I've noticed a special quality of joy in the Christians of the New Testament.
"But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised" (Hebrews 10:32-36).
These early Christians were characterized by joy when they faced ridicule, cutting remarks, imprisonment, and the theft of their property. They were being persecuted for believing in Jesus Christ. But their joy could not be taken from them, because they had sincere faith and hope in the promises of God's word. They trusted their Savior and his word. Their joy was tough because their faith and hope in Christ were solid.
Their tough joy was a product of the Holy Spirit in their lives (Galatians 5:22). I want to see him produce it in the lives of all of us who follow Christ today as well.
Showing posts with label Hope. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hope. Show all posts
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Suicidal Thoughts and the Longing for Something Better
Recovery from depression can be an incredibly difficult and long process. Your body is worn out. Your emotions are frayed. You know that something is wrong, but you may not be able to describe it adequately.
Sometimes depression leads to thoughts about death; sometimes to thoughts about suicide. Something is wrong, and you want to escape. You know that you are not right, but you feel like so many things are wrong that you cannot possibly make things right again.
If you are in such a situation, please seek wise counsel. You may want to seek medical advice, too. Don't deal with it alone.
Also, please take a little time to think about the spiritual implications of your condition. It could be a turning point in your spirituality. It could be a time to grow closer to God for comfort and strength. If you are not living in a good relationship with God, it could also be an opportunity to reassess your life. It could be a time to put an end to a life without Christ in order to embrace a life of hope in following the Lord. It could be a time to fulfill that longing in your heart for something better...for Someone better.
Consider the words of Romans 6:3-11. "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus."
Christ offers a new life to those of us who have grown tired of our lives of sin, guilt, and regret. Please consider his offer. It could be the beginning of something great.
Sometimes depression leads to thoughts about death; sometimes to thoughts about suicide. Something is wrong, and you want to escape. You know that you are not right, but you feel like so many things are wrong that you cannot possibly make things right again.
If you are in such a situation, please seek wise counsel. You may want to seek medical advice, too. Don't deal with it alone.
Also, please take a little time to think about the spiritual implications of your condition. It could be a turning point in your spirituality. It could be a time to grow closer to God for comfort and strength. If you are not living in a good relationship with God, it could also be an opportunity to reassess your life. It could be a time to put an end to a life without Christ in order to embrace a life of hope in following the Lord. It could be a time to fulfill that longing in your heart for something better...for Someone better.
Consider the words of Romans 6:3-11. "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus."
Christ offers a new life to those of us who have grown tired of our lives of sin, guilt, and regret. Please consider his offer. It could be the beginning of something great.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
The Courage of the Christ
This is my planned communion meditation for this Sunday:
A few years ago, a friend came to me with a problem.
She had recently become a Christian. She wanted to live in a manner that honored her Savior, but her live-in boyfriend was not interested in her new found faith. Every time she would ask him if he ever thought about marrying her, he would get angry.
She asked me, "Why do you think he won't marry me?"
Assuming that we were brainstorming, I answered, "Maybe he doesn't love you."
Unfortunately, as I later learned, my answer didn't go over too well. My friend did not care much for my blunt response.
However, she went home and told her boyfriend about our conversation. Over the next weekend, they were married. (Today, I always tease her by taking credit for their marriage.)
I thought about my blunt answer to my friend this week as I read Luke 11.
In that chapter, Jesus was eating dinner with a few Pharisees and lawyers. When the host became astonished that Jesus did not go through the traditional ceremonial washing before eating, Jesus started going through a list of sins committed by the Pharisees.
In verse 45, Jesus is interrupted. "One of the lawyers answered him, 'Teacher, in saying these things you insult us also.'"
Then comes my favorite part of the story, the part that shows the courage of the Christ: "And he said, 'Woe to you lawyers also!'" (11:46) Rather than weakly apologize for telling the truth, Jesus turns his attention to listing the sins of the experts in the law. He would never be intimidated into silence simply because his message was unpopular at the moment.
Now I'm not saying that I was acting like Jesus when I was blunt with my friend. In fact, I did not know that I was offending her. I thought we were simply brainstorming...coming up with possible reasons for her boyfriend's lack of action. If I had known what I was doing, I probably would have apologized for offending her.
But Jesus was different. He knew that he was offending the Pharisees and lawyers, but he also knew that they needed to be offended. No one ever told them about their sins, because they were too intimidating. Who would be able to accuse the most upright and educated men in their community? Christ knew that they were blind to their sins and were incapable of repenting because of their spiritual blindness. He cared too much to be silent.
It was that kind of courage that we see in Jesus as he faced the cross. He knew our condition, even though we were blind to it. He knew that we stood condemned and hopeless. And he cared too much to let us face eternity without the hope of forgiveness and reconciliation with God. In going to the cross, he showed the courage to do the right thing despite the discomfort and pain. In doing so, he saved us.
A few years ago, a friend came to me with a problem.
She had recently become a Christian. She wanted to live in a manner that honored her Savior, but her live-in boyfriend was not interested in her new found faith. Every time she would ask him if he ever thought about marrying her, he would get angry.
She asked me, "Why do you think he won't marry me?"
Assuming that we were brainstorming, I answered, "Maybe he doesn't love you."
Unfortunately, as I later learned, my answer didn't go over too well. My friend did not care much for my blunt response.
However, she went home and told her boyfriend about our conversation. Over the next weekend, they were married. (Today, I always tease her by taking credit for their marriage.)
I thought about my blunt answer to my friend this week as I read Luke 11.
In that chapter, Jesus was eating dinner with a few Pharisees and lawyers. When the host became astonished that Jesus did not go through the traditional ceremonial washing before eating, Jesus started going through a list of sins committed by the Pharisees.
In verse 45, Jesus is interrupted. "One of the lawyers answered him, 'Teacher, in saying these things you insult us also.'"
Then comes my favorite part of the story, the part that shows the courage of the Christ: "And he said, 'Woe to you lawyers also!'" (11:46) Rather than weakly apologize for telling the truth, Jesus turns his attention to listing the sins of the experts in the law. He would never be intimidated into silence simply because his message was unpopular at the moment.
Now I'm not saying that I was acting like Jesus when I was blunt with my friend. In fact, I did not know that I was offending her. I thought we were simply brainstorming...coming up with possible reasons for her boyfriend's lack of action. If I had known what I was doing, I probably would have apologized for offending her.
But Jesus was different. He knew that he was offending the Pharisees and lawyers, but he also knew that they needed to be offended. No one ever told them about their sins, because they were too intimidating. Who would be able to accuse the most upright and educated men in their community? Christ knew that they were blind to their sins and were incapable of repenting because of their spiritual blindness. He cared too much to be silent.
It was that kind of courage that we see in Jesus as he faced the cross. He knew our condition, even though we were blind to it. He knew that we stood condemned and hopeless. And he cared too much to let us face eternity without the hope of forgiveness and reconciliation with God. In going to the cross, he showed the courage to do the right thing despite the discomfort and pain. In doing so, he saved us.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
The Power of Love to Change a Life
This is an excerpt from Joseph Stowell's excellent book Loving Christ (pages 13-16):
"Ruth McBride Jordan lives in a cozy home in a lovely part of New Jersey, near Trenton. At the ripe age of seventy-six, she graduated from Temple University with a degree in social work administration. She travels widely, serves in the homeless shelter of Jerusalem Baptist Church, and runs a reading program at the local library.
"With a sense of appropriate pride, her son James tells her story in his best-selling book, The Color of Water. He relates that not only is she the mother of twelve grown children and the grandmother of twenty, but all of her children have earned college and graduate degrees and have distinguished themselves in their professions. That is an unusual track record for any parent, but it is all the more unusual because Ruth had reared her children during the tough years of the sixties in New York City, a time when racial unrest and lack of clear identity led many children to the streets and to far less stellar outcomes. Beyond that, the most amazing fact is that Ruth raised her children alone as a white Jewish woman in Harlem. Her husband, a black Baptist pastor, died early, leaving her with nothing but the resolve and motivation to do the best that she could in the midst of impossible circumstances.
"Against the backdrop of her childhood, her story becomes even more amazing.
"Ruth's father, a Polish immigrant, was an itinerant orthodox Jewish rabbi in Virginia. Her mother was a shy invalid who spoke little English and was often physically abused by her husband. Leaving the itinerant ministry, Tateh, as Ruth called her father, opened a general store in which Ruth was forced to work long hours. He treated her as a contribution to his economic success, and he also abused her sexually. Although she loved her mother deeply, she found little solace in her mother's frail and intimidated spirit.
"As a result, Ruth spent most of her adolescent years looking for love outside her family....She fell in love with a neighboring African-American boy who often shopped in the store. For the first time in her life she felt as though someone cared for her...She became pregnant and risked the wrath of the small town in which her dad's store was located. Her mom sent her to New York City to spend some time with her aunt so the problem could be 'dealt with.'
"Returning home, Ruth found that life would never again be the same. As soon as she finished high school, she ran back to New York...There she met Rocky and once again felt loved. She reveled in the warmth and affection of someone who cared for her--only to discover that he was a pimp, wooing her to become part of his harem.
"...Ruth met Dennis McBride. There was something authentic about his affections. This time she was wonderfully loved and was confident of it. Ruth felt safe and valued as he transferred a sense of dignity and worth to her lost and lonely soul.
"But the secret to her dramatic recovery from a disastrous history did not come from her husband's love, as wonderful as it was. He died, leaving her a penniless widow in a Harlem flat, overcrowded with kids.
"Her strength and resolve came from another man, a man Dennis had introduced her to.
"Years later, Ruth told her son James the secret--the secret that enabled her to rise like a phoenix out of the ashes of her dad's abuse. 'I was afraid of Tateh and had no love for him at all...It affected me in a lot of ways, what he did to me. I had very low self-esteem as a child, which I kept with me for many, many years; and even now I don't want to be around anyone who is domineering or pushing me around, because it makes me nervous.'
"Ruth reflected on the harsh and insensitive slurs of those who decried her marrying a black man. 'Well, I don't care. Your father changed my life. He taught me about God, who lifted me up and forgave me and made me new. I was lucky to meet him or I would've been a prostitute or dead. Who knows what would've happened to me? I was reborn in Christ. Had to be, after all I went through.'
"James writes that during one of her most difficult times, 'Ma was utterly confused about all but one thing: Jesus...Jesus gave Mommy hope. Jesus was Mommy's salvation. Jesus pressed her forward. Each and every Sunday, no matter how tired, depressed or broke, she got up early, dressed in her best, and headed for church...
"How do the Ruths of this world manage to come through with hands held high in victory? What is the secret to rising above the debilitating effects of brokenness, burdens, bondage, temptation, and all the other things that life so often inflicts upon us?...
"The answer is clear...and the answer holds our only hope. It is a love for Christ so compelling that it drives and defines all that we do--a love that is defined by the life-changing goodness that Christ brings to our existence. When our love for Christ moves beyond a mere mental assent to a living reality, it motivates us to deal with life in unique and powerful ways, regardless of our circumstances."
"Ruth McBride Jordan lives in a cozy home in a lovely part of New Jersey, near Trenton. At the ripe age of seventy-six, she graduated from Temple University with a degree in social work administration. She travels widely, serves in the homeless shelter of Jerusalem Baptist Church, and runs a reading program at the local library.
"With a sense of appropriate pride, her son James tells her story in his best-selling book, The Color of Water. He relates that not only is she the mother of twelve grown children and the grandmother of twenty, but all of her children have earned college and graduate degrees and have distinguished themselves in their professions. That is an unusual track record for any parent, but it is all the more unusual because Ruth had reared her children during the tough years of the sixties in New York City, a time when racial unrest and lack of clear identity led many children to the streets and to far less stellar outcomes. Beyond that, the most amazing fact is that Ruth raised her children alone as a white Jewish woman in Harlem. Her husband, a black Baptist pastor, died early, leaving her with nothing but the resolve and motivation to do the best that she could in the midst of impossible circumstances.
"Against the backdrop of her childhood, her story becomes even more amazing.
"Ruth's father, a Polish immigrant, was an itinerant orthodox Jewish rabbi in Virginia. Her mother was a shy invalid who spoke little English and was often physically abused by her husband. Leaving the itinerant ministry, Tateh, as Ruth called her father, opened a general store in which Ruth was forced to work long hours. He treated her as a contribution to his economic success, and he also abused her sexually. Although she loved her mother deeply, she found little solace in her mother's frail and intimidated spirit.
"As a result, Ruth spent most of her adolescent years looking for love outside her family....She fell in love with a neighboring African-American boy who often shopped in the store. For the first time in her life she felt as though someone cared for her...She became pregnant and risked the wrath of the small town in which her dad's store was located. Her mom sent her to New York City to spend some time with her aunt so the problem could be 'dealt with.'
"Returning home, Ruth found that life would never again be the same. As soon as she finished high school, she ran back to New York...There she met Rocky and once again felt loved. She reveled in the warmth and affection of someone who cared for her--only to discover that he was a pimp, wooing her to become part of his harem.
"...Ruth met Dennis McBride. There was something authentic about his affections. This time she was wonderfully loved and was confident of it. Ruth felt safe and valued as he transferred a sense of dignity and worth to her lost and lonely soul.
"But the secret to her dramatic recovery from a disastrous history did not come from her husband's love, as wonderful as it was. He died, leaving her a penniless widow in a Harlem flat, overcrowded with kids.
"Her strength and resolve came from another man, a man Dennis had introduced her to.
"Years later, Ruth told her son James the secret--the secret that enabled her to rise like a phoenix out of the ashes of her dad's abuse. 'I was afraid of Tateh and had no love for him at all...It affected me in a lot of ways, what he did to me. I had very low self-esteem as a child, which I kept with me for many, many years; and even now I don't want to be around anyone who is domineering or pushing me around, because it makes me nervous.'
"Ruth reflected on the harsh and insensitive slurs of those who decried her marrying a black man. 'Well, I don't care. Your father changed my life. He taught me about God, who lifted me up and forgave me and made me new. I was lucky to meet him or I would've been a prostitute or dead. Who knows what would've happened to me? I was reborn in Christ. Had to be, after all I went through.'
"James writes that during one of her most difficult times, 'Ma was utterly confused about all but one thing: Jesus...Jesus gave Mommy hope. Jesus was Mommy's salvation. Jesus pressed her forward. Each and every Sunday, no matter how tired, depressed or broke, she got up early, dressed in her best, and headed for church...
"How do the Ruths of this world manage to come through with hands held high in victory? What is the secret to rising above the debilitating effects of brokenness, burdens, bondage, temptation, and all the other things that life so often inflicts upon us?...
"The answer is clear...and the answer holds our only hope. It is a love for Christ so compelling that it drives and defines all that we do--a love that is defined by the life-changing goodness that Christ brings to our existence. When our love for Christ moves beyond a mere mental assent to a living reality, it motivates us to deal with life in unique and powerful ways, regardless of our circumstances."
Saturday, April 11, 2009
The Resurrection and the Life
"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?'" (John 11:25-26).
Believing in Jesus as the resurrection and the life changes everything.
The believer is free to enjoy life. He sees life as a blessing. He can savor the experiences. He knows that life is a gift from Christ. He worships as he lives his life.
The believer can face obstacles with courage. He recognizes his limitations. He knows that he will face problems too big and opposition too powerful for him to handle, but he knows that his failures and defeats will not be the end of his life's story. Death may await him, but so does a resurrection. Even in failure and defeat, he can be an overwhelming conqueror.
The believer can live in hope. He looks forward to the return of his resurrected Savior, to the day of the resurrection, and to the liberation of creation from the curse of decay. He sees a bright future ahead as he eagerly waits for heaven and earth to become one, for the kingdom to come in the ultimate sense.
"Do you believe this?"
Believing in Jesus as the resurrection and the life changes everything.
The believer is free to enjoy life. He sees life as a blessing. He can savor the experiences. He knows that life is a gift from Christ. He worships as he lives his life.
The believer can face obstacles with courage. He recognizes his limitations. He knows that he will face problems too big and opposition too powerful for him to handle, but he knows that his failures and defeats will not be the end of his life's story. Death may await him, but so does a resurrection. Even in failure and defeat, he can be an overwhelming conqueror.
The believer can live in hope. He looks forward to the return of his resurrected Savior, to the day of the resurrection, and to the liberation of creation from the curse of decay. He sees a bright future ahead as he eagerly waits for heaven and earth to become one, for the kingdom to come in the ultimate sense.
"Do you believe this?"
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Families and Poverty
"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
"Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.
"Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.
"Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged" (Colossians 3:18-21, NKJV).
Earlier this week, I heard a radio news report which stated that the state of Oklahoma spends hundreds of millions of dollars annually fighting poverty caused by divorce and out-of-wedlock births.
Today, I received a letter from FamilyLife with these striking statistics:
*41% of married couples today admit to infidelity
*57% of men admit they've committed infidelity in every relationship they've had
*54% of women admit the same
*40% of children today will grow up without a father in the home
*A recently divorced man is nearly 9 times more likely to commit suicide than his female counterpart
Although I'm not an expert in this field, my personal observations do not conflict with what I have been hearing and reading this week. After 7 years of volunteering in urban ministry, I have a difficult time thinking of many intact families who are living in poverty unless they are dealing with physical or mental health problems. Adultery, divorce, and single-parent households seem to be normal among the poor, the middle-class, and the wealthy.
People are hurting. They are living with the bitterness of betrayal and abandonment. They are living with the guilt of betraying their spouses and abandoning their families. They do not know how to raise their children alone. They do not know how to love and respect their husbands and wives. They do not know how to honor their parents who have made mistakes. Their relationships are frayed; and it has affected them emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
People need good news. They need forgiveness and an opportunity to start life over. They need hope. They need to learn biblical principles concerning life and relationships. They need Christ.
Christians and churches have been called by God to help meet these needs.
"Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.
"Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.
"Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged" (Colossians 3:18-21, NKJV).
Earlier this week, I heard a radio news report which stated that the state of Oklahoma spends hundreds of millions of dollars annually fighting poverty caused by divorce and out-of-wedlock births.
Today, I received a letter from FamilyLife with these striking statistics:
*41% of married couples today admit to infidelity
*57% of men admit they've committed infidelity in every relationship they've had
*54% of women admit the same
*40% of children today will grow up without a father in the home
*A recently divorced man is nearly 9 times more likely to commit suicide than his female counterpart
Although I'm not an expert in this field, my personal observations do not conflict with what I have been hearing and reading this week. After 7 years of volunteering in urban ministry, I have a difficult time thinking of many intact families who are living in poverty unless they are dealing with physical or mental health problems. Adultery, divorce, and single-parent households seem to be normal among the poor, the middle-class, and the wealthy.
People are hurting. They are living with the bitterness of betrayal and abandonment. They are living with the guilt of betraying their spouses and abandoning their families. They do not know how to raise their children alone. They do not know how to love and respect their husbands and wives. They do not know how to honor their parents who have made mistakes. Their relationships are frayed; and it has affected them emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
People need good news. They need forgiveness and an opportunity to start life over. They need hope. They need to learn biblical principles concerning life and relationships. They need Christ.
Christians and churches have been called by God to help meet these needs.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Christ, Our Life
"When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory" (Colossians 3:4, NIV).
I cannot think of a passage in the Bible that defines the Christian life with so few words. Christ is our life. He defines it. He gives it purpose and meaning. He gives it passion. He gives it hope. What a powerful verse!
I cannot think of a passage in the Bible that defines the Christian life with so few words. Christ is our life. He defines it. He gives it purpose and meaning. He gives it passion. He gives it hope. What a powerful verse!
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Joy in God's Presence
"You have made known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand" (Psalm 16:11, NIV).
Christians have much to anticipate. Someday, maybe today, we will see our Lord face-to-face. We will see the one who died for us, who returned to life, who ascended to his Father in order to prepare a home for us, who sent the Holy Spirit to live with us, and who filled us with hope when he promised to return for us.
When that day comes, everything will change. The new heavens and new earth will come into existence. Evil will be eliminated. Satan and his agents will be gone. The fight will be over.
Christians will join with the saints of the past to enjoy the presence of God forever. "Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day---and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:8, NIV).
While we wait for his appearing, we experience a taste of the joy that will go on for eternity. We live in gratitude for the one who walked the "path of life" ahead of us, the one who embodied life, Jesus Christ. We receive encouragement from the Holy Spirit's presence and from the words that he inspired in the Bible. We enjoy the company of fellow believers who share our hope that a great day is coming.
But we know that the blessings of this life are just small tastes of what is to come, the eternal pleasures of being with God our Savior.
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand" (Psalm 16:11, NIV).
Christians have much to anticipate. Someday, maybe today, we will see our Lord face-to-face. We will see the one who died for us, who returned to life, who ascended to his Father in order to prepare a home for us, who sent the Holy Spirit to live with us, and who filled us with hope when he promised to return for us.
When that day comes, everything will change. The new heavens and new earth will come into existence. Evil will be eliminated. Satan and his agents will be gone. The fight will be over.
Christians will join with the saints of the past to enjoy the presence of God forever. "Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day---and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:8, NIV).
While we wait for his appearing, we experience a taste of the joy that will go on for eternity. We live in gratitude for the one who walked the "path of life" ahead of us, the one who embodied life, Jesus Christ. We receive encouragement from the Holy Spirit's presence and from the words that he inspired in the Bible. We enjoy the company of fellow believers who share our hope that a great day is coming.
But we know that the blessings of this life are just small tastes of what is to come, the eternal pleasures of being with God our Savior.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Why Hope?
"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ will be ashamed of their slander" (1 Peter 3:15-16, NIV).
The apostle Peter expected Christians to be asked, "What reason do you have to hope?" It's interesting that the apostle did not tell Christians to give a reason for their ethical choices or for their doctrinal convictions. He could have done so (and it is appropriate for us to have good reasons for our choices and convictions), but he chose to focus on a reason for our hope. Especially in a context of criticism and persecution, Peter wanted followers of Jesus Christ to be asked about their hope. He wanted us to be known for being people of hope.
This is a challenging passage. Once in a while, I am asked about ethical issues or my understanding of Scripture. However, rarely have I been asked, "Why do you have hope?" Perhaps I need to think more about the return of Jesus Christ. Maybe I need to remind myself continually that I am in the kingdom of a powerful, merciful, and promise-keeping God. Then, perhaps someone may be more inclined to ask me to give a reason for the hope that they will see in my life.
The apostle Peter expected Christians to be asked, "What reason do you have to hope?" It's interesting that the apostle did not tell Christians to give a reason for their ethical choices or for their doctrinal convictions. He could have done so (and it is appropriate for us to have good reasons for our choices and convictions), but he chose to focus on a reason for our hope. Especially in a context of criticism and persecution, Peter wanted followers of Jesus Christ to be asked about their hope. He wanted us to be known for being people of hope.
This is a challenging passage. Once in a while, I am asked about ethical issues or my understanding of Scripture. However, rarely have I been asked, "Why do you have hope?" Perhaps I need to think more about the return of Jesus Christ. Maybe I need to remind myself continually that I am in the kingdom of a powerful, merciful, and promise-keeping God. Then, perhaps someone may be more inclined to ask me to give a reason for the hope that they will see in my life.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Common Christianity
"There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all" (Ephesians 4:4-6, NASB).
I had been thinking about what all Christians share in common when the apostle Paul's words came to my mind.
One Body--A people who have been changed by the message of Jesus Christ. We share the following...
One Spirit--The Holy Spirit lives within each member of the body of Christ, prompting us to express greater levels of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. He has provided us with the Scriptures to assist us in knowing Christ and to guide us in following him.
One Hope---We live with the anticipation of seeing the return of Jesus Christ, the one we admire and respect and love above all other people.
One Lord---The body of Christ responds to the directions of our one Lord, Jesus Christ. He has earned our obedience in becoming a man and suffering the punishment that we deserve for our sins. When he returned to life, Jesus demonstrated that he was worth following.
One Faith---We trust in Jesus rather than our own good works, our own good intentions, or our own good ideas. Our one faith is placed in the one who has proven himself to be completely trustworthy, the Lord who is accurately revealed in the Bible.
One Baptism---Followers of Christ have been motivated by faith in Jesus and by repentance to be immersed in water as Jesus taught. In a way that symbolizes burial and resurrection, our immersion marks the end of our lives without God and the beginning of our lives of following Jesus Christ.
One God and Father---Each member of the body of Christ enjoys a father/child relationship with the Creator of the universe. We have the honor of being in the family of the most honorable of all.
While every Christian is unique, we have some powerful bonds holding us together and making us one.
I had been thinking about what all Christians share in common when the apostle Paul's words came to my mind.
One Body--A people who have been changed by the message of Jesus Christ. We share the following...
One Spirit--The Holy Spirit lives within each member of the body of Christ, prompting us to express greater levels of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. He has provided us with the Scriptures to assist us in knowing Christ and to guide us in following him.
One Hope---We live with the anticipation of seeing the return of Jesus Christ, the one we admire and respect and love above all other people.
One Lord---The body of Christ responds to the directions of our one Lord, Jesus Christ. He has earned our obedience in becoming a man and suffering the punishment that we deserve for our sins. When he returned to life, Jesus demonstrated that he was worth following.
One Faith---We trust in Jesus rather than our own good works, our own good intentions, or our own good ideas. Our one faith is placed in the one who has proven himself to be completely trustworthy, the Lord who is accurately revealed in the Bible.
One Baptism---Followers of Christ have been motivated by faith in Jesus and by repentance to be immersed in water as Jesus taught. In a way that symbolizes burial and resurrection, our immersion marks the end of our lives without God and the beginning of our lives of following Jesus Christ.
One God and Father---Each member of the body of Christ enjoys a father/child relationship with the Creator of the universe. We have the honor of being in the family of the most honorable of all.
While every Christian is unique, we have some powerful bonds holding us together and making us one.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
