One of the best illustrations I heard for grace comes in the form of an acronym. God’s riches at Christ’s expense. The concept of grace refers to free and unmerited favor; something you didn’t earn or deserve. The apostle Paul suggests there may be an occasional exemption made for a good person, but grace isn’t grace without a sacrifice.
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die, Romans 5:7.
The beauty of grace comes in the form of the surprise. You could be having the worst day of your life, on the verge of becoming a prodigal or set on rebellion. No matter the candidate, God’s grace falls upon the worthy and unworthy. This is where the human mind struggles to grasp this concept as the grace which people extend on earth is often based upon results.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us, Romans 5:8.
This mindset produces the thought, “grace or no grace.” This selfish desire turns selective, forgiving those whom you like while holding grudges against those you despise. Human nature feeds this desire as grace is only offered to family, friends and the deserving. May the words of the passage above guide hearts and minds in the right direction, to love and forgive others just as Jesus did for you and me.
The original sign man traveled across the country, attending several professional sporting events. After studying the cameras at each event, he put himself in the ideal position to display John 3:16 to viewers. This and other variables has made Jesus’ words in this passage to become one of the most famous verses in the Bible. Yet, there is another John 3:16 which often gets overlooked, possessing another powerful message.
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters, 1 John 3:16.
When it comes to love and sacrifice, I tend to miss the mark. While I do get emotional when I see something heart breaking or touching, my actions lack true compassion. When I served on a board of elders for six years, I witnessed first hand how messy life can get. Love takes energy, patience and time. Unfortunately, I often abandon ship along the way, not completing the act of love God wants me to carry out.
If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? – 1 John 3:17.
The second verse in the passage above provides the frame work for a compassion test. Like taking a spiritual gifts test, here’s a few questions to consider. First, what are you laying your life down for? Second, where is the bulk of your free time spent? Third, is there anyone in your life that currently needs your help? Finally, what will you do to reorganize your priorities to become the hands and feet of Christ on earth. As you ponder the questions above, may the Holy Spirit guide and direct you to become a compassion soul on earth.
While I never finished completing seminary due to my iritis, the classes I completed have provided a plethora of knowledge. One of my favorite terms is the Greek word ethos. Philosophers like Aristotle used ethos in the context of a person’s character. Yet, ethos means so much more, its the expression of love, allowing others to see that you genuinely care about their lives. Those individuals who demonstrate ethos on a daily basis earn the right to be heard.
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick, Matthew 9:12.
Unfortunately, as I interact with people, listen to what others believe and watch how different worldviews treat one another, the concept of ethos is vanishing. Narcissism, pride and stubborn hearts are leaving a trail of hate, attacking anyone who opposing their beliefs. C.S. Lewis eludes to this oblivious trait as diabolical pride in Mere Christianity. If this flaw continues, the concept of ethos may disappear.
But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners,” Matthew 9:13.
There are certain areas, subjects or topics where people claim to be experts, knowing much more than most others. Yet, it would help if individuals would learn to become humble and more teachable. While you may think you know more than a boss, manager or teacher, showing respect breeds ethos. If the phrase sharing is caring is employed, a generation will begin to witness the powerful effects of ethos on society.
For those of you who enjoy taking cup cake classes in school, searching for an easy A, the Bible contains some difficult challenges. Depending upon how self critical you are, the words of scripture expose darkness with light. Subsequently, no matter how good of a person you may be, its surprising how many people fail the Bible’s love test.
Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen, 1 John 4:20.
The one whom Jesus loved opens up this short quiz. When all other disciples abandoned Jesus following his arrest, John stood by his side at the cross where he died. What John heard on this day sent shock waves to what he believed about love. Despite being beaten, mocked and tortured, Jesus cried out, “forgive them for they know not what they do.” This statement inspired question number one.
1. Is there anyone you despise, hate or treat with contempt?
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins, Matthew 6:14-15.
The second participant chimes as from an unique perspective. Serving as a tax collector, Levi also known as Matthew worked in one of the most corrupt occupations of his day. During Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, he mentions prostitutes on the same level with tax collectors. Thus, its highly possible that Matthew made many enemies, cheating and stealing money from hard working citizens. With this in mind, forgiveness is something that Matthew sought, touched by Jesus’ words above.
2.Have you forgiven everyone who has hurt you or is there a grudge you are currently holding on to?
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these,” Mark 12:30-31.
Finally, John Mark is an individual who initially left the mission field, letting down the apostle Paul. Yet, over time Mark matured, eventually winning back the respect he lost with Paul. This transformation was made possible with the words shared by Jesus above. The context of this question involved a trap with Pharisees attempting to trick Jesus into de-emphasizing one of the 10 commandments. Yet, his words essentially summarize the first four with one comment and the final six with his second statement setting up the final question.
3. Where is your love for God currently and are you following the golden rule in your interactions with others?
If you failed this test like me, may God’s forgiveness, grace and mercy lift you up and fill you with a heart willing to bear with, embrace and love one another.
The book of Job, the person not what Trump wants to create, is the oldest book in the Old Testament. What this means is that Job was finished prior to Genesis. Why its not clear if Job lived before the flood, he does talk about walking with dinosaurs. Due to the atmospheric changes in the weather following the flood and lack of dinosaurs mentioned on Noah’s ark, Job could have died prior to Genesis 7. Another clue is found in the first few chapters of Job’s book, referring to Satan by name twice and angels with error. All of this leads me to believe Job experienced a moment in time when 1/3 of the angels were kicked out of heaven, falling to earth in the form of demons.
If God places no trust in his servants, if he charges his angels with error, Job 4:18.
Theology introduces many terms which were created and developed to help common church going individuals to understand the complex. One of these biblical ideas is the concept of free will. The definition eludes to freedom given by God to make choices without coercion or force. This element also applies to angels, also known as cherubs, seraphim and archangels. The context of Job 4 is Eliphaz, a close friend of Job addresses and begins to contemplate why Job has endured several trials. While the initial statement refers to trust, one possible explanation is that angels with error, now demons, have unleashed their wrath.
And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day, Jude 1:6.
According to Jesus, everyone will face a day of judgment. While the facts of life will be presented in the form of video clips that include highlights and low lights, this will be a scary day for all. Nothing that you do now can save you. What I mean by this is that in the end, there is no one righteous. All have exercised free will, falling short of God’s glory. Yet, Romans 5:8 gives the hopeless hope through God’s demonstration of love. While I deserve hell and damnation, God sent His one and only Son to restore that which was lost, Luke 19:10. Despite angels with error, eternal life is in reach of the humble by grace through faith. Reach out today by accepting God’s free gift, Romans 6:23.
When a hooked fish is pulled out of the water, self defense mechanisms kick in. This results in flapping, pulling and tugging trying to escape. Sometimes Christian face similar uncomfortable environments. Certain situations force individuals to either sink or swim with many end up floundering in their faith.
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him, Hebrews 11:6.
Comfort zones are nice to have growing up, but eventually you need to leave this place of safety to experience the real world. Attitudes might deter you, behaviors offend you and language may shock you. Nonetheless, faith is a series of trials and errors, taking risks, failing and getting back up. Sitting at home, afraid to fail is like a having a flawed faith.
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him, James 1:12.
When you get over the hump, people can begin to take ownership of their faith. Growing pains develops perseverance, providing opportunities to trust in the Lord and lean not on your understanding. Unfortunately, its easy to revert back to the past, clinging to former desires of your heart. This crisis of faith is what Jesus’ brother refers to in the passage above. If you hold on just long enough, God blesses those who stand the test of time by holding fast to faith in Christ. Stop floundering and start swimming in the Spirit today!
For 364 days a year, hatred often controls the daily news cycle. This is displayed through crimes against humanity, terrorist attacks and violent protests. Yet, the calendar suggests that on February 14th love should replace hate. Even if you have someone special to be your valentine, many individuals are confronted by a person or people with an unforgiving heart.
But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins, Matthew 16:15.
If you are honest with yourself, everyone has someone who rubs you the wrong way. This could be a co-worker, neighbor or relative. Coping with, forgiving and loving this individual requires an extra portion of grace. Certain actions, gestures and words may lead you to flip out, building a wall of resentment that can result in harboring a spirit of unforgiveness within your heart.
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you, Colossians 3:13.
The apostle Paul makes a great recommendation for those of you facing an unforgiving heart. Despite how difficult it may be, the key to spreading love throughout the year involves bearing with one another. While you may get impatient, let go of any grievance that you have against others. In doing this, you will love others as Christ loved you.
Church history tends to go in cycles with one generation often forgetting the mistakes of the past. Church growth experts substitute previously failed measures with cutting edge facilities, programs and technology. Thus, if you attend modern church services you will find many replicate a concert with loud music, some sort of light show and overhead projectors that replace hymnals. Only time will tell if spicing up church is successful.
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends, John 15:13.
My spiritual background is a like a blended family. I grew up in the Roman Catholic church, attending CCD until my confirmation. While in high school, I began to attend a Methodist youth group. During my college years I spent time at Baptist, Pentecostal and Non-denomination congregations before graduating. Six months later I participated in a Lutheran dominated Youth Ministry Trade School. I could go on, but for me the only thing that spices up church is developing permanent meaningful lasting relationships.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective, James 5:16.
I can recall one night walking for miles, spending several hours pouring out my heart to close friends Dave and Liz. The earthly brother of Jesus is correct when he states publicly confessing your sins leads to healing. In fact, a teenager in England ignited the second great awakening by asking his congregation for forgiveness, revealing his deep and dark sins. Perhaps, if the leaders of modern churches begin to practice the biblical principles which led to previous spiritual awakenings, communities would notice what it means to spice up the church.
There is a growing movement in America based upon entitlements. If you asked a senior citizen about entitlements, one might bring up social security if they are retired. However, millennials have broadened this term, believing healthcare and other government programs are what they deserve. Yet, when you open the Bible, the opposite is true.
As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one,” Romans 3:10-12.
During a visit to the church at Rome, the apostle Paul reminds his listeners of a statement made by an Old Testament prophet. Regardless of how disciplined you may be, hard you work or pure your intentions, no one is worthy. This concept is difficult to grasp, especially to those who live in a bubble, protected by justification, rationalization and a secular worldview.
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst, 1 Timothy 1:15.
As for me, I recently started studying the book of Job. I have had some bad things happen in life, but nothing compares to the series of trials Job endured. Job developed a severe rash similar to poison ivy resulting in a constant itch and oozing puss. When three friends came to visit, Job 2:12-13, each began to weep aloud, unable to fathom Job’s pain. Based upon this context, I’m undeserving of God’s love. Instead of being ungrateful, I need to be content on what I receive, either good or bad. Don’t let a world full of entitlements spoil your mind. Rather, come to a place of unworthiness so you will understand that the Lord gives and takes away.
As a former baseball, cross country and golf coach, I tried to follow the various trends. Sometimes this meant studying new methods, theories and training techniques. While not all these aids fit your personality, you have to know your players and team to figure out which drill or drills would be most beneficial. However, the only downside to sports is that winning makes someone feel like a loser.
Love does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs, 1 Corinthians 13:5.
To promote self-esteem some districts, leagues and states have decided to stop keeping score in various sports. While the coaches in these leagues probably have good intentions, this atmosphere is creating a bunch of snow flakes who don’t know how to handle losing. Instead of enduring the pain of defeat, a generation is being taught that everyone is a winner. Unfortunately, this is not how real life works, its a cruel world filled with individuals who will do whatever it takes to win.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, 1 Corinthians 13:6-7.
This behavior has carried over into politics in recent months. Poor sportsmanship is on display nightly with some politicians taking their ball and going home instead of coming to grips with their loss. However, winners aren’t helping this problem go away as victorious professional athletes are setting a bad example. According to the apostle Paul, love does not dishonor others which occurs regularly on television. Perhaps, if players handled success in a biblical manner, winners would make the agony of defeat a little less painful. Whether you are on the winning or losing side, may you embrace humility, grace and thankfulness for the chance to compete.
