Do you believe God is powerful…He has the power to do whatever He desires?
The big theological word for this is omnipotence. Omnipotence comes from two words: omni – meaning all; and potent – meaning power. So literally it means: all-power. We translate it as all-powerful or almighty. Omnipotence means God is all-powerful. Therefore, He can do anything…everything…that He desires to do. Nothing is impossible to God.
Do you believe God is wise…He knows the best things to do, and how and when?
The big theological word for this is omniscience. Also from two words: omni – meaning all; and science – meaning knowledge. This word literally means: knowing all knowledge. We usually translate it as all-knowing. Omniscience means God is all-knowing. He knows everything. He knows everything about all things. He knows all there is to know about you and me! Nothing is beyond God’s knowing.
Do you believe God is love…He loves you completely?
There is no big theological word for this, so I’ve made up one. Since omni means all and amor means love, my new word for God’s love is: omniamor. This means God is all love, and that all love finds its source in God. He is the originator and sustainer of all love. There would be no love without Him. Also, He is all loving. He loves totally and everything God does, He does because He loves.
If you believe God is powerful, wise and loving then why do you sometimes doubt His desire to bless you abundantly and wonderfully?
Since He is all-powerful, He can bless you if He wants to…He has the power. Because God is all-knowing, He knows the best ways to bless you and when, where and how to do so to bring the greatest benefit into your life …He knows.
So He has the power and knowledge to do wonderful things in your life. Most of us would agree with this statement. Our doubt, therefore, must come from the third aspect mentioned above: His love. Though we know God is love and does love, and we believe He loves us, for some reason we have a hard time believing He truly loves us without strings attached or without holding a grudge. We have a hard time believing He loves us totally, completely, warts and all; and that He wants to shower and demonstrate His love to us in many ways, many times each day!
The Bible says: “God is love” (1 John 4:8b). And because He loves, He desires to bless our lives. Also from 1 John 4: “God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent His One and Only Son into the world so that we might live through Him” (vs. 9).
His love of us prompted His giving His Son to us who would die for us!
The most famous passage in the Bible states the same truth: “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). God loved, so God gave…and He still operates that way today.
He loves you. He desires to impact your life positively, in great ways. He has the power to do so. He knows the best ways to do so. And He has the love to do so.
Believe Him. Trust Him. Open yourself to Him.
Let His love bless you today!
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
New Psalm blog post
Turning Mountains Into Molehills
Sometimes the problems in our lives seem really big, and we seem very small; they are too powerful, and we are too weak; they appear so complicated, and we are lost. At least, I’ve felt that way before. Have you?
What do you do? Give up? Quit? Try…but know you’re going to fail? Maybe there is a better way.
The Israelites faced a truly big, powerful and complicated problem. And I think we should respond to the issues in our lives the way they did.
(This excerpt is from a new post on the Psalms blog. To read more, click on the link below or the Psalms tab above.)
(This excerpt is from a new post on the Psalms blog. To read more, click on the link below or the Psalms tab above.)
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
AND I WEPT... a poem
Just before morn’ I was led up the steep slope of a great mountain.
The path was crooked, rocky…difficult to climb.
With much effort I reached the top,
My body, aching, collapsed on a rock…
And I wept.
He spoke: “Lift up your eyes and see.”
What vista lay before me; a valley stretching to the sunrise.
Filled with a multitude…countless numbers.
Living life…fretting, scurrying, struggling.
A few were happy, many were sad.
But I could see they all were lost…
And I wept.
My path led down the other side of the mountain;
Down to the multitude.
And through them into the far distance.
This path, I was being asked to walk.
Moments of my life became clear.
Hardships, rejections, a few saved,
Many eternally lost.
A struggle consuming my life…
And I wept.
He spoke: “Be encouraged.”
My path culminated in the sunrise,
Only it wasn’t the sun, but the Son!
It was my entrance into glory,
He awaited me with rewards.
He was smiling, welcoming,
Waiting for my arrival!
I saw His beauty, His delight in my life…
And I wept.
But the path.
It led down the mountain and through that multitude.
There was no turning back.
There would be no other way to reach His glory.
The burden was great, but I knew what I must do.
I sat. Contemplated. Breathed once deeply…
And I wept.
He spoke: “You don’t have to travel alone.”
I looked back from whence I’d climbed.
Waiting for me at the foot of that great mountain was my army.
Small in number; a pitiful force for such a task, for such a multitude.
Is this how Moses felt? Or Gideon?
Had they ever wept?
What would they think?
How would they respond?
What could we accomplish?
Questions and sadness. I knew what this path…this journey…would mean for them.
Sacrifice. Pain. Endurance, faith and trust would be needed.
They would pay a dear price.
This I knew…
And I wept.
I spoke: “Join me!”
And they began to climb.
As they reached the top, they saw the path and the multitude.
Dawning upon them was the journey ahead.
But each also glimpsed the Lord…smiling, waiting for us all.
We worshiped.
I raised my sword…we started down the mountain…
And I wept.
The path was crooked, rocky…difficult to climb.
With much effort I reached the top,
My body, aching, collapsed on a rock…
And I wept.
He spoke: “Lift up your eyes and see.”
What vista lay before me; a valley stretching to the sunrise.
Filled with a multitude…countless numbers.
Living life…fretting, scurrying, struggling.
A few were happy, many were sad.
But I could see they all were lost…
And I wept.
My path led down the other side of the mountain;
Down to the multitude.
And through them into the far distance.
This path, I was being asked to walk.
Moments of my life became clear.
Hardships, rejections, a few saved,
Many eternally lost.
A struggle consuming my life…
And I wept.
He spoke: “Be encouraged.”
My path culminated in the sunrise,
Only it wasn’t the sun, but the Son!
It was my entrance into glory,
He awaited me with rewards.
He was smiling, welcoming,
Waiting for my arrival!
I saw His beauty, His delight in my life…
And I wept.
But the path.
It led down the mountain and through that multitude.
There was no turning back.
There would be no other way to reach His glory.
The burden was great, but I knew what I must do.
I sat. Contemplated. Breathed once deeply…
And I wept.
He spoke: “You don’t have to travel alone.”
I looked back from whence I’d climbed.
Waiting for me at the foot of that great mountain was my army.
Small in number; a pitiful force for such a task, for such a multitude.
Is this how Moses felt? Or Gideon?
Had they ever wept?
What would they think?
How would they respond?
What could we accomplish?
Questions and sadness. I knew what this path…this journey…would mean for them.
Sacrifice. Pain. Endurance, faith and trust would be needed.
They would pay a dear price.
This I knew…
And I wept.
I spoke: “Join me!”
And they began to climb.
As they reached the top, they saw the path and the multitude.
Dawning upon them was the journey ahead.
But each also glimpsed the Lord…smiling, waiting for us all.
We worshiped.
I raised my sword…we started down the mountain…
And I wept.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Refocusing Our Vision
We’ve all heard this verse; probably many times: “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (Proverbs 29:18).
So here is what churches do. They read the verse. Nobody wants to perish, so they say, “We’ve got to have a vision.” A committee is formed; they begin to meet; and over what is usually a lengthy process, they come up with a vision statement for the church. It’s presented. Discussed. And finally, months after it all began, the vision is voted on and approved.
Then what happens?
Everybody takes a deep breath, relaxes… “We don’t have to worry about perishing now…we have a vision statement!” And they go back to their regular routine of doing church.
Often months of work…one vote…and then…NOTHING! Just the same old, same old…in the same old way for the same old crowd.
Is this really what it means to have a vision? Is this really the process Jesus desires for His church to be doing? Are we just to come up with a vision statement so we can put it on a banner and print it on the letterhead? Is this all?
I’m pretty sure this is not at all what Jesus desires for His church, nor is this what the verse means.
Please understand, I believe the process of coming up with an initial vision from God for yourself, your family and for His church is important…critically so. Without vision there is perishing.
The problem is most people and most churches act as if successfully crafting a vision statement is the end of the journey. This is not so. Having the vision clarified or crystallized is just the first step; it’s not the ending, but the beginning of a journey.
And on the journey, vision constantly must be refocused.
Have you ever watched a movie with submarines; particularly one where the sub is attacking another sub or a surface ship? Old WWII movies, and even modern ones, include a similar scene. The captain peers through the periscope, calls out “Mark!” And another officer calls out some numbers. They are taking a reading on the position of the target.
Another crew member is told to “plot a solution.” In older movies they get out their slide-rule and being calculating…trying to determine the angles, distances, etc. so they can make the shot with the best chance of hitting the target.
A little later the captain will look through the periscope again. Again he says, “Mark!” And the process is repeated.
They already calculated a solution a few minutes ago. Why do they keep doing this?
ANSWER: Because both the target and the submarine are moving.
The calculations made based on where they were – both the target and the sub – five minutes ago will not work now. They have both moved.
IMPORTANT TRUTH: Vision based on where you were at some point in the past will not work now…you have moved and so has your target!
As people and as churches, we change. We constantly are evolving, growing, developing and maturing. Our community is changing as well. Things are not like they used to be – not in church and not in the world around us.
So the question is: Are we still using the old calculations? Are we shooting at where the targets used to be?
Many churches are…that’s why 80-85% of the churches in America are plateaued or declining.
The Apostle Paul was a master at this process of refocusing his vision. Read his statement on how he constantly refocused, based on changes around him.
“For although I am free from all people, I have made myself a slave to all, in order to win more people. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win Jews; to those under the law, like one under the law – though I myself am not under the law – to win those under the law. To those who are outside the law, like one outside the law – not being outside God’s law, but under the law of Christ – to win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by all means save some. Now I do all this because of the gospel, that I may become a partner in its benefits.” (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)
The heart of this passage – the summary section – is the second half of verse 22: “I have become all things to all people, so that I may by all means save some.” This shows the Apostle Paul constantly refocusing his vision…to best hit his target!
There are a couple of important truths in this passage about refocusing our vision.
I. The Consistency of the Vision
Consistency is a big word, but it just means: the part of the vision that does not change. Now this may surprise you since we are talking about the need to constantly refocus our vision; that we would begin by discussing the part that never changes. But this is important.
Though our vision constantly must be refocused, there are two elements of a true, God-given vision that never change. First…
A. Our Vision’s Heart
Why did Paul do this? Why did he “…become all things to all people, so that I may by all means save some?”
He answers this question in verse 23: “Now I do all this because of the gospel…”
Paul’s approach to accomplish his vision changed, based on his target. But the heart of his vision never did! It always was – and still is for us today – “the gospel.”
If your vision personally, as a family, or at your church has anything at its core other than the Gospel – the Good News of Jesus – then your vision is not from God; is not worthy of your time, energy, efforts or resources; and is not going to transform your city nor touch this world!
The heart of any vision must consistently be the Gospel.
That means: Everything we do, we do to promote the Gospel, spread the Gospel, and impact others with the Gospel! At our core, we are all about the Gospel!
Which begs the question: Is this true of you; your church; of me? Is everything we do about the Gospel? We do it to promote, spread or impact others with the Gospel?
Or, are there some things we do because of tradition, habit or personal likes and desires…but really have nothing to do with the Gospel?
These are tough questions. But important ones, vitally so if you, your family and your church are going to be and accomplish what God desires.
We must have a vision, or we perish. And the heart of our vision consistently must be the Gospel. Nothing else…never! Or we are wasting our time.
The second unchanging component of a God-given vision is…
B. Our Vision’s Hope
Paul said: “…I have made myself a slave to all, in order to win more people. To the Jew I became like a Jew, to win Jews; to those under the law, like one under the law…to win those under the law. To those…outside the law, like one outside the law…to win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by all means save some.” (vs. 19-22; emphasis added)
Paul had one hope for his ministry. In his words: “to win more people.”
What is your hope? Your church’s hope?
It could be many things. Do we hope to become financially sound? Do we hope to start new churches? Do we hope to have more in Sunday School? Do we hope to reach more families? Do we hope to feed the hungry and cloth the naked?
With all the things we do, what is it we really are hoping to accomplish? Can we answer that question succinctly; with one, clear answer?
Paul could. He had one hope for his ministry, for everything he did. And he could state it in one succinct phrase: “to win more people.” I believe the hope the Apostle Paul had for his ministry is the same God intends for each of His children to have in their own lives. Paul’s hope is our hope – as a faith family and as individual families – and that is: “to win more people.”
Vision is not a shotgun, but a laser.
And the more we realize and remember that our vision has a heart and a hope that never change, the more we can bring our vision from a broad beam of light into one with laser-like focus!
The consistency of our vision is its heart and its hope.
But then we come to the refocusing part. There is some aspect of the vision that does change; that must change as we and our target community change. So, for the second truth from this passage, let’s see…
II. The Adaptability of the Vision
Since the heart of the vision – the Gospel – does not change; and the hope of the vision – winning some – does not change…then what does change?
What part of our God-given vision is adaptable?
ANSWER: the approach.
We see this clearly in Paul’s words in this passage. First notice there is…
A. Submission & Subjection
“For although I am free from all people, I have made myself a slave to all…” (vs. 19a).
Paul was a free man in every sense of the word. He was high ranking in the Jewish culture and a Roman citizen. He was slave to no man (any more than any other Roman citizen was to Caesar). And yet, he purposefully became a slave to every man!
He willfully submitted and subjected himself to each group, before whom he appeared.
When testifying to the Jews, he “became like a Jew.” To those under the law, he willfully submitted to the rules of the law. When discussing Christ with those out from under the law, he became like them. To the weak, this strong man talked on their level.
How does this apply to our vision, and the need to constantly refocus it?
We too, like the Apostle Paul, must purposefully and willfully submit and subject ourselves to those we are trying to impact.
We must be willing to refocus our vision for the good of those we are trying to reach. We must realize, this journey is not about us…not at all! It is ALL about Him! And Him working through us to reach/touch them!
This means the vision cannot be based on just our desires, our likes, our preferences, etc., and stay that way! Rather, it must be adaptable to the needs of our targets! Submission and subjection are ways we can adapt to accomplish the vision.
Notice second in Paul’s approach, his…
B. Empathizing & Empowering
Look again at this passage’s summary statement: “I have become all things to all people, so that I may by all means save some.” (vs. 22b)
The result of Paul’s submission and subjection was that he was able to touch each person on their level. He wasn’t speaking down, as someone above them; nor was he below them. He became their peer. He walked where they walked and lived life next to them.
Imagine the impact of Paul’s message as he got on the level of his target. Contrast that to those who don’t.
At my church, we have a ministry called Heart for the City (HFTC). It includes a short worship service then a clothes closet and some food.
Although it may seem funny, it’s really rather sad to watch “church” people the first time they are around people like those who usually attend HFTC. The “church” people stand in the corner, off to the side, or with other “church” people. Their arms are crossed and they don’t smile much. With a wary eye they watch what is happening.
Compare them to the workers who are used to working in HFTC. They mingle with all the people, easily engage in conversation, offer help or guidance and genuinely seem to love on those coming for the ministry. They participate in what is happening.
Which person do you think has the greater impact on those coming for the ministry? The “stand-offers” or the ones standing beside, who stand with the attendees?
Again, imagine the impact of Paul’s message as he got on the level of his target.
This is how our vision must constantly be refocused. We must continually make sure we are walking with our targets, not watching them warily from afar! As we walk with them, we will learn more about them. We will learn their likes and dislikes. We will learn their joys and their pains. And the more we learn, the better focused – laser-like – our ministry can become!
Submission and subjection, empathizing and empowering, these are way we can adapt – we can refocus our vision – to accomplish the unchanging heart and hope of our vision: impacting others with the Gospel!
So here is what churches do. They read the verse. Nobody wants to perish, so they say, “We’ve got to have a vision.” A committee is formed; they begin to meet; and over what is usually a lengthy process, they come up with a vision statement for the church. It’s presented. Discussed. And finally, months after it all began, the vision is voted on and approved.
Then what happens?
Everybody takes a deep breath, relaxes… “We don’t have to worry about perishing now…we have a vision statement!” And they go back to their regular routine of doing church.
Often months of work…one vote…and then…NOTHING! Just the same old, same old…in the same old way for the same old crowd.
Is this really what it means to have a vision? Is this really the process Jesus desires for His church to be doing? Are we just to come up with a vision statement so we can put it on a banner and print it on the letterhead? Is this all?
I’m pretty sure this is not at all what Jesus desires for His church, nor is this what the verse means.
Please understand, I believe the process of coming up with an initial vision from God for yourself, your family and for His church is important…critically so. Without vision there is perishing.
The problem is most people and most churches act as if successfully crafting a vision statement is the end of the journey. This is not so. Having the vision clarified or crystallized is just the first step; it’s not the ending, but the beginning of a journey.
And on the journey, vision constantly must be refocused.
Have you ever watched a movie with submarines; particularly one where the sub is attacking another sub or a surface ship? Old WWII movies, and even modern ones, include a similar scene. The captain peers through the periscope, calls out “Mark!” And another officer calls out some numbers. They are taking a reading on the position of the target.
Another crew member is told to “plot a solution.” In older movies they get out their slide-rule and being calculating…trying to determine the angles, distances, etc. so they can make the shot with the best chance of hitting the target.
A little later the captain will look through the periscope again. Again he says, “Mark!” And the process is repeated.
They already calculated a solution a few minutes ago. Why do they keep doing this?
ANSWER: Because both the target and the submarine are moving.
The calculations made based on where they were – both the target and the sub – five minutes ago will not work now. They have both moved.
IMPORTANT TRUTH: Vision based on where you were at some point in the past will not work now…you have moved and so has your target!
As people and as churches, we change. We constantly are evolving, growing, developing and maturing. Our community is changing as well. Things are not like they used to be – not in church and not in the world around us.
So the question is: Are we still using the old calculations? Are we shooting at where the targets used to be?
Many churches are…that’s why 80-85% of the churches in America are plateaued or declining.
The Apostle Paul was a master at this process of refocusing his vision. Read his statement on how he constantly refocused, based on changes around him.
“For although I am free from all people, I have made myself a slave to all, in order to win more people. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win Jews; to those under the law, like one under the law – though I myself am not under the law – to win those under the law. To those who are outside the law, like one outside the law – not being outside God’s law, but under the law of Christ – to win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by all means save some. Now I do all this because of the gospel, that I may become a partner in its benefits.” (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)
The heart of this passage – the summary section – is the second half of verse 22: “I have become all things to all people, so that I may by all means save some.” This shows the Apostle Paul constantly refocusing his vision…to best hit his target!
There are a couple of important truths in this passage about refocusing our vision.
I. The Consistency of the Vision
Consistency is a big word, but it just means: the part of the vision that does not change. Now this may surprise you since we are talking about the need to constantly refocus our vision; that we would begin by discussing the part that never changes. But this is important.
Though our vision constantly must be refocused, there are two elements of a true, God-given vision that never change. First…
A. Our Vision’s Heart
Why did Paul do this? Why did he “…become all things to all people, so that I may by all means save some?”
He answers this question in verse 23: “Now I do all this because of the gospel…”
Paul’s approach to accomplish his vision changed, based on his target. But the heart of his vision never did! It always was – and still is for us today – “the gospel.”
If your vision personally, as a family, or at your church has anything at its core other than the Gospel – the Good News of Jesus – then your vision is not from God; is not worthy of your time, energy, efforts or resources; and is not going to transform your city nor touch this world!
The heart of any vision must consistently be the Gospel.
That means: Everything we do, we do to promote the Gospel, spread the Gospel, and impact others with the Gospel! At our core, we are all about the Gospel!
Which begs the question: Is this true of you; your church; of me? Is everything we do about the Gospel? We do it to promote, spread or impact others with the Gospel?
Or, are there some things we do because of tradition, habit or personal likes and desires…but really have nothing to do with the Gospel?
These are tough questions. But important ones, vitally so if you, your family and your church are going to be and accomplish what God desires.
We must have a vision, or we perish. And the heart of our vision consistently must be the Gospel. Nothing else…never! Or we are wasting our time.
The second unchanging component of a God-given vision is…
B. Our Vision’s Hope
Paul said: “…I have made myself a slave to all, in order to win more people. To the Jew I became like a Jew, to win Jews; to those under the law, like one under the law…to win those under the law. To those…outside the law, like one outside the law…to win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by all means save some.” (vs. 19-22; emphasis added)
Paul had one hope for his ministry. In his words: “to win more people.”
What is your hope? Your church’s hope?
It could be many things. Do we hope to become financially sound? Do we hope to start new churches? Do we hope to have more in Sunday School? Do we hope to reach more families? Do we hope to feed the hungry and cloth the naked?
With all the things we do, what is it we really are hoping to accomplish? Can we answer that question succinctly; with one, clear answer?
Paul could. He had one hope for his ministry, for everything he did. And he could state it in one succinct phrase: “to win more people.” I believe the hope the Apostle Paul had for his ministry is the same God intends for each of His children to have in their own lives. Paul’s hope is our hope – as a faith family and as individual families – and that is: “to win more people.”
Vision is not a shotgun, but a laser.
And the more we realize and remember that our vision has a heart and a hope that never change, the more we can bring our vision from a broad beam of light into one with laser-like focus!
The consistency of our vision is its heart and its hope.
But then we come to the refocusing part. There is some aspect of the vision that does change; that must change as we and our target community change. So, for the second truth from this passage, let’s see…
II. The Adaptability of the Vision
Since the heart of the vision – the Gospel – does not change; and the hope of the vision – winning some – does not change…then what does change?
What part of our God-given vision is adaptable?
ANSWER: the approach.
We see this clearly in Paul’s words in this passage. First notice there is…
A. Submission & Subjection
“For although I am free from all people, I have made myself a slave to all…” (vs. 19a).
Paul was a free man in every sense of the word. He was high ranking in the Jewish culture and a Roman citizen. He was slave to no man (any more than any other Roman citizen was to Caesar). And yet, he purposefully became a slave to every man!
He willfully submitted and subjected himself to each group, before whom he appeared.
When testifying to the Jews, he “became like a Jew.” To those under the law, he willfully submitted to the rules of the law. When discussing Christ with those out from under the law, he became like them. To the weak, this strong man talked on their level.
How does this apply to our vision, and the need to constantly refocus it?
We too, like the Apostle Paul, must purposefully and willfully submit and subject ourselves to those we are trying to impact.
We must be willing to refocus our vision for the good of those we are trying to reach. We must realize, this journey is not about us…not at all! It is ALL about Him! And Him working through us to reach/touch them!
This means the vision cannot be based on just our desires, our likes, our preferences, etc., and stay that way! Rather, it must be adaptable to the needs of our targets! Submission and subjection are ways we can adapt to accomplish the vision.
Notice second in Paul’s approach, his…
B. Empathizing & Empowering
Look again at this passage’s summary statement: “I have become all things to all people, so that I may by all means save some.” (vs. 22b)
The result of Paul’s submission and subjection was that he was able to touch each person on their level. He wasn’t speaking down, as someone above them; nor was he below them. He became their peer. He walked where they walked and lived life next to them.
Imagine the impact of Paul’s message as he got on the level of his target. Contrast that to those who don’t.
At my church, we have a ministry called Heart for the City (HFTC). It includes a short worship service then a clothes closet and some food.
Although it may seem funny, it’s really rather sad to watch “church” people the first time they are around people like those who usually attend HFTC. The “church” people stand in the corner, off to the side, or with other “church” people. Their arms are crossed and they don’t smile much. With a wary eye they watch what is happening.
Compare them to the workers who are used to working in HFTC. They mingle with all the people, easily engage in conversation, offer help or guidance and genuinely seem to love on those coming for the ministry. They participate in what is happening.
Which person do you think has the greater impact on those coming for the ministry? The “stand-offers” or the ones standing beside, who stand with the attendees?
Again, imagine the impact of Paul’s message as he got on the level of his target.
This is how our vision must constantly be refocused. We must continually make sure we are walking with our targets, not watching them warily from afar! As we walk with them, we will learn more about them. We will learn their likes and dislikes. We will learn their joys and their pains. And the more we learn, the better focused – laser-like – our ministry can become!
Submission and subjection, empathizing and empowering, these are way we can adapt – we can refocus our vision – to accomplish the unchanging heart and hope of our vision: impacting others with the Gospel!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Living Blessed in 2012
January 1, 2012…just recently that day came and went, and with it started a new year!
A few weeks before, I was sitting in my office preparing for that day for it also was the first Sunday service of the new year. I was contemplating the day and having an entire year opening out before us, when this question came to mind: What do people really want in 2012?
Almost immediately this question came to mind: What would make people happy in 2012?
And then I realized: that is what people want. People want…we all want…to be happy.
So… What would make people happy in 2012? What would make you happy?
Well, perhaps many of us would be happy if we had good health or a steady income; in other words…if our lives were settled and sure. If we had confidence that everything was going to be okay. Or you could use another word: PEACE. If we had a peace about 2012 – and throughout 2012 – if we really believed good things were going to happen, then we would be happy.
Or perhaps, if we knew we would have PLENTY in 2012, then we would be happy; plenty of money, plenty of food, plenty of clothing or shelter. If we had plenty of time to do the things we desired. If we had all we needed and maybe just a little bit more, then we would be happy.
Or maybe for some, PROGRESS; just a sense that everything is okay, or at least that it’s heading in the right direction. Things are going to get better. We are going to make progress in 2012. Then we would be happy.
Or last, perhaps PURPOSE; knowing why I’m here on this planet and being able to accomplish that. Would that make you happy in 2012?
What if you had all four? If in 2012 you had,,,
PEACE… believing good was going to happen;
PLENTY… having all you needed and maybe a little bit more;
PROGRESS... your life heading in a good direction; and
PURPOSE… accomplishing God’s reason for creating you;
…then would you be happy?
When I take those four words – PEACE, PLENTY, PROGRESS and PURPOSE – someone who has all that, I can sum up their life in one word. That person is: BLESSED!
The Merriam-Webster online dictionary agrees.
blessed 2: of or enjoying happiness; specifically: enjoying the bliss of heaven.
3: bringing pleasure, contentment, or good fortune.
If you could experience a whole year of blessings, wouldn’t that be great?!! An entire year of “enjoying the bliss of heaven;” while experiencing “pleasure, contentment, or good fortune.”
I would love a year like that – a blessed year! I’m pretty sure that you would too. So what I want to do is share a series of thoughts centered around this theme:
Living Blessed!
I want us to learn how to live blessed; enjoying happiness, the bliss of heaven and having pleasure, contentment and good things happening to us. I want to live such a life, and I want you to live it as well.
So today we begin. And we begin with Psalm 1.
How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path of sinners, of join a group of mockers! Instead, his delight is in the LORD’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. (Psalm 1:1-2)
Did you notice, did it occur to you: the first word in the song book of the Bible is “blessed?” My translation uses the word: “happy.” But our use of happy can mean so many things. The use in this passage is better translated: “blessed.”
So here, the praise book of the Scriptures, begins by telling us about those who are blessed. Specifically, these first two verses tell us two important truths about those who really and truly get to experience “Living Blessed!”
To live a blessed life, we first learn…
I. The Ones We Must Ignore
The old saying goes: “You can tell a lot about a man by the company that he keeps.” This is true. We all do it; we judge someone by the others we see them hanging out with.
This is why I use to tell Caleb, every year: “Son, until they get to know you, your teachers will judge you by the ones they see you being friends with.” And, “If you are in a crowd and one of you does something dumb, all of you will be in trouble.” Of course, I did this to encourage him to pick good friends and not to hang out with trouble makers. Maybe you said something similar along the way to your kids.
There is another phrase we’ve all heard: “guilt by association.” Similar phrase; and also true… we do it all the time.
You want a couple of examples? Look at the tragic events surrounding the assistant coach at Penn State. Others were around, all the time. They must have seen or heard something; they must have known. Now several others are having their character and actions questioned. Did Pa Joe know? We wonder.
Second example: A good friend helps President Obama buy real estate at a ridiculously reduced price. The friend is now in jail, convicted of fraud and other crimes. Some have asked: what did Obama know and when. Is he part of the scheme? Is he guilty of something in this case as well?
The old saying is true: “You can tell a lot about a man by the company that he keeps.”
So don’t be surprised when the first verse of Psalms tells us we must ignore certain types of people in order to live a blessed life. There are three groups:
a. Wicked
Blessed is the person who does not walk in the group of, which means does not follow the advice of, the wicked. By wicked the author means those who are not walking with God. And this makes perfect sense.
Why would you follow the advice of someone who does not know God or walk with Him?
If you want to live blessed in 2012, then don’t follow the advice of those who don’t walk with God. Ignore the advice of the wicked.
b. Sinners
Blessed is the person who does not stand around with, or stand in the path with, sinners. By sinners the writer means those who have not been transformed by salvation. These people still live under the guilt, shame and weight of their sins. If they died this moment, they would exist forever apart from God – for no sin, no sinner can enter His presence for eternity.
The person blessed in 2012 will not live as sinners do; will not participate in their sin. But rather, will ignore their path and not be influenced by them.
Third group to ignore are the…
c. Mockers
Blessed is the person who does not join a group of, or sit in the seat of, mockers. Mockers are those who show no respect. Instead, they ridicule and make fun of.
Mockers are not open to genuinely discussing an issue. They are unwilling to consider the possibility that there might be an opinion, other than their own, that might be valid. They often can be hurtful, harmful and infuriating.
The person blessed in 2012 will ignore this group’s method of dealing with life.
Did you notice something as we looked at the three groups we should ignore? There is a progression.
The writer starts by saying we should not walk with the wicked. Next he writes we should not stand with sinners. And last, we should not sit with mockers. Walking, then standing, then finally sitting… this is how sin entraps us.
First, we are just walking along. Then we stop to examine; now we’re standing. Next thing you know, you are sitting right in the middle of it!
The blessed person has learned not to fall for this trap!
Now, some of you more evangelistic types are thinking, “Wait a minute. That’s what Jesus did! He often hung out with sinners. So we can’t ignore them!” And you are right; Jesus did hang out often with sinners, and so should we.
Each of us who are Christians should know some persons who have not yet come to Christ in salvation. We should build relationships with them so that we may have an opportunity to share Christ with them.
But that is not what the writer of this verse is telling us to ignore. For there is a huge difference between this evangelistic activity with sinners, hoping to influence them to salvation; versus hanging out with them and becoming influenced by their lifestyle.
Do we minister in the world among the wicked, sinners and mockers? Absolutely. But when they try to entrap you, bring you down into a life of rebellion or sin, the blessed person has learned to ignore their advice, thoughts, suggestions or ideas.
Second truth to live a blessed life we see in this passage is…
II. The Object We Adore
Read again verse 2: “Instead, his [the blessed person’s] delight is in the LORD’S instruction, and he meditates on it day and night.”
How much do you love your favorite food?
How much do you love your favorite sports team?
How much do you love your favorite activity, hobby, club or TV show?
How much do you love your spouse or family?
How much do you love God’s Word?
The psalmist writes that the blessed ignore the ungodly influences and instead learn to adore… “delight in”… God’s Word. Adore it so much, they spend time meditating on it “day and night.”
Really, how much do you adore God’s Word?
Do you read it regularly? Do you have a piece of Scripture that sticks out while you are reading; that sort of captures you? Do you spend time throughout the day thinking about that one piece? This is meditating.
If you adore God’s Word, this is what you do. And you do it every day. And you live, blessed!
The psalmist tells us so in the next verse. Look at verse 3:
“He [the one who ignores the wicked and adores God’s Word] is like a tree planted beside streams of water that bears its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.”
Three benefits the blessed experience.
a. Nourished
The Middle East, where the psalmist lived, was then and is today an arid place. Water is scarce in some areas. But you, if you adore God’s instruction will be like the tree beside “streams of water.” Abundant water and nourishment will make you the next two things…
b. Fruitful
Bearing fruit in season means that at the right time – according to God’s timing – you will bear fruit. You will have an impact. You will make a difference. God will work through you to impact others and to touch eternity!
And, you will be…
c. Strong
The littlest leaf, out on the end of the smallest branch, even that one will not wither. You will be a strong, vibrant, healthy “tree” – creation of God.
To be nourished so that you can be abundantly fruitful and strong, this is the blessed life. This is the life available to all Christians in 2012.
To paraphrase the psalmist: “Learn to ignore the advice of the wicked, the lifestyle of the sinners and the ways of the mockers; instead adore God’s Word daily, and in 2012, you will prosper.”
May we all do this, and begin living today: The Blessed Life!
A few weeks before, I was sitting in my office preparing for that day for it also was the first Sunday service of the new year. I was contemplating the day and having an entire year opening out before us, when this question came to mind: What do people really want in 2012?
Almost immediately this question came to mind: What would make people happy in 2012?
And then I realized: that is what people want. People want…we all want…to be happy.
So… What would make people happy in 2012? What would make you happy?
Well, perhaps many of us would be happy if we had good health or a steady income; in other words…if our lives were settled and sure. If we had confidence that everything was going to be okay. Or you could use another word: PEACE. If we had a peace about 2012 – and throughout 2012 – if we really believed good things were going to happen, then we would be happy.
Or perhaps, if we knew we would have PLENTY in 2012, then we would be happy; plenty of money, plenty of food, plenty of clothing or shelter. If we had plenty of time to do the things we desired. If we had all we needed and maybe just a little bit more, then we would be happy.
Or maybe for some, PROGRESS; just a sense that everything is okay, or at least that it’s heading in the right direction. Things are going to get better. We are going to make progress in 2012. Then we would be happy.
Or last, perhaps PURPOSE; knowing why I’m here on this planet and being able to accomplish that. Would that make you happy in 2012?
What if you had all four? If in 2012 you had,,,
PEACE… believing good was going to happen;
PLENTY… having all you needed and maybe a little bit more;
PROGRESS... your life heading in a good direction; and
PURPOSE… accomplishing God’s reason for creating you;
…then would you be happy?
When I take those four words – PEACE, PLENTY, PROGRESS and PURPOSE – someone who has all that, I can sum up their life in one word. That person is: BLESSED!
The Merriam-Webster online dictionary agrees.
blessed 2: of or enjoying happiness; specifically: enjoying the bliss of heaven.
3: bringing pleasure, contentment, or good fortune.
If you could experience a whole year of blessings, wouldn’t that be great?!! An entire year of “enjoying the bliss of heaven;” while experiencing “pleasure, contentment, or good fortune.”
I would love a year like that – a blessed year! I’m pretty sure that you would too. So what I want to do is share a series of thoughts centered around this theme:
Living Blessed!
I want us to learn how to live blessed; enjoying happiness, the bliss of heaven and having pleasure, contentment and good things happening to us. I want to live such a life, and I want you to live it as well.
So today we begin. And we begin with Psalm 1.
How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path of sinners, of join a group of mockers! Instead, his delight is in the LORD’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. (Psalm 1:1-2)
Did you notice, did it occur to you: the first word in the song book of the Bible is “blessed?” My translation uses the word: “happy.” But our use of happy can mean so many things. The use in this passage is better translated: “blessed.”
So here, the praise book of the Scriptures, begins by telling us about those who are blessed. Specifically, these first two verses tell us two important truths about those who really and truly get to experience “Living Blessed!”
To live a blessed life, we first learn…
I. The Ones We Must Ignore
The old saying goes: “You can tell a lot about a man by the company that he keeps.” This is true. We all do it; we judge someone by the others we see them hanging out with.
This is why I use to tell Caleb, every year: “Son, until they get to know you, your teachers will judge you by the ones they see you being friends with.” And, “If you are in a crowd and one of you does something dumb, all of you will be in trouble.” Of course, I did this to encourage him to pick good friends and not to hang out with trouble makers. Maybe you said something similar along the way to your kids.
There is another phrase we’ve all heard: “guilt by association.” Similar phrase; and also true… we do it all the time.
You want a couple of examples? Look at the tragic events surrounding the assistant coach at Penn State. Others were around, all the time. They must have seen or heard something; they must have known. Now several others are having their character and actions questioned. Did Pa Joe know? We wonder.
Second example: A good friend helps President Obama buy real estate at a ridiculously reduced price. The friend is now in jail, convicted of fraud and other crimes. Some have asked: what did Obama know and when. Is he part of the scheme? Is he guilty of something in this case as well?
The old saying is true: “You can tell a lot about a man by the company that he keeps.”
So don’t be surprised when the first verse of Psalms tells us we must ignore certain types of people in order to live a blessed life. There are three groups:
a. Wicked
Blessed is the person who does not walk in the group of, which means does not follow the advice of, the wicked. By wicked the author means those who are not walking with God. And this makes perfect sense.
Why would you follow the advice of someone who does not know God or walk with Him?
If you want to live blessed in 2012, then don’t follow the advice of those who don’t walk with God. Ignore the advice of the wicked.
b. Sinners
Blessed is the person who does not stand around with, or stand in the path with, sinners. By sinners the writer means those who have not been transformed by salvation. These people still live under the guilt, shame and weight of their sins. If they died this moment, they would exist forever apart from God – for no sin, no sinner can enter His presence for eternity.
The person blessed in 2012 will not live as sinners do; will not participate in their sin. But rather, will ignore their path and not be influenced by them.
Third group to ignore are the…
c. Mockers
Blessed is the person who does not join a group of, or sit in the seat of, mockers. Mockers are those who show no respect. Instead, they ridicule and make fun of.
Mockers are not open to genuinely discussing an issue. They are unwilling to consider the possibility that there might be an opinion, other than their own, that might be valid. They often can be hurtful, harmful and infuriating.
The person blessed in 2012 will ignore this group’s method of dealing with life.
Did you notice something as we looked at the three groups we should ignore? There is a progression.
The writer starts by saying we should not walk with the wicked. Next he writes we should not stand with sinners. And last, we should not sit with mockers. Walking, then standing, then finally sitting… this is how sin entraps us.
First, we are just walking along. Then we stop to examine; now we’re standing. Next thing you know, you are sitting right in the middle of it!
The blessed person has learned not to fall for this trap!
Now, some of you more evangelistic types are thinking, “Wait a minute. That’s what Jesus did! He often hung out with sinners. So we can’t ignore them!” And you are right; Jesus did hang out often with sinners, and so should we.
Each of us who are Christians should know some persons who have not yet come to Christ in salvation. We should build relationships with them so that we may have an opportunity to share Christ with them.
But that is not what the writer of this verse is telling us to ignore. For there is a huge difference between this evangelistic activity with sinners, hoping to influence them to salvation; versus hanging out with them and becoming influenced by their lifestyle.
Do we minister in the world among the wicked, sinners and mockers? Absolutely. But when they try to entrap you, bring you down into a life of rebellion or sin, the blessed person has learned to ignore their advice, thoughts, suggestions or ideas.
Second truth to live a blessed life we see in this passage is…
II. The Object We Adore
Read again verse 2: “Instead, his [the blessed person’s] delight is in the LORD’S instruction, and he meditates on it day and night.”
How much do you love your favorite food?
How much do you love your favorite sports team?
How much do you love your favorite activity, hobby, club or TV show?
How much do you love your spouse or family?
How much do you love God’s Word?
The psalmist writes that the blessed ignore the ungodly influences and instead learn to adore… “delight in”… God’s Word. Adore it so much, they spend time meditating on it “day and night.”
Really, how much do you adore God’s Word?
Do you read it regularly? Do you have a piece of Scripture that sticks out while you are reading; that sort of captures you? Do you spend time throughout the day thinking about that one piece? This is meditating.
If you adore God’s Word, this is what you do. And you do it every day. And you live, blessed!
The psalmist tells us so in the next verse. Look at verse 3:
“He [the one who ignores the wicked and adores God’s Word] is like a tree planted beside streams of water that bears its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.”
Three benefits the blessed experience.
a. Nourished
The Middle East, where the psalmist lived, was then and is today an arid place. Water is scarce in some areas. But you, if you adore God’s instruction will be like the tree beside “streams of water.” Abundant water and nourishment will make you the next two things…
b. Fruitful
Bearing fruit in season means that at the right time – according to God’s timing – you will bear fruit. You will have an impact. You will make a difference. God will work through you to impact others and to touch eternity!
And, you will be…
c. Strong
The littlest leaf, out on the end of the smallest branch, even that one will not wither. You will be a strong, vibrant, healthy “tree” – creation of God.
To be nourished so that you can be abundantly fruitful and strong, this is the blessed life. This is the life available to all Christians in 2012.
To paraphrase the psalmist: “Learn to ignore the advice of the wicked, the lifestyle of the sinners and the ways of the mockers; instead adore God’s Word daily, and in 2012, you will prosper.”
May we all do this, and begin living today: The Blessed Life!
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Read and God Speaks
“Do you really read the Bible every day?” Not often, but once in a while someone will ask me that question. My answer: “Yes, but not the whole thing!”
I do try to read early each morning before the busyness of the day begins. Sometimes I read quit a bit. Other times, a verse or phrase will capture me and I spend the time focusing on that one piece. Either way, my time with God in the Scriptures always is a blessing. This morning was no exception.
I’ve been sharing a series entitled: Holy Happiness. Now we are going to spend a few weeks looking at it from a different perspective: Un-Holy Happiness. This will be a lot of fun and very meaningful. But I wasn’t at ease with the series’ conclusion. Until this morning.
As I was reading the Bible, a particular little phrase caught my attention. When this happens, I just know that God wants me to stop reading for reading sake and spend some time thinking about this one part. So I did. And as I did, it came to me so clearly: “This is the capstone - the perfect concluding study - for this series on happiness!” I can’t give it to you now, I have to write it out first. But I can tell you this…
If I had not been doing my usual, daily Bible reading this would not have happened!
God is so good, and He loves us so much. And, He desires to communicate with us - to speak into our lives - regularly. He can, and does, through many avenues. But clearly one of the most common and most accessible, is through His Word: the Bible.
When we read, we give ourselves the opportunity to hear from Him. When we read regularly or daily, then we give ourselves the opportunity to hear from God regularly, even daily!
Don’t pass up such an incredible opportunity. Go find your Bible. Open it. Do a little reading. And do so regularly. Then be amazed as God speaks to you!
[If you are interested in reading the Holy Happiness series, click on the Life Issues tab and follow the link to that blog.]
I do try to read early each morning before the busyness of the day begins. Sometimes I read quit a bit. Other times, a verse or phrase will capture me and I spend the time focusing on that one piece. Either way, my time with God in the Scriptures always is a blessing. This morning was no exception.
I’ve been sharing a series entitled: Holy Happiness. Now we are going to spend a few weeks looking at it from a different perspective: Un-Holy Happiness. This will be a lot of fun and very meaningful. But I wasn’t at ease with the series’ conclusion. Until this morning.
As I was reading the Bible, a particular little phrase caught my attention. When this happens, I just know that God wants me to stop reading for reading sake and spend some time thinking about this one part. So I did. And as I did, it came to me so clearly: “This is the capstone - the perfect concluding study - for this series on happiness!” I can’t give it to you now, I have to write it out first. But I can tell you this…
If I had not been doing my usual, daily Bible reading this would not have happened!
God is so good, and He loves us so much. And, He desires to communicate with us - to speak into our lives - regularly. He can, and does, through many avenues. But clearly one of the most common and most accessible, is through His Word: the Bible.
When we read, we give ourselves the opportunity to hear from Him. When we read regularly or daily, then we give ourselves the opportunity to hear from God regularly, even daily!
Don’t pass up such an incredible opportunity. Go find your Bible. Open it. Do a little reading. And do so regularly. Then be amazed as God speaks to you!
[If you are interested in reading the Holy Happiness series, click on the Life Issues tab and follow the link to that blog.]
Monday, December 12, 2011
Death, Resurrection and My Body
Recently a dear lady approached me in tears. "My father recently passed away and my mom is really struggling. She knows the verses that say when we die we are with God, but she can't get over thinking of dad being in that casket in the ground. Could you maybe share something with me that would help me, help her?" In response to her request, I wrote the following. It's simple. But I pray it's also helpful.
Per our conversation last week, here are my thoughts about the sequence of events concerning all Christians, death, the resurrection and our physical bodies.
Each Christian has a physical body (often referred to in Scripture as “the flesh”) and a spirit. The physical body is temporary; not surviving into eternity. The spirit is the eternal part of us; the essence of our conscience, memories, thoughts, etc., that does survive physical death and exists throughout eternity in the presence of Christ.
At the moment a Christian physically dies their physical body, the flesh, ceases to function. This is what we commonly refer to as death. But as their physical body dies, the eternal part of that Christian (their spirit) immediately transfers into the presence of the Lord Jesus. We know this because of three key passages in the Bible.
(1) Luke 23
In Luke’s Gospel, chapter 23, we read of Jesus’ crucifixion. Beginning in verse 32, we are told that he was crucified between two criminals. Here is the relevant part of the event for our current conversation:
Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at Him: “Aren’t You the Messiah? Save Yourself and us!” But the other answered, rebuking him: “Don’t you even fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment? We are punished justly, because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but his man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!” And [Jesus] said to him, “I assure you: Today you will be with Me in paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43; emphasis added)
Notice the bolded and underlined word: Today. Both criminals were going to physically die that day, just as Jesus was. But the one who expressed faith was promised that he (his spirit, or eternal part) would be in paradise with Jesus that same day. Remember, for the Jews the day ended at sundown. So when Jesus said “Today you will be with Me…” He meant before the day ended…or literally, before sundown!
Clearly, this passage demonstrates that for those who have true, saving faith in Christ, when they die physically their spirit goes that moment to be with Christ.
(2) 2 Corinthians 5
In this passage Paul writes: "Yet we are confident and satisfied to be out of the body and at home with the Lord." (2 Corinthians 5:8)
Some translations, in place of the word “satisfied” use the phrase: “…we would prefer…” Re-read the verse inserting this phrase and you see Paul had a preference to be absent from the body and present with the Lord.
He understood that to physically die ushered one’s eternal spirit into God’s presence. And this was something he desired and preferred! Paul states his desire and preference even more clearly in the next passage.
(3) Philippians 1
For me, living is Christ and dying is gain. Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. I am pressured by both. I have the desire to depart and be with Christ – which is far better...” (Philippians 1:21-24; emphasis added)
It is obvious that Paul believed physical death was a good thing. He said it was “gain” and “far better.” He did not say this because he just wanted to die; but rather, because he knew that physical death was simply a door leading a Christian into the joyful blessedness of Jesus’ presence.
All three passages reveal that physical death leads a Christian into Jesus’ presence immediately. One of my study bibles has this note on 2 Corinthians 5:8:
“…out of the body and at home with the Lord…” This describes the situation of a Christian after death, when he is no longer living in his “earthly house, a tent” (vs. 1). This is an intermediate state between death and resurrection and, apparently, a disembodied state; but it is not a limbo of oblivion, for the believer who has died is at home with his Lord, and that is preferable to our present life in the body.
So what of our physical body (our flesh)? What happens to it when we die? And what about the resurrected bodies we receive? Let me discuss this for a moment.
This physical body begins deteriorating long before death. We age; we lose strength, stamina and abilities we had when younger. The flesh wrinkles outwardly and parts begin “breaking” inwardly! Not a good situation.
At death, our spirit discards its broken-down shell. Our spirit flies free from pain, disease, and other ailments of the flesh. It flies into the presence of Christ. Per our customs and traditions, the flesh is either cremated or buried. It really makes no difference what happens to it, for we are not there! That flesh is not me any longer. Me – my essence, my thoughts, my memories, etc. – I am gone! You will find that eternal part of me in paradise!
Others present in paradise will be in spirit form and I will see them as such. Likewise, they will see me in my spiritual state. And we – all believers – will stay this way until the next major moment in God’s timeline of events; which is, the Rapture.
The Rapture is that moment when Christ returns in the air and raptures the church. We read of this in several places throughout the Scriptures. One of the most well-known passages is this:
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, concerning those who are asleep [meaning: physically dead], so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep through Jesus. For we say this to you by a revelation from the Lord: We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly have no advantage over those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore, encourage each other with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
Notice a couple of things from these verses.
a. Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep through Jesus (emphasis added). Those Christians who die before the rapture – those referred to as “fallen asleep” – are the ones God will bring with Him when He comes back. He can only bring them with Him because they already are in His presence! They are not with their physical bodies, waiting in some dark casket for His return. This confirms that for Christians, when physically they die, their spirit goes to be in God’s presence.
b. We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly have no advantage over those who have fallen asleep (emphasis added). If the dead were in their graves awaiting Christ’s return, then I would say we who are still living have an advantage! But this is not the case. They are not waiting in the grave, they already are with Him. They have the advantage over us! They are with Christ in paradise! This is why Paul so desired to pass through death’s door
c. …and the dead in Christ will rise first. At the rapture, those spirits already with Christ who come back with Him will need physical bodies. They will need bodies because after the rapture and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (the celebration in heaven while the Tribulation is occurring on earth), all believers will return to earth and reign with Christ during His 1000 year, Millennial Reign. To do so, we will need bodies. So this phrase means that the physical bodies that the dead in Christ left behind when they died, will be reunited with their spirit. And then, those of us “who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.”
Two things happen as part of this Rapture moment. The dead, whose spirits are returning with Christ, have their physical bodies reunited with their spirits. And those Christians still alive on earth – flesh and spirit still together – are caught up with them to be with Jesus. We then all return to Heaven for a wonderful feast and celebration: the Marriage Supper of the Lamb!
Someone might ask: “But what about those whose bodies were cremated? Or those with weakened or malfunctioning earthly bodies? Will they be reunited with these bodies?”
The answer is: Yes, and no! Yes, we will be reunited with our earthly flesh, the physical bodies that we inhabited while living. But also, no, they will not be exactly the same bodies.
Remember we are to reign with Christ as victors for 1000 years (whether this is literal or figurative, it is still a long time!). We need bodies up to the task. During this time of reigning, our flesh is still “earthly.” By that I mean: it is the physical body that we had on earth.
But that old, earthly, physical body will not be exactly as it was when we inhabited it. Now it will have good health and strength, so that we can reign with Him. In other words, we will have our flesh reunited with our spirit, but it will be a healthy, vibrant, stronger version of our former flesh! Therefore, even those who were cremated will have their earthly body, only healthier. For surely, God who created it all can reassemble the dust! Even so, this body is not our eternal body. That we receive later.
Once the 1000 year Millennial Reign is over, there is one, last great battle followed by the final judgment. At this judgment many things occur. One is that the earth, sky and stars we see and experience today will be judge by fire – literally burned up.
Then the new heavens and new earth are formed. At this time, the new Jerusalem descends and we enter this new creation and City of God for eternity.
And we do not enter with our “earthly” flesh. But it is at this time – as all of creation is being made new – that we will receive our new bodies as well. And with our spirits finally at home in their new, eternal bodies, we will walk streets of gold and dwell in the presence of the Almighty!
Truly Paul was right when he ended the 1 Thessalonians passage with this command: "Therefore encourage one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:18).
Per our conversation last week, here are my thoughts about the sequence of events concerning all Christians, death, the resurrection and our physical bodies.
Each Christian has a physical body (often referred to in Scripture as “the flesh”) and a spirit. The physical body is temporary; not surviving into eternity. The spirit is the eternal part of us; the essence of our conscience, memories, thoughts, etc., that does survive physical death and exists throughout eternity in the presence of Christ.
At the moment a Christian physically dies their physical body, the flesh, ceases to function. This is what we commonly refer to as death. But as their physical body dies, the eternal part of that Christian (their spirit) immediately transfers into the presence of the Lord Jesus. We know this because of three key passages in the Bible.
(1) Luke 23
In Luke’s Gospel, chapter 23, we read of Jesus’ crucifixion. Beginning in verse 32, we are told that he was crucified between two criminals. Here is the relevant part of the event for our current conversation:
Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at Him: “Aren’t You the Messiah? Save Yourself and us!” But the other answered, rebuking him: “Don’t you even fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment? We are punished justly, because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but his man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!” And [Jesus] said to him, “I assure you: Today you will be with Me in paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43; emphasis added)
Notice the bolded and underlined word: Today. Both criminals were going to physically die that day, just as Jesus was. But the one who expressed faith was promised that he (his spirit, or eternal part) would be in paradise with Jesus that same day. Remember, for the Jews the day ended at sundown. So when Jesus said “Today you will be with Me…” He meant before the day ended…or literally, before sundown!
Clearly, this passage demonstrates that for those who have true, saving faith in Christ, when they die physically their spirit goes that moment to be with Christ.
(2) 2 Corinthians 5
In this passage Paul writes: "Yet we are confident and satisfied to be out of the body and at home with the Lord." (2 Corinthians 5:8)
Some translations, in place of the word “satisfied” use the phrase: “…we would prefer…” Re-read the verse inserting this phrase and you see Paul had a preference to be absent from the body and present with the Lord.
He understood that to physically die ushered one’s eternal spirit into God’s presence. And this was something he desired and preferred! Paul states his desire and preference even more clearly in the next passage.
(3) Philippians 1
For me, living is Christ and dying is gain. Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. I am pressured by both. I have the desire to depart and be with Christ – which is far better...” (Philippians 1:21-24; emphasis added)
It is obvious that Paul believed physical death was a good thing. He said it was “gain” and “far better.” He did not say this because he just wanted to die; but rather, because he knew that physical death was simply a door leading a Christian into the joyful blessedness of Jesus’ presence.
All three passages reveal that physical death leads a Christian into Jesus’ presence immediately. One of my study bibles has this note on 2 Corinthians 5:8:
“…out of the body and at home with the Lord…” This describes the situation of a Christian after death, when he is no longer living in his “earthly house, a tent” (vs. 1). This is an intermediate state between death and resurrection and, apparently, a disembodied state; but it is not a limbo of oblivion, for the believer who has died is at home with his Lord, and that is preferable to our present life in the body.
So what of our physical body (our flesh)? What happens to it when we die? And what about the resurrected bodies we receive? Let me discuss this for a moment.
This physical body begins deteriorating long before death. We age; we lose strength, stamina and abilities we had when younger. The flesh wrinkles outwardly and parts begin “breaking” inwardly! Not a good situation.
At death, our spirit discards its broken-down shell. Our spirit flies free from pain, disease, and other ailments of the flesh. It flies into the presence of Christ. Per our customs and traditions, the flesh is either cremated or buried. It really makes no difference what happens to it, for we are not there! That flesh is not me any longer. Me – my essence, my thoughts, my memories, etc. – I am gone! You will find that eternal part of me in paradise!
Others present in paradise will be in spirit form and I will see them as such. Likewise, they will see me in my spiritual state. And we – all believers – will stay this way until the next major moment in God’s timeline of events; which is, the Rapture.
The Rapture is that moment when Christ returns in the air and raptures the church. We read of this in several places throughout the Scriptures. One of the most well-known passages is this:
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, concerning those who are asleep [meaning: physically dead], so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep through Jesus. For we say this to you by a revelation from the Lord: We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly have no advantage over those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore, encourage each other with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
Notice a couple of things from these verses.
a. Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep through Jesus (emphasis added). Those Christians who die before the rapture – those referred to as “fallen asleep” – are the ones God will bring with Him when He comes back. He can only bring them with Him because they already are in His presence! They are not with their physical bodies, waiting in some dark casket for His return. This confirms that for Christians, when physically they die, their spirit goes to be in God’s presence.
b. We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly have no advantage over those who have fallen asleep (emphasis added). If the dead were in their graves awaiting Christ’s return, then I would say we who are still living have an advantage! But this is not the case. They are not waiting in the grave, they already are with Him. They have the advantage over us! They are with Christ in paradise! This is why Paul so desired to pass through death’s door
c. …and the dead in Christ will rise first. At the rapture, those spirits already with Christ who come back with Him will need physical bodies. They will need bodies because after the rapture and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (the celebration in heaven while the Tribulation is occurring on earth), all believers will return to earth and reign with Christ during His 1000 year, Millennial Reign. To do so, we will need bodies. So this phrase means that the physical bodies that the dead in Christ left behind when they died, will be reunited with their spirit. And then, those of us “who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.”
Two things happen as part of this Rapture moment. The dead, whose spirits are returning with Christ, have their physical bodies reunited with their spirits. And those Christians still alive on earth – flesh and spirit still together – are caught up with them to be with Jesus. We then all return to Heaven for a wonderful feast and celebration: the Marriage Supper of the Lamb!
Someone might ask: “But what about those whose bodies were cremated? Or those with weakened or malfunctioning earthly bodies? Will they be reunited with these bodies?”
The answer is: Yes, and no! Yes, we will be reunited with our earthly flesh, the physical bodies that we inhabited while living. But also, no, they will not be exactly the same bodies.
Remember we are to reign with Christ as victors for 1000 years (whether this is literal or figurative, it is still a long time!). We need bodies up to the task. During this time of reigning, our flesh is still “earthly.” By that I mean: it is the physical body that we had on earth.
But that old, earthly, physical body will not be exactly as it was when we inhabited it. Now it will have good health and strength, so that we can reign with Him. In other words, we will have our flesh reunited with our spirit, but it will be a healthy, vibrant, stronger version of our former flesh! Therefore, even those who were cremated will have their earthly body, only healthier. For surely, God who created it all can reassemble the dust! Even so, this body is not our eternal body. That we receive later.
Once the 1000 year Millennial Reign is over, there is one, last great battle followed by the final judgment. At this judgment many things occur. One is that the earth, sky and stars we see and experience today will be judge by fire – literally burned up.
Then the new heavens and new earth are formed. At this time, the new Jerusalem descends and we enter this new creation and City of God for eternity.
And we do not enter with our “earthly” flesh. But it is at this time – as all of creation is being made new – that we will receive our new bodies as well. And with our spirits finally at home in their new, eternal bodies, we will walk streets of gold and dwell in the presence of the Almighty!
Truly Paul was right when he ended the 1 Thessalonians passage with this command: "Therefore encourage one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:18).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)