In a previous post, Savior and Lord, we worked through the beginning of Romans.
This is Paul's explanation of the Good News. He describes the saving grace of Jesus and our new life with Jesus as our Lord.
Romans continues with specifics about how to live for Jesus. He offers many challenges to the church about how to continue in Christ's love.
Romans, to me, is a great extension of Jesus' words in Matthew. The Pharisees were questioning Him, trying to trap Jesus into saying something against the law. They asked Him what is the most important commandment.
Jesus replied, "You must love the Lord God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments." Matthew 22:37-40
I love this so much. I wish I could have witnessed that moment. Jesus always had the perfect responses. The truth wrapped up inside those verses speaks to the freedom, but also, the weight of joining the Kingdom of God.
Forget your lists of wrongs and rights. You don't need a page full of laws. God is calling us into His love. There is so much freedom in that.
But, at the same time. Wow.
Love God with everything.
Love others as yourself.
So, Romans works through this message that Jesus brought.
We learn about loving God and giving all to Him.
Then, Romans chapter 12 steps it up with specifics - reality.
If everything is for God.
If we truly are going to love others...
I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice - the kind He will accept. When you think of what He has done for you, is this too much to ask? Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect His will really is. - Romans 12:1-2
So, yep. We get words like holy, sacrifice, transform.
We are offering ourselves to God. We are giving Him control. This is part of the Lordship of Jesus, but there is so much more to take from this passage.
Holy
We're going to spend some time with this, because holy is huge and feels huge.
Holy means to be set apart.
God is holy. Nothing is like God or can compare to God. He is truly perfect and to remain perfect must be separate from anything that is not.
Yes, so... we are called to live a holy life. - We'll come back to that some more in a bit.
Sacrifice
Old Testament sacrifice meant giving an animal, an offering, in an act of repentance. It was a way God made for His people to make temporary payment for sins. A sacrifice was more about the heart than the physical, but the people were required to give of their best. A sacrifice is supposed to dig in to what's yours, the parts you prefer to keep. Sacrifice is not sharing from abundance, but giving from the core.
Jesus became the ultimate, once-and-for-all sacrifice for our sins. As the perfect Lamb of God, God giving from the very core of Himself, He covered us. Period.
Now, in return and in response, we are giving ourselves back to God. Not to earn salvation, but because of it. Not just Sundays, not just the fringe of life, but our whole selves - to the core.
This is big. This is hard, but God is in the midst of it. And God can be trusted. God loves us beyond comprehension, and giving yourself over to Him is the BEST thing you can do for yourself.
God - the omniscient, omnipresent - will guide your steps.
Jesus said, If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life. - Luke 9:24
The giving is hard, but the result is awesome!
Transform
Transformation is not going to come naturally. It will come by choosing God. The verse begins with a warning to not be conformed to the behavior and customs of this world. So, basically the things you see around you, and possibly even your first inclination, could be wrong. God is going to change the way you would normally do things. Your actions and goals will likely look different than the common around you. Paul says God will change the way you think - some translations say by the renewing of your mind. Our days and lives are driven by our thoughts. God wants to give us a new perspective, a new plan, a new vision.
--------------
All of this is then followed by a beautiful promise. -It's one of the most sought after things of Christians - and actually all people.
Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect His will really is.
God's will. His purpose for your life.
How many books have been written on this? How many sermons spoken?
People are always seeking God's direction and leading in their lives.
Give your life to God and walk in obedience.
Obedience is the one piece of God's will we are clearly given. Paul says once you have given yourself to God; when you are walking in that holy, transformed life, you will know.
---------------
So, I'm thankful for this. I want this.
But,
But - Holy.
The bar is clearly too high.
Right?
Well, God does not expect holiness to come out of our own efforts. He is with us. We are in pursuit of this holy life. The transformation is ongoing.
Holy = set apart.
One example we have of this is Daniel.
God's people in the Old Testament were more or less "set apart" as a group. God's nation was separate, and lived apart from others to follow God's laws. When they were faithful to Him, He protected them from other nations. When they were not obedient, He removed His protection.
Daniel is an example, though, of a godly man who had to make his own choices to remain holy.
Daniel and other Jews were taken captive in Babylon. Daniel was among a group of young men chosen to come and learn and work for King Nebuchadnezzar.
Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility, youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king's palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king. - Daniel 1:3-5
Daniel's discipline and work ethic must have been obvious, because he was easily selected. This deal at the palace would mean a big lifestyle change for these Jewish men. The king's food would alter the diet these men had faithfully followed. It likely even included meats that were prohibited by God's instructions. Daniel requested a separate meal plan for himself and his three friends. He convinced the attendant to do this for a trial period so Daniel could prove the diet would be beneficial.
At the end of the ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier and better nourished than the young men who had been eating the food assigned by the king. So after that, the attendant fed them only vegetables instead of the rich foods and wines. God gave these four young men and unusal aptitude for learning the literature and science of the time. And God gave Daniel a special ability in understanding the meaning of visions an dreams. Daniel 1:15-17
Key points -
- Daniel maintained obedience right in the middle of some tempting alternatives. I'm sure whatever food the king was serving was yummy. Daniel knew from experience why he needed to continue following God's plan. His previous faithfulness gave him the willpower he needed in a more difficult situation. God had prepared him.
- God's directions proved to be the healthier choice.
- God blessed the men, because of their obedience. Their efforts were multiplied, and He gave them favor as they worked and studied. Daniel even received a new ability that God would need him to use later. (This is very similar to Jesus' parable of the talents in Matthew 25)
We see Daniel use this new talent in Daniel 2. Daniel interprets the king's dream, because God reveals to him what it means. Daniel continues to show his obedience and dependence on God by quickly giving God all the credit for the revelation:
"While Your Majesty was sleeping, you dreamed about coming events. The revealer of mysteries has shown you what is going to happen. And it is not because I am wiser than any living person that I know the secret of your dream, but because God wanted you to understand what you were thinking about." - Daniel 2:29-30
We see holiness in Daniel, because of his reliance on God. His choices are directed by God, and he never even claims his success or talent as being his own.
Holiness and transformation are about emptying ourselves and allowing God in. God is not going to mix and mingle with our selfishness. When we clear away space for Him, He fills it.
Holiness is about being a vessel.
Daniel continues to show his faithfulness to God, and later in the book we read how others around him were jealous. God protected and blessed Daniel, because of his obedience. The king chose Daniel for more leadership, because Daniel was strong and trustworthy. Jealousy made the other leaders look for something to bring against Daniel,
but they couldn't find anything to criticize. He was faithful and honest and always responsible. So they concluded, 'Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the requirements of his religion.' - Daniel 6:4b-5
Reputation. As Christians, we should have this kind of reputation. We are not going to be perfect. We will make mistakes, but our reputation at work and with peers should be like Daniel's. Faithful, honest, trustworthy. Christians should be known for these qualities in all areas of life.
To challenge Daniel, they would have to challenge his religion. His life had demonstrated that that would be the only way he would falter.
So, as you know, Daniel does not falter. He goes all the way to the lion's den for God.
Back to Romans
Paul gives us some specifics - not as a list of rules - but as a practical picture of what this living sacrifice, this holiness, will mean.
Romans chapters 12 - 15 are packed full of expectations.
There are lots of example of loving others and putting others first.
He describes serving enthusiastically and not being lazy, being patient, staying in prayer, not arguing, not being judgmental, overcoming evil with good, respecting authority.
There is a lot packed into these 4 chapters (not going to type it all in here), but..
We have a high calling. Our commitment should set us apart. The love of Christ inside of us should be evident. Relationally, geographically we are not and should not be apart, but our choices and the depth of our love should be a light in a dark world. (Matthew 5:14-16)
And, remember the promise:
Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect His will really is. - Romans 12:2
7.27.2016
7.20.2016
Choose This Day
The Promised Land.
After 40 years, a new generation could finally enter the land God had promised.
I love this story and reading about God's love through this time. A constant, unwavering love of a Father.
This was a gift God had wanted to give so much sooner.
He rescued His people from slavery in Egypt through a series of miracles. He brought them literally through the sea into safety, and showed His presence through constant guidance, protection, and provision.
His power and commitment were steady and clear. They had a strong leader in Moses and a clear destination.
But...
In a matter of days, they were whining.
Complaining. Doubting. Retreating. Even worshiping other gods.
In the wisdom of a Father, God orders a time-out.
The entire nation of God's people would spend 40 years in the desert. The promise would have to wait for a new generation.
But, in His great love, God still provided for them every day.
Finally, Joshua would lead God's people into Canaan, the land He had promised.
Again, God proves Himself in mighty ways, and He even helps them establish memorials that will hold their short attention spans to God's power and provision.
The very beginning of their journey would be crossing the Jordan River. A whole nation of people followed the priests and the Ark of the Covenant. As soon as their feet stepped into the water, the water flow stopped, and the bed of the river became a dry path.
God was proving His power and faithfulness again to a new generation.
This time He added an order for Joshua to give:
So Joshua called together the twelve men and told them, "Go into the middle of the Jordan, in front of the Ark of the Lord your God. Each of you must pick up one stone and carry it out on your shoulder-twelve stones in all, one for each of the twelve tribes. We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future, your children will ask, 'What do these stones mean to you?' Then you can tell them, 'They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the Lord's covenant went across.' These stones will stand as a permanent memorial among the people of Israel. - Joshua 4:4-7
God had seen His people forget so quickly. He was trying to help them hold their focus.
Nothing stands between God's people as they enter the land.
Jericho falls.
They win every battle against every king.
They receive the promise.
Now, they have a land of freedom and everything they need to provide for themselves.
They have a relationship with a great, loving God.
The law has already been established, so they know how to live and continue in God's favor.
Joshua warns the people that they must keep their covenant with God, or they will lose His protection.
If you break the covenant of the Lord your God by worshiping and serving other gods, His anger will burn against you, and you will quickly be wiped out from the good land He has given you. - Joshua 23:16
So honor the Lord and serve Him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord alone. But if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, then choose this day whom you will serve.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. - Joshua 24:14-15
Serve.
A verb.
Your service identifies your master. You can say who your master is, but your actions will prove what is true.
If you don't choose your master and follow through in service. Your service (actions of your life) will choose for you.
Joshua said, "Choose."
"Choose this day."
He set the example with "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
His actions were faithful to his word, and he helped God's people hold on to the covenant.
They did well as they followed Joshua, but lost track when he died.
Godly leadership is important, but the choice and the follow-through are very personal.
Jesus said,
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. -Luke 16:13
Your actions have to follow your intentions.
Today is our day.
Who are we choosing?
If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. - Romans 10:9-10
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. Matthew 16:24-25
That is true service. Giving up your life. Dying to yourself. Obedience to your master.
Jesus is Lord.
Have you confessed Him as Lord?
So, I ask myself...
Are you serving? Does His Lordship impact your daily decisions?
Is God in charge of your priorities?
--------------
The Promised Land had a good start. God's people held their covenant for a time, but again we saw them drift.
Distracted. Shifting priorities.
Sounds familiar. It still happens now.
In Colossians, Paul writes to the church at Colosse, and he tells them to also share it with the church in Laodicea. He commends them for their faithful service, but sets a clear warning. The church was starting to waiver on some of their teaching. They were beginning to blend their beliefs with other religions and philosophies. It was subtle, but Paul knew the danger.
I want you to know how much I have agonized for you and for the church at Laodicea, and for many others who have never known me personally. My goal is that they will be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have full confidence because they have complete understanding of God's secret plan, which is Christ himself. In Him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I am telling you this so that no one will be able to deceive you with persuasive arguments. Colossians 2:1-4
Let your roots grow down into Him and draw up nourishment from Him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all He has done.
Don't let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world, and not from Christ. For in Christ the fullness of God lives, and you are complete through your union with Christ. He is the Lord over every ruler and authority in the universe. Colossians 2:6-9
Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use His words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through Him to God the Father. - Colossians 3:16-17
Paul knew the threat that was surrounding these churches. They were not being persecuted - that often causes a boldness.
The threat was the subtle persuasion. The mixing of beliefs. A silent battle of two masters.
Colossians - written about A.D. 60
A.D. 95
Revelation - Jesus gives John letters for seven churches
One of them - Laodicea. Paul had warned them, and now...
“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
Choose This Day
After 40 years, a new generation could finally enter the land God had promised.
I love this story and reading about God's love through this time. A constant, unwavering love of a Father.
This was a gift God had wanted to give so much sooner.
He rescued His people from slavery in Egypt through a series of miracles. He brought them literally through the sea into safety, and showed His presence through constant guidance, protection, and provision.
His power and commitment were steady and clear. They had a strong leader in Moses and a clear destination.
But...
In a matter of days, they were whining.
Complaining. Doubting. Retreating. Even worshiping other gods.
In the wisdom of a Father, God orders a time-out.
The entire nation of God's people would spend 40 years in the desert. The promise would have to wait for a new generation.
But, in His great love, God still provided for them every day.
Finally, Joshua would lead God's people into Canaan, the land He had promised.
Again, God proves Himself in mighty ways, and He even helps them establish memorials that will hold their short attention spans to God's power and provision.
The very beginning of their journey would be crossing the Jordan River. A whole nation of people followed the priests and the Ark of the Covenant. As soon as their feet stepped into the water, the water flow stopped, and the bed of the river became a dry path.
God was proving His power and faithfulness again to a new generation.
This time He added an order for Joshua to give:
So Joshua called together the twelve men and told them, "Go into the middle of the Jordan, in front of the Ark of the Lord your God. Each of you must pick up one stone and carry it out on your shoulder-twelve stones in all, one for each of the twelve tribes. We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future, your children will ask, 'What do these stones mean to you?' Then you can tell them, 'They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the Lord's covenant went across.' These stones will stand as a permanent memorial among the people of Israel. - Joshua 4:4-7
God had seen His people forget so quickly. He was trying to help them hold their focus.
Nothing stands between God's people as they enter the land.
Jericho falls.
They win every battle against every king.
They receive the promise.
Now, they have a land of freedom and everything they need to provide for themselves.
They have a relationship with a great, loving God.
The law has already been established, so they know how to live and continue in God's favor.
Joshua warns the people that they must keep their covenant with God, or they will lose His protection.
If you break the covenant of the Lord your God by worshiping and serving other gods, His anger will burn against you, and you will quickly be wiped out from the good land He has given you. - Joshua 23:16
So honor the Lord and serve Him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord alone. But if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, then choose this day whom you will serve.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. - Joshua 24:14-15
Serve.
A verb.
Your service identifies your master. You can say who your master is, but your actions will prove what is true.
If you don't choose your master and follow through in service. Your service (actions of your life) will choose for you.
Joshua said, "Choose."
"Choose this day."
He set the example with "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
His actions were faithful to his word, and he helped God's people hold on to the covenant.
They did well as they followed Joshua, but lost track when he died.
Godly leadership is important, but the choice and the follow-through are very personal.
Jesus said,
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. -Luke 16:13
Your actions have to follow your intentions.
Today is our day.
Who are we choosing?
If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. - Romans 10:9-10
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. Matthew 16:24-25
That is true service. Giving up your life. Dying to yourself. Obedience to your master.
Jesus is Lord.
Have you confessed Him as Lord?
So, I ask myself...
Are you serving? Does His Lordship impact your daily decisions?
Is God in charge of your priorities?
--------------
The Promised Land had a good start. God's people held their covenant for a time, but again we saw them drift.
Distracted. Shifting priorities.
Sounds familiar. It still happens now.
In Colossians, Paul writes to the church at Colosse, and he tells them to also share it with the church in Laodicea. He commends them for their faithful service, but sets a clear warning. The church was starting to waiver on some of their teaching. They were beginning to blend their beliefs with other religions and philosophies. It was subtle, but Paul knew the danger.
I want you to know how much I have agonized for you and for the church at Laodicea, and for many others who have never known me personally. My goal is that they will be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have full confidence because they have complete understanding of God's secret plan, which is Christ himself. In Him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I am telling you this so that no one will be able to deceive you with persuasive arguments. Colossians 2:1-4
Let your roots grow down into Him and draw up nourishment from Him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all He has done.
Don't let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world, and not from Christ. For in Christ the fullness of God lives, and you are complete through your union with Christ. He is the Lord over every ruler and authority in the universe. Colossians 2:6-9
Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use His words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through Him to God the Father. - Colossians 3:16-17
Paul knew the threat that was surrounding these churches. They were not being persecuted - that often causes a boldness.
The threat was the subtle persuasion. The mixing of beliefs. A silent battle of two masters.
Colossians - written about A.D. 60
A.D. 95
Revelation - Jesus gives John letters for seven churches
One of them - Laodicea. Paul had warned them, and now...
“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You
say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But
you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and
naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become
rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful
nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here
I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens
the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.
To
the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my
throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his
throne. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Revelation 3:14-22
35 years later. A slow fade. They had been warned. Jesus said you cannot serve two masters.
A mixture of hot and cold = lukewarm.
Choose this day whom you will serve.
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.
And remember the game changer - The Holy Spirit.
The Spirit is the reason we can now have victory. The Spirit enables us to serve.
Salvation in Jesus, not only brought us back into relationship with God, but we have been adopted as God's children. His very presence lives in us and through us.
So you should not be like cowering, fearful slaves. You should behave instead like God's very own children, adopted into His family - calling Him "Father, dear Father". For His Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we are God's children. And since we are His children, we will share His treasures - for everything God gives to His Son, Christ is ours, too. But if we are to share His glory, we must also share His suffering. - Romans 8:15-17
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life
will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it."
Choose This Day
7.17.2016
Savior and Lord
The Gospel
The Good News
Salvation
We use these words in sharing the work of Jesus, in sharing the gift of life God offers through Jesus.
But, I'm afraid our use and understanding of these words have become diluted.
In an attempt to spread the gospel of Jesus, we have tried to make these concepts "marketable".
We have paired them down to bite-size portions that appeal to a self-serving society.
We've had good intentions with:
"The Sinner's Prayer"
or
"Ask Jesus into your heart"
There is a starting point here, but...
Deep down we know there's more. We know that God intended more than a "ticket to Heaven".
We can feel the disconnect, and we search for a hope and a message that's deeper.
Romans
The book of Romans was written by Paul, and he lays out the Good News in a letter to the Christians in Rome.
In the first chapter, Paul dives right in proclaiming the name of Jesus and boldly speaking about the new life he has found.
I am not ashamed of the Good News about Christ. - Romans 1:16a
This statement is a big deal and it exemplifies Paul's character and work.
Remember Paul, formerly known as Saul, was previously shaming the followers of Jesus. Saul hated Jesus and despised the disciples who were spreading His name. Saul was capturing and punishing those who believed in the Gospel until the moment of his own conversion.
For Paul, to say "I am not ashamed" was bold. It represented His new life and commitment to Jesus, and it was also brave, considering others were still persecuting Christians.
Paul goes on to describe our problem with sin. Sin is what separates us from God, and we have chosen it. When we choose our own way and selfishness, we are denying God.
But God shows His anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who push the truth away from themselves. For the truth about God is known to them instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts....Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship Him as God or even give Him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. The result was that their minds became dark and confused. - Romans 1:18-19, 21
Paul goes on to explain to the Jews that their obedience to the law is not enough. They are still falling short, and God has made a way for all through Jesus. The law was what previously set the Jewish people apart. (Old to New) Their obedience to the law defined them as God's people, but no one has ever followed it completely - except Jesus.
If you are a Jew, you are relying on God's law for your special relationship with Him. You boast that all is well between yourself and God. Yes, you know what He wants; you know right from wrong because you have been taught His law. You are convinced that you are a guide for the blind and a beacon of light for people who are lost in darkness without God....
You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it. - Romans 2:17-19, 23
There is no longer advantage in being a Jew. The law won't save you. Your lineage cannot save you.
There is only one Savior.
But now God has shown us a different way of being right in His sight - not by obeying the law but by the way promised in the Scriptures long ago. We are made right in God's sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done.
For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard. Yet now God in His gracious kindness declares us not guilty. He has done this through Christ Jesus, who has freed us by taking away our sins.
Can we boast then that we have done anything to be accepted by God?
No, because our acquittal is not based on our good deeds. It is based on our faith. So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law. - Romans 3:21-24, 27-28
Jesus' sacrifice has paid for our sin. We simply believe.
That is the atonement and justification for our sin,
but that's not all...
Our typical salvation script tends to stop there.
Jesus died to pay for your sin. Now, if you believe - you will go to heaven.
We've left out so much!!
Yes, we are now connected back to God.
We can have relationship, because the sin is no longer between us.
Therefore since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory. - Romans 5:1-2
God's big love is revealed and offered-
God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, He will certainly save us from God's judgement. For since we were restored to friendship with God by the death of His son while were still His enemies, we will certainly be delivered from eternal punishment by His life. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God - all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us in making us friends of God. -Romans 5:8-11
So, in this big love, this restored relationship - Why would the work of Jesus only be about entrance into heaven?
No, the restored relationship begins now.
Do we just continue on our way in our own choices, knowing that our mistakes will be forgiven?
Paul quickly addresses some of these thoughts.
Well then should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more kindness and forgiveness? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Or have you forgotten that when we became Christians and were baptized to become one with Christ Jesus, we died with Him? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. - Romans 6:1-4
We have been freed from sin!! Why would we choose it, after finding the new life offered outside of it?
This brings us to the real definitions of "life" and "death".
Life - is being with God. God is the source of life, and the only real life is relationship with Him.
Death - is separation from God. Sin is that separation.
We have physical bodies that will have a physical death, but real life is experienced spiritually. It can begin now, and He promises it will continue.
Jesus did experience physical death, but the ultimate sacrifice was His separation from God the Father when He took our sins.
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? -Matthew 27:46
Our sin is the separation, so in choosing salvation in Jesus we are choosing to leave the sin.
Baptism is a representation, a public statement, of that choice. We choose to die to sin and begin a new life in Christ.
But, that brings us back to the original problem. We alone are not capable of living without sin. We have atonement now, but we are still humans attempting to live in our own power.
Now, the Good News really gets good!
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death. The law of Moses could not save us, because of our sinful nature. But God put into effect a different plan to save us. He sent His own Son in a human body like ours, except that ours are sinful. God destroyed sin's control over us by giving His Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the requirement of the law would be fully accomplished for us who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.
Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will. That's why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.
But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. Since Christ lives within you, even though your body will die because of sin, your spirit is alive because you have been made right with God. -Romans 8:1-10
The Holy Spirit!
He is the game changer!
The power of God has come to dwell with us and in us.
Salvation begins now because we have been freed from sin, and the Holy Spirit begins to change us and lead us in a new way.
So, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you keep on following it, you will perish. But if through the power of the Holy Spirit you turn from it and its evil deeds, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you should not be like cowering, fearful slaves. You should behave instead like God's very own children, adopted into His family - calling Him "Father, dear Father". For His Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we are God's children. And since we are His children, we will share His treasures - for everything God gives to His Son, Christ, is ours, too. But if we are to share His glory, we must share His suffering. - Romans 8:12-17
Not only are we brought back to God.
We become His children.
His. Children.
Paul is walking us through this change in our life.
First, we are made right through Jesus, and faith (believing) makes it yours.
But, there is also a choosing and a change. We choose a new way of living. We choose to follow Christ, to honor God, instead of giving into sin.
Jesus must be Lord.
Choosing salvation means choosing to be rescued. You are choosing to join the Kingdom of God, and in the Kingdom of God, God is King.
Jesus is our Savior and our Lord.
They are not separate. You can't have one without the other.
There are no "tickets to Heaven", but there is eternal life - a new life - that begins today.
For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. - Romans 10:9-10
The Good News
Salvation
We use these words in sharing the work of Jesus, in sharing the gift of life God offers through Jesus.
But, I'm afraid our use and understanding of these words have become diluted.
In an attempt to spread the gospel of Jesus, we have tried to make these concepts "marketable".
We have paired them down to bite-size portions that appeal to a self-serving society.
We've had good intentions with:
"The Sinner's Prayer"
or
"Ask Jesus into your heart"
There is a starting point here, but...
Deep down we know there's more. We know that God intended more than a "ticket to Heaven".
We can feel the disconnect, and we search for a hope and a message that's deeper.
Romans
The book of Romans was written by Paul, and he lays out the Good News in a letter to the Christians in Rome.
In the first chapter, Paul dives right in proclaiming the name of Jesus and boldly speaking about the new life he has found.
I am not ashamed of the Good News about Christ. - Romans 1:16a
This statement is a big deal and it exemplifies Paul's character and work.
Remember Paul, formerly known as Saul, was previously shaming the followers of Jesus. Saul hated Jesus and despised the disciples who were spreading His name. Saul was capturing and punishing those who believed in the Gospel until the moment of his own conversion.
For Paul, to say "I am not ashamed" was bold. It represented His new life and commitment to Jesus, and it was also brave, considering others were still persecuting Christians.
Paul goes on to describe our problem with sin. Sin is what separates us from God, and we have chosen it. When we choose our own way and selfishness, we are denying God.
But God shows His anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who push the truth away from themselves. For the truth about God is known to them instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts....Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship Him as God or even give Him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. The result was that their minds became dark and confused. - Romans 1:18-19, 21
Paul goes on to explain to the Jews that their obedience to the law is not enough. They are still falling short, and God has made a way for all through Jesus. The law was what previously set the Jewish people apart. (Old to New) Their obedience to the law defined them as God's people, but no one has ever followed it completely - except Jesus.
If you are a Jew, you are relying on God's law for your special relationship with Him. You boast that all is well between yourself and God. Yes, you know what He wants; you know right from wrong because you have been taught His law. You are convinced that you are a guide for the blind and a beacon of light for people who are lost in darkness without God....
You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it. - Romans 2:17-19, 23
There is no longer advantage in being a Jew. The law won't save you. Your lineage cannot save you.
There is only one Savior.
But now God has shown us a different way of being right in His sight - not by obeying the law but by the way promised in the Scriptures long ago. We are made right in God's sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done.
For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard. Yet now God in His gracious kindness declares us not guilty. He has done this through Christ Jesus, who has freed us by taking away our sins.
Can we boast then that we have done anything to be accepted by God?
No, because our acquittal is not based on our good deeds. It is based on our faith. So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law. - Romans 3:21-24, 27-28
Jesus' sacrifice has paid for our sin. We simply believe.
That is the atonement and justification for our sin,
but that's not all...
Our typical salvation script tends to stop there.
Jesus died to pay for your sin. Now, if you believe - you will go to heaven.
We've left out so much!!
Yes, we are now connected back to God.
We can have relationship, because the sin is no longer between us.
Therefore since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory. - Romans 5:1-2
God's big love is revealed and offered-
God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, He will certainly save us from God's judgement. For since we were restored to friendship with God by the death of His son while were still His enemies, we will certainly be delivered from eternal punishment by His life. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God - all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us in making us friends of God. -Romans 5:8-11
So, in this big love, this restored relationship - Why would the work of Jesus only be about entrance into heaven?
No, the restored relationship begins now.
Do we just continue on our way in our own choices, knowing that our mistakes will be forgiven?
Paul quickly addresses some of these thoughts.
Well then should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more kindness and forgiveness? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Or have you forgotten that when we became Christians and were baptized to become one with Christ Jesus, we died with Him? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. - Romans 6:1-4
We have been freed from sin!! Why would we choose it, after finding the new life offered outside of it?
This brings us to the real definitions of "life" and "death".
Life - is being with God. God is the source of life, and the only real life is relationship with Him.
Death - is separation from God. Sin is that separation.
We have physical bodies that will have a physical death, but real life is experienced spiritually. It can begin now, and He promises it will continue.
Jesus did experience physical death, but the ultimate sacrifice was His separation from God the Father when He took our sins.
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? -Matthew 27:46
Our sin is the separation, so in choosing salvation in Jesus we are choosing to leave the sin.
Baptism is a representation, a public statement, of that choice. We choose to die to sin and begin a new life in Christ.
But, that brings us back to the original problem. We alone are not capable of living without sin. We have atonement now, but we are still humans attempting to live in our own power.
Now, the Good News really gets good!
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death. The law of Moses could not save us, because of our sinful nature. But God put into effect a different plan to save us. He sent His own Son in a human body like ours, except that ours are sinful. God destroyed sin's control over us by giving His Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the requirement of the law would be fully accomplished for us who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.
Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will. That's why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.
But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. Since Christ lives within you, even though your body will die because of sin, your spirit is alive because you have been made right with God. -Romans 8:1-10
The Holy Spirit!
He is the game changer!
The power of God has come to dwell with us and in us.
Salvation begins now because we have been freed from sin, and the Holy Spirit begins to change us and lead us in a new way.
So, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you keep on following it, you will perish. But if through the power of the Holy Spirit you turn from it and its evil deeds, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you should not be like cowering, fearful slaves. You should behave instead like God's very own children, adopted into His family - calling Him "Father, dear Father". For His Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we are God's children. And since we are His children, we will share His treasures - for everything God gives to His Son, Christ, is ours, too. But if we are to share His glory, we must share His suffering. - Romans 8:12-17
Not only are we brought back to God.
We become His children.
His. Children.
Paul is walking us through this change in our life.
First, we are made right through Jesus, and faith (believing) makes it yours.
But, there is also a choosing and a change. We choose a new way of living. We choose to follow Christ, to honor God, instead of giving into sin.
Jesus must be Lord.
Choosing salvation means choosing to be rescued. You are choosing to join the Kingdom of God, and in the Kingdom of God, God is King.
Jesus is our Savior and our Lord.
They are not separate. You can't have one without the other.
There are no "tickets to Heaven", but there is eternal life - a new life - that begins today.
For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. - Romans 10:9-10
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