The Titanic Tomb

Here we go again! Another huge controversy dealing with the relationship with Jesus and Mary Magdalene and this time with the help of the Titanic filmmaker and Oscar-winning director James Cameron! The USA TODAY article yesterday titled it a “Debate of Biblical Proportions,” and Monday morning it made NBC’s “Today” show, and last night David Letterman and Jay Leno both used it in their opening material. If you haven’t heard, it is based on Cameron’s claim that the tomb of Jesus has been found. In his TV documentary that will air on the Discovery Channel Sunday March 4, The Lost Tomb of Jesus, Cameron will contend that the family tomb of Jesus has been found and within that tomb were the remains of Jesus, his possible wife, Mary Magdalene, their son, Judah, and his mother, Mary. Obviously this supposed find has a number of contradictions to the writings of the New Testament, including the most fundamental of our faith, the resurrection of Jesus.

“Timing is everything!” That this discovery is not new, but was actually an archeological find from some ruins uncovered during a construction project in Jerusalem in 1980, speaks to timing. Scholars brought in to examine the tomb and its contents have been very skeptical of any possibility of the claimed connection to Jesus. But now the theory is being made public on the heels of the much publicized book and movie, The Da Vinci Code, which brought attention to the fictitious conspiracy to cover up the marriage of Jesus and Mary Magdalene and their child. It is not just coincidental that the timing coincides with the approaching Easter celebration!

The BBC aired a short documentary on this tomb back in 1996 in which Amos Kloner, the first archaeologist to examine the site, said the idea fails to hold up by archaeological standards but makes for profitable television. I would agree, but I fear that I might help. I know when the Da Vinci Code hit the book shelves and especially the theaters I presented some lessons in contradiction to it, which I am sure caused a few to go out and purchase a book or ticket that would have otherwise saved their money.

David

The Book of Acts

Luke, Volume II, commonly known as "The Book of Acts," completes the "Pentateuch of the New Testament." Regarded by many as the most exciting and relevant book for the current believer, it is, indeed, one of the most rewarding and instructive. Roman law required written documents, containing all the pertinent background regarding a case, to precede an appellant's appearance before Caesar. There are some scholars who suspect that the two volumes penned by Luke were to comply with those requirements. To compile a comprehensive history of the facts surrounding Paul's appeal to Caesar was an expensive undertaking, and some assume that the official known as Theophilus was Luke's sponsor. In a world denied the conveniences we currently take for granted with copiers and fax machines, it is hard for us to appreciate a culture entirely dependent upon handwritten documents (that's why we call them manu-scripts). An analysis of Luke's writings seems to support the pre-trial thesis. His consistent emphasis in the various episodes always focuses on establishing the responsibilities of the Jewish leadership in instigating the numerous uprisings, rather than Paul. The avoidance of civil unrest would have been the primary concern of the Roman administration. It is also interesting to note that, in Luke, centurions are always presented as "good guys."

The traditional title of this book is, in some respects, a misnomer: it primarily deals with the "acts" of Peter (Chapters 1-12) and Paul (Chapters 13-28). It really should be called "The Acts of the Holy Spirit." Jesus had indicated that the next phase of God's program would be "The Comforter's": "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you (John 16:7)." Certainly He, the Holy Spirit, is the principal mover behind the scenes. (It is interesting that the Holy Spirit is always modeled as "an unnamed servant" in Biblical typology. Jesus also explained why: "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come (John 16:13)." Among the pivotal passages are several that have significance far beyond the immediate narrative. Perhaps foremost of these is Chapter 2, in which we see the fulfillment of the prophetic significance of the Hag Shavout, "The Feast of Weeks" (or "Pentecost"), in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, generally regarded as the birth of the Church. (Why is the Book of Ruth always read at this time?) Another chapter with special revelations is Chapter 7, where young Stephen has the chutzpah to give a review of the Old Testament to the most august body of the Jews, the Sanhedrin. Hidden behind the subtleties of the text are clues that reveal a number of surprises, such as Abraham's delay in responding to God's call in Genesis 12, and the fact that the Pharaoh that oppressed Israel prior to the exodus was not Egyptian! There are some other lessons hidden within this fabulous book. For example, what Bible study, repeatedly recorded in the Book of Acts, was given by seven different people on twelve different occasions, and always proved extremely fruitful, yet is rarely given today? The answer: presenting Jesus Christ entirely from the Old Testament. It was the only "Scriptures" they had then; the "New Testament" was still in the process of being compiled. Could you do that? Could you present, to your Jewish friends, Jesus as the Messiah-entirely from the Old Testament? It's not hard if you are prepared. In the meantime, we encourage you to dig into this uniquely relevant and rewarding book of God's Word.

Day 40 of the 40 Days of Purpose

It is finished! 40 Days of Purpose. But not really, it is really only the beginning, for now we put these 5 Purposes into Action. As we have said all the way through, we have really only been reviewing the McKnight Road Church of Christ Mission Statement:

A Church Family Committed to (That’s Purpose # 2 - Fellowship)
Worshiping God (That’s Purpose # 1 - Worship)
Serving Our Fellowman (That’s Purpose # 4 - Ministry)
Sharing the Good News (That’s Purpose # 5 – Evangelism)
Making Disciples (That’s Purpose # 3 – Discipleship)

May we all individually and as a church put these into practice for our overall purpose of bringing glory to God. May the Lord bless the fruit of our 40 Days of Purpose to His Glory!

Day 39 of the 40 Days of Purpose

“Balancing Your Life”

We have almost finished the 40 Days of Purpose, how has it impacted you? Are you stronger in all five purposes than you were before you started? Are you growing in all five, or do you need to do better in one area over another?

Are you giving yourself in a living sacrifice of worship to the glory of God?
Are you involved in the fellowship of the McKnight Road church family?
Are you committed to discipleship, becoming more and more like Christ every day?
Are you looking for and responding to opportunities to minister by serving others?
Are you sharing you faith with others so they can benefit in this life and spend eternity with you in heaven?


Are you getting some help? Do you have someone to pray with you about it? Remember Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so people can improve each other.” Do you have someone in mind that you can help grow in the 5 purposes? How will you build that relationship? Start praying for that person right now.

Singing Praise to our LORD [I Chronicles 16:7-36]

Then on that day David first appointed that thanksgiving be sung to the LORD by Asaph and his brethren. 8 O give thanks to the LORD, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples! 9 Sing to him, sing praises to him, tell of all his wonderful works! 10 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice! 11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his presence continually! 12 Remember the wonderful works that he has done, the wonders he wrought, the judgments he uttered, 13 O offspring of Abraham his servant, sons of Jacob, his chosen ones! 14 He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth. 15 He is mindful of his covenant for ever, of the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations, 16 the covenant which he made with Abraham, his sworn promise to Isaac, 17 which he confirmed as a statute to Jacob, as an everlasting covenant to Israel, 18 saying, "To you I will give the land of Canaan, as your portion for an inheritance." 19 When they were few in number, and of little account, and sojourners in it, 20 wandering from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people, 21 he allowed no one to oppress them; he rebuked kings on their account, 22 saying, "Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!" 23 Sing to the Lord, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to day. 24 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! 25 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and he is to be held in awe above all gods. 26 For all the gods of the peoples are idols; but the LORD made the heavens. 27 Honor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his place. 28 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength! 29 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come before him! Worship the LORD in holy array; 30 tremble before him, all the earth; yea, the world stands firm, never to be moved. 31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, "The LORD reigns!" 32 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it, let the field exult, and everything in it! 33 Then shall the trees of the wood sing for joy before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. 34 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures for ever! 35 Say also: "Deliver us, O God of our salvation, and gather and save us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise. 36 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting!" Then all the people said "Amen!" and praised the LORD.

After finishing the 40 Days of Purpose, I felt that a celebration would be in order. I read several books of the Bible looking for the perfect passage to celebrate what the Lord has done and came across the above. I would hope that many of us would say "Thank you" to David Bearden for his commentaries and thoughts on this blog for the past 40 days. We did not develop a lot of discussion; which I miss; but, at times it was hard to keep up. Perhaps we can get some sharing about how you felt about completing the 40 days of purpose?

Day 38 of the 40 Days of Purpose

“Becoming a World-Class Christian”

One of the areas to which I have applied my ministry since moving to St. Louis to work with the McKnight Road Church of Christ has been in the area of missions. I have been involved in mission efforts since I was a teen, most recently in Africa and China. Upon beginning my ministry at McKnight I found that the church was heavily involved in mission efforts. I found that the church was very involved in a highly effective campus ministry and in a ministry of help to families and children in need through Christian Family Services. In addition to these area mission efforts there were also mission projects in cooperation with an inner city church plant. I also found that the church supported international ministries with French speaking mission efforts in France and Madagascar. The church also had several members who were involved in mission trips to Panama, Honduras, and helping with the continuing recovery efforts on the Gulf Coast. Several members were also involved in World Bible School. I was excited to hear of all this emphasis on missions and when I visited with the people involved in these various efforts they were excited. But something that seemed to be missing was an overall excitement by the congregation about its various mission efforts. Those involved were excited, but those not involved, did not seem excited about what the church was doing in missions. This seemed strange to me. Should we not all identify with these efforts and share the excitement about the outreach of the McKnight Road church to the world? When I met with the Missions Committee and asked them about my perception, they helped me see some factors of communication that were involved; two things that stood out were the following:

1) The definition of “Missions” needed to include broader areas of involvement of “sharing the good news” and “serving our fellowman” in the name of Christ to the glory of God, than just applying it to supporting a “overseas missionary” from the church budget.
2) Missions involvement needed to include every member in the congregation doing something to help mission efforts, including prayer, correspondence, sending gifts, making visits, mission trips, financial support, etc.

I am excited to say that the missions committee has committed to promoting mission mindedness in the congregation as their primary responsibility, and it is having a positive impact on the general sense of mission throughout the church locally and internationally. The church has always been mission minded in its corporate vision, but not all individuals within the church were thinking with mission minds. When you think with a mission mind you see all people with the eyes of mission, the people near and the people beyond.

Day 37 of the 40 Days of Purpose

“Sharing Your Life Message”

(1 Pet 3:15 NIV) But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

Being ready to give an answer for the hope that is within you implies that questions are being asked. That’s a problem for many of us, here a few reasons why.

First, because our lives are not so lived that they readily generate questions by non-Christians. This can be caused by two general factors by the lifestyles of Christians: 1) We so blend in with the world that our lives don’t stand out as anything exemplary of hopefulness to which people would want to know the reason, or 2) We stand out in a negative way causing people to not want to know what makes us different because they don’t like what they see and wouldn’t want it for themselves.

A second problem that causes us to fail to generate questions about our hope is that we are sometimes too busy answering questions that aren’t being asked. We are sometimes too quick with answers to questions that we think non-believers should be asking that we don’t give them a chance to formulate questions about our hope, or even a chance to even see that we have hope. The great thing about trying to get them to ask us about our hope rather than giving them answers that they are not asking for is that when it happens, it takes them directly to Jesus. Other answers overpowers them with doctrine that they can’t process, but giving them an answer for the hope that is within us speaks to what they really want and need – eternal life through Jesus Christ.

A third reason why we may not be generating questions about our hope is that we simply don’t have it! If deep down inside you don’t really believe, it is going to be hard to live and speak in such a way that anyone who sees and hears you is going to know that your life is filled with hope. Some Christians simply don’t have the faith to hope, and their lives show it to outsiders. Why would anyone ask about a life that is as hopeless looking as their own? Who is in the worse condition? Paul answered this:

(1 Cor 15:17-19 NIV) And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. {18} Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. {19} If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.

Day 36 of the 40 Days of Purpose

“Made for a Mission”

“Jesus commands us to continue his mission.”

When you look at what Jesus himself said was the reason for his coming to this earth, it gives us a pretty clear view of what the mission is in which we should be involved. Here are a few of the things that Jesus said about his purpose to which we may want to ask ourselves if we are doing a good job of continuing his efforts.

In Mark 1:38 Jesus said he came to preach.

In Mark 10:45 He said he came not to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.

In John 5:43 Jesus said he came in the Father’s name and adds in John 6:38-40 that he came to do the Father’s will to bring eternal life to believers.

In John 10:10 He said he came to bring life, full life.

In John 12:46-47 Jesus said he came as the light to shine in the darkness bringing salvation to believers.

In Luke 19:10 He said he came to seek and save the lost.

In John 18:37, Jesus stood before Pilate and said in answer to his statement that he was a king, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” Obviously, we are not here to be kings, but we do have the mission of testifying to the truth of the King.

Day 35 of the 40 Days of Purpose

“God’s Power in Your Weakness”

This chapter is so contrary to our culture. We live in a world where we are taught to never show our weakness, in fact, you are not supposed to ever admit you have a weakness. If we could really practice the principles of this chapter it would be so freeing. Free from always trying to be perfect, invincible, without flaws, sins or vulnerabilities. Free from trying to cover up. Free from the need to be Superman, or Super Spiritual. Free from always needing to be the leader, when in reality, some times you need to be led. Free from being so image conscious and able to just let go and be human! So why not let God use your weakness and experience this freedom? Because we are afraid and that fear comes from a lack of faith. Not believing that God can overcome every reason given to not let your guard down and be real – weaknesses in all!

Day 34 of the 40 Days of Purpose

"Thinking Like a Servant"

One of the most difficult things to do in ministry as a "preacher" is to encourage in ministry by recognizing people for what they do. This is difficult, not in that you don't want to do it but i that it is hard to recognize everyone who needs recognition, and you always run the risk of hurting someone. This adds another difficulty, for there are those who constantly want to be recognized for what they do and it seems their motivation for service is to gain the recognition. Jesus warned about this motivation:

(Mat 6:1-6 NIV) "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. {2} "So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. {3} But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, {4} so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. {5} "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. {6} But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Day 33 of the 40 Days of Purpose

“How Real Servants Act”

It has been my custom in ministry for many years to work on my “to-do-list” for the week on Sunday night. Generally on Sunday I find out about a number of things that need to be done and I am usually pretty keyed up at the end of the day on Sunday and can’t go to sleep until I have made a list of things I need to start working on for the next week and pray about them. Usually when I finish, every day has several activities and tasks that need to be performed and people that need to be met or visited. One of the interesting things about this list and schedule, it always changes before the week is over. The fact that my schedule would get changed was the source of great frustration in my earlier years of ministry. Then I realized that Christ’s ministry moved from one interruption to another, I asked, “Why should I think my ministry should be different?” This is not to say that I never get frustrated at being interrupted, but I have a much better attitude about it now than I had earlier in my ministry. I have a big coffee mug on my desk in which I keep markers that has these words in bold print, “Please bother me, I’m trying to study.” And several seem to miss the sarcasm and apparently take it as an invitation. There are times when I am interrupted that I have to say, “I’m sorry I really need to get this done right now, can we schedule an appointment to meet?” But more often I find my schedule that was so carefully planned on Sunday night is rearranged around unexpected hospital visits, counseling appointments, emergency meetings, Bible study opportunities, and various crises within the congregation. Often I get to the end of the week and there are a number of items on my to-do-list still not marked off, but there are added things that I know were more important in service for the eternal good. Praise God for trusting me with the ministry of interruptions.

Day 32 of the 40 Days of Purpose

“Using What God Gave You”

Too often our view of our ministry is based on comparison with another ministry, or trying to conform to one. Ministers fall into this temptation, too. We, like others, often like to think of ourselves as capable accomplished professionals, and in order to do this, we often fall into the temptation of comparing our ministries with others. We can look at ministries that we feel we have accomplished more and feel that we have been successful. Or, we can pick an arbitrary standard out there somewhere of a good ministry and spend our efforts trying to conform to it so we can feel successful. Yes, we ministers have that kind of foolish pride! And you know what the Bible says about pride!

We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. (2 Cor 10:12 NIV)

Day 31 of the 40 Days of Purpose

“Understanding Your Shape”

When I think about God using our painful experiences to serve others, I think about some of the opportunities Vicki and I have had to work with other ministers and their families, especially younger ones, to help them deal with some of the difficulties of ministry. We have a terrible dropout rate for the ministry! I don’t know if we have actually helped someone stay in the ministry that was considering quitting, but maybe sharing some of our experiences have encouraged them and helped them serve with greater joy. Maybe we have helped them find the courage to go on. Maybe we have helped them work better and see some of the results of what they have already accomplished in their ministries. Maybe we have helped them look to the Lord instead of focusing on the negatives of their church leadership. Maybe we helped them turn to prayer rather than to answering the critic with harsh words. Maybe we helped a ministry couple work harder on their marriage and take more time for each other. Maybe we helped ministry parents better understand the special challenge of not losing your kids while trying to save the church. Maybe we helped one minister’s family be better stewards and better use their resources. Maybe we helped one minister have better communication with the church leaders, spend an extra hour in the Word, preach a better sermon, hold another hand and pray….Maybe we helped one ministry family realize they are not alone, helped pull them from Elijah’s syndrome to hear again God’s whispering call. I hope we have, and if we have, any amount of difficulty we have experienced in ministry has been worth it. Thank you, God, for letting me serve!

Day 30 of the 40 Days of Purpose

“Shaped for Serving God”

Spiritual Gifts and Heart!

I remember my first baseball tryout as a little kid. “And what position do you want to play, young man?” Now, that’s an interesting question to build a Little League team around! You may end up with a team of pitchers and shortstops! But if you do some tryouts at the different positions with a little coaching of the fundamentals, a balanced team begins to fall into place with all the positions filled.

The heart is important – the desire to play the position, but just wanting to pitch doesn’t make you a good pitcher. On the other hand, you can have a strong arm and if you hate being that close to the batter, you will have a tough time developing your pitching ability. Most of all you have to love the game of baseball. When you love the game, you are willing to play any position to help the team win.

In the church we need true servants who are willing to try any position of service to find what best serves the Kingdom, instead of sitting out of the game until you get to do your favorite ministry.

Day 29 of the 40 Days of Purpose

“Accepting Your Assignment”

The fact that we are saved by grace and not by works should be such a wonderfully exciting motivator to work. To know that God’s love and mercy is what brings my salvation, should make me love him in return and cause me to want to do everything I can to let him know how much I appreciate it, especially when you consider that you could never work enough to earn it. Unfortunately, many Christians do take it for granted, and because their soul’s salvation is not at risk, they are uninvolved in service to God and our fellowman.

I have always tried to teach our daughters, and set the example before them of showing appreciation for their mother’s efforts by helping out. We have had the rule in our home that the person preparing the meal should not have the responsibility of cleaning up the kitchen. Showing the person who cooked the meal how much you appreciate it by cleaning up afterwards is a simple but practical way of saying “thank you.” When my daughters became old enough to be the cooks, they really appreciated this practice. Our Heavenly Father and His Son deserve a show of appreciation for what they have prepared for us. We should be involved in serving our world to the glory of God.

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Mat 5:16 NIV)

Day 28 of the 40 Days of Purpose

“It Takes Time”

In this world of the instant everything, it is hard to be patient enough to be a disciple. I am reminded of the dialogue between Rabbit and the Skin Horse in the Velveteen Rabbit:

"What is REAL?" asked the Rabbit one day, when they were lying side by side near the nursery fender, before Nana came to tidy the room. "Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?"

"Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real."

"Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit.

"Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are Real you don't mind being hurt."

"Does it happen all at once, like being wound up," he asked, "or bit by bit?"

"It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in your joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."

Being a true disciple that is growing to become like Jesus is like becoming real.

Day 27 of the 40 Days of Purpose

“Defeating Temptation”

The best way to deal with temptation is to, if at all possible, get away from it. The story of Joseph is a classic example. Potiphar’s wife made it very easy for Joseph to sin. He resisted the temptation by running from it.

(Gen 39:6-12 NIV) So he left in Joseph's care everything he had; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, {7} and after a while his master's wife took notice of Joseph and said, "Come to bed with me!" {8} But he refused. "With me in charge," he told her, "my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. {9} No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" {10} And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her. {11} One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. {12} She caught him by his cloak and said, "Come to bed with me!" But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house.

While standing in temptation makes it hard to fight it, running can be hard, also. It is not easy to walk away, or it wouldn’t be called temptation. There can also be consequences of running, as well. Look at what happened to Joseph after he ran from Potiphar’s wife.

(Gen 39:16-21 NIV) She kept his cloak beside her until his master came home. {17} Then she told him this story: "That Hebrew slave you brought us came to me to make sport of me. {18} But as soon as I screamed for help, he left his cloak beside me and ran out of the house." {19} When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, "This is how your slave treated me," he burned with anger. {20} Joseph's master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king's prisoners were confined. But while Joseph was there in the prison, {21} the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.

There are some who do not want you to be successful in resisting sin and will do everything they can to make it rough for you because you decided to run from the temptation. But notice the end of the story, even when they make it rough, the Lord is still with us and in the end we will win.


Our victory over sin is a great demonstration of God’s power in grace.
Our victory over temptation is a great demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit strengthening the inner man.
Our eventual victory over death is the demonstration of Christ resurrection power.

(1 Cor 15:55-57 NIV) "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" {56} The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. {57} But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Day 26 of the 40 Days of Purpose

“Growing through Temptation”

I guess I could have written yesterday’s blog for today, for it seems I moved more into the trial of temptation, today’s chapter, than the other forms of trial mentioned in the chapter yesterday. Reading this chapter brought to mind Augustine’s Confessions. Augustine deals with two definitions of the word “confessions” throughout the book, both are equally developed as Augustine tells of his faith journey. One meaning of the word is an acknowledgement of sins. This Augustine develops with such depth it is almost shocking and clearly an illustration of the sinful nature and man’s sinful desire giving birth to sin.

(James 1:14-15 NIV) but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. {15} Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

But he also uses the word “confessions” for the acknowledgement of God’s love, mercy and grace; and while his exploration into his own sinfulness is a great in-depth psychological profile of man’s nature, his confession of his faith and thanksgiving over God’s grace is a great exploration of the nature of God.

The Holy Spirit helps us to better understand ourselves and how to not be controlled by our sinful nature, and also how to better understand the nature of God.

(Rom 8:3-10 NIV) For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, {4} in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. {5} Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. {6} The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; {7} the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. {8} Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. {9} You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. {10} But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness.

(Eph 1:17 NIV) I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

Our ability to both better understand ourselves and better understand God are keys to becoming better able to resist temptation.

Day 25 of the 40 Days of Purpose

“Transformed by Trouble”

When I consider the question for today, “What problem in my life has caused the greatest growth in me?” it brings a number of “bad things” to mind that have happened to our family that have contributed to my spiritual growth. I think of difficult circumstances that have been challenges resulting in long periods of waiting in prayer. As far as I know they were from natural causes that tested our faith. But then there were those circumstances that seemed beyond normal natural circumstances and timing that created unique tests as if Satan had been granted permission like he was with Job. Although difficult, through them we grew. Then there were those trying times resulting from the sins of others, some not directly against us but the consequences of their sins hurt us, but at other times their sin was maliciously directed toward us. These trials were difficult for they included betrayal from friends or harm brought upon us while we were in the work of the Lord and we had to wrestle with why God did not protect us from harm while clearly in His service. But I have to confess that the times of trial that have caused the greatest personal growth are the times of growth through my own sin. When my pride had led to my own fall. When I crumbled in the face of temptation. It is the memory of these, although I know I am forgiven, through which I carry the haunting reminder of my frailties that helps me to not rely on my strength. The wonder of grace is that I can see my sinfulness as part of a growth process. I still hurt over the consequences of poor choices, prideful actions, and hurt relationships; but I rejoice that through God’s glorious grace, I am not only forgiven, but now stronger and closer to Him than before. I would not choose to grow by any of these “bad things” in the future, especially through my own sinfulness, but thanks be to God that with his power, wisdom, love and grace they can all result in growth!

Day 24 of the 40 Days of Purpose

“Transformed by Truth”

The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to make us like the Son of God.

(Eph 6:17 NIV) Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

(Heb 4:12 NIV) For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

The Word of God provides the nourishment we need for this growth process (see Psalm 119).

(1 Pet 1:22-2:3 NIV) Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. {23} For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. {24} For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, {25} but the word of the Lord stands forever." And this is the word that was preached to you. {2:1} Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. {2} Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, {3} now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

It is useful for training us to be the workers God needs for the Kingdom.

(2 Tim 3:16-17 NIV) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, {17} so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

That today’s chapter points us to looking to the Bible as our final authority with Jesus as the Head of the Church is not a new concept to our heritage. It is the foundation to our “restoration plea.” “Back to the Bible” is still a valid direction for our churches, and it is the right direction for true discipleship to become like Christ.

Day 23 of the 40 Days of Purpose

“How We Grow”

It is an interesting concept to think about “deciding to grow.” I remember in football wishing I were bigger, and now wishing I were smaller! Back in my football days, it seemed no matter what I did to put on a few pounds, I just could not get bigger. The coach had us drinking special shakes and lifting weights, and it seemed to make a difference for some of the bigger players, but it didn’t help me grow. However, maybe because I could not rely on my size, I decided I had to play smarter, and I determined to understand the game and how to play it better than anyone out there. It made a big difference and I was able to play better than many players much bigger than me.

If you make discipleship, becoming like Christ, simply a matter of external circumstances, you will probably not grow much. But if you decide to grow internally and let that change the way you deal with external circumstances, you will grow. Decide to grow!

Day 22 of the 40 Days of Purpose

“Created to Become Like Christ”

Spiritual transformation to become like Christ is made possible through the Holy Spirit transforming us. The worship we studied in the first purpose is made possible by the Spirit’s work within us, and that work causes us to become like Christ – God’s eternal purpose for us.

(Rom 12:1-2 NIV) Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. {2} Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

(2 Cor 3:18 NIV) And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

(Rom 8:29 NIV) For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

The idea of being like Christ is an impossible accomplishment! The only way we can even fathom fulfilling this impossible purpose is through the work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is given for the helpful power we need to accomplish the unimaginable. The context of Romans chapter eight is one of the working of the Holy Spirit. Consider some of the statements in this chapter that point to the work of the Holy Spirit within us:

(Rom 8 NIV) Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, {2} because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. …{4} … who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. {5} … but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. {6} … the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; …{9} You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. …give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. …if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, {14} because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. {15} … you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." {16} The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. … {26} In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. {27} And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. {28} And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. {29} For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

The Holy Spirit is the power inside us enabling us to make our bodies a holy temple to the glory of God.

(1 Cor 6:19-20 NIV) Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; {20} you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

(Eph 1:13-19 NIV) And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, {14} who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory. {15} For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, {16} I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. {17} I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. {18} I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, {19} and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, {20} which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,

(Eph 3:14-19 NIV) For this reason I kneel before the Father, {15} from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. {16} I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, {17} so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, {18} may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, {19} and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

This reminds me of the work of Bezalel in Exodus to build the tabernacle according to the plans God had given Moses. An impossible purpose to pull off! But he was given the Holy Spirit to not only equip him for the task, but also to teach others to do the work (Ex. 35:30-34). We are given the Holy Spirit to give us what we need to build this tabernacle into Christlikeness to bring glory to God. We can’t do it by ourselves, but the power is there, if we will allow the power to work in our lives.

Day 21 of the 40 Days of Purpose

“Protecting Your Church”

Back to the subject of unity! The opposite of unity is division. I have enjoyed reading about Abraham Lincoln. His love for the unity of this country is undeniable from what I have read in a number of books, but during the Civil War many circulated the slanderous idea that he was unwilling to bring the Union back together to serve his own purposes for he was unwilling to accept a compromise with the South. Lincoln knew that any compromise would continue the awfulness of slavery. He knew that if the Union were restored with the continuation of slavery, it would be torn apart again. He believed the only way to truly restore the United States would be to end slavery and that would demand war. War was not desired, but it had to be fought.

Some in the Church feel the absence of “war” will be the introduction to true unity. While fighting is not what any desire, well maybe some do, and fighting among brothers and sisters is sinful, there are some things that are worthy of a fight. Unity that rallies for a cause is not one that has replaced the fight with apathy and complacency. This type of unity, based on everyone moving to the standard of the lowest common denominator of “who cares?” will become a war again the first moment someone is daring enough to challenge the status quo with the suggestion that all is not right. And it should! Unity that parades under the banner of a social tone of non-commitment is not a unity that will last.

Unity claimed through a compromise with foundational false teachings, immorality and tolerance of knowingly continuing in sin is not real unity. When Jesus cleansed the temple of those who were profiteering through taking advantage of the poor who trying to serve God, he made a statement about the price of unity. We have no unity when it is gained by taking a stand on a system of sin, or that stands for nothing. Standardized sinful behavior is not unity; it is a community of lost values without a conscience.

We want the church to be united. It is God’s command; it is the principle of the Body of Jesus. But we hold to the unity of faith through a conviction that stands for something and we will not compromise that foundation to stand for nothing in order to be united for the sake of shallow unity. Let’s stop fighting wars over matters of human opinion that divide us. But let us fight the wars that are worth fighting and come out united for a common cause to the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s stand together united against a common foe fighting for a common victory that will last forever!

Day 20 of the 40 Days of Purpose

“Restoring Broken Fellowship”

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. (Mat 5:9)

I write this as my daughter prepares to study Hebrew and Arabic along with courses on the topic of conflict resolution at a university in Israel this year. The conflicts of Muslim, Jewish, and Christian religions are so much deeper than religion. It seems the layers cannot begin to be peeled away to reach the core needed to build productive relationships. Where should one begin?

I’m sure I over simplify, but the beginning of peace is within each of us and our relationship with our Creator. We all seek it, but we don’t all recognize it. There is a hunger within that wants peace, for all to be right within. But it can’t be right within, if we are not right with the one who put that desire within us so we would long a relationship with him, God. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans chapters one and two of the natural sense within man to know there is a god and desire to worship him and want to live in relationship with him through an inner sense of what is right and wrong. With this sense, or conscience, there is also the sense that one has not lived up to this natural standard and that God is displeased. Not all will identify these feelings or connect them to God, but they are there. Inside of all of us is a desire for peace as a freedom from guilt through a relationship with God. In Romans 5 the solution to this dilemma is given. God sent his Son into the world as our reconciler so that we could stop being the enemies of God subject to his wrath and become one of his children. We needed a peacemaker, and God sent one – Christ.

We need more peacemakers in the world. We also need more people who are at peace with themselves because they have made peace with God through Jesus. And those who have found that peace have a way of helping others make peace.

Day 19 of the 40 Days of Purpose

“Cultivating Community”

Confidentiality is a strained commodity. It usually comes with the whisper of a secret, often the breaking of a previous confidentiality. “Now this is confidential,” is too often a statement of “Don’t betray that I am betraying someone else.”

Behind true confidentiality is mutual trust. It is not the sharing of gossip, it is the bearing one another’s burdens.

To share one’s self in confidence is a compliment that another is trusted with value beyond measure. And to hear the baring of the soul, puts one in the responsible position of protecting the life and honor of the other.

It is the breaking of this sacred trust that has made it so difficult. For all its great benefits, the hurt caused by the Judas-like sellout is irreparable destruction. It has caused many to never trust again, or to remain bitter for a lifetime.

So stop before you agree to take into confidence. Ask if what is about to be said should be said. And ask yourself if you can carry the burden of the entrusting of someone’s emotional well-being into your care.