Category: Encouragement

A Child is Born, a Son is Given

On By TimIn Creation, Daily Walk, Encouragement, Eternal Security, Freedom, Heaven, Isaiah 09, Jesus, Prophecy, Reconciliation, Resurrection, Salvation, The CrossLeave a comment

Here’s something that has occupied the spare processing cycles in my brain when the screen saver is active. In other words, there is something that I have been considering deeply.

For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is one of those memory verses I learned from years of listening to Handel’s Messiah. In that first line is a distinction that is easy to overlook. A child is born and a son is given. It is a prophetic announcement of the birth of Jesus. A child would be born to us humans. Not just any child, but a Son would be given. That Son would be unique. This announcement clearly shows that Jesus is God, not that He came from God.

In a discussion on the Godhead I just perused, I again pondered this idea. This God-Man… This Son, or Word, that was given to us. The interesting part of the conversation prompted me to write my thoughts down and share them.

The discussion was over the Son or Word and whether saying He is begotten by God somehow darkens the idea of His existence from “eternity past.” It’s precisely what derives from the idea of being begotten means, and sort of considers the hypostatic union. That is the union of God and man that is Jesus.

I want to give a foundation from here. This is what God says of Himself in the final chapters of the Old Testament.

For I am the Lord, I do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.

Malachi 3:6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no change or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.

James 1:17–18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

From these two witnesses, it is clear that God doesn’t change. The writer of Hebrews adds to this.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

Hebrews 13:8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

How does a God Who doesn’t change incarnate?

It sort of intrigues me that the God Who clearly says He is the same and doesn’t change somehow put on humanity.

It is precisely that idea that I think is too simplistic of an explanation. If He puts on humanity, He changes. Or maybe that doesn’t count as a change.

God has a Unique Relationship with Humans

I think it goes back to something foundational.

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Genesis 1:26–27 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This idea of God making us in His image. What is that, really?

I know one of my favorite Bible nerds says we are imagers. Meaning we get to make God known to others in unique ways.

What if this image is something profound like it is something that is really a part of God?

No… I am not drifting off into pantheism or panentheism.

I’m not saying we are God. Yet there is something more here. When you read the Bible, you’re going to read some things that you might be tempted to glance over.

Beloved, now are we children of God, and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

1 John 3:2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is something so spectacular reserved for humanity. It cannot be put into words.

For those whom He foreknew, He predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified; and those whom He justified, He also glorified.

Romans 8:29–30 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s this imager-thing. We are made in His image initially and will be conformed to His image. There are other texts that iterate these ideas like being a joint-heir with Jesus.

Jesus even spoke of this in some of His last words before the crucifixion.

I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word, that they may all be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You. May they also be one in Us, that the world may believe that You have sent Me. I have given them the glory which You gave Me, that they may be one even as We are one: I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfect in unity, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

John 17:20–23— Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I don’t think we can even begin to ponder what is in store for each of us who loves Jesus.

Judge, Executioner and Mediator?

On By TimIn 1 Chronicles 21, Daily Walk, Death, Encouragement, Jesus, Salvation, Spiritual Warfare, WisdomLeave a comment

So the Lord sent a plague throughout Israel, and seventy thousand men of Israel fell. And God sent an angel to Jerusalem to destroy it, but as he prepared to destroy it, the Lord looked and relented from the calamity. And He said to the angel bringing the destruction, “It is enough. Remove your hand.” The angel of the Lord was then standing by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.

1 Chronicles 21:14–15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

For David to have made a census of fighting men for Israel, a plague came upon them. It was sent by God.

It wasn’t the only thing sent by God to Israel. There was an angel with a specific task. It was to destroy Jerusalem, the seat of power in Israel. God stayed the hand of that Angel, relenting on destroying Jerusalem.

I think there is a myriad of reasons why God would stay His hand. That would be a task for you to dig out. There is something else of importance for our attention. It is the identity of the Angel.

This was a Theophany. That is the scholarly name given for an Old Testament appearance of God.

David lifted up his eyes and saw the angel of the Lord standing between earth and heaven with his sword drawn in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. So David and the elders, covered in sackcloth, fell on their faces.

1 Chronicles 21:16 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I think we can clearly see the Identity of this Angel. It is the same person we call Jesus Christ. This verse provides some clear hints. First, the Angel stands as a Mediator between heaven and earth. Second, then Angel has a sword. David and those with them worshipped before this Angel.

We can know that Jesus will indeed judge those who have sinned. It’s pictured right here. Jesus will carry out judgment on God’s people.

Then we see something else unfold.

David said to God, “Was it not I who gave the command to number the people? I am the one who has sinned and surely done evil. But these sheep, what have they done? O Lord my God, I pray, let Your hand be against me and my father’s house, but do not let Your people be plagued.”

1 Chronicles 21:17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

David steps up. He wants the penalty of his own sin to fall on himself.

There is a principle we ought to remember from this encounter. Our sins don’t only affect us, they have a real and detrimental effect on others. Even to the point of others losing their lives as part of the judgment as part of the corruption sin is.

David repented of his own sin. He sought remission of it as God stated His own hand of imminent judgment.

This is something for us to remember. That sin brings swift death. Yet there is mercy. It’s that patient longsuffering that comes from the mercies of God that stays His hand. I would be wrong to not tell you why.

That stay is for you. It’s for you to seek remission of your sins just as David did for his own. David saw the condemnation looming. He knew the penalty was near-at-hand. It’s this same Jesus Who will judge sin that offers a Way out.

Truly, truly I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life and shall not come into condemnation, but has passed from death into life.

John 5:24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is that exchange, it can only happen in the presence of Jesus. You believe His Word and the Father that sent Him, and you’re moved from condemnation (judgment) and the death it brings into life.

God is right now staying His hand of judgment. Will you be like David and believe you can have remission of sins?

The alternative is death.

Why Stay in Exile?

On By TimIn 2 Samuel 14, Daily Walk, Encouragement, Eternal Security, SinLeave a comment

We will surely die and are like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. Yet God does not take away a life; He devises plans so that His banished ones will not be cast out from Him.

2 Samuel 14:14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is from a woman speaking to King David. The context is an account of David bringing back his son Absalom for blood-guilt over the killing of his brother. This is a sin that demanded an avenger of blood, that is the death of Absalom.

This account is a typification of the penalty of sin… All sin… Even the little lies we use. Sin brings death.

The woman succinctly speaks the truth to David. The corruption that Adam brought to humanity is death. We all die. Death cannot be undone; its water spilled on the ground and cannot be gathered up again.

Yet, she is also speaking of the mercy of God. In that, though the justice needed for sin is death, and justice delayed is not just. God is indeed merciful. Remember in the garden, He said in the day you do it you shall die. Yet this woman knows the mercy available to all, God does not take a life.

She goes on to say He devises plans. This is a veiled inference to Jesus and the mercy He worked at the cross. The Bible says Jesus tasted death for every man. His banished ones… Those with a blood-guilt upon them waiting for the avenger of blood are free to go. That’s you and I with our sin… We are not yet cast out from Him.

If we were cast out, we would have no hope at all.

Yet we’re not. We’re still alive. We can still be reconciled. While we draw breath, we can still approach God to seek remission of sins.

In the account, David doesn’t permit Absalom in his presence. Eventually, Absalom does insist and enter the presence to be reconciled.

The latter is more a representation of the exile we place on ourselves. When we sin, our sin keeps us separated from God. As it was for Abalsom, it is like we are in exile.

Don’t ever be tricked into thinking your own sin is so bad or shameful that you cannot go to God about it. Jesus died for each of us to make that way clear.

You can fix it now.

Live Honorably Even When Your Beliefs are Called Evil

On By TimIn 1 Peter 02, Daily Walk, Encouragement, Faithfulness, Sanctification1 Comment

Live your lives honorably among the Gentiles, so that though they speak against you as evildoers, they shall see your good works and thereby glorify God in the day of visitation.

1 Peter 2:12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Though this was written to Jewish believers, it stands with very poignant encouragement for today. The news is rife with the pressure being put on Christians to conform to society.

People call Christians evil because of perceived “intolerance.” (I need remind all, tolerance is the last bit of virtue to be championed in a decadent society.)

Amongst other instructions, these are given:

Do not repay evil for evil, or curse for curse, but on the contrary, bless, knowing that to this you are called, so that you may receive a blessing.

1 Peter 3:9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

By blessing others, it may seem as if we are giving the best stuff away to the least deserving. Yet, the promise still stands for those who give… Such receive a blessing.

They are surprised that you do not join them in the same excess of wild living, and so they speak evil of you.

1 Peter 4:4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is exactly what is happening today. There pressure will continue to wax worse as the boundaries of decadence normalize what was once called perverse.

Peter also tells exactly why they speak evil. We do not join in with the decadence. We are called to bless and receive the sure reward. The promise still stands for them, also.

They will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

1 Peter 4:5 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

If you are waiting to be judged, you’re already on the wrong side. There is Hope for all of us. Email me, and we can chat privately.

Live Like Jesus

On By TimIn 1 Peter 03, Daily Walk, Encouragement, Jesus, SanctificationLeave a comment

Who is he who will harm you if you follow that which is good?

1 Peter 3:13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is a rhetorical question. One that Peter asks knowing the obvious answer. For us believers, as the previous citation of Psalms 34 teaches–the eyes of the Lord on the righteous, and He’s set His face against those who do evil. Considering that, there is nobody that can really harm us if we’re doing good.

It’s About Perspective.

In other words, we are to set our minds ahead, just as Jesus did. It is easy to see a simple explanation. Suffer here to live there, which is far better than living here to suffer there.

But even if you suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. “Do not be afraid of their terror, do not be troubled.”

1 Peter 3:14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

When we do good and suffer for it, there is a blessing in that. Peter cites Isaiah 8:12 to bolster the truth that for the believer, eternity is secure. It is our real home. Remember, earlier he says we are aliens and refugees in this world. We should not partake of its lusts.

There is nothing in this world from which we ought to be afraid. It’s the next world where we reside already. This is inherent as Peter discusses this. He uses the dichotomy of flesh and spirit. We would die in the flesh. But live in the spirit. We ought not live in the flesh and die in the spirit.
Be Ready.

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. Always be ready to give an answer to every man who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you, with gentleness and fear.

1 Peter 3:15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The expectation here is to be ready. Whether we are a newfound believer or not, we all ought to be able to give an answer to anyone that asks.

Given this era and the tendencies of the culture, suffering is right here in these sorts of discussions. Often the God-deniers would attempt to easily twist us up with all sorts of controversies. Their hope is that we will lose cool. But we are encouraged to learn to give an answer with gentleness. That is, to suffer under their needling.

We are to set aside the Lord in our hearts. This is to know that we have a ready-made sanctuary from where we can rest. It’s always in us as the Spirit of God dwells in us. Understand that. Rest in that. Even when being asked the most daunting of questions or confronting the most difficult of challenges—it is our conduct that brings shame to those who would accuse. Not the eloquent and erudite answers we might give.

Have a good conscience so that evildoers who speak evil of you and falsely accuse your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, that you suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

1 Peter 3:16–17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Peter has circled back to this juxtaposition of living it up here while in the flesh only to suffer in the next life. That is as opposed to suffering here to live in the next life. The latter is far better than the first.

In other words, there is no amount of suffering that can happen to you in this fleshly body that can even begin to compare of the suffering coming to those who do evil.

Live like Jesus

For Christ also has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit, by whom He also went and preached to the spirits in prison, who in times past were disobedient, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.

1 Peter 3:18–20 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is a long sentence to digest. Jesus once suffered for sins. He being just, died for the unjust. He put Himself in flesh and made Himself subservient to even death. By His death, that suffering once for sins, He satisfied the wages of sin. (The wages of sin being death, not an eternity in Hell.) This provides a respite of judgment due for sin. That is, sudden and sure death, which is often alluded to as being cut-off.

That He Might Bring Us to God.

It is not an automatic thing. There is a tacit understanding in that statement that each of us has a responsibility to come to God. This is the long-suffering of God.

He has put up with all sorts of evil and wickedness from the foundation of the world. It surely grieves Him. Yet He subjected Himself to that same evil, and even died. For what cause may be a question on the mind. It’s for us humans… You, me… All of us.

He suffers through the grief we all give Him, waiting patiently for the maximum number of folks to be saved. He gently asks us to do the same, and even gives us provision to do just that.

He Was Made Alive by the Spirit.

And that is how we are made alive. It’s by the Spirit. Of course, as believers, He indwells us, that’s that provision I spoke of previously. But it is by the same power in Jesus’ resurrection that we are made alive. Remember how Paul said it.

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
But now is Christ risen from the dead and become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

1 Corinthians 15:19–20 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s the resurrection. It’s the Spirit life that’s important.

He Went and Preached.

Jesus went and preached to the spirits in prison. Most scholars agree that Jesus descended into Sheol, the abode of the dead. There is some disagreement on who the spirits are. Some say it is the dead people, good and evil. Others say it was to preach to those real fallen angels who are locked in chains until judgment that their plan to overthrow God didn’t work.

Let me explain succinctly. Since the fall, when God promised to destroy the enemy by the seed of the woman, Satan has sought to prevent that from happening. Before the flood, he ensures evil was rampant knowing God would have to judge that generation. The goal was to destroy humanity. Thus destroying the advent of the Savior. Yet evil was so bad, God did have to judge.

So God said to Noah, “The end of all flesh is come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence because of them.

Genesis 6:13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

When the promise of the seed was given to Abram, Satan had a people to destroy. He set in motion all sorts of ways to waylay Abraham’s lineage to prevent the Anointed One from being born.

When the Messiah came, Satan knew it. He persuaded Herod to put babies to death in order to stop God’s plan. When Jesus began ministry as John baptized Him, Satan met with Jesus. He (Satan) knew immediately Who Jesus is, the very God Who made him. In his mind, Jesus had come into his domain. Satan had the power there, he could kill God and cement his dominion of creation.

How that plan backfired with the resurrection! For all those minions of the evil one in prison and held for judgment, Jesus did go and preach. He assured them by showing them Himself alive in the Spirit, that they had made a grave error.

When you read the Scriptures, note how we never here another word ascribed to Satan after the resurrection of Jesus.

A Way of Rescue.

Just as God had planned to destroy the evildoers, He had a way of rescue in mind for Noah and his family. They were saved through water.

It is with this imagery that Peter continues.

Figuratively this is like baptism, which also saves us now. It is not washing off the dirt from the body, but a response to God from a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels and authorities and powers being made subject to Him.

1 Peter 3:21–22 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Figuratively… Peter is not going to say that the water saves. Think of the dichotomy that has presented before, the difference between living in flesh and living in spirit.

It’s not that water baptism saves us. Water can only can wash dirt off of the body. It is the same Spirit that made Jesus alive that makes us alive. It is the one baptism, that immersion in the Spirit that rescues us.

Figuratively, it’s a picture given to us by baptism, being buried in the grave and rising in newness of life. It’s a proclamation of the good triumphing over evil. It’s a reminder to everyone looking on, that God surely saves. Yet as He did with Noah in times before, He saves us now.

It’s by pledge of a good conscience that we do water baptism. It’s symbolic. It’s a reminder of reality. In a way, it’s spiritual warfare. Every single time someone is baptized in water, it’s a visual reminder of the promises of God to both the believer and the scoffer. Even to the fallen angels that are of the principalities and powers that are now subjected to Jesus.

Time is short for those who do evil, and the coming incarceration is inevitable. There is a time of escape for humans. And just as God called Noah and his family into the ark and left the door open for seven days, He is still waiting for you to believe; to cease living in the flesh, and to live in the Spirit, for Him.

You are the only one responsible for how you will spend eternity.

Love Life and See Good Days

On By TimIn 1 Peter 03, Encouragement, LoveLeave a comment

For “He who would love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

1 Peter 3:10–12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is a simple prescription from the Great Physician on how to live life. Peter is quoting it from Psalms 34:12-16. It could be seen as the key to a long life, but that would be reading an idea into the text that I don’t think is there. We are to love life and see good days.

But what if Peter is talking to those whose patient endurance salts the Earth?

Since the encouragement, Peter has offered centers on how to live righteously in long-suffering. That idea would carry into why he quotes this from the Psaltry. As we believers walk in Jesus, we are to consistently try to avoid evil. In so doing, we will gradually reduce the evil in the world being a good influence toward Godliness. Then to be a blessing to the world, as Jesus Himself is.

Furthermore, if God’s eyes are on the righteous, and He hears their prayers when we pray for our unsaved friends we can trust God hears. That alone is a reason to abstain from evil.

It’s the Way You Talk

I cannot help but notice the first emphasis is on the way we speak. It must be important. Fix the way we talk, seems to be the first step in turning away from evil and then doing good. I am reminded of what James is saying.

We all err in many ways. But if any man does not err in word, he is a perfect man and able also to control the whole body.

James 3:2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I need to keep hearing those things. I know in my own self, my tongue is not as tame as I would like, but it is wholly up to me. Yet James tells us that proper speech controls our body. It’s reasonable. Changing the way we speak requires a change in the way we think.

There is another purpose. Maybe because when we speak as we ought, our conscience would have a sure-fire witness of hypocrisy when our doings don’t align with our talking.

I cannot write these words without that prick of the conscience in my own mind. I hear the tsk-tsk in knowing I must (and can) do better. It’s not shaming. Just a gentle encouragement.

Again, me bettering my behavior begins with bettering how I communicate. Bettering how I communicate necessitates a change in thinking. Though… It has a certain benefit for me, as Peter is teaching, the real benefit is for the world and those around me. After all, it is those who we all serve.

Our Speech has a Cistern from Which to Draw

Jesus taught it this way.

For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.

Matthew 12:37 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

These words show how important it is to learn to control what we say. This is the summary of what Jesus said as He answered the Pharisees and those around them. They had just seen Him cast out a demon and said Jesus used the power of the ruler of the demons. Jesus explains how their words are a judgment against them.

He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad. Therefore I say to you, all kinds of sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven men. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven. But whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, neither in this world, nor in the world to come.

Matthew 12:30–32 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Sometimes, this portion of Scripture may be misunderstood. It contains what is called The Unforgivable Sin. Ponder the context as we continue. This entire teaching comes from what these men said about Jesus, especially His works.

He basically tells them that they aren’t with Him! Worse is the fact that they actively work against Him.

Next, look at how Jesus points out that all sorts of behavior would be forgiven. Then we come back to this idea of speaking. Those Pharisees were seemingly speaking against Jesus. Yet He is pointing out the deeper truth, they were speaking against the Holy Spirit belting their unbelief.

Keep these ideas in mind as we continue.

It’s up to You

Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree corrupt and its fruit corrupt. For the tree is known by its fruit.

Matthew 12:33 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This statement will be elaborated upon by Jesus. Succinctly, He is telling them something profound. It is weird to expect what you are doing is pleasing when what you think and believe is not. Or, what you do is righteous when what you believe is not.

These Pharisees were the leaders. The ones who were to teach the people of God about God. Their fruit wasn’t commensurate with what they knew deep down. The facade they presented was this vibe of Holy men. The fruit (what they said) was corrupt.

Jesus is telling them to fix that! In other words to live what they believe, whether it’s truth or not.

Or… change what they believe to bring forth good fruit.

O generation of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things. And an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.

Matthew 12:34–35 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In this very instance, what those so-called holy men said revealed what they believed.

It’s the same for us. We can tell what we believe by the way we talk, especially if it is about Jesus. In the same fashion, we can begin to correct our behavior by changing the way we communicate. We change the way we communicate by acknowledging and believing the truth as witnessed to us by the Holy Spirit. The theological word for that is repentance.

Jesus is the foundation for everything. He is the very God these Pharisees purported to teach about. His presence in their midst and their reaction to what He did revealed the lack of treasure in their hearts.

Read the conclusion to the matter.

But I say to you that for every idle word that men speak, they will give an account on the Day of Judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.

Matthew 12:36–37 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)
It Starts with What we Believe.

Just as Peter is saying up until this point–what we believe ought to change our entire pursuit of living. Knowing that our eternity is secure and we lose nothing there, we can choose the righteous way. All the while living in liberty. In other words, make the tree and its fruit good.

Not to do what we want, but to do what we ought until that becomes what we want.

In Conclusion.

I want to circle back around to that unforgivable sin. Many have concerns over what it is, and if they’ve done it. My hope and prayer is that the Holy Spirit would lead you to see. It is clearly tied to unbelief… The abject lack of treasure (belief in Truth) in the heart.

If one doesn’t believe the witness of the Holy Spirit, such is not forgiven in this life or the next. What is done here has eternal consequences.

The Demands of the Adversary

On By TimIn Encouragement, Luke 22, Second Chance, Spiritual WarfareLeave a comment

Then the Lord said, “Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to have you to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have repented, strengthen your brothers.”

Luke 22:31–32 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In just a quick perusal today, I encountered this. Sometimes when thinking of other things, and they are set aside, a quick glance at Scripture will provide some insight. I think it rather poignant, too. That is, given the posts of late centering on Peter’s first epistle.

Anyway… It was a discussion on Job one night. Someone had made a remark that God gave permission to Satan to test Job. I shook my head in a clear way to acknowledge that it wasn’t true. The person making the assertion insisted it was true. Let’s see if it is.

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and the Adversary also came among them. And the Lord said to the Adversary, “From where have you come?”
Then the Adversary answered the Lord, saying, “From roaming on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.”
And the Lord said to the Adversary, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and an upright man, who fears God, and avoids evil?”

Job 1:6–8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Sometimes our English translations don’t transmit the entirety of thought. In some translations, there are translators’ notes. These are included to help understand what is being conveyed. In this case, it would be easy to think the Adversary was just casually walking around looking at things. Not only that, but it one might think it was God Who would bring up the idea of testing Job to the Adversary.

That’s not what’s there. The Hebrew phrase translated have you considered literally means have you set your heart to my servant Job.

It’s like the Adversary is demanding some sort of right. Go back to what Jesus said to Peter. Satan is demanding to sift you. The Adversary demands his rights.

Furthermore, Jesus didn’t give permission to Satan. Satan was demanding what was rightfully his. Jesus prayed for Peter to not succumb to the test. That’s simply because we really are no match for the enemy. Jesus knew that. He is our Advocate. He intercedes for us.

Look what He said to Peter next, “And when you have repented, strengthen your brothers.”

We are no match for the enemy. He may have rights, but he also has boundaries and cannot exceed those.

Then the Adversary answered the Lord, saying, “Has Job feared God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out Your hand now, and touch all that he has, and he will curse You to Your face.”

Job 1:9–11— Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

You might think it weird how the Adversary demands that God bring calamity to Job. It didn’t happen. But what follows is God saying to the Adversary, you have rights to all that is his.

That comes from the fall. Satan wrested dominion of the creation from the one it was given to, Adam. Therefore, all that Job had was part of the fallen world to which the Adversary has rights. Since the cross, those rights are in the process of being revoked permanently.

Jesus told Peter. “And when you have repented.” He was telling Peter of the victory that Jesus would finish shortly. A remedy for Peter falling prey.

Don’t give in to the idea that God has to give permission to the Adversary for him to bother you. He has rights. When we are in sin, that is where he works. But there is a way out of the rights he has.

And when you have repented….

Guard your Minds

On By TimIn 1 Peter 01, Encouragement, Fruitfulness, Jesus, Last Days, Redemption, Salvation, SanctificationLeave a comment

Therefore guard your minds, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children do not conduct yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance. But as He who has called you is holy, so be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

1 Peter 1:13–16 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In the text leading to this, Peter talks about salvation and how it came to us. It was foretold by prophets who saw it dimly, not quite understanding. They wanted to know it better. We also know that angels want to look into it. The conclusion Peter arrives at is to be warily sober as we live. Knowing that redemption is ours now, even though it will be complete at Jesus’ coming.

Think about it. The prophets of old did as God obstructed. They knew God and feared Him. Not that they were afraid, it is a very real reverence. In that, they were careful to do the things He instructed.

Reading the Old Testament, these prophets did say and do some rather memorable things at the instruction of God. They, too, were sober and circumspect to do things orderly as He directed.

Some of the things these prophets are asked to do include cooking food over fires made with dung and marrying a harlot who would return to her harlotry only to take her back again. These ideas seem outlandish.

They were for our instruction.

As Peter said, it was revealed to these prophets that they weren’t serving themselves, but us. Peter is exhorting us to know that we are serving others presently and in the future. Someone is paying attention to how we live out our Christianity. In fact, I am going to say that someone’s salvation may hinge on it. Not because we saved them, but right conduct in daily living pointed them to Jesus.

Conduct ourselves righty.

This naturally follows guarding our minds. We live new lives and not in the former old way. Peter uses the word lusts. It doesn’t necessarily connote a sexual idea. It is better understood as seeking first to the satisfaction of our own needs before we do so for others.

Formerly, we did that because we knew no other way. Now, having been enlightened, we are called to live circumspectly. He reminds us of the words of our Master, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

And if you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your sojourning.

1 Peter 1:17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

If we are conducting ourselves in reverence to God, we live out holiness.

We must be careful to not do the works that have nothing lasting, that is caring primarily for just our own needs. These things will be confined under judgment. We must have an outward focus, directed toward others’ needs and meeting them. These are the things that will survive judgment.

For you know that you were not redeemed from your vain way of life inherited from your fathers with perishable things, like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

1 Peter 1:18–19 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Vanity is the old life of ignorance.

Before Jesus, the way to survive was to look out for numero uno. We did what was needed to survive and try to accumulate stuff. For some of us, that accumulation was enhanced by inheriting our parents’ things at their death. Either way, the practice was inherited for not knowing any better.

Our corruptible bodies would eventually expire. We all have an appointment with death. But what if we’ve worked hard to accumulate… If we couldn’t consume it all, it would be passed on to our progeny.

Without Jesus, most live this way, to accumulate and consume possessions. That is vanity.

All that energy is expended for things that perish and have no value in the next life. None of it redeems us. It cannot. It will perish. As would we without Jesus. Rich or poor, it’s the same way.

Without blemish or without spot.

He could only be perfect. He had to be God. It was only the blood of Christ that did redeem.

Remember that God took on this humanity. In that glorious union of the Divine with human, was a man with blood. Precious blood came from a perfect life. God is imperishable, and the blood price He paid is imperishable.

That is the better way. It is the better inheritance to share with our progeny, and everyone else.

Those Who are Sanctified are All of One

On By TimIn 1 Peter 01, Encouragement, Eternal Security, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Last Days, Return of Jesus, Salvation, Sanctification, SinLeave a comment

Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that should come to you have inquired and searched diligently, seeking the events and time the Spirit of Christ, who was within them, signified when He foretold the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, concerning the things which are now reported to you by those who have preached the gospel to you through the Holy Spirit, who was sent from heaven—things into which the angels desire to look.

1 Peter 1:10–12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Remember how we discussed previously how our salvation will be revealed in the last time. This is a reference to a time yet future that will be the end of this temporal existence. But this salvation is not hidden from us or others but is continuously being received until its full revelation at the end.

The Old Testament prophets received from God the revelations of the Spirit of the Anointed One, Jesus. Though they didn’t clearly understand the mysteries hidden in the revelations they were given. That is, the grace extended to the gentile nations. Of which we benefit.

Paul also spoke of it. He called himself a steward of God over a commission given specifically to him for us gentiles.

I have been made a servant of it according to the commission of God, which has been given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, even the mystery which has been hidden from past ages and generations, but now is revealed to His saints. To them God would make known what is the glorious riches of this mystery among the nations. It is Christ in you, the hope of glory, whom we preach, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present them perfect in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 1:25–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It was a truth hidden in the past.

Now, it’s almost fully revealed. What I mean is, those old-time Israeli prophets spoke of both a suffering Messiah and a triumphant Messiah. Though the prophets diligently sought to know what we know, His suffering has already been revealed to the world. It is recorded for us to read.

The glories to come are still for some future time when our salvation will be fully revealed. And that to the glory of Jesus!

We know the sufferings of the Messiah and in a similar fashion as they, we look forward to the glorious appearing and consummation of time when all is fulfilled. (The time when the New Jerusalem comes down from God.)

His triumphs and glories, though very real today and being revealed in us His saints… Are yet for a future time when He returns to Earth. When He defeats the evil that preys on humans and the world. He then takes the throne of David and rules Jerusalem and Earth. It will be as God had desired from the beginning, humanity having dominion over creation. After which Jesus will finally and gloriously put an end to the rebellion.

Those prophets knew they were serving a people yet future. Such things have resulted in your salvation. Those first-century Christians shared the testimony of the Jewish prophets who spoke of the sufferings of the Anointed One. They could show them this very same Jesus that was known among them and attested of long ago.

Why would angels want to look into these things?

Angels serve humanity. These are things also revealed by these messengers of God to men. These messengers desire to look in on. It’s salvation. The hope of glory that lives in each of us who are saints.

Considering that humans were made of the dust of the ground, with the breath of God breathed into us, we are not made in the same hierarchy as angels. We are made a little lower and intimately united with the physical reality we occupy. Humans are made of the very dust of which the earth is made.

We also have a spirit that connects to the reality that supersedes ours. Better said, it is the supernatural realm where spirits dwell. Because of sin, that reality has been veiled to us.

It’s these glorious heavenly angels who were assigned to serve the dirt creatures. It’s like that in God’s economy. The older serves the younger, the least is greatest.

That idea has been corrupted, though. When sin entered, the dirt creatures took upon themselves the desire to be like God. They fell away. And corrupted His order by serving their own selfishness. Not serving others, let alone the least.

What is this?

That the very Creator of these dusty men would humble Himself and add that very same dusty nature. He would step that low, placing Himself even under the angels.

I am thinking wholly of the first two chapters of the book of Hebrews and how eloquently it describes the suffering and then triumphant Messiah. This is how the author says it:

But someone in a certain place testified, saying: “What is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him?
You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor, and set him over the works of Your hands. You have put all things in subjection under his feet.”
For in subjecting all things under him, He left nothing that is not subjected to him. Yet now we do not see all things subject to him.

Hebrews 2:6–8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This speaks of how Jesus came to us as One of us, made lower than the angels. Yet at the same time, crowned with glory and honor. (Yet to be revealed in the last times and for which we patiently wait.)

It was that sin. Rebellion was taken on by creatures made of dust. That very thing would be used to defeat sin and death.

Sin earns wages paid in blood. The God of all paid His own blood to satisfy the wages of sin. Sin had no claim on Him, but death attempted to master Him.

The enemy, thinking this would be a perfect way to vanquish God, seized Him. He was crucified and died. Being perfect, death really had no claim on Him.

Yet His blood was shed.

His divine-human blood was the perfect payment for an infinite human debt. A debt He didn’t owe, but one that encumbered all of humanity was completely satisfied.

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels to suffer death, crowned with glory and honor, so that He, by the grace of God, should experience death for everyone.

Hebrews 2:9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I can scarcely comprehend that. Even as I write this stuff. It’s above my pay-grade. Yet I know it is true.

There is more.

This Son of God is now (also) a Man. (I am writing it like that for lack of a better way to understand. The Son of God took on humanity. The divine and human United in One. I italicized the One to emphasize not only this but the Unity of Father-Son-Spirit.)

He has wrested the rights to dominion over the creation as God had intended at creation. Men will master it. In this case, One Perfect Man.

For it was fitting for Him, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the Author of their salvation perfect through suffering. For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all of One.

Hebrews 2:10–11a — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Things into which angels desire to look.

Now is the time to recall why One is emphasized earlier.

God becomes the Author of salvation by that suffering. The suffering that came by submission to His own creation.

It could only be done with blood. Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins.

Blood that only exists in our temporal physical reality. Angels don’t have blood. Blood cannot be shed for them. That is why those fallen spirits tremble at the name of Jesus. Their destiny is sure and there is no hope for them.

Angels were made higher than humans. The Creator made Himself human. He placed Himself lower than them. He died, rose again. Setting humans higher than angels. (Do you not know you are going to judge angels?)

Just as Jesus partook of the nature of humanity, taking it wholly upon Himself… He invites us dirt-creatures to partake of the divine nature. It starts at our salvation when He comes to live in us.

Those who are sanctified are all of One.

We celebrate that every single time that we come to the Lord’s Table. As we hold in our hands the broken bread and the wine, these represent His human body broken for us and His human-yet-divine bloodshed from it. We are to take that inside of us. It’s a typification of what is yet to be revealed. We partake of the divine nature.

But to partake, one needs to be like Him. We all need to humble ourselves.

1. Acknowledge in our minds that the things written about Him are really real.

2. Believe that what He says is really real. That He rose again. That is for us. Trusting in it like you would trust a chair to hold you up by sitting in it.

3. Confess the truth out loud with our mouths. And the. Confess our sins to Him asking Him to remove them completely.

That’s the first step to partaking in the divine nature. You are then given new hope through the resurrection.

A Living Hope

On By TimIn 1 Peter 01, Daily Walk, Encouragement, Last Days, Resurrection, Salvation, Spiritual WarfareLeave a comment

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that does not fade away, kept in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now, if for a little while, you have had to suffer various trials, in order that the genuineness of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tried by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom, having not seen, you love; and in whom, though you do not see Him now, you believe and you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, receiving as the result of your faith the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1:3–9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s the resurrection, really. This is our one hope. But it isn’t a dead hope, it lives. That’s because Jesus Christ lives! If you are truly born again, you are born into a living hope.

This world isn’t our home.

With much of what has happened of late, it makes many hearts heavy, even mine. It seems as if every man is pitted against another, and it even tends to be true for Christians. How sad that.

Brothers and sisters, we have hope in Jesus! We know this world isn’t our home. That’s not an escape fantasy, just the plain truth. Sometimes we pay more attention to what’s plastered in front of us by various media. That tends to make our focus drift to temporary problems. We lose our true objective.

The entire world is careening toward chaos. That isn’t unexpected. All things have been defiled with corruption. Yet what we have reserved for us is pure and undefiled. Why occupy our minds with that?

Some may criticize, saying we Christians are too heavenly-minded to be any earthly good. Yet that isn’t true. What hope can we accomplish with perishing things?

More laws are not the answer. The number of statutes that govern any one of us is mind-boggling now. Adding to them will accomplish little. It certainly cannot change the hearts of men.

Think of it this way. There will be some who might not ever see the hope we have by the way we live. I don’t mean to say we don’t care about things here and now, but let them not occupy our thoughts and weigh us down. Let us point our thoughts to the hope we have. It’s the only hope for a dying world. We witness that daily.

Rejoice in what God has done.

Because you are saved, you are protected by God Himself through believing what He says is true. Though Peter hints our salvation is yet to be revealed, in a future sense, is it ours now?

When the trials come, it is a test of our faith. It is to reveal authenticity. It might be that what each of us suffers demonstrates to those looking at us in the trial, the really real reality of what we believe. It could very well be the impetus that inclines their own heart toward God. More than that, I think the trials are to demonstrate to our own selves our own real genuine faith. They are there to reveal our salvation in the present moments.

We haven’t seen Jesus. But we believe and love Him. We rejoice in Him. To do those things brings joy is unspeakable.

I know as I set out to write this, my heart was heavy with the cares of this world. But this text, and thinking through it right my reality. It brings joy! I have a real Hope!

It’s real joy!

I remember my salvation is real. I have an incorruptible inheritance with Jesus Christ.

Just as Peter said, our salvation will be revealed in latter times. We are continuously receiving it in the present. We are obtaining our salvation as a result of our faith.

Jesus finished the work.

We believe it.

We get the benefit, now.