The Armor of God
Ephesians 6:10-24
This familiar territory is always good for spiritualapplication. But that is just the problem. We often "retreat into spirituality"here. We describe the ancient soldier's armor, and think we haveunderstood what this passage is all about. These words are much, muchmore than a stroll through a museum, looking at antique armor. This isa very practical message. It speaks to life as it is lived in 2007,and not just as it was in 87 A.D., when perhaps it was written. It isconcerned with human struggle, and not just "spiritual matters."
I. CASUALTIES OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE
1. I see an all-out young Christian; full of fire and enthusiasm--sets his church on fire (D----- A-----) part FIRE and part enthusiasmof youth-being-converted-to-a-cause. Then there is FLAMEOUT. Perhapsdisillusionment with older Christians; perhaps getting caught up inso-called intellectual questions. For all practical purposes no goodto God or the kingdom of God.
2. I recall a solid, sincere Christian at a Christian college; never awild party-er; good testimony; becomes a well-paid specialist in ahigh-paying profession; becomes rich in this world's goods, andtotally LOST to the kingdom of God. 3. I recall more than one or twosolid, talented pastors; gifted, charismatic (in the "old" sense ofthe word.) Become successful-- become lustful, or greedy, or both--and they FALL, and they take an untold toll when they fall. It is hardto compare casualties like this with much more graphic casualties ofphysical warfare. It is easy to assume that I am being parochial, andexaggerating; to assume that I am a Nazarene pastor who is jealous forthe Nazarene ministry-- and there well may be an element of that! ButI am desperately concerned and troubled that the Christians I serve,the sphere of influence where my voice is heard realize theseriousness, the all-out nature of this spiritual warfare: AND THAT WEREALIZE THE ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES OF WINNING OR LOSING THIS WARFARE!
II. POINTS OF ATTACK IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE
The passage is usually approached with a detailed description of theancient armor. Even now it makes me think of VBS, and sincere ladies,and little paper armor sets stuck on easels.
But Paul was describing real dangers. He was talking about GUT SHOTS,and HEART SHOTS, and FOOT SHOTS in this spiritual warfare. Each pieceof armor is connected with some aspect of integrity of obedience, andthe admonition is: "You need it ALL!"
LOINS GIRT WITH TRUTH
I think of people who never go beyond living a role: living as theythink others expect them to live; living as though appearances weremore important than reality.
[It isn't that appearances are NOT important. But what a person is onthe inside is ALL-IMPORTANT!]
What really counts is a LIVING, GROWING RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUSCHRIST! [(6:14) Integrity over our "loins." The "vitals" which theJews called "splangna." Where our GUTS come in-- "stomach" for afight.]
And so one day the pressure is on, and the enemy strikes, and deep inthe "innards" is the sinking feeling: "I NEVER REALLY HONESTLY FACEDWHO I AM, AND WHO CHRIST WANTED ME TO BE!"
BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
I think, also, of people who never want to make an all-out break withsin. They try to avoid the gross and obvious sins-- but they excusethe so-called "little sins;" or they compromise on principles. Ifanything takes the HEART out of holy living it is trying to live oversin; to rationalize fudging on all-out commitment. We are DEAD if weare not right with God and walking in all the light we have. We aregravely mistaken if we think otherwise.
And so when the battle is joined it doesn't take long for an enemydart to strike through the heart. It doesn't make sense to join God'skingdom in wartime, and not protect your heart.
FEET SHOD WITH PREPARATION
We make a joke of people who shoot themselves in the foot. It is theshorthand way of talking about "clumsy." But a soldier who is shot inthe foot is helpless in the long run. He or she can only go whereothers may carry; and we aren't going to make the long haul unless weare prepared.
Taking care of your feet isn't very glamorous but it is one of thebig things in a foot soldier's training. And it is one of the bigthings in this warfare to the death!
THE SHIELD OF FAITH
No one is perfect. We don't win battles because we are so strong orso invulnerable-- but because we follow Jesus and OBEY. But therewill be weaknesses in our preparation; there will be areas ofemotional stress, or bitter disappointment, or failure of friends, orany other of a thousand things to all but overwhelm.
THERE IS SUCH A THING AS A "WEAKNESS SHOT"
-- where the enemy, who knows your weakness, too-- shoots at you whereyou are the most vulnerable. With the rest of the armor, faith makesus able to quench
ALL the fiery darts. Faith doesn't work right when used alone. Faithis a "completer" of body armor. When we have truth and righteousnessand preparation and salvation as best we know, our human weakness isprotected by this shield of faith.
THE HELMET OF SALVATION
There will be questions that we cannot answer. Jesus is NOTanti-question! But being FINITE, we will come up against facts andconcepts that shake us. I'm thankful for the way Jesus handledThomas. There is no substitute for being a personal student ofProfessor Jesus! Being in His Presence, knowing HIS assurance, helpsus through the mind-boggling questions of life.
And, as we shall see in a moment: PRAYER IS WHAT MAKES IT ALL GO!
III. THE BATTLE JOINED
A. A Wartime Mind-Set: We can never simply live as if it were not so!It is difficult to explain what it was like during WWII when thefuture of civilization as we knew it hung in the balance. I'm surethere were vast distortions, but I truly believed that the Nazis andthe Japanese warlords threatened all that was sacred and safe. I wasalso convinced that winning the war would take God's help PLUS all wecould do. "Loose lips sink ships!" "Buy War Bonds"
Paul is reminding the Ephesians that there is a Titanic struggle goingon in the Universe between good and evil.
B. The Great Sweep of the Battle-Field:
That struggle for some reason centers in the battle for thepersonality of men and women.
It isn't that we are intrinsically so valuable; for some reason Godhas made His people the showcase for three watching worlds. But as faras you and I are concerned, this warfare has eternal consequences. Wehave everything to gain, heaven, and eternal growth and fulfillment,and divine fellowship; and we have everything to lose, with eternaldarkness and separation and memory-- an eternity without God and hopethat we call hell.'
That struggle is also for some reason limited to this period of mortallife here in time and space. It may seem strange to you, but I do NOTthink it is necessary to be "experts on the opposition." There arethose who sensationalize, and make a great deal of satanic power, andthe powers of darkness. Suffice it to say that the enemy is
wise beyond human wisdom dark world New Age(awareness, basically) (mysteries again) But there
are some important things we should remember about the enemy in thiswar to the finish:
a. he is not as wise as he would have us think
b. he is already defeated
c. and God is always working "both sides of the street" when you aredoing His will; Moses was afraid because he was weak-- and then herealized God was with him; what he may NOT have realized was that Godwas working in Pharaoh's life just as much; and when the Bible saysGod hardened Pharaoh's heart it doesn't mean God didn't love Pharaoh,it simply meant that NOBODY resists God with impunity--and God iseither USING you right now-- OR HE IS HARDENING YOUR HEART!
C. Your place, and mine, in this spiritual warfare: It is easy to getour eyes on to the "dramatic" and look for exorcisms and spectacularmiracles. But real life usually is trench warfare; the battle is wonby letting Jesus keep us sweet when the pressure is on, and by lovingwhen it is easier to be spiteful and mean. It is better to be simplein faith and obedient, than to be very wise in the ways of the enemywithout the power of God.4- (6:13) The idea is to fight the good fightand to be faithful!
There are TWO VITAL ITEMS that we have not yet talked about in thiswarfare.
THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT
(6:17) The Spirit sword - The "cutting edge" is being used of theSpirit. It is not that we are so wise, and know how to wield thesword, although God has a hard time bringing OUT for use what we havenever allowed Him to PUT IN. But if we live with the Word, and if wesay "Use me, Lord!" the marvelous thing about it is-- He will!
And the other item, the absolutely most indispensable item is
PRAYER IN THE SPIRIT!
(6:18) Prayer is what makes it all go.
Every army travels on its stomach. When an army starves it cannotfight any longer. When communications are broken off withheadquarters it is easily surrounded and destroyed. Prayer is wherewe maintain contact; receive orders; are kept strong; it is absolutelyvital.
Conclusion:
We're in this warfare "for the duration!" As long as it takes!
We can get occupied with the "dramatic aspects" of opposition-- the"conspiracy" revelations; but remember, actually we are more in dangerof being swallowed alive by simple, old-fashioned selfishness, greed,insensitivity, and prayerlessness.
If PAUL needed the prayers of the people-- this great giant of aChristian-- then we all need the prayers of one another!
The mentality of a bomber pilot flying missions: I do as I'm told-- Itake my place; I don't have to survive-- I have to be faithful!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Monday, September 24, 2007
Ways to Personal Knowledge of Jesus
It was the first Easter Sunday.................................
A STORY OF FAITH
John 20:9 He saw and believed.
The seeds of life had been sown.
Wonderful, living words.
Wonderful loving deeds.
The seeds fell on warm hearts and cold hearts.
They fell on good ground and stony ground.
And there the seeds of life waited.
Now the Sower was gone.
All of a sudden it was winter,
It was night,
And it had never been this dark, this bleak,
Ever, ever before.
Then, suddenly the Sun came up,
And it was springtime.
Some of the seeds began to feel the stirrings of life.
Some of the seeds knew they must respond.
The WORD was calling them to LIFE!
BELIEVING WITHOUT WORDS
The first person to believe in the Risen Savior was John the Beloved. His coming to this living faith is stated in just four words. He saw and believed. (8)
John is modest to a fault. He never calls himself by name throughout the book. But he does not deny what happened in his heart when he looked into the empty tomb. He had not yet even seen the risen Jesus. That would come later, and John would meet Jesus again and again. John's vision of the glorified and risen Jesus would finally surpass every vision, at least until we all behold Him face to face.
But that first beginning is recorded so simply that it is easy to pass over as insignificant. John saw and John believed.
John saw what? The empty tomb. The empty grave clothes. And that was all John needed. He remembered Jesus had said, "I will rise again the third day!" He remembered Jesus had said, "I will not leave you comfortless!" The seed has been planted in pure and fertile soil, and a miracle took place: John believed! That was it! Mary's revelation is so much more dramatic. A sinner, a notorious sinner, she was the first to see the Savior! But John was good ground. The seed had lodged well.
John stands for millions of believers who have been implanted with the Good Seed of the Gospel before they ever came to rebellion, or before they knew enough to doubt.
John stands for many who know that Jesus is alive long before they reach the age of full understanding.
John stands for those who are so inclined to believe in Jesus that they know even before they know HOW they know! And never despise such faith! It will mature. It will be tested. It will have its revelations.
John was first!
FAITH IN THE GARDEN
The first person to see the risen Savior was a woman. She was without doubt a remarkable woman, with a strong character that had been refined and prepared for faith by the redeeming grace of Jesus. Her past keeps coming back to us; when she first met the Nazarene she had been possessed of seven devils. Jesus had set her free, and she
had been a part of the faithful few that went all the way to the cross with Him.
But after the crucifixion Mary came to a dead stop. Her life was totally ircumscribed by a visible, tangible Authority. She would gladly have died for Him, but she had not fully grasped how He had died for her! Her hope was in a living Messiah. And she had seen Him die on a cross.
She loved Him so much she wanted to go as far as she could in showing Him respect and honor. But all the words He had spoken, and all the things He had done were history now. Except that she still was free of the demons.
She went to honor a dead Jesus, but she went with love. And the hunger and cry and aching of her heart were answered in a way she never could have imagined. It is one of the most beautiful scenes in all holy writ.
Jesus, Himself, came to the Garden where she was. He came near and spoke her name. "Mary!" And within her the dormant seed of faith sprang to life!
"Master!"
Mary stands for the millions who have come to faith through love of a Christ they have been seeking. Perhaps we all have sought in the wrong places at times for Jesus. It may be that we have "supposed" and have almost mistaken the truth in the error of our suppositions. And then the living, risen Savior has spoken our name! I know you! And you know Me, too!
Mary stands for those who go looking with love for the Master.
FAITH THAT CAME IN TIME
It was a different kind of 'coming to faith' that John used for the very climax of his Gospel.
Thomas was a man who missed church on the first Easter Sunday. Perhaps if he had been there it might have been different. But it wouldn't have been so good for you and me if we didn't know this story of Thomas.
Thomas seemed to be that sort of person who is cursed with a gloomy outlook on life But at the same time he seemed to be as honest as he knew how to be.
Remember how at a time late in Jesus' ministry when Jesus said He was going to Jerusalem, and the other disciples tried to tell Jesus not to go, that it was dangerous? Remember who spoke up, and what he said? It was Thomas who said, "Well, let's go with Him and die!" He loved Jesus enough to follow Him even when he, Thomas, thought He was probably wrong!
Anyway, Thomas didn't see, so he wouldn't believe. I get the idea that Thomas didn't dare to try to believe, because he didn't want to be disappointed again. And besides, Thomas couldn't see how things had changed. They were still a powerless little band of outsiders in their society.
Thomas represents honest doubt. Thomas stands for millions who have been persuaded that all religions are made of smoke and mirrors and that believing in an unseen God probably is delusion. (Who was it that said an agnostic is a person with no invisible means of support?)
Thomas would like Jesus to prove to him personally that He is relevent in a hostile world.
One thing comes through in this story. Jesus really loved Thomas. He may have been stubborn. He may have been unable to join in the celebration because he couldn't believe what he hadn't seen. Jesus still loved Thomas.
And Jesus found Thomas. And when Jesus came to where Thomas was,the arguments Thomas had insisted he would make were never made!
"Come, put your hand in my side!", said the Savior. Thomas never did! Instead he fell to his knees. The seed of faith sprang to life!
"My Lord and my God!" said Thomas.
It is a wonderful thing to know the story of Jesus. It is a wonderful thing to come to love Him and to believe in Him as the Christ of the Bible. Jesus said that the Good News of the Gospel is the Seed of Life, and to know about Jesus is to receive that seed into
the heart.
But it is an infinitely more wonderful thing to believe! To believe, to be persuaded deep in one's heart that Christ is alive, and to make Him our own personal Lord and Savior.
Believing, in this sense, does not come from knowing more and more. Believing does not come by winning arguments, or human understanding. Believing comes when people meet the risen Jesus!
A church where Jesus is alive can be a place where Jesus meets with people, and brings the seeds of faith to life. A heart where Jesus lives can take the risen Savior to neighbors at school or in the work place. God help you and me to let the living Savior shine through our lives!
Whether we are like John, or like Mary, or like Thomas, if we will let Him, Jesus will come to where we are. He will speak the word that calls our seeking to a living faith: we can believe!
Now the Sower was gone.
All of a sudden it was winter,
It was night,
And it had never been this dark, this bleak,
Ever, ever before.
Then, suddenly the Sun came up,
And it was springtime.
Some of the seeds began to feel the stirrings of life.
Some of the seeds knew they must respond.
The WORD was calling them to LIFE!
A STORY OF FAITH
John 20:9 He saw and believed.
The seeds of life had been sown.
Wonderful, living words.
Wonderful loving deeds.
The seeds fell on warm hearts and cold hearts.
They fell on good ground and stony ground.
And there the seeds of life waited.
Now the Sower was gone.
All of a sudden it was winter,
It was night,
And it had never been this dark, this bleak,
Ever, ever before.
Then, suddenly the Sun came up,
And it was springtime.
Some of the seeds began to feel the stirrings of life.
Some of the seeds knew they must respond.
The WORD was calling them to LIFE!
BELIEVING WITHOUT WORDS
The first person to believe in the Risen Savior was John the Beloved. His coming to this living faith is stated in just four words. He saw and believed. (8)
John is modest to a fault. He never calls himself by name throughout the book. But he does not deny what happened in his heart when he looked into the empty tomb. He had not yet even seen the risen Jesus. That would come later, and John would meet Jesus again and again. John's vision of the glorified and risen Jesus would finally surpass every vision, at least until we all behold Him face to face.
But that first beginning is recorded so simply that it is easy to pass over as insignificant. John saw and John believed.
John saw what? The empty tomb. The empty grave clothes. And that was all John needed. He remembered Jesus had said, "I will rise again the third day!" He remembered Jesus had said, "I will not leave you comfortless!" The seed has been planted in pure and fertile soil, and a miracle took place: John believed! That was it! Mary's revelation is so much more dramatic. A sinner, a notorious sinner, she was the first to see the Savior! But John was good ground. The seed had lodged well.
John stands for millions of believers who have been implanted with the Good Seed of the Gospel before they ever came to rebellion, or before they knew enough to doubt.
John stands for many who know that Jesus is alive long before they reach the age of full understanding.
John stands for those who are so inclined to believe in Jesus that they know even before they know HOW they know! And never despise such faith! It will mature. It will be tested. It will have its revelations.
John was first!
FAITH IN THE GARDEN
The first person to see the risen Savior was a woman. She was without doubt a remarkable woman, with a strong character that had been refined and prepared for faith by the redeeming grace of Jesus. Her past keeps coming back to us; when she first met the Nazarene she had been possessed of seven devils. Jesus had set her free, and she
had been a part of the faithful few that went all the way to the cross with Him.
But after the crucifixion Mary came to a dead stop. Her life was totally ircumscribed by a visible, tangible Authority. She would gladly have died for Him, but she had not fully grasped how He had died for her! Her hope was in a living Messiah. And she had seen Him die on a cross.
She loved Him so much she wanted to go as far as she could in showing Him respect and honor. But all the words He had spoken, and all the things He had done were history now. Except that she still was free of the demons.
She went to honor a dead Jesus, but she went with love. And the hunger and cry and aching of her heart were answered in a way she never could have imagined. It is one of the most beautiful scenes in all holy writ.
Jesus, Himself, came to the Garden where she was. He came near and spoke her name. "Mary!" And within her the dormant seed of faith sprang to life!
"Master!"
Mary stands for the millions who have come to faith through love of a Christ they have been seeking. Perhaps we all have sought in the wrong places at times for Jesus. It may be that we have "supposed" and have almost mistaken the truth in the error of our suppositions. And then the living, risen Savior has spoken our name! I know you! And you know Me, too!
Mary stands for those who go looking with love for the Master.
FAITH THAT CAME IN TIME
It was a different kind of 'coming to faith' that John used for the very climax of his Gospel.
Thomas was a man who missed church on the first Easter Sunday. Perhaps if he had been there it might have been different. But it wouldn't have been so good for you and me if we didn't know this story of Thomas.
Thomas seemed to be that sort of person who is cursed with a gloomy outlook on life But at the same time he seemed to be as honest as he knew how to be.
Remember how at a time late in Jesus' ministry when Jesus said He was going to Jerusalem, and the other disciples tried to tell Jesus not to go, that it was dangerous? Remember who spoke up, and what he said? It was Thomas who said, "Well, let's go with Him and die!" He loved Jesus enough to follow Him even when he, Thomas, thought He was probably wrong!
Anyway, Thomas didn't see, so he wouldn't believe. I get the idea that Thomas didn't dare to try to believe, because he didn't want to be disappointed again. And besides, Thomas couldn't see how things had changed. They were still a powerless little band of outsiders in their society.
Thomas represents honest doubt. Thomas stands for millions who have been persuaded that all religions are made of smoke and mirrors and that believing in an unseen God probably is delusion. (Who was it that said an agnostic is a person with no invisible means of support?)
Thomas would like Jesus to prove to him personally that He is relevent in a hostile world.
One thing comes through in this story. Jesus really loved Thomas. He may have been stubborn. He may have been unable to join in the celebration because he couldn't believe what he hadn't seen. Jesus still loved Thomas.
And Jesus found Thomas. And when Jesus came to where Thomas was,the arguments Thomas had insisted he would make were never made!
"Come, put your hand in my side!", said the Savior. Thomas never did! Instead he fell to his knees. The seed of faith sprang to life!
"My Lord and my God!" said Thomas.
It is a wonderful thing to know the story of Jesus. It is a wonderful thing to come to love Him and to believe in Him as the Christ of the Bible. Jesus said that the Good News of the Gospel is the Seed of Life, and to know about Jesus is to receive that seed into
the heart.
But it is an infinitely more wonderful thing to believe! To believe, to be persuaded deep in one's heart that Christ is alive, and to make Him our own personal Lord and Savior.
Believing, in this sense, does not come from knowing more and more. Believing does not come by winning arguments, or human understanding. Believing comes when people meet the risen Jesus!
A church where Jesus is alive can be a place where Jesus meets with people, and brings the seeds of faith to life. A heart where Jesus lives can take the risen Savior to neighbors at school or in the work place. God help you and me to let the living Savior shine through our lives!
Whether we are like John, or like Mary, or like Thomas, if we will let Him, Jesus will come to where we are. He will speak the word that calls our seeking to a living faith: we can believe!
Now the Sower was gone.
All of a sudden it was winter,
It was night,
And it had never been this dark, this bleak,
Ever, ever before.
Then, suddenly the Sun came up,
And it was springtime.
Some of the seeds began to feel the stirrings of life.
Some of the seeds knew they must respond.
The WORD was calling them to LIFE!
Saturday, September 22, 2007
My Heart Cry...
Do you believe a moving of the Holy Spirit in history-changing revival is possible in our sceptical, self-wise, divided world today? A revival that is not programmed or planned, and that does not glorify any group or personality, but glorifies Jesus? Can we see our sons and daughters turn to God and make and keep copvenant with Him?
Such a moving of the Spirit would be in response to prayer, but not the cause-and-effect of merit earned, or grace deserved. How can we pray with power for this moving of the Spirit? Maybe we already are! But in twos and threes and in unashamed prayer meetings in churches of many denominations the cry for help is beginning- continuing!
If we sow to the Spirit we will reap! (Galatians 6:7-9) There are more people in church each Sunday in our nation, as needy as it is—more people than in all the football and baseball games!! We are NOT a minority!! The little church with 45 worshipers, multiplied by thousands, along with the larger churches add up in numbers. Yes, numbers, of themselves, may not mean a lot. But if we unite in prayer—just asking the Prince of Peace to come! Come in his own way, but come! By His Spirit he will convict and convince the world of sin, and of righteousness, and judgment to come!
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner! Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on our war-torn, hate-riven world. Lord Jesus Christ, send your Spirit, and grant a revival! To the glory of the Father, Amen!
Such a moving of the Spirit would be in response to prayer, but not the cause-and-effect of merit earned, or grace deserved. How can we pray with power for this moving of the Spirit? Maybe we already are! But in twos and threes and in unashamed prayer meetings in churches of many denominations the cry for help is beginning- continuing!
If we sow to the Spirit we will reap! (Galatians 6:7-9) There are more people in church each Sunday in our nation, as needy as it is—more people than in all the football and baseball games!! We are NOT a minority!! The little church with 45 worshipers, multiplied by thousands, along with the larger churches add up in numbers. Yes, numbers, of themselves, may not mean a lot. But if we unite in prayer—just asking the Prince of Peace to come! Come in his own way, but come! By His Spirit he will convict and convince the world of sin, and of righteousness, and judgment to come!
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner! Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on our war-torn, hate-riven world. Lord Jesus Christ, send your Spirit, and grant a revival! To the glory of the Father, Amen!
Thursday, September 13, 2007
The WORD of God
I have a big problem when someone declares 'God told me this' or 'THIS is what God is saying to you.' It is a very serious thing to speak for God- TO SAY THIS IS GOD'S WORD ! Just what IS God's Word? What do we mean by "The Word of the Lord" ?? Just where is the word of the Lord?
The Bible? Certainly! It is the written word. But the Bible does not save us from our sins. In John 5:39 Jesus says "Search the scriptures, for in them ye THINK ye have eternal life, and they are they that testify of ME!" So as we read the Bible and hear its message we become acquainted with the story of Jesus; we believe we come to know HIM.
Jesus Christ! Absolutely! Jesus alone is the LIVING Word sent down from heaven. John 1:1 "In the beginning was the WORD!" We talk about mystery when we think of Jesus dwelling in us! The 'Message" of God's love has reached where we are . . .we 'know' Jesus--we are coming to know Him.
But thye fact is that most people do not read the Bible- and most people do not consciously invite Jesus to be a part of their lives.
Colossians 3:16 says: "LET THE WORD DWELL IN YOU RICHLY"
The Word of God in the CHURCH? In YOU? In ME? Yes- the Word of God also resides corporately and individually in the Body of Christ. The written Word and the living Word speak to us, and when we worship with our brothers and sisters in Christ--when we are tuned in in prayer and submission and faith-- when we invite the Holy Spirit to fill us and use us--then God's people become in a very real way THE WORD OF GOD SPEAKING TO OUR WORLD.
From time to time we see God in other people. We hear God's voice. Not as they "tell us what God said for us to do"-- but in the mystery of incarnation continued through the living Body of Christ.
The Bible? Certainly! It is the written word. But the Bible does not save us from our sins. In John 5:39 Jesus says "Search the scriptures, for in them ye THINK ye have eternal life, and they are they that testify of ME!" So as we read the Bible and hear its message we become acquainted with the story of Jesus; we believe we come to know HIM.
Jesus Christ! Absolutely! Jesus alone is the LIVING Word sent down from heaven. John 1:1 "In the beginning was the WORD!" We talk about mystery when we think of Jesus dwelling in us! The 'Message" of God's love has reached where we are . . .we 'know' Jesus--we are coming to know Him.
But thye fact is that most people do not read the Bible- and most people do not consciously invite Jesus to be a part of their lives.
Colossians 3:16 says: "LET THE WORD DWELL IN YOU RICHLY"
The Word of God in the CHURCH? In YOU? In ME? Yes- the Word of God also resides corporately and individually in the Body of Christ. The written Word and the living Word speak to us, and when we worship with our brothers and sisters in Christ--when we are tuned in in prayer and submission and faith-- when we invite the Holy Spirit to fill us and use us--then God's people become in a very real way THE WORD OF GOD SPEAKING TO OUR WORLD.
From time to time we see God in other people. We hear God's voice. Not as they "tell us what God said for us to do"-- but in the mystery of incarnation continued through the living Body of Christ.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
RED SOX DOWN UNDER
Last night about 9:30 I checked my email and had a nice letter from Alison (Farmer) Clark, the daughter of our dear departed brother, Brian Farmer, and sister, Joyce Farmer of Scotland (even though they were both very much Birmingham, England, products!!). The Alan/Alison Clarks have emigrated to Australia. We consider them family.
Anyway the letter came through and Alison mentioned that at that moment her son Daniel (a high school senior) was watching the Red Sox playing the Baltgimore Oriole. So was I at that moment. (The Sox won 4-0 by the way.)
The funny thing was that it was Friday evening here, and it was Saturday afternoon, THE NEXT DAY, over there in Australia. I was thinking Daniel could know what is happening before it happens--and then realized--I have it backwards-- I should let him know today--oh well-- you see how confusing it all is??
Daniel says he wants to become a teacher, live in Quincy, Massachusetts, and haved season tickets to the Red Sox. All that is probably possible-- except the season tickets-- unless someone dies and leaves them to him.
Anyway the letter came through and Alison mentioned that at that moment her son Daniel (a high school senior) was watching the Red Sox playing the Baltgimore Oriole. So was I at that moment. (The Sox won 4-0 by the way.)
The funny thing was that it was Friday evening here, and it was Saturday afternoon, THE NEXT DAY, over there in Australia. I was thinking Daniel could know what is happening before it happens--and then realized--I have it backwards-- I should let him know today--oh well-- you see how confusing it all is??
Daniel says he wants to become a teacher, live in Quincy, Massachusetts, and haved season tickets to the Red Sox. All that is probably possible-- except the season tickets-- unless someone dies and leaves them to him.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
