Echoes of Grace

Honoring One Another

2011-12-15T08:07:00.000-08:00

We live in a time when even Christians forget how to properlly conduct themselves in relationships with others. The great temptation for believers today is to allow the culture to squeeze us into its mold. When one walks through a barnyard, one inevitably picks up the smell of the barnyard. Whatever our culture exalts is something every Christian should carefully and thoughtfully analyze. We too easily "fall" for the cheap and tawdry when we should be reaching for the things of Christ.
One of the ways Christians can maintain a godly life is through the way we relate to our fellow believers. Paul tells the believers in Rome in Romans 12:10 that we should "...be devoted to one another in brotherly love, giving preference to one another in honor.."
While we must have a solid belief system, we must also have a solid life experience. Imagine the power of the body of Christ today if we treated each other as Scripture directs. Imagine the drawing power of the Gospel if we treated those who are not yet believers with love, honor, and respect even when we do not agree with them or their behavior.
Today there appears to be a polarization in our society over almost every issue. Is it possible to disagree and still be respectful? Absolutely. It is found in the very nature of the Gospel (good news) and the example of Jesus Christ. Jesus humbled Himself, took the form of a servant, and gave His life for man. Was it because man was good? No! C. S. Lewis said, "...Love has reasons that reason cannot reason." There is a powerful, prevailing dynamic in the love of God that enables us to be God's man or woman regardless of the circumstances. How? By the love of God that has been shed into our hearts by the Holy Spirit that was given to us. (Rom. 5:5) We have been enabled to be all that God wants us to be but it is not by our own strength. It is by His strength within us.
Today is a day we can be what God called us to be and it is because of Christ alone. Rejoice in that great truth!!!

Assurance

2011-11-08T16:50:00.001-08:00

I have the privilege of often taking our two granddaughters to school in the morning. It's a great time to visit as we drive to school but the thrill is when they leave the car, pick up their backpacks from the trunk and head inside the school
The oldest girl is always time conscious. She makes sure we leave our home on time and checks the clock in the car to make sure we're on schedule. But, the younger one is always slow getting her backpack and other items out of our trunk and closing it.
While the oldest girl rushes into school to see her friends, the younger one always stands on the curb, looks at me, waves and waits until I wave back and often throw a kiss. She then proceeds into the school. She needs that moment of assurance before she enters the building.
We all need that abiding assurance before we begin each day. Peter tells us that we can cast all our cares on Him, "...because He cares for you." We need to understand, as believers, that God is throwing His love to us every day. From the moment we rise up until the moment we go to bed at night (and through the night), He cares about us.
I admit that I get very emotional when I see that 11 year old standing there waiting to wave at me and waiting for me to return it. God, help us to know that no matter where we are, You are looking at us and care for us. Hallelujah!!

Responsibility

2011-11-03T08:54:00.000-07:00

The morning newspaper again this morning reported on the large debts many college young people have today. The figures are staggering. However, in reading the article, it was evident that the writer portrayed those owing such large sums as "victims."
This has become the age of victimization. It is never my fault or your fault. It is someone or something else that has "made me do it." Yet, Scripture is clear when it tells us in Ezekiel that the soul that sins shall die. God does not ignore our sin or personal choices as if it were someone else's fault. We are responsible.
Learning to live by principle instead of by our emotional choices is something each person must learn. If I put my hand on a hot pan, I will be burned. If I step in front of a moving automobile, I will be hit. God saves us from our sin when we confess (I John 1:9) but not from our unwillingness to accept responsibility for the choices we make.
Christians, of all people, should recognize the importance of making decisions. God has already given us help when He tells us to honor Him, refrain from evil, and to cling to what is good. What is good has already been given by Him. Seek the Lord. Read and meditate on His Word. Think before you act.

2011-09-30T17:45:00.000-07:00

We love watching a television program that follows people searching for a new home. It becomes quickly evident that there are some essentials people today want in a new home. People want granite countertops, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, a large master bedroom with attached bath, a nice yard and a host of other amenities. The problem is that the expectations and wish lists of people today have grown faster than their ability to pay for such things. The resulting debt, mortgages "under water" and a host of other challenges are harming families and lives.
Perhaps it is time for us to recover the simple biblical teaching that calls us, as Christians, to be content in life. Paul's letter to the Philippian believers is a book about joy. And, it is written from prison where he has been confined because of his preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The apostle tells us that he has learned to be content in whatever circumstances he finds himself. The word "content" in this context means "to be self-contained." It describes a life that is not controlled by the externals of life but by the inner relationship we have with Jesus Christ, through faith in Him.
Paul had those times in his life when he was abundantly blessed (Phll. 4:12) and those moments when he found himself in what he refers to as "humble means." Yet, his strength came from Christ (4:13) who gave him what he needed to be joyful regardless of his circumstances.
He believed that God would supply all his needs, according to His riches in Christ. If we are seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, His promise is that "all these other things" will be added to us. (Matt. 6:33). It is not a promise that we'll necessarily become wealthy or have every wish granted, but it means we'll be the content, fulfilled, joyous people God intends for us to be regardless the circumstances.
In fifty years of preaching, I've found that some of the most joyous, content people are those who appear to have the least and the most difficult of experiences. Why? Because they have learned to rest their lives in the hands of God. Tozer noted that we don't have to try being so clever but instead should be more committed to Him who has redeemed us and now empowers us.
You may have granite countertops and a wonderful master bedroom, but life is more than these when you know Him.

2011-08-31T18:44:00.000-07:00

While the Bible study group meeting in our home has been studying the book of Leviticus, we've become more aware than ever that everything in the Old Testament scriptures point to Christ. Our study began when one of our members was reading through the Bible another year. She commented that she had read Leviticus and found it to be confusing and boring. I thought of her comment for several weeks and decided that when our study of Acts was completed, we would go through the book of Leviticus. It had also been years since I had studied Leviticus. From the outline of the book, it's obvious that it is repetitive and contains laws upon laws. God's intent was to build a protective hedge about His people so that they would focus on Him and His holiness.
     As often happens with us, as Israel, we do not see our weakness and inability to follow the Law. Instead of crying out to God for His mercy and grace, we keep trying with more passion and determination only to realize that if we do not have God's Spirit working in our lives, we're sunk!
    The purpose of the Law was to expose sin and pronounce men guilty before God. It is the work of Jesus Christ that redeems mankind. Those under the Law looked forward to His coming; we look back at what He has done and rejoice in the grace of God. While the priests of the Old Testament stood daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; Christ did, having offered Himself once for all time (Heb. 10:11-12).
    What a wonderful, freeing truth that Christ has done what man's best efforts could not and cannot do. Today is the day to TRUST in His work; rejoice in God's grace; and give thanks for the sustaining work of the Holy Spirit.  "It is not by might but by My power says the Lord."   Hallelujah!!!!

Forgiveness

2011-08-09T14:06:00.000-07:00

Hebrews 8:12 has some wonderful words as the writer refers to Israel and God's overwhelming mercy to her. It ends with the words: "...And I will remember their sins no more." That's an amazing statement.
The unfortunate thing about forgiveness is that we seldom understand what it means. I've often heard people quote the Scripture that God separates us from our sins as far as the east is from the west. Then the comment is made that God has forgotten our sins. Can God really forget anything? If God knows everything is it possible that He can forget anything?
We humans sometimes remark, "I can forgive them but I cannot forget it." We are saying that we want to forgive someone but what happened just keeps coming to mind over and over and over. Is there something wrong with my faith when I can't forget such slights or injustices?
We do have problems forgetting, don't we? But our problem is that we assume forgiveness is forgetting or erasing an incident from our mind. Perhaps our problem is we do not understand that forgiveness is not erasing an experience or slight from our mind but DECIDING NEVER TO BRING IT UP AGAIN.
Through nearly fifty years of pastoral work I've seen and heard many things about people and have consciously made a decision that there are things I will never bring up. If one sins, repents and asks forgiveness (I John 1:9), I am committed (as is every Christian) never to bring up the past again. It doesn't mean I can erase it from the "cold storage" in my mind, but it means I can choose never to bring it up again.
Believers can do this because God has already done it in our lives. We also have the Holy Spirit to guard our mind in Christ. The wonder of forgiveness is not that God erases things but that He knows it and will NEVER bring it up again. What a WONDER. What an AMAZING act. What LOVE from the One who loves us beyond our understanding. When He tells us He will remember our sins no more, you can count on it. What a Savior!!

2011-07-06T18:17:00.001-07:00

I love working in our yard and garden area. It has always been a kind of therapy for me. I can think while I'm working, enjoy the great outdoors, follow the progress of the various plants, bushes and lawn. Here in Kansas with our extreme temperatures it also helps to have a sprinkling system for our lawn. In our case, we have a well just for the lawn so we don't use expensive city water.
Recently while working in the yard, I realized that our yard is rather unique. We live in a fast-changing area where homes are very modest and most, like ours, are about sixty years old. More and more of the homes are bought and rented so there is often a large turnover in neighbors. Of the eleven houses on our block (we have a school across the street) only four have been here longer than we have owned our home.
I'm not complaining because we love our home of less than 900 square feet. But what is unusual is our yard, especially our backyard. While the entire yard is well landscaped, our backyard has many flowers, rose bushes, crepe myrtle, and other wonderful flowering bushes. Many of my neighbors have backyards that are full of junk, some have grass at least two feet tall, and cars are often parked on the lawns. It is unsightly while our "little piece of tranquility" is in stark contrast to the other neighbors. It's not that I'm in a contest but I enjoy gardening, and believe that we are caretakers of what God gives us. Beauty needs no excuse. It inspires and provides a wonderful refuge from life's other experiences.
Most Christians are familiar with Romans 12:2 where Paul tells us not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. J. B. Phillips' translation of that verse states it this way: "...don't let the world squeeze you into its mold."
Just as our yard is different from those around us, we who call upon Christ are called to be different. Why? We are different because we belong to Him and seek no longer to live by our rules but by His design for our life. We will often look "out of place" but the result of walking with Him should show. It's not for personal accolades that we serve Him but for His glory.
My yard brings me enjoyment but it also reminds me that I constantly have to combat weeds, remember that it really belongs to Him, and that every day is a day to give thanks and glorify Him.

Roots

2011-04-14T17:57:00.000-07:00

This week I was working on one of my many flower beds when I ran into some BIG roots. I've had a flower bed on the north side of our front yard, next to a beautiful iron fence, for several years. There are day lillies and iris as well as mums during the fall season. In spite of all the times I've worked on the flower bed, it was not until I began digging to install a flexible edging to the bed that I discovered some big roots from the neighbor's tree. I dug with the shovel, cut the roots with a hand axe, and worked and worked until I had everything in place. It is all done now and will keep the soil in place during rains and the operation of our lawn sprinkling system. The roots were a total surprise, however. What appeared so beautiful and orderly in the flower bed really had some sneaky roots underneath. As I worked, it reminded me that in each of us there are hidden "roots" that often are exposed only when we're pushed, exposed by a comment or action, and it is no surprise to God. Jesus reminded us that it is out of the proceed evil things. If it were not for the saving work of Christ and the continuing ministry of the Holy Spirit, who knows what we would be capable of in this life. I'm so glad for God's grace and His finding me. I'm grateful for the work He does in my life each day to fashion me to be more like His only begotten Son. Sometimes removing roots in our lives can hurt but He will never waste anything. His purpose is to enrich us so that we can truly live the abundant life. There are lessons in a garden AND there are lessons in a life. Rejoice in both of them.

2011-04-06T13:08:00.000-07:00

Scripture tells us that "children are a heritage of the Lord." It means they are gifts to us from God. My wife and I are past having children (except by a miracle) but we enjoy our grandchildren. In fact, most mornings of the week I take our two granddaughters to school and usually pick them up after school. As we drive to school most days, they play a game called "slug bug" as they count Volkswagen Beetles. When they first began counting that particular car, the youngest girl would reach from wherever she was sitting and "slug" or hit me. Sometimes it really hurt and even when it didn't, I made a big thing of it. I found that she loved playing the game and got a good laugh from seeing me take her blows. I've never received any bruises or lacerations but I've received a lot of satisfaction watching them laugh. Laughter is good medicine according to the book of Proverbs and it's a great way for them to start the school day. Getting up early, eating breakfast, polishing up some spelling words for a test, doing the last minute adjustments to a paper that's due in class that day are all stressers for those in the fifth and seventh grade, but laughing helps ease the situation and begins the day, along with prayer at breakfast, in a way that makes their day easier. I wonder how adults begin the day? Do you read the Word of God? Pray? Laugh at yourself? If the Bible uses the word happy so often, should we not also practice a little laughter and joy as we begin each experience? I think so!

2011-02-10T09:44:00.000-08:00

I confess to being somewhat challenged when it comes to modern cell phones and the various tasks one can perform in using them. I do not text and I do not have a cell phone that can access the internet. You can imagine the comments from my family and my grandchildren.
I was surprised and amused when I viewed a news item recently that announced one can now "make confession" in the Roman church with the use of an iphone. For just $1.99, you can access a site, confess your sin, and receive absolution. In fairness, it must also be noted that this is "not meant to replace the confession booth."
What appears to be convenient has replaced the traditional. I certainly do not agree with either the confessional or the iphone approach. In fact, I Timothy 2:5 is clear that Jesus is our mediator, not man. Further, I John 1:9 tells us that we can confess our sins and be assured that God will hear us, forgive our sins and "cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I need neither the booth or the iphone. Our privilege, as children of God, is to approach the Father through the Son whom He has made Heir of all things. I can do this anywhere and at any time.
What a glorious gift from the One who gave Himself as a ransom for all (I Tim. 2:6). This truth makes today and tomorrow worth living. Rejoice!!

2011-01-17T17:15:00.000-08:00

One of the most pressing issues for parents today is helping their children develop a set of values that will carry them through life and prevent avoidable disasters. Many things in life can be avoided if we have a strong set of biblical values guiding us. It is evident today that many of those who profess Christ have not treasured the Word of God in their hearts and minds.
Deuteronomy 6:4-7 outlines a pattern for instruction that falls, not on the church, but on parents. After introducing the passage with the great confession of Israel ("The Lord is our God, the Lord is one!), we are instructed to love the Lord with all our being and to teach the Word to our children both formally and informally. The biblical instruction tells us to: 1) teach and talk to your children when you sit in the house (the formal teaching); and 2) to talk of them when you walk and when you go to bed and rise up (informal opportunities).
The "bottom line" of godly teaching is that it is to be the controller, the director, surrounding us in every area of our life. Howard Hendricks, long-time professor at Dallas Seminary often reminded his students, "...our need is not partial; it's total." That is the reason this passage in Deuteronomy reminds us to make the Word of God central in our lives. It is to teach us, expose our need, correct our life, and train us in right living and thinking. (II Tim. 3:16) There is no other guide for the one who trusts in Christ. It is not only the responsibility of parents but the privilege God has granted to us.
There are things in life that are unavoidable but many unpleasant things would be avoided if we only knew, embraced, and obeyed God's eternal Word. Let's commit ourselves to this great task today.

2010-12-28T15:35:00.000-08:00

We do not have a dishwasher in our home. We had one for years but when we purchased this home it was evident there wasn't room for one unless we removed the drawers under the kitchen counter. We have found that it's really not such a task washing dishes because we never have to empty the dishwasher. Those who have a dishwasher know what I mean.
I'm often asked if I like doing the dishes by hand. I'm not extremely excited about it BUT I dislike the mess of dishes filling the sink and counter worse than actually washing them.
It reminds all of us who are believers that some of things we are asked to do (such as forgive our enemies) is not easy to do. However, displeasing the One who has redeemed us should be much more important to us than swallowing our pride, seeming by some to be weak, and choosing to act like Christ.
Paul tells us, "...Christ in you is the hope of glory." We can obey Him. We can honor Him. We can choose to do those things that place the focus on Christ and not ourselves.
Washing dishes isn't so bad. Honoring the One who redeemed us through faithful obedience also is not hard IF we are trusting that He is at work in us both to will and do His good pleasure. (Phil. 2:13).

2010-07-03T18:52:00.000-07:00

On July 1, the state of Kansas instituted a new law that prohibits texting with a cell phone while driving. However, we were also instructed to be careful about using a cell phone while driving.
I often see people driving with a cell phone to their ear or talking while walking through a checkout line at the store or even entering church on Sunday. We seem to have become a nation of non-stop talkers. We talk about everything. Some things are important but often we talk about things that really do not matter. I wonder what the Sovereign Lord thinks of what we say?
As I was thinking about the excessive talking the cell phone has made possible, James 1:19 came to mind. James, inspired by God's Spirit, tells us: "...let everyone be quick to hear and slow to speak..." Maybe we could all learn more if we listened more and spoke less. It is eternally important that we listen to God and His Word. Perhaps we have important things to say but never listening robs us of important messages and lessons in life.
Not just July 1, but any day, is a time to begin listening more and talking less. I'll try and remember that when I preach or teach this week.

2010-06-16T18:34:00.000-07:00

It seems that I'm frequently getting emails or calls from people who want to share their hurts and joys. We're reminded in Scripture that we are to "rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep." Life is about relationships. The most important relationship is the relationship with have with God the Father through Jesus Christ, His Son. The next relationship in importance is the one to whom we have committed ourselves in marriage. Of course, our relationship with our children follows that with our spouse.
Another relationship that we often neglect involves the ties we have with others who have trusted in Christ for their salvation and life. Sadly, there are too many places today where it is possible to enter into a body of believers without having deep, personal, and lasting fellowship. Too often our selfishness is revealed when someone wants to share something of their lives, are seeking prayer support, or just need someone to tell them they understand and care. In an age where being busy is a virtue, perhaps it is time for Christians to spend more time with people and less with pursuits that do not enrich our lives and help someone walk closer to Christ.
Relationships are not an option. I John clearly reminds us that we cannot say we love God who we have not seen and hate our brother whom we have seen. Life is full of "divine appointments" that provide opportunities for us to minister to others. Let's not let them pass because we have our agenda. As believers, our agenda is now in God's control and some "interruptions" may be His gift to us so that we can develop our inner life to be more like Christ.

2010-04-19T08:48:00.001-07:00

I've been teaching through the book of Nehemiah in my Tuesday night class. This week Nehemiah 9 is our focus text. The Jews have finished their rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, Ezra has read the Word of God, and now in the 9th chapter, the spiritual leaders begin what has to be one of the most powerful prayers in the Bible.
The prayer rehearses all of God's gracious dealings with His people. They confess their confidence in a gracious, merciful Lord. But they also confess that they are their fathers have sinned. The confess their rebellion. Then, in verse 16, the underscore their disobedience and confess that their deliverance into the hands of their enemies was the result of their disobedience to God. In 9:33 they confess: "However, Thou art just in all that has come upon us; For Thou hast dealt faithfully, but we have acted wickedly."
In spite of the fact they were back in the land, they were only what we would call a "satellite" country. They were under the domination of Persia, and were just servants. They were born to be free but had to say, "...we are today just servants because of the way we have lived."
Too many believers, instead of confessing their sin, have sought to cover it up or excuse it. That is reason restoration has not occured. We are responsible for the messes we make of our lives, not God. Real believers are those who can say, "Lord, you are right; I am wrong."
God is ready to forgive the sins of His people, but the sin God does not forgive is the sin we will not confess. Without confession, restoration will not come. Whether we are wrestling with a relationship failure, dishonesty in some area of our life, or a secret sin, we cannot be victorious without confession. I John 1:9 gives great hope to every believer when it says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." There is hope and help when WE move toward Him.

2010-02-21T12:51:00.001-08:00

My friend, Chris, often reminds me that the focus of our message is the Gospel, not a million other things. I was reminded of that recently when I listened to what was being discussed in a class.
In an age in which "self" has become the focus of life and people actually believe one can create his own reality, even Christians have moved far away from a God-focused faith.
It seems good to us to be able to find an application to our lives. However, our applications often leave God completely out of the picture in our attempt to make the message "relevant" to ourselves.
Isaiah 53 reminds us: "all we like sheep have gone astray and everyone has turned to his own way..." Man's basic problem is sin which results in a fascination with self rather than God. Thus, we read Scripture in order to find something about ourselves, remodeling our lives, seeking quit fixes and secrets to getting through life's mess without much pain. What's missing? We do not see the One who has redeemed us and who alone can transform us. For this to take place, we must be fascinated with Him. Christians see everything as part of God's work in our lives. Yes, even the pain may come as part of His lesson for our life. Yet, the issue is, as Warren Wiersbe notes, not about why we suffer but whether or not our God is worthy of our suffering.
ALL glory belongs to Him. We are but servants, purchased by the shed blood of Christ. That ought to be enough.

2010-02-01T10:54:00.000-08:00

I receive calls frequently from people who assume that because I've spent a lifetime in ministry that I'm somehow exempt from trouble. That perception is far from the truth. Jesus told us that we would have tribulation (problems) in this world. Some are the result of living in a fallen (sinful) world. Some are the result of other people who come into our lives. Some of the problems we experience are the result of our own poor choices.
The real issue at hand is how we deal with those poor choices and things that come our way and over which we have no control. Paul reminds us in II Corinthians 5:7 that "...we walk by faith, not by sight." Whatever transpires in our lives, we MUST trust God.
As the years have progressed, I'm finally learning that I don't have to have an answer for everything that happens in my life. If my troubles are the result of my sinful choices, I can repent (I John 1:9). If I'm having a relational problem with someone, I can do my best to be at peace with them. However, I cannot control how they will respond. I can be kind, gentle, showing preference to others and, with God's help, I can pray for them. I also need to pray that He will guard my heart so that I do not feel I am superior just because I'm doing my best. I know that my best is never good enough. That is the reason Jesus said the Holy Spirit would come to teach us, empower us, and protect us.
Today is a wonderful day. It is not a good day because of me but because of Him. He has forgiven me, imparted His Spirit and continually reminds me that I am His and He is mine. What more explanation do I need?

2009-12-03T13:35:00.000-08:00

Because of my reading habits, I often get advertisements for new books, book sales, solicitations for donating books to worthy causes and a host of other mailings about books. I recently was taken back when I saw advertisements for a "new" kind of Bible.
I knew about study Bibles, women's Bibles, children's Bibles, prophecy Bibles, etc. But the "new" one was a "social justice" Bible. What's next? Since when has the Word of God become so specialized? The Scriptures already address women's issues, husband and wife issues, children, morality, justice, benevolence, the Second Coming and a host of other relavant topics. Why all the special editions when those subjects are already addressed?
There seems to be no end to those who use the Bible as a way to push a particular agenda. Highlighting certain passages and adding footnotes to emphasize a particular theme is not necessary with the Word of God. What IS necessary is for Christians to faithfully read, meditate on the Word and share what they are learning with someone else. Jesus taught the disciples that the Spirit would guide them and we have the same promise today. Read John 14 and 15 where Jesus addresses their inadeqacies and His sufficiency.
Get a good Bible translation that is just text and begin reading. Daily reading will be the best thing you and I can do to grow in Christ. Leave the partitioning of the Word to others and faithfully follow God's text. You will be enlightened, blessed and ready to be used by God.

2009-06-03T08:28:00.001-07:00

A recent Bible study I lead at an apartment building was considering Colossians 3. The passage we were focusing on begins with a call to "...keep seeking the things above.." (3:1). We spent the evening discussing the implications that Paul gives us for having a heavenly mind in a world that only thinks of the moment at hand.
So many things that occur in our lives are frustraed because we do not have an eternal perspective. The apostle reminds us that we have died and our life is now hidden with Christ, in God. Christians are not settling for a remodel job! We have had a completely new creation work done on our lives. Our mind and our heart has been changed by God.
As a result of this God-driven change, we are told to avoid immorality, anger, slander, etc. And, in it's place, we are told to bear with one another, forgive one another, and love one another. The result will be peace (3:15). Too many people are waiting for peace BEFORE the obey. Obedience always comes first.
Several years ago a young, single mother came to me after attending an outreach at a local church. She told me she had gone forward, confessed her sinfulness and trusted Christ. When I spoke to her about obedience in baptism, she quickly told me, "I don't feel like it." I was amazed and responded to her, "Dear, God doesn't care how you feel. He wants obedience to His will." Obviously, she went away a rather disturbed person and to my knowledge never obeyed the Lord. Peace is the result of obedience and doing God's will is not an "elective course" for the Christian. We had died to the old nature and are now alive in Christ. Now is the time to let Christ rule in our lives, not because it benefits us (it does do that) but because a Righteous and Holy God deserves our obedience.

2009-04-19T18:53:00.000-07:00

I recently heard a sermon that addressed the purpose of the Christian life. The emphasis was on being a witness. While I agree that there is a calling for every Christian to witness to his faith in Jesus Christ, that is not our primary purpose.
Our primary calling as believers is to worship and glorify God. Jesus' words to the woman at the well in John 4 clearly notes that God is seeking worshippers (John 4:23-24). Worship means to "ascribe worth to" and means to prostrate oneself before a holy God. It is more than what transpires for an hour or more on the Lord's Day. It is the continuing act of living holy, separated lives before our Sovereign Lord. It is handling every situation in life with the mind of Christ and the spirit of Christ controlling our thoughts, emotions and actions. We cannot put our Christian experience into compartments with some labeled for self and others labeled for God. Everything is His from our most intimate thoughts to our most public moments.
There has been no time in history when it has been more important for believers to understand what it means to worship God. The Westminster Confession begins by reminding us that the whole duty of man is to worship God and to enjoy Him forever. That is a life experience that makes each moment sacred and lived in the presence of God.

2009-03-05T06:27:00.000-08:00

The recent news story of the woman attacked by a chimp has received a lot of attention. The owner of the animal reportedly had treated the chimp as her child. Later she apparently wondered how the animal became so violent. I have an answer for the woman: it's an animal.
Some years ago during a sermon I noted that the nature of an animal is to be an animal and the nature of a sinner is to sin. As I was talking with people who were leaving worship, a woman told me that I didn't know her dog. I responded that I didn't know her dog but that I did know that the nature of a dog is to be a dog just as the nature of a sinner is to sin.
Christians should, of all people, understand the fallen nature of mankind. We should not be surprised that unregenerate people act like unregenerate people. Paul tells us in Romans 3:10ff, "...there is none that is righteous, not even one.." Later in the same chapter he instructs us, "...all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Why are we so surprised when people who have not trusted Christ alone act in ways that offend God? Until a person trusts Christ, we cannot expect them to behave in ways that please Him.
All the attempts of social reformers and governments to change people apart from Christ are destined for failure. ONLY Jesus Christ can move a man or woman from the category of unregenerate to the glorious position of being "in Christ." That does not mean Christians never sin, but we now recognize our sin (no excuses!) and confess them to Him who forgives (I Jn. 1:9). Our hope is in Christ alone. In Him, we are capable of living to please God because He has changed our nature. We are new creations in Christ (II Cor. 5:17). He make an eternal difference. Believe it and live.

2009-02-01T12:21:00.000-08:00

For several years I've been helping as a volunteer for our neighborhood association. The purpose of the association has been to encourage people to keep our neighborhood in good condition, mow lawns, look out for our neighbors, etc.
The discouraging part of the years that have passed is the downward spiral of our urban neighborhood. The association still exists but in spite of my comments about underscoring city codes for buildings, lawns and automobiles parked on lawns, there are instead nice little coffee times with soup suppers and other social events.
There is a monthly newsletter that is published and the area assigned to me comprises about seventy to eighty homes. I deliever the newsletters, talk to neighbors if anyone is at home, and often lament over the drift downward. Some residents simply reply that we shouldn't expect much for this working class neighborhood. However, many of the older retirees who worked in Wichita's factories for years, keep their homes and yards in showcase condition despite their advancing years. I try to keep our yard in pristine shape and when I view the changes around me it reminds me that it has a lesson for the church.
Too often it is easier to "dumb down" our efforts to be inclusive of everyone instead of trying to help, encourage, and admonish those around us. One young teen on our block remarked to me one day, "You're rich!" I asked her where she got that idea. She said that since my house always looked so nice and my lawn mowed and flowers blooming, that I was rich. I informed her that taking care of what God has given us doesn't make us rich. It makes us grateful so that we want to care for it. Incidentially, we live in a bungalow with less than 900 square feet but it is neat, comfortable, and the yard is a place of peace and beauty.
Maintaining our Christian life also means that we commit to God what He has given us and use it to the glory of God. Believers do not look for shortcuts but always focus on the One who "became poor so that we could become rich." These are challenging days not only in our neighborhood but in our lives as Christians. It's a time to focus...on Him! George

2008-06-10T13:50:00.001-07:00

June 10, 2008
After traveling with our family to visit my brother in south Texas, I came home with a refreshed spirit. Seeing family, sharing with the people that you care about most, and having a time to talk about life and taking time to laugh are important.
It reminds me that the New Testament is filled with instructions to the church to encourage one another, pray for one another, to love one another, to admonish one another, etc. Life is about relationships. The most important relationship in time and eternity is our relationship to the Living God. The other important relationship is with people, made in the image of God, made for His glory and appointed to serve Him.
Many people today have forgotten that life is NOT about us. It's about the One who created us, called us through the Gospel, redeemed us by His work (not ours) and now calls us to serve and glorify His name. When our relationship with Him is "in order", other relationships fall into place as well. The result of knowing and serving Him is we begin to focus on others and not ourselves. When I focus on myself it is likely that I will miss the joy God intends me to experience in life. The most fulfilled people I know are people willing to give themselves to the Sovereign Lord who made and redeemed them and who then look for ways to serve others.
Let's covenant together to look away from ourselves. (Gal. 2:20)

2008-05-03T15:23:00.000-07:00

During the past week I had the opportunity to visit with a man who was given just three months to live. It was on one hand a sobering experience. On the other hand, it was an opportunity to talk about eternal things. It seems that people are so often busy with the trivial things of life that we forget there is something bigger and more lasting that what generally concerns us.
Jesus had a great deal to say about the future. It is clear in reading John's gospel record that Jesus knew where He came from, knew why He was on earth, and knew where He was going. There is no question in the four gospels that Jesus was on a mission and totally committed to it. He refused to get distracted and saw every opportunity as part of the eternal plan.
Paul reminds us in Ephesians 1 that God had a plan for us "before the foundation of the world." God is not in the business of making "last minute" plans because He is ignorant of what is in the future. Each person who belongs to Jesus Christ also knows that there is something more to come. Titus 2:11-13 reminds all Christians that God's grace has appeared, bringing salvation to all men while instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live a sensible, righteous and godly life at this moment in time as ones "...looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus." (2:13).
Because of our hope, the way we live today has been planned and empowered by God. Believe it, trust Him and keep your head up!

Why Christ Died

2008-03-15T13:29:00.000-07:00

Our local newspaper had an article on this date concerning the manner in which Jesus died. It gave several medical suggestions stated by various medical experts. I read the article with fascination because years ago I heard a noted cardiologist speak of Jesus' death as having been caused by a broken or ruptured heart. His contention was that Jesus died from the physical trauma as well as sadness from bearing our sins.

After I finished reading the article and pondering its message, I noted to my wife that the WHY of Jesus death was much more important than the HOW. I certainly believe the biblical record stating that Jesus was crucified. Crucifixion was a common Roman method of punishment. However, Jesus was not crucified for what He had done but for who He was. Further, His death was a part of God's eternal plan since before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1). God doesn't work by means of last minute plans.

The reason Jesus Christ died was not to demonstrate His ability to endure pain and suffering in the physical body. He was crucified for our sins. He became our substitute. He endured the cross, despising the shame of such an act in order to satisfy God's justice. Mankind is guilty (Rom. 3:23) and Jesus' death alone (once for all according to Hebrews 9:26), is able to save those who have trusted in Him. Paul tells us in II Corinthians 5:14 that "...one died for all..." Because of His death on our behalf, God has pronounced us forgiven. What a glorious message!

While the method of His death and the suffering He endured instructs us about His love for us, the WHY of His death should cause us to run to Him for the eternal life He freely gives.

2008-03-05T08:26:00.000-08:00

The current media blitz focused on the campaigns of both major political parties is getting a bit old for me. There appears to be no end to the daily "breaking news" or "scoops" from various news channels on television and radio. By the time the general election arrives, we'll be comotose.
I receive email from all sides of the spectrum concerning the candidates. I read them (most of the time) and then delete them. Does it mean I'm not concerned? Absolutely not! I'm deeply concerned as an American, but I also have a higher commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ.
The apostle Paul, in Philippians 3:20 says, "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." Christians live in two worlds. We live on this earth, serving Him and those He places in our path AND we live in another world where Christ is Lord and obedience to Him supercedes all else.
Romans 13 reminds me that I'm to be a good citizen unless the secular government requires me to do something contrary to the will of God. Thankfully, in our nation, that seldom happens. There are things unregenerate people do that we do not like, but most of those things (abortion, for example) is not commanded by the government. In our society we can express our convictions but we need to keep in mind that "...the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit because they are foolishness to him." Thinking and behaviors change only when one surrenders to Christ as Lord. Our real citizenship is in Heaven. It is making Christ our life even while living here on the earth.
How can we live in two worlds? We do it by remembering that some day soon Christ will come and make all things new. It means we live in eager anticipation of His return and keep our focus on things above where He is (Col. 3:1-3). No political leader is our savior. Christ alone is Savior and Lord. Don't expect men to get it right...until there is surrender to Christ alone. Let's not lose sight of the fact we live in a fallen world but that Christ is coming!! George

Welcome

2008-02-28T11:35:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the New Echoes of Grace Blog.

Last week Phil asked for "my take" on a television show he had watched. I did not see the show that he described, but at his urging, I agreed that it would be nice to have a place where I could comment on CURRENT topics about the church or values.

Phil reminded me that numerous individuals would ask for "my take" and "Christ's take", and as a result, I would write a weekly comment about something that was happening either locally, nationally, or internationally that was affecting/effecting Christians.

Since this seems like a fairly simple thing to do, I will diligently try to provide words of encouragment while at the same time glorifying God.