Connection Fellowship
May 31, 2009
Crucified With Christ
Galatians 2:1-21
Introduction
“My chains are gone…I’ve been set free” may be the most liberating lines in a song that I’ve sung in a long time. Chris Tomlin wrote this chorus in conjunction with John Newton’s ‘Amazing Grace’. If you have not seen the movie, by the same title, I would encourage you to see it. It is incredible that during the struggle for people to be liberated from ‘men’s law’, spiritual liberty came to William Wilberforce from the bondage of personal sin and guilt. The song is monument to it.
In the late 1800’s, another monument, the Statue of Liberty was given to the United States by France to represent the freedom associated with our country. Millions of people have come to our country and been greeted by this impressive statement of liberty. When you look see it, there is an incredible sense of the freedom that it represents. It has become a picture synonymous with liberty.
But today, we are faced with a picture that may not…on the surface…appear to be the most liberating. But in fact it is the most liberating picture for any single person to have ever lived on the planet. Galatians 2:20 may be the most quoted Bible verses about living the Christian life.
20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
This may be one of the most quoted Bible verses about living the Christian life. It is generally taught in the context of ‘dying’ to our old, sinful life of bondage and allowing Christ to live in and through us in this new liberated life that we have because of Him. That is so true. But the context of this liberty also comes from not being bound to a religious system of legalism and trying to please God (or men) through our behavior…before and after personally receiving the Gospel of Christ.
This is a summary statement of Paul’s personal story.
Acts 15 tells the narrative of this story, but here we have the editorial details. It had been 14 years since his initial visit to Jerusalem recorded in Chapter 1.
Paul took Barnabas (a Jew) and Titus (a Greek convert) to visit the leaders of the
early church to stop the false teaching that a group of Jewish teachers (from Jerusalem) were spreading among the non-Jews that after placing their faith in Christ, they must be circumcised and live by the Jewish traditions.
He met with them privately to keep from making a public spectacle of the issue. They affirmed Paul’s teaching as the TRUE GOSPEL and evidenced it by not
requiring Titus be circumcised. His doctrine of grace through faith was right.
But living it out daily is often difficult. Even the most devoted followers of Christ
can get sucked into the pressures of performance based religion. In verses 11 – 21, Paul shares an example of how Peter, the same leader who walked with Christ and preached the Gospel so effectively, got sucked in.
Peter had visited the Gentiles in the city of Antioch [Acts 12] and was hanging out
(fellowshipping and eating) regularly with the locals. However, when Jewish friends began to visit from the Jerusalem church (with their prejudices about religious rituals and practices), Peter began to withdraw from the locals. It caused such an impact, that even Barnabas was sucked into it.
Paul confronted their hypocrisy. It was not a debate over condemning the Jewish
lifestyle of not eating pork (or anything like that). Go ahead and live that lifestyle if you want. He may have said, ‘be a vegetarian if you want’. But do not equate a legalistic diet (found in an Old Testament ritual system) with a personal relationship or requirement for receiving the grace of God in Christ.
Paul reminds them that the doctrine of salvation by God’s grace through faith in
the sacrifice of Christ on the cross has already been settled…and is not found in works of the law. In verses 17 - 18, Paul lays it out:
17 “But if, while seeking to be justified in Christ, we ourselves have also been found sinners, is Christ then a minister of sin? May it never be! 18 “For if I rebuild what I have once destroyed, I prove myself to be a transgressor.
Paul says, “You cannot have it both ways!” That applies both to what you say
you believe and how you live that out. By preaching unmerited grace, then
saying or acting as if something is done to earn God’s favor, I become a living contradiction. There is no freedom in being a living contradiction.
20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Paul says that he did not just change religions…he died to it.
I did not know it until this week, but there are multiple statues like our Statue of Liberty…like this one in Tokyo, Japan. There is one in London…one in Paris. You can choose to live and try to find freedom in any of these countries under a similar, yet not identical, banner of liberty. You could also choose to try freedom under the banners of many similar, yet not identical religions. You can even try to mix some Christianity into your own viewpoint and create your own personal religion.
But just like Paul encountered, although many have tried to mix some form of Christianity with their own set of religious rules or rituals, there is no TRUE FREEDOM to be found under any other banner than the CROSS of Jesus Christ.
There is no freedom in living a contradiction.
I invite you today to choose to live in the Freedom of God’s grace found in Christ.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The Best Defense is a Changed Life
Connection Fellowship
May 24, 2009
The Best Defense is a Changed Life
Galatians 1:11-24
May 24, 2009
The Best Defense is a Changed Life
Galatians 1:11-24
Revelation [Ch. 7] tells us that there will come a day when people from every tongue, tribe, and nation will bow before the throne of God and cry out in praise to the Lamb of God Who brought salvation to the world. This is a very foreign message to those in our culture who find it very difficult to see past their present circumstance, or find it impossible to believe that the God of the Universe could provide salvation by grace, through faith [Eph. 2:8] in a gift, without doing something to earn it or keep it.
This difficulty is not just found in the faculty club on an Ivy League college campus. No, it has been (and is still) found in religious movements and in churches all around this country and around the world…and it is called legalism.
Last week, as we began our series of messages in the book of Galatians, we saw that the Apostle Paul is refuting this false teaching (by Jewish traditionalists) that has infiltrated the churches in the area now known as modern Turkey. He began by reminding them that GRACE and PEACE only come from knowing Christ. They are not experienced through keeping a human standard, but by pursuing a Holy God. The true freedom that Christ desires for us to experience, (from our sin) is not found in either the bondage of frustration in religious exercise, nor in the guilt of living for self. Instead, GRACE and PEACE come from a life daily surrendered to God.
As Paul was delivering this message, he was also under attack from those who were in both camps: religious legalists and personal freedom fighters. Both would try to discredit him, as well as those who would genuinely try to follow Christ. If we are not careful, we can end up in personal bondage because of the pressure of others. For some of you today, that pressure can come from unbelieving family, friends, or co-workers. It could also come from religious acquaintances who try to get you to live in the box of their legalism. Either way, we can feel trapped in our desire to Live in the Freedom that Christ died for and that God intends for us.
So how are we supposed to Live in Freedom among those who would try to have us live under their personal bondage or religious pressure? Let’s read together:
TEXT [Galatians 1:11-24]
11 For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my former manner of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it; 14 and I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my countrymen, being more extremely zealous for my ancestral traditions. 15 But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, was pleased 16 to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus. 18 Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas, and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 But I did not see any other of the apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. 20 (Now in what I am writing to you, I assure you before God that I am not lying.) 21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea which were in Christ; 23 but only, they kept hearing, “He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith which he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they were glorifying God because of me.
One of my favorite types of movies is a ‘lawyer’ movie. And one of my favorite lawyer movies is “A Few Good Men”. Tom Cruise has made a career of negotiating and settling cases privately. But in this movie, he is faced with the pressure of the military to ‘settle’, while battling the fears of his past and the principles of right to fight for justice. At one point in his preparation, a friends says, “I think I just heard you make an argument.”
There are times in our Christian life that we need to ‘make an argument’. But see how Paul makes his argument for the reality of Living in Freedom through Christ. Just like surrender does not seem to make sense, Paul’s approach may not make sense to most people either.
First, he argues the case of his ‘got it from’. In vs. 11-12, he says he got this message, (not from school or teacher), but from Jesus Christ Himself. He says, “They did not teach this where I grew up and went to school. In fact, they taught just the opposite…and I was a really good student.”
In vs. 13-14, he argues the case of his ‘used to be’. He had a reputation as an excellent, legalistic Jew. And he was so passionately committed to it that he works with all his influence to destroy the very thing that he now so passionately advocates and teaches…the Gospel of Christ. But how could this zealous persecutor of Christians change? It’s in the ‘but’.
V. 15 begins with the words, “But God…” Then Paul tells what he was ‘made to be’. God’s intersection and collision with Paul’s life revealed to him Who God really was and turned him into a messenger of the Gospel to the Gentiles (those despised by religious Jews of whom he had been a part.)
In v. 16-22, Paul that who he was ‘made to be’ was not just a philosophical change that came about through study or reflection. It was not through an education received from other believers. He says, “Check out the history…it can be verified…God as my witness…I am telling you the truth.” We have this whole story in the Book of Acts – Chapter 9.
Then in v. 23-24, he ends with the case of ‘because of me’. It is not an argument of, “because of me there are all of these churches or converts.” No, he says, “because of the change they have seen in my life and the fruit that this life-transformation is reaping…they are glorifying God.” The same man who tried to destroy the Gospel is now preaching that same Gospel…to the point of being persistently persecuted himself. Only God could do that!
My parents are here this morning and they may have a bit different perspective on what I am about to say. But, honestly…I was a pretty good, religious person when I became a follower of Christ. The difference in my life, behaviorally, may not have even been that noticeable to many people. I used to envy people who may have had a more ‘dramatic’ life transformation than I did. But listen to me!
My ‘got it from’ was the same as Paul’s. The Holy Creator God intersected and collided with my life and revealed Himself to me…and in me and gave me His PEACE by His GRACE through my FAITH that, (by the way) He gave me as well.
And He turned my ‘used to be’, which was a religious, legalistic kid who really only cared about getting my way and doing thing my way…because I thought it was the best way to make me and everyone else happy with me. And for the past 31 years, the same God has been putting me through ‘me, myself, and I de-tox’.
And just like Paul, the same holds true for me: “But God…” But God who knew me in my mother’s womb [Jeremiah 1:5], has taken my ‘plan to be’ and has been working out His plan for me (which, by the way, is much better than my plan for me) [Jeremiah 29:11]. And anyone who knew my plan can see that my ‘plan to be’ is certainly not what I was ‘made to be’ because of that phrase, “But God…”
And the truth is that my plan…and what I ‘used to be’ had quite a bit of focus on ‘look at me’. But any credibility that I could make for my life, my ministry, or my presentation of the Gospel is held in this argument: For those who know me, just possibly, ‘because of me’ there are others whose lives have been transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ…and (just like Paul)…‘only God could have done that.’
Just as living in freedom comes through surrender and not by accomplishment, we gain confidence and credibility in that freedom by the fact that only God could have changed our lives like that.
Living in freedom is verified by the fact that only God
could have made that change in your transformed life.
Has there been a change in your life that can only be attributed to God? If not, then you have not met Christ personally…because He will change you. It is inevitable. And I am praying for that collision to happen today. And if He has, are you living in the freedom of that verified change, or are you still trying to prove it by yourself? Stop living in that bondage and live in freedom today - every day of your journey in His grace and peace.
This difficulty is not just found in the faculty club on an Ivy League college campus. No, it has been (and is still) found in religious movements and in churches all around this country and around the world…and it is called legalism.
Last week, as we began our series of messages in the book of Galatians, we saw that the Apostle Paul is refuting this false teaching (by Jewish traditionalists) that has infiltrated the churches in the area now known as modern Turkey. He began by reminding them that GRACE and PEACE only come from knowing Christ. They are not experienced through keeping a human standard, but by pursuing a Holy God. The true freedom that Christ desires for us to experience, (from our sin) is not found in either the bondage of frustration in religious exercise, nor in the guilt of living for self. Instead, GRACE and PEACE come from a life daily surrendered to God.
As Paul was delivering this message, he was also under attack from those who were in both camps: religious legalists and personal freedom fighters. Both would try to discredit him, as well as those who would genuinely try to follow Christ. If we are not careful, we can end up in personal bondage because of the pressure of others. For some of you today, that pressure can come from unbelieving family, friends, or co-workers. It could also come from religious acquaintances who try to get you to live in the box of their legalism. Either way, we can feel trapped in our desire to Live in the Freedom that Christ died for and that God intends for us.
So how are we supposed to Live in Freedom among those who would try to have us live under their personal bondage or religious pressure? Let’s read together:
TEXT [Galatians 1:11-24]
11 For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my former manner of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it; 14 and I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my countrymen, being more extremely zealous for my ancestral traditions. 15 But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, was pleased 16 to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus. 18 Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas, and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 But I did not see any other of the apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. 20 (Now in what I am writing to you, I assure you before God that I am not lying.) 21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea which were in Christ; 23 but only, they kept hearing, “He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith which he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they were glorifying God because of me.
One of my favorite types of movies is a ‘lawyer’ movie. And one of my favorite lawyer movies is “A Few Good Men”. Tom Cruise has made a career of negotiating and settling cases privately. But in this movie, he is faced with the pressure of the military to ‘settle’, while battling the fears of his past and the principles of right to fight for justice. At one point in his preparation, a friends says, “I think I just heard you make an argument.”
There are times in our Christian life that we need to ‘make an argument’. But see how Paul makes his argument for the reality of Living in Freedom through Christ. Just like surrender does not seem to make sense, Paul’s approach may not make sense to most people either.
First, he argues the case of his ‘got it from’. In vs. 11-12, he says he got this message, (not from school or teacher), but from Jesus Christ Himself. He says, “They did not teach this where I grew up and went to school. In fact, they taught just the opposite…and I was a really good student.”
In vs. 13-14, he argues the case of his ‘used to be’. He had a reputation as an excellent, legalistic Jew. And he was so passionately committed to it that he works with all his influence to destroy the very thing that he now so passionately advocates and teaches…the Gospel of Christ. But how could this zealous persecutor of Christians change? It’s in the ‘but’.
V. 15 begins with the words, “But God…” Then Paul tells what he was ‘made to be’. God’s intersection and collision with Paul’s life revealed to him Who God really was and turned him into a messenger of the Gospel to the Gentiles (those despised by religious Jews of whom he had been a part.)
In v. 16-22, Paul that who he was ‘made to be’ was not just a philosophical change that came about through study or reflection. It was not through an education received from other believers. He says, “Check out the history…it can be verified…God as my witness…I am telling you the truth.” We have this whole story in the Book of Acts – Chapter 9.
Then in v. 23-24, he ends with the case of ‘because of me’. It is not an argument of, “because of me there are all of these churches or converts.” No, he says, “because of the change they have seen in my life and the fruit that this life-transformation is reaping…they are glorifying God.” The same man who tried to destroy the Gospel is now preaching that same Gospel…to the point of being persistently persecuted himself. Only God could do that!
My parents are here this morning and they may have a bit different perspective on what I am about to say. But, honestly…I was a pretty good, religious person when I became a follower of Christ. The difference in my life, behaviorally, may not have even been that noticeable to many people. I used to envy people who may have had a more ‘dramatic’ life transformation than I did. But listen to me!
My ‘got it from’ was the same as Paul’s. The Holy Creator God intersected and collided with my life and revealed Himself to me…and in me and gave me His PEACE by His GRACE through my FAITH that, (by the way) He gave me as well.
And He turned my ‘used to be’, which was a religious, legalistic kid who really only cared about getting my way and doing thing my way…because I thought it was the best way to make me and everyone else happy with me. And for the past 31 years, the same God has been putting me through ‘me, myself, and I de-tox’.
And just like Paul, the same holds true for me: “But God…” But God who knew me in my mother’s womb [Jeremiah 1:5], has taken my ‘plan to be’ and has been working out His plan for me (which, by the way, is much better than my plan for me) [Jeremiah 29:11]. And anyone who knew my plan can see that my ‘plan to be’ is certainly not what I was ‘made to be’ because of that phrase, “But God…”
And the truth is that my plan…and what I ‘used to be’ had quite a bit of focus on ‘look at me’. But any credibility that I could make for my life, my ministry, or my presentation of the Gospel is held in this argument: For those who know me, just possibly, ‘because of me’ there are others whose lives have been transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ…and (just like Paul)…‘only God could have done that.’
Just as living in freedom comes through surrender and not by accomplishment, we gain confidence and credibility in that freedom by the fact that only God could have changed our lives like that.
Living in freedom is verified by the fact that only God
could have made that change in your transformed life.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
LIving in Freedom
Connection Fellowship
May 17, 2009
Living in Freedom
Galatians 1:1-10
Introduction
Today, we begin a new series of messages in the NT book of Galatians. As we begin, it may be helpful for us to understand a bit of its context. This region, settled by immigrants from France (Gaul), was conquered by Rome around 189 B.C. It is now modern Turkey.
Its divinely inspired author, the Apostle Paul, started multiple churches here on his 1st missionary journey [Acts 13-14]. Written about 50 A.D. to multiple churches, it refutes the religious bondage being taught by Jewish teachers who were to mixing faith and grace, (in the Gospel), with the works religion that Judaism had become.
Warren Wiersbe writes, “This is a very dangerous book.” Why? Because, “It exposes the most popular substitute for spiritual living that we have in our churches today – legalism.” I was vividly reminded of this at lunch on Tuesday after my grandfather’s funeral.
A man I loved growing up said he asked his wayward daughter to go to church with him. She told him that she did not have a dress. He responded, “Then you won’t be going with me.” At one time, I would have kept his mouth shut. But studying this text, I responded, “She could come to our church, I have even preached in shorts.”
Does the Bible teach an absolute freedom to do whatever we want? Nothing could be the further from the truth. [Galatians 5:13] Look around you. That philosophy (or religion) leads to a whole different type of bondage. So how are we supposed to Live in Freedom? Let’s read together.
TEXT [Galatians 1:1-10]
1 Paul, an apostle (not sent from men nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead), 2 and all the brethren who are with me, to the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen. 6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed! 10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
How does being a ‘bondservant’ allow you to live in freedom? That does not sound very liberating? But look at what he says.
Understanding
Paul begins by emphasizing that his calling, or commission in life was not through a human agency, but rather by the living Creator of the Universe. One of the most difficult circumstances in life is trying to please multiple people. One of the greatest difficulties in my former career in human resources is that I reported to multiple people who each had their own agenda. Ministry can be the same way, especially in the church. But Paul knew he was called and sent by God.
God normally calls us to serve Him in the context of an organization (a business, a church, a family). Paul often modeled this for us. But the way we can experience incredible freedom on our journey is a humble confidence in the fact that our identity and commission actually comes from God.
In verses 3–5, Paul describes the basis for our freedom in God: Grace and Peace. “Grace is the source of salvation and peace is the result of salvation. Grace is positional and peace is practical. The law offered no grace and no peace.” [MacArthur] Paul was careful to make sure that he clarified that this grace and peace came solely through the gift from God, which is the heart of the Gospel…that Jesus died for our sins. [1 Cor. 15:3-4]
It amazed Paul, (v. 6-7) that people who were dramatically impacted by God through believing the Gospel message could so soon and quickly turn away from Christ to an alteration to the message that had changed their lives.
But this is the most used tool of Satan to render believers impotent… distraction. If he can get believers, or a church, to focus on keeping some human standard instead of pursuing a holy God, he has succeeded. But before we get too critical of the Galatians, I would remind us that throughout history there have been many such slides that have caused courageous men of God to stand up and help us refocus on the truth that is The Gospel.
But look what Paul says in verse 7: “this is not really another” Gospel. You can tell it because instead of experiencing peace, you are experiencing agitation. In the world, there have been and are many religions. Even among those who call themselves Christian, with our many labels, Paul reminds us there is true freedom in only one Gospel - faith in Christ alone.
His introduction to Galatians ends with a speech so passionate that he says of himself, if I ever teach something different…I should receive a curse of eternal destruction. It sounds a bit as if he is angry. But that is not true. As we will discover next week, Paul vividly remembers the bondage of trying to keep a religious standard. So desperate is his desire for these beloved people to live in the freedom that is found in Christ that he is willing to risk offending them. Just like Christ, he loves them too much to leave them where they are - living ineffectively for Christ in religious bondage.
CONCLUSION
We live in a culture that emphasizes personal freedom. Whether abortion, homosexual marriage, or the over 70% of South Carolina high school seniors who are having sex before marriage, people generally accept your personal standards, as long as you do not impose them on others. But the truth is that the freedom our culture promotes leads to spiritual bondage…bondage of internal emptiness and agitation…with chains of frustration and guilt…and NO PEACE.
The opposite is often promoted in many religions and churches. Some call it legalism. It is just as much bondage…with frustration and guilt in our failure to maintain the given standard…with NO GRACE.
Both keep us from living in the freedom Christ came to bring. It is spiritual liberty that comes from being forgiven from the debt and guilt of sin, combined with the supernatural ability to live in that same grace and freedom each day as we surrender as a servant of Christ.
I know that this surrender does not make sense to most people. But its logic is not found in a people concept…it is a God concept. It also makes no ‘people sense’ that the God of all the Universe would come in human flesh and die (personally) to pay the sin debt and rescue His rebellious creation from an eternity of separation in Hell.
Living in freedom is the reality found by knowing God and in experiencing His grace personally, everyday of your journey.
RESPONSE
I want to leave you with two questions:
(1) What is one area of your life where you are demanding or insisting
on your personal rights? Surrender it! [Mine = ___________]
(2) What is one expectation that you place on yourself or others that is
outside the context of the Gospel? Surrender it! [Mine = ____]
If you are not yet a follower of Christ, the typical answer to Question #1: It’s my life! But remember who gives you life. The typical answers to question #2 are either: I’m not good enough! or “I’m as good as other Christians! Remember, it’s not a standard that any human can meet. That’s why Christ died…to bring us grace and peace…so that you can live in freedom. But real freedom takes surrender.
Why not surrender today?
With God, there is incredible freedom in surrender.
May 17, 2009
Living in Freedom
Galatians 1:1-10
Introduction
Today, we begin a new series of messages in the NT book of Galatians. As we begin, it may be helpful for us to understand a bit of its context. This region, settled by immigrants from France (Gaul), was conquered by Rome around 189 B.C. It is now modern Turkey.
Its divinely inspired author, the Apostle Paul, started multiple churches here on his 1st missionary journey [Acts 13-14]. Written about 50 A.D. to multiple churches, it refutes the religious bondage being taught by Jewish teachers who were to mixing faith and grace, (in the Gospel), with the works religion that Judaism had become.
Warren Wiersbe writes, “This is a very dangerous book.” Why? Because, “It exposes the most popular substitute for spiritual living that we have in our churches today – legalism.” I was vividly reminded of this at lunch on Tuesday after my grandfather’s funeral.
A man I loved growing up said he asked his wayward daughter to go to church with him. She told him that she did not have a dress. He responded, “Then you won’t be going with me.” At one time, I would have kept his mouth shut. But studying this text, I responded, “She could come to our church, I have even preached in shorts.”
Does the Bible teach an absolute freedom to do whatever we want? Nothing could be the further from the truth. [Galatians 5:13] Look around you. That philosophy (or religion) leads to a whole different type of bondage. So how are we supposed to Live in Freedom? Let’s read together.
TEXT [Galatians 1:1-10]
1 Paul, an apostle (not sent from men nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead), 2 and all the brethren who are with me, to the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen. 6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed! 10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
How does being a ‘bondservant’ allow you to live in freedom? That does not sound very liberating? But look at what he says.
Understanding
Paul begins by emphasizing that his calling, or commission in life was not through a human agency, but rather by the living Creator of the Universe. One of the most difficult circumstances in life is trying to please multiple people. One of the greatest difficulties in my former career in human resources is that I reported to multiple people who each had their own agenda. Ministry can be the same way, especially in the church. But Paul knew he was called and sent by God.
God normally calls us to serve Him in the context of an organization (a business, a church, a family). Paul often modeled this for us. But the way we can experience incredible freedom on our journey is a humble confidence in the fact that our identity and commission actually comes from God.
In verses 3–5, Paul describes the basis for our freedom in God: Grace and Peace. “Grace is the source of salvation and peace is the result of salvation. Grace is positional and peace is practical. The law offered no grace and no peace.” [MacArthur] Paul was careful to make sure that he clarified that this grace and peace came solely through the gift from God, which is the heart of the Gospel…that Jesus died for our sins. [1 Cor. 15:3-4]
It amazed Paul, (v. 6-7) that people who were dramatically impacted by God through believing the Gospel message could so soon and quickly turn away from Christ to an alteration to the message that had changed their lives.
But this is the most used tool of Satan to render believers impotent… distraction. If he can get believers, or a church, to focus on keeping some human standard instead of pursuing a holy God, he has succeeded. But before we get too critical of the Galatians, I would remind us that throughout history there have been many such slides that have caused courageous men of God to stand up and help us refocus on the truth that is The Gospel.
But look what Paul says in verse 7: “this is not really another” Gospel. You can tell it because instead of experiencing peace, you are experiencing agitation. In the world, there have been and are many religions. Even among those who call themselves Christian, with our many labels, Paul reminds us there is true freedom in only one Gospel - faith in Christ alone.
His introduction to Galatians ends with a speech so passionate that he says of himself, if I ever teach something different…I should receive a curse of eternal destruction. It sounds a bit as if he is angry. But that is not true. As we will discover next week, Paul vividly remembers the bondage of trying to keep a religious standard. So desperate is his desire for these beloved people to live in the freedom that is found in Christ that he is willing to risk offending them. Just like Christ, he loves them too much to leave them where they are - living ineffectively for Christ in religious bondage.
CONCLUSION
We live in a culture that emphasizes personal freedom. Whether abortion, homosexual marriage, or the over 70% of South Carolina high school seniors who are having sex before marriage, people generally accept your personal standards, as long as you do not impose them on others. But the truth is that the freedom our culture promotes leads to spiritual bondage…bondage of internal emptiness and agitation…with chains of frustration and guilt…and NO PEACE.
The opposite is often promoted in many religions and churches. Some call it legalism. It is just as much bondage…with frustration and guilt in our failure to maintain the given standard…with NO GRACE.
Both keep us from living in the freedom Christ came to bring. It is spiritual liberty that comes from being forgiven from the debt and guilt of sin, combined with the supernatural ability to live in that same grace and freedom each day as we surrender as a servant of Christ.
I know that this surrender does not make sense to most people. But its logic is not found in a people concept…it is a God concept. It also makes no ‘people sense’ that the God of all the Universe would come in human flesh and die (personally) to pay the sin debt and rescue His rebellious creation from an eternity of separation in Hell.
Living in freedom is the reality found by knowing God and in experiencing His grace personally, everyday of your journey.
RESPONSE
I want to leave you with two questions:
(1) What is one area of your life where you are demanding or insisting
on your personal rights? Surrender it! [Mine = ___________]
(2) What is one expectation that you place on yourself or others that is
outside the context of the Gospel? Surrender it! [Mine = ____]
If you are not yet a follower of Christ, the typical answer to Question #1: It’s my life! But remember who gives you life. The typical answers to question #2 are either: I’m not good enough! or “I’m as good as other Christians! Remember, it’s not a standard that any human can meet. That’s why Christ died…to bring us grace and peace…so that you can live in freedom. But real freedom takes surrender.
Why not surrender today?
With God, there is incredible freedom in surrender.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Thoughts Before the Funeral
It is a difficult day as I prepare to travel to Ohio for my grandfather's funeral. He was the last of my grandparents...so I guess I cannot pretend to be young any longer. The difficulty arises on many fronts. He is my mother's dad...and she (along with her 4 sibblings) loves her dad. But perhaps the most difficult is that he spent the majority of his life (the part that we all knew him) without any interest in a relationship with God.
For you who may read this and begin thinking about emoting something about 'the sovereignty of God'...I get it. It is not up to me to pass judgment. Thank God it is not up to me. But it seems a bit strange. Though (of my grandparents) he was by far the least engaged in my life through the years...it seems as though I am experiencing the greatest sadness and sorrow in my heart.
I know that God could call me today...whether I believe I am young or old. But the overwhelming thought that has dominated my mind over the past 2 days are the simple words of a song recorded by Karen Wheaton some years ago (the words of a parent to their child concerning eternity in heaven with God)... "JUST BE THERE".
For you who may read this and begin thinking about emoting something about 'the sovereignty of God'...I get it. It is not up to me to pass judgment. Thank God it is not up to me. But it seems a bit strange. Though (of my grandparents) he was by far the least engaged in my life through the years...it seems as though I am experiencing the greatest sadness and sorrow in my heart.
I know that God could call me today...whether I believe I am young or old. But the overwhelming thought that has dominated my mind over the past 2 days are the simple words of a song recorded by Karen Wheaton some years ago (the words of a parent to their child concerning eternity in heaven with God)... "JUST BE THERE".
A Proverbs 31 Mama
Connection Fellowship
May 10, 2009
10:00 a.m.
A Proverbs 31 Mama
Proverbs 31:1-31
Introduction
A recent study revealed that if moms were paid by the hour, the average annual salary would exceed $131,000. Just when I think that I get my arms around all that my wife does…and begin to get a little confident in stupid ideas like, “It’s not that tough,” I generally experience some unique revelation that reminds me why dads are not moms.
Recently, I learned a great truth from God’s Word while working with single or widowed moms and dads. Here it is: No matter what anyone ways, there’s no way to be both ‘mom and dad’…and God doesn’t expect you to try. Just be the best you can be, and leave the rest to God.
Just for the record, I think my wife is the best wife and mom on the planet. My only regret so far is that I don’t tell it to her enough by the words that I say and the way that I treat her. A wise man told me that there are two things that your wife needs. #1 – She is the most important person on the planet to you. And #2 – She is the most important person on the planet to you. For those of us who fail at multi-tasking, just try to get #1 right.
If you are of the male species, let me encourage you to not shut your hearing off right now. If you are single…let me exhort you to listen and begin to develop a picture of God’s ideal wife for you. If you are married, let me beg you to listen so that you can encourage (not criticize) your wife as she strives to be a Proverbs 31 Mama. If you are a child, let me encourage you to listen and learn to appreciate the godly qualities that your mom has.
Although I believe my wife is the hottest babe and the most incredible woman on the planet, there has been another woman (not Miss America) that…for 3,000 years… has been the frustration to every woman who strives for God’s ideal. And that is the Proverbs 31 Mama. Lest you think I believe myself adequate to explain that ideal to you, I will join the writer of Proverbs 31, King Lemuel, by not interjecting many words. But, as verse 1 tells us, he shares the insight and wisdom of his own mother for us.
Understanding
1 The words of King Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him: 2 What, O my son? And what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows? 3 Do not give your strength to women, Or your ways to that which destroys kings. 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire strong drink, 5 For they will drink and forget what is decreed, And pervert the rights of all the afflicted. 6Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to him whose life is bitter. 7 Let him drink and forget his poverty and remember his trouble no more. 8 Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all the unfortunate.
9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, And defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.
Verse two (2) tells us that Lemuel was a mama’s boy, but also that she had made a vow to dedicate him to God. But this vow took action. She takes time to invest in teaching her son. She does not just teach him negative lists of don’ts, but also the positives…the do’s. She taught him not to give himself to chasing women or to lose his sense of judgment through drinking.
She also taught him also to plead the case of the unfortunate and the helpless. The Bible tells the church that this is one of our functions as well. One reason we do not see more people helping others is because they were not taught…by word or by example. But look at his mother’s example -v.10.
10 An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels.
This is not saying that this is impossible, but rare…more rare than the jewelry you got for Mother’s Day.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.
She is submissive, supportive, and never subverts his endeavors. She understands as her husband prospers, so does the family does, and proves it.
13 She looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight. 14 She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar. 15 She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household And portions to her maidens.
This mama works hard. She seeks out the best for her family. She sacrifices, not just for her family, but also for those who invest in her family. Sure, she is wealthy. But in our context, there are those who invest in our family, like teachers. [Illustration – Teacher appreciation / volunteering]
16 She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard.
This is not a woman who is afraid to get the oil changed because some guy might talk her into $1,000 of repairs. She can deal in business.
17 She girds herself with strength And makes her arms strong. 18 She senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night.
She takes care of herself, physically. Not a weakling, but strong. And she has confidence in herself. Let me tell you this, mama who is a bit insecure in your physical appearance. Your husband realizes that he out married himself. He can’t believe that you love him and that you would wake up next to him each morning. He does, however, like it when you exude a bit of confidence in who God made you to be.
As was reported on James Dobson’s broadcast a few weeks ago, he is not attracted so much by the beauty of that blonde on TV. But what draws his attention is the confident look in her eye…the one that tells him (although erroneously) that she is interested in him. He longs to see it in your eyes.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hands grasp the spindle. 20 She extends her hand to the poor, and she stretches out her hands to the needy.
She is not just generous, but engages personally with those in need.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
The Proverbs 31 mama thinks ahead. She has a plan for the good days and the bad.
22 She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
And unlike most mamas who only think about their kids wearing the best acceptable clothes, she is keeping herself up in fashion. “What Not to Wear” would never accept her…not because she is extravagant, but regal.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.
When we have children, most moms become known as ___’s mom. They lose their identity. But for a Proverbs 31 mama, her husband is known as ________’s husband.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
This kind of concludes the physical and activity picture. But then the text changes to the more important qualities.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future.
Character…inwardly and vision for the future of her family. Let me ask a question: Mom’s, do you have a vision for what God wants your marriage, your children, and your family to be like? Unless you do, you will never achieve it. It does not just happen. But it starts with God building His character in your personal life. Let me encourage you to begin with what God wants your life to be like. When you do, this next verse happens:
26 She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Every child goes through some level of rebellious attitude. It starts when they are born. But they will eventually see God’s wisdom that you give them. But remember, that in the same sentence here is ‘kindness’. What amazes me most about my wife is her patience and love even when our kids seem not to listen to sound advice or instruction. I lose way before her.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Proverbs 31 women do need to take a vacation to renew and refresh. But they are always intentionally striving for the good of their family.
28 Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: 29 “Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all.”
Moms, let me just tell you that this will probably not always happen when you are in need of encouragement. But it will happen if you stick to it.
And this is where the rest of us come in. If we want to encourage our wives and mothers to strive for this ideal, we need to bless them as they make progress…not when they arrive.
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
But remember this moms. You are not striving for your husbands approval or your children’s love. That is settling way too short of the best. You will do best when you strive for God’s approval. He is the rewarder.
31 Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates.
But let me encourage you dads and kids…let mom enjoy the fruit of her labor. Don’t take the last chocolate cookie. Offer it to her first…at least today. It is Mother’s Day for heaven’s sakes.
If you are frustrated by this 3,000 year old ideal, please don’t be. But allow that holy discontent to help you strive first for God Himself…then that will lead you on the foundational steps to being a Proverbs 31 Mama.
The question is: Where are you today on your journey? The first step is your relationship with God. Start there.
Dad, the best gift you could give your wife this morning is to follow Christ…because you will never love her the way God intends without Him loving her through you. And you cannot do that unless you experience Him in your life personally.
May 10, 2009
10:00 a.m.
A Proverbs 31 Mama
Proverbs 31:1-31
Introduction
A recent study revealed that if moms were paid by the hour, the average annual salary would exceed $131,000. Just when I think that I get my arms around all that my wife does…and begin to get a little confident in stupid ideas like, “It’s not that tough,” I generally experience some unique revelation that reminds me why dads are not moms.
Recently, I learned a great truth from God’s Word while working with single or widowed moms and dads. Here it is: No matter what anyone ways, there’s no way to be both ‘mom and dad’…and God doesn’t expect you to try. Just be the best you can be, and leave the rest to God.
Just for the record, I think my wife is the best wife and mom on the planet. My only regret so far is that I don’t tell it to her enough by the words that I say and the way that I treat her. A wise man told me that there are two things that your wife needs. #1 – She is the most important person on the planet to you. And #2 – She is the most important person on the planet to you. For those of us who fail at multi-tasking, just try to get #1 right.
If you are of the male species, let me encourage you to not shut your hearing off right now. If you are single…let me exhort you to listen and begin to develop a picture of God’s ideal wife for you. If you are married, let me beg you to listen so that you can encourage (not criticize) your wife as she strives to be a Proverbs 31 Mama. If you are a child, let me encourage you to listen and learn to appreciate the godly qualities that your mom has.
Although I believe my wife is the hottest babe and the most incredible woman on the planet, there has been another woman (not Miss America) that…for 3,000 years… has been the frustration to every woman who strives for God’s ideal. And that is the Proverbs 31 Mama. Lest you think I believe myself adequate to explain that ideal to you, I will join the writer of Proverbs 31, King Lemuel, by not interjecting many words. But, as verse 1 tells us, he shares the insight and wisdom of his own mother for us.
Understanding
1 The words of King Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him: 2 What, O my son? And what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows? 3 Do not give your strength to women, Or your ways to that which destroys kings. 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire strong drink, 5 For they will drink and forget what is decreed, And pervert the rights of all the afflicted. 6Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to him whose life is bitter. 7 Let him drink and forget his poverty and remember his trouble no more. 8 Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all the unfortunate.
9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, And defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.
Verse two (2) tells us that Lemuel was a mama’s boy, but also that she had made a vow to dedicate him to God. But this vow took action. She takes time to invest in teaching her son. She does not just teach him negative lists of don’ts, but also the positives…the do’s. She taught him not to give himself to chasing women or to lose his sense of judgment through drinking.
She also taught him also to plead the case of the unfortunate and the helpless. The Bible tells the church that this is one of our functions as well. One reason we do not see more people helping others is because they were not taught…by word or by example. But look at his mother’s example -v.10.
10 An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels.
This is not saying that this is impossible, but rare…more rare than the jewelry you got for Mother’s Day.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.
She is submissive, supportive, and never subverts his endeavors. She understands as her husband prospers, so does the family does, and proves it.
13 She looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight. 14 She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar. 15 She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household And portions to her maidens.
This mama works hard. She seeks out the best for her family. She sacrifices, not just for her family, but also for those who invest in her family. Sure, she is wealthy. But in our context, there are those who invest in our family, like teachers. [Illustration – Teacher appreciation / volunteering]
16 She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard.
This is not a woman who is afraid to get the oil changed because some guy might talk her into $1,000 of repairs. She can deal in business.
17 She girds herself with strength And makes her arms strong. 18 She senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night.
She takes care of herself, physically. Not a weakling, but strong. And she has confidence in herself. Let me tell you this, mama who is a bit insecure in your physical appearance. Your husband realizes that he out married himself. He can’t believe that you love him and that you would wake up next to him each morning. He does, however, like it when you exude a bit of confidence in who God made you to be.
As was reported on James Dobson’s broadcast a few weeks ago, he is not attracted so much by the beauty of that blonde on TV. But what draws his attention is the confident look in her eye…the one that tells him (although erroneously) that she is interested in him. He longs to see it in your eyes.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hands grasp the spindle. 20 She extends her hand to the poor, and she stretches out her hands to the needy.
She is not just generous, but engages personally with those in need.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
The Proverbs 31 mama thinks ahead. She has a plan for the good days and the bad.
22 She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
And unlike most mamas who only think about their kids wearing the best acceptable clothes, she is keeping herself up in fashion. “What Not to Wear” would never accept her…not because she is extravagant, but regal.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.
When we have children, most moms become known as ___’s mom. They lose their identity. But for a Proverbs 31 mama, her husband is known as ________’s husband.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
This kind of concludes the physical and activity picture. But then the text changes to the more important qualities.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future.
Character…inwardly and vision for the future of her family. Let me ask a question: Mom’s, do you have a vision for what God wants your marriage, your children, and your family to be like? Unless you do, you will never achieve it. It does not just happen. But it starts with God building His character in your personal life. Let me encourage you to begin with what God wants your life to be like. When you do, this next verse happens:
26 She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Every child goes through some level of rebellious attitude. It starts when they are born. But they will eventually see God’s wisdom that you give them. But remember, that in the same sentence here is ‘kindness’. What amazes me most about my wife is her patience and love even when our kids seem not to listen to sound advice or instruction. I lose way before her.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Proverbs 31 women do need to take a vacation to renew and refresh. But they are always intentionally striving for the good of their family.
28 Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: 29 “Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all.”
Moms, let me just tell you that this will probably not always happen when you are in need of encouragement. But it will happen if you stick to it.
And this is where the rest of us come in. If we want to encourage our wives and mothers to strive for this ideal, we need to bless them as they make progress…not when they arrive.
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
But remember this moms. You are not striving for your husbands approval or your children’s love. That is settling way too short of the best. You will do best when you strive for God’s approval. He is the rewarder.
31 Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates.
But let me encourage you dads and kids…let mom enjoy the fruit of her labor. Don’t take the last chocolate cookie. Offer it to her first…at least today. It is Mother’s Day for heaven’s sakes.
If you are frustrated by this 3,000 year old ideal, please don’t be. But allow that holy discontent to help you strive first for God Himself…then that will lead you on the foundational steps to being a Proverbs 31 Mama.
The question is: Where are you today on your journey? The first step is your relationship with God. Start there.
Dad, the best gift you could give your wife this morning is to follow Christ…because you will never love her the way God intends without Him loving her through you. And you cannot do that unless you experience Him in your life personally.
Monday, May 4, 2009
A Convenient Faith
What is 'convenient faith'? It is a faith that shows up or comes up in conversation only when it is convenient for accomplishing the agenda of the day. In the past few weeks, I have noticed a few notables in our culture who seemed to throw their faith around when it is beneficial. One covered up a symbol of Jesus and then proceeded to quote Jesus in his own speech. Another threw out his Southern Baptist heritage and his belief in death bed conversions in a response to a prominent politician changing political parties very late in his career.
Lest anyone think this is a political message, they just happened to illustrate the point on the national news. I also heard a homeless person in our city throw out multiple religious / Bible phrases in an attempt to relieve someone of some money. Then I heard a pastor throw around some 'out of context' scripture phrases to justify his position. The reality it, culture gets their prompting to use a 'convenient faith' mostly from the church.
However, what put me over the edge...and prompted me to write this...was a sign in our community. It is one of those new digital billboards (which I think is pretty cool). One of the messages on it this week has been a partial Bible verse: "All things work together for good...Rom. 8:28" What an encouraging and positive quote for those who drive by.
However, it stopped without saying the rest, "...for those who love God and are called according to His purpose." It is a pretty convenient faith that believes the first part (from the billboard) without the truth of the rest. I'm not saying that the person who put the words up on the screen lives a convenient faith. However, we are pressing toward avoiding anything expression of faith and truth that would potentially cause a conflict.
Believing in God, having faith in God, and loving God inherantly entails accepting the truth that this God is and proclaims...all of it. It is a convenient faith that believe only the parts that help our cause or helps us to gain favor with others. What does convenient faith lead to? I believe it leads eventually to having no allowable expression of real faith and truth.
As I look at the Bible, it is full of people who could not afford to have convenient faith. Like many around the planet today, their faith was grounds for persecution and possibly death. They could not afford a passive phrase choice in the middle of a speech or conversation.
This past weekend I had the privilege of hanging out with some of my heroes...missionaries. Many of them cannot afford to possess a 'convenient faith'. As I watch what is happening in the world today...and even in our own country...I am wondering how long it will be before 'convenient faith' even dissappears because its concequences? And when that happens, how many people will be left who have the courage to express true faith?
Lest anyone think this is a political message, they just happened to illustrate the point on the national news. I also heard a homeless person in our city throw out multiple religious / Bible phrases in an attempt to relieve someone of some money. Then I heard a pastor throw around some 'out of context' scripture phrases to justify his position. The reality it, culture gets their prompting to use a 'convenient faith' mostly from the church.
However, what put me over the edge...and prompted me to write this...was a sign in our community. It is one of those new digital billboards (which I think is pretty cool). One of the messages on it this week has been a partial Bible verse: "All things work together for good...Rom. 8:28" What an encouraging and positive quote for those who drive by.
However, it stopped without saying the rest, "...for those who love God and are called according to His purpose." It is a pretty convenient faith that believes the first part (from the billboard) without the truth of the rest. I'm not saying that the person who put the words up on the screen lives a convenient faith. However, we are pressing toward avoiding anything expression of faith and truth that would potentially cause a conflict.
Believing in God, having faith in God, and loving God inherantly entails accepting the truth that this God is and proclaims...all of it. It is a convenient faith that believe only the parts that help our cause or helps us to gain favor with others. What does convenient faith lead to? I believe it leads eventually to having no allowable expression of real faith and truth.
As I look at the Bible, it is full of people who could not afford to have convenient faith. Like many around the planet today, their faith was grounds for persecution and possibly death. They could not afford a passive phrase choice in the middle of a speech or conversation.
This past weekend I had the privilege of hanging out with some of my heroes...missionaries. Many of them cannot afford to possess a 'convenient faith'. As I watch what is happening in the world today...and even in our own country...I am wondering how long it will be before 'convenient faith' even dissappears because its concequences? And when that happens, how many people will be left who have the courage to express true faith?
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