The World's Gospel - We Are All God's Children

"For they are not all Israel who are of Israel, nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but “In Isaac your seed shall be called.” That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed."- Romans 9:6-8

I am certain that you have heard someone say, "We are all God's children." That might be right given the right definition of "all". If "all" means all born again Believers, then the statement is correct. But if it means every person that has or has had breath by virtue of being born on this planet - then it is "WRONG".

In the natural context, as humans, we are all God's creation, but apart from Jesus, we are not all God's children.  Jacob and Esau are a picture of those two realities. Both Isaac's sons. One spiritual and one carnal. God said, "Jacob I loved, and Esau I hated" (Malachi 1:2; Romans 9:13)

In the spiritual context, there are "children of the flesh" - not saved by faith in Jesus and "children of God" - those who were once were children of the flesh but were saved by faith and reborn spiritually into the family of God. 

"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him." - 1 John 3:1

Do you remember the song "We Are The World"? It first came out 35 years ago. Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie. It had credibility because of the coming together of 45 famous singers of the day participating in the song.  These are some of the lyrics.

"We can't go on pretending day by day That someone somewhere will soon make a change We're all a part of God's great big family And the truth, you know Love is all we need. We are the world We are the children We are the ones who make a brighter day So, let's start giving There's a choice we're making We're saving our own lives." 

"We're all a part of God's great big family And the truth, you know Love is all we need." Uh, no we are not and what we all need is Jesus. The world's gospel is that we can make life better if we work at it. The life and love that the world is seeking is found only by faith in Jesus - the Stone that the builders (the world) rejected. (Matthew 21:42)

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

   

Living In A World That Hates Its Creator

"When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!" - Acts 5:33-39

Today, more than ever, it is easy to think that the world is against Christians and what we believe to be Truth.  The Bible is clear about how people are to live - to behave - to treat one another. We can find common ground - between the saved and the lost in principle - at the high level. The idea of peace, unity and love. But when we talk about how they are achieved - that is when the breakdown occurs. 

As Christians, we are merely ambassadors for the Creator God. Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. We know that peace, unity and love can only be realized in the context of having a right relationship with the Father through the Son. But, from the world's perspective those goals can be achieved by consensus of opinion of what truth is, accommodating wrong by declaring it right, legislating what the world determines is right behavior. 

As Christians we see the world in turmoil. The world has turned against anyone who embraces Biblical truth declaring them to be evil. You might think that the world is against you, but actually the world is  against God. Like Gamaliel suggested to the Jewish leaders. The Jewish leaders did not like what the Apostles were saying. It was contrary to their thinking. This is a spiritual battle manifested in the physical. We are messengers sent by God to declare His Truth.

"... we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." - Ephesians 6:12

Keep a spiritual perspective on what is happening around you. I know some are thinking that the end of the Church Age is near. It could be - but only the Father will make that call. We can see the signs but only the Father knows the time.

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." Matthew 24:35-44

The bottom line with respect to the Lord's return - Be ready! Only the Father knows! In the meantime - let your light shine. 

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

We Are Change In God's Pocket

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones." - Proverbs 3:5-8

 Was talking to someone at the church we attend in Texas yesterday. They mentioned that they had not seen us for a while. I told them that we had been in Florida. We don't know each other well so I added that were in Texas because of Hurricane Harvey and in Florida because of Hurricane Ian. They asked how long we would be back to which I replied "Until the Lord sends us out again." The wife said, "You are change in God's pocket."

Think about that for a moment. People don't carry change in their pockets much anymore. It was not so long ago that we all did. We are all God's resources available to be "spent" for whatever purpose God's decides. Knowing that it is indeed God who is speaking, Martie and I are ready to go at the drop of a hat - or more correctly, a word from the Lord.

"A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps." - Proverbs 16:9

What about you? Doesn't matter if you are a penny, nickel, dime, or quarter. You have value to God and for His purposes. 

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." - Jeremiah 29:11-13

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Ready, Willing, And Able

 

"What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth." - 1 Corinthains 3:5-7

I wrote about people having the "right to be wrong" the other day. How overwhelming it can be when you think that someone's decision to put their faith in Jesus depends upon you alone. Your persistence. Your eloquence. Even your prayers. Having said that, I am not suggesting that you don't have a part to play - you do. 

A friend posted the adjacent picture on Facebook just the other day. Which is what prompted the content of today's post. I was immediately reminded of Paul's explanation of the spreading of the Gospel and the spiritual power in it. 

As Christians our place and purpose is to live our lives in such a way that the world sees Jesus in and through us. Our words and our actions - the way we live and love - living by faith and walking by the Spirit enable us to cast the seed of the Gospel. 

"And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears, let him hear." - Matthew 13:3-9

The sower cast the seed (of the Gospel). But not all of the ground (hearers) received the seed where it took root and resulted in salvation. The sower was faithful in doing his part - just as you and I are to be to do ours. 

" ... in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense [to explain] to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect" - 1 Peter 3:15

The idea here is that we are to be ready, willing, and able to share the Gospel when the Spirit gives us  the opportunity. We don't do a "soil analysis" first so that we only cast the Gospel seed on fertile soil. As if there was a limit on how much seed we have. We, as Christians, listen for the Spirit and seeing the opportunity, seize the moment, knowing that although we play a part, salvation depends upon faith and not us. 

So - are you? Ready - Willing - Able?

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

People Have A Right To Be Wrong

"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." - Matthew 5:13-14

I was talking with a friend yesterday. He had called to tell me about a particular situation he is dealing with seeking my advice. He was working with some people who had chosen to follow a course that was not going to end well for them. He had explained the best course of action the best he could, but they ignored his advice. 

I told him that a boss I had once told me that our client had the right to be wrong. That after we offered our best advice, the choice to follow it was ultimately theirs. The consequences that followed would be of their making. not ours. Even though we had the best solution and offered it, the choice was still theirs. 

It is the same with sharing our faith. We are salt and light. A testimony to a world full of people who are bound for hell. We cannot save anyone. Our responsibility is to give them our best counsel. That being sharing the Gospel when given the opportunity and being living proof as we live our lives out each day. But we can't make the decision to trust Jesus for them. They have the right to be wrong - to reject the Truth and continue on their trek toward the gates of hell. It can be heart breaking when what you know is the right thing to do is rejected - especially by those who are close to you - friends and family.

I hasten to add that just because your sharing your faith does not lead to an immediate decision to trust Jesus, that does not mean that all is lost. It was seven years from the time my folks first shared the Gospel with me until Martie and I knelt beside the bed together and prayed the "sinner's" prayer. 

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Open My Eyes

"In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." -  2 Corinthians 4:4

I have written about the study Experiencing God in the past. About the fact that it has been pivotal to our understanding of the way that God interacts with mankind - specifically with those who are born again. The study is formed around seven realities or spiritual principles that are at work around us - all of the time. I will list them but not elaborate on them, just to say that they exist. But because they are spiritual, they are apparent only to those who have been sealed by the Spirit of God as a result of their rebirth by faith.

Anyone can see the result of those principles at work much like everyone can see the result or influence of the law of gravity. You may see it at work when you drop something on the floor, but you may not think - "Oh that is the law gravity at work!"  In a similar way, people may see God at work through one or more of the realities but, on the one hand have been blinded by the god of this world - meaning the Spirit is absent in them because of sin and lack of faith - or on the other hand, as a Christian they are not sensitive to the Spirit of God and so the idea of God being anywhere but in heaven is foreign to them. 

For the Christian, the truth of the matter is that ....

1. God is always at work around you.

2. God pursues a continuing love relationship with you that is real and personal.

3. God invites you to become involved with Him in His work.

4. God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church (other Christians) to reveal Himself, His purposes and His ways.

5. God’s invitation for you to work with Him always leads you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action.

6. You must make major adjustments in your life to join God in what He is doing.

7. You come to know God by experiencing as you obey Him, and He accomplishes His work through you.

For what purpose? For the same purpose that God, the Father, sent Jesus, the Son and the Spirit. 

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me [Jesus], because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed" - Luke 4:18

Your new life is so much more than the personal benefit of salvation. And so, like Paul, my hope for you is this.

"I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe" - Ephesians 1:16-19

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Laying Down Your Nets

"While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he [Jesus] saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him." - Matthew 4:18-22

I was just talking with someone about their sense that God was calling them to leave their secular life and follow a new path - one that God had planned for them. I was reminded of Peter, Andrew, James and John. Jesus called them and they immediately left what they knew and followed Jesus by faith.

That is really what every Christian is called to do. Not all of us quit our jobs - although some of do. But all of us are to abandon our devotion to the natural things and live a new life with new priorities and new devotions. Called to abandon the old and embrace the new without hesitation. 

That decision is radical and should be immediate, but often is not. But not everyone follows Peter, Andrew, James and John's example. They are more like the man that Jesus talked to later about following Him.

"Another of the disciples said to him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.”" - Matthew 8:21-22

We don't know if that man's father was actually dead or he merely wanted to wait until his father died before he made the commitment followed Jesus. 

"Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple." - Luke 14:25-27

That is hate in terms of comparison of devotion. Love God first, with your complete devotion, and then others - including family. Remember James and John left their boat (means of livelihood) and their father to follow Jesus. There are aspects to our former lives that we struggle to lay down. It requires faith to do what God asks us to do - not determination. To do spiritual things you need spiritual help. 

What are you still clinging to? What have you refused to lay down that has prevented you from being totally devoted to God. What are you unwilling to lay down to follow Jesus?

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone