freedom in Christ.

Let me share it with you!

Romans 6:3-14 teaches us that we, by nature of our union with Christ, are dead to sin and alive to God. It’s a profound fact of our salvation.

Since Jesus died to sin (our sin) once for all, death no longer has dominion over him. And since we’ve, by faith, died and been raised with Christ, we share in his glorious freedom!

Death and sin no longer have dominion over you and I! Death and sin are not our masters anymore. We have been legally set free from sin—no longer weighed down by its chains.

Yet, even with this fact clearly laid out in Scripture, why do you and I still act as if sin and death have a hold on us?

Maybe it’s because we need to learn to live out our freedom—to daily and consistently “consider ourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:11).

In a little book called “The Way of Victory” by James H. McConkey, written in 1928, I found an illustration that helps explain this freedom we have in Christ.

McConkey first states the biblical fact that victory will come as we claim our emancipation (freedom) through Christ. He then reminds his readers of the sorrowful reality of the slave trade in America, where thousands of people were enslaved—many times in brutal environments.

But thanks be to God, they were finally emancipated (set free) by legal authority. 

McConkey writes that,

“When Abraham Lincoln’s pen finished signing that emancipation proclamation, at that instant every slave in this broad land was set free. Whether [a slave] believed it or not; whether he acted upon it or not; whether it instantly began to change his inner and outer life or not, nevertheless that selfsame instant of the signing of that historic document he was set free.”

McConkey then bridges the illustration to our freedom in Christ, writing,

“The instant the Son of God cried out on His torturing cross, “IT IS FINISHED,” that instant every man who was, or ever should be, IN HIM through faith, was set free. Whether he believed it or not; whether it has yet affected his inner and outer life as a slave or not; whether he is knowing the power of that emancipation or not, yet HE IS SET FREE from the slave-mastership of sin.”

Amen!

You and I are free because Jesus “signed” the legal document of our freedom with his blood!

And just as many slaves in the slave trade had to learn to live out their newfound freedom, you and I as well need to learn to live out our freedom in Christ.

We are no longer under sin, but under grace! Death has no dominion over us! And thanks be to the blood of Christ!

We are FREE in Jesus!

How to "Not" Be Attracted to the World

The pull of the world can be strong.

I think of Demas, one of the Apostle Paul’s missionary teammates in the 1st century. Paul writes these regretful words to Timothy: “Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica” (2 Tim. 4:10).

For Demas, the pull of the world got the better of him and he deserted his faith because he loved the world more than he loved God.

Do you ever feel the pull of the world? Do you ever seem to show more love, attention, and reverence for the things of the world over God?

What can we do about this?

After repenting, I’d suggest we begin boasting.

Let me explain.

In Galatians 6:14, Paul writes this:

“But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”

There’s a powerful truth packed in this sentence.

The sentence can be broken up into two statements (which I’ll paraphrase):

1. I will boast in nothing except the cross of Christ.

2. The world has been crucified (i.e., killed, made powerless) to me, and I to the world.

The second statement is what we want—and it’s what Demas needed. The ESV Study Bible says about this statement that, to Paul, “the entire world system in all its glory…is dead or destroyed in its power to attract him; it has no influence or power over Paul, no appeal to him.”

As sufficient as Roman crucifixion was to make something dead and powerless (i.e., a human life), so the world has effectively lost its “attractive” power over Paul.

But how does this statement relate to the first statement?

Two words: “by which.”

Listen to what Paul writes: I will boast in nothing except the cross of Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Paul is clearly indicating in his testimony that through the cross of Christ, the power to break the “power of the world” was made effective for him.

Jesus’ death on the cross defeated the dominion and power of sin—the dominion and power that are currently ruling in this world, that ruled you and I.

By faith, Paul sees this victory!—and he sees that he is a partaker of this victory by nature of his union with the Victor: King Jesus.

Therefore, he will boast in nothing but the cross of Christ. For it’s through the cross that the world has lost its power over him. So, he will boast. And boast again!

So, what can we do if we find ourselves walking the same path as Demas?—finding ourselves attracted to the world, and beginning to walk away from the things of God?

Repent (i.e., turn away from that path!), and then boast.

Boast in the only thing that truly has power to break the power of the world: the cross of Christ.

Believe in the Lord Jesus and Be Saved!

The beautiful feet that had travelled so many miles to carry the good news of peace were all at once shut up in stocks.

There in the inner prison of Philippi sat Paul and Silas.

Just a matter of hours prior, they were heavily beaten by order of the civil magistrates. Why? Some citizens of Philippi said, “These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city. They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice” (Acts 16:20).

Well, that’s not entirely truthful. These particular citizens were more angry because Paul had put an end to their livelihood. They were using a demonized slave girl as a fortune-teller to make money, and Paul cast the demon out of her—miraculously delivering her from satanic oppression.

This then led to Paul and Silas in Philippi’s prison.

And although their bodies bore the marks of heavy blows and their feet were fastened in stocks, their hearts were ignited in love for Jesus. At midnight, they were unashamedly, for all to hear, praying and singing hymns to God (Acts 16:25).

Yet what happened next would have come as a surprise: an earthquake shook the prison in such a way that all cell doors and stocks were opened!

The jailer awoke and saw the sight, and took his sword to prepare to kill himself. Why? Because he saw that the doors were opened, and he wouldn’t want to face the shame and guilty outcome of having let his prisoners go free.

But as he drew his sword—tension rising just like Abraham drawing the dagger to sacrifice Isaac—Paul called out, “Stop! We’re all here!”

The jailer then approached Paul and Silas. Having known something about them and the message they carried, he asked one of life’s greatest questions:

“What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30).

What they say next sounds too simple to be true, but it is true (and beautiful):

“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:30).

No sooner did they answer him that he and his household were baptized into Jesus Christ. Not only this, but instantly fellowship was made between them and “he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God” (Acts 16:34).

Think about this incredible story: here was a Roman jailer who was about to use his sword against himself because of the fear, shame, and death that awaited him. But at the sight of two “lights” (disciples) deep in the inner cell, he was led to the Great Light: Jesus.

And what was the process for his salvation? Was it catechism? Did he have to do a 12-week beginners course? Did he have to get his life in order first? No!

What did he have to do? Believe in the Lord Jesus.

That’s it!

And brothers and sisters, nothing has changed today. People are all around us who are just like this jailer—plagued by fear, shame, and guilt. And we have the great privilege and joy to alleviate all of their aches with one simple command: believe in the Lord Jesus.

Though simple, believing in the Lord Jesus is not simplistic. To be sure, Paul and Silas are said to have spoken “the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house” after they told him to believe in the Lord Jesus (Acts 16:32).

But it still remains that simply “believing” in our Lord Jesus is all it takes to experience the joy and salvation he offers to us broken, rebellious people.

Therefore, wherever our discipleship may take us (potentially even to prison!), let us continually model a life that believes and submits to the Lord Jesus, and tell all people that if they just believe in the Lord Jesus, they will be saved—saved from sin, fear, shame, guilt, death, hell, etc.

It’s that simple.

Believe in the Lord Jesus.

Woah, Did Jesus Actually Say That?

Hey church family!

What are some verses in the Bible that you would deem as most important?

As we begin a new week, let me suggest we include Matthew 24:14 in our choosing!

Tucked inside a teaching about the end of the age, Jesus says this to his disciples:

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matt. 24:14).

It might be easy to quickly bypass this verse, but consider it for a moment. Jesus is clearly saying that the end will come after all nations have heard the proclamation of the gospel of the kingdom. Simply stated, once the gospel goes to all the world, Jesus will come back.

Prominent New Testament scholar, Craig Keener, writes that “in this instance [Jesus] explicitly declares that universal proclamation does mark the end.” [1]

Yes, God is in complete control of when Jesus will come back to judge the living and the dead; and yes, none of us know the day or the hour. But(!), God still has placed some of the control in our hands.

Jesus’ words never fail. Therefore, what he says in Matthew 24:14 is true.

After all the nations—all peoples—hear the good news that Jesus is the resurrected King whose conquered sin, death, and Satan, the end will come.

And whose role is it to bring the gospel to all nations? The church.

As Jesus makes clear in Matthew 28:18-20, it is the Great Commission for every disciple of Jesus to proclaim the gospel to every nation.

Let me finish with quoting from George Eldon Ladd, a 20th century professor whose written on Matthew 24:14. May it convict and encourage all of us! He wrote this in 1959.

Do you love the Lord’s appearing? Then you will bend every effort to take the gospel into all the world.

It troubles me in the light of the clear teaching of God’s Word and in the light of our Lord’s explicit definition of our task in the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20) that we take it so lightly.

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” This is the Good News of the Kingdom. Christ has wrested (taken away) authority from Satan. The Kingdom of God has attacked the kingdom of Satan; This evil Age has been assaulted by The Age to Come in the person of Christ. All authority is now His.

He will not display this authority in its final glorious victory until He comes again, but the authority is now His. Satan is defeated and his power restrained; death is conquered; sin is broken. All authority has been given to Him.

Because of that authority he says, “Go therefore.” His is the Kingdom; He reigns in heaven, and He is now manifesting His reign on earth in and through His church. He now works with us to accomplish our mission until “the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). He will then return and establish His Kingdom in glory.

To us it is given not only to wait for but also to hasten the coming of the day of God (2 Pet. 3:12). This is the mission of the gospel of the Kingdom, and this is our mission. [2]

To be a disciple of Jesus is to be on mission!—a mission that is bigger and better than anything!—a mission that actually impacts the return of Jesus!

Isaac

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[1] Keener, Craig S. A Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew. Grand Rapids, Mich: W.B. Eerdmans Pub, 1999.

[2] Winter, Ralph D., Steven C. Hawthorne, Darrell R. Dorr, D. Bruce Graham, and Bruce A. Koch, eds. Perspectives on the World Christian Movement: A Reader. 4th ed. Pasadena, Calif: William Carey Library, 2009.