What Did Jesus Do Between His Death And Resurrection? A Holy Saturday Meditation

1 Peter 3:18-20 For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; 19 in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison, 20 who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water.

Introduction:

I was asked a rather interesting question the other day regarding what Jesus did between the time He died until He raised from the dead. This post aims to answer this question. The question concerning what Jesus did between His crucifixion and resurrection is relevant to "Holy Saturday", since Christ's alleged proclamation of victory over the powers of Hell and His presentation of His once and for all sacrifice for sin took place in that short interval between His death and resurrection.

The significance of the Saturday the falls between "Good Friday" and "Easter Sunday"

As aforementioned, today is the Saturday that lies between "Good Friday" and "Easter Sunday". This day, simply called "Holy Saturday", considers what all was potentially taking place during the interment of Jesus' body in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. In the book "Preaching through the Christian Year", an ancient practice of the early church is recounted: 

"In the ancient church, the tradition of the Easter Vigil played an important role. Catechumens (young converts to the Christian faith), after remaining awake and watchful throughout Saturday night, were baptized early on Easter morning and then joined the Christian community in Holy communion." 1 

I'm sure some readers for instance can recall "Easter Sunrise Services" and other Christian traditions that urge the church to recall her central identity in Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. 

Over 2,000 years ago, Christ's physical body laid at "rest" in the tomb whilst He, in His immaterial soul, presented His accomplishment to the Father and proclaimed victory. The Apostle's Creed, an ancient confession of faith still recited by Christians the world-over, includes this phrase: 

"He was crucified, dead and buried. He descended into hell, on the third day He raised from the dead." 

Christians historically have emphasized this major theme of "rest" for Holy Saturday. Such rest, both spiritually and otherwise, could only be achieved as a result of Christ finished work on the cross and what was (then) His pending resurrection. The work Jesus did inbetween death and resurrection cemented together the victory of the cross and what would be His victory over death. It honestly comforts me to think of how helpless the powers of darkness were in preventing Christ from these decisive action. 

Robert Webber in his book: Ancient Future Time", comments on Holy Saturday in regards to the theme of "rest":

"Saturday is a day of rest and preparation for the great service of resurrection. It is a day to keep silence, to fast, to pray, to identify with Jesus in the tomb, and to prepare for the great resurrection feast."2

So with the twin themes of "rest" and "victory", Holy Saturday gets the Christian ready for the glory of the resurrection that is central to Easter Sunday. What follows from hereon is an attempt to draw together the New Testament testimony of what Jesus did.

Stitching together the New Testament passages that reference Christ's proclamation of victory between that first Good Friday and Easter Sunday

The four Gospels detail the events of Christ's death, burial and resurrection.  The remainder of the New Testament (Acts, 21 Epistles and Revelation) unfold the meaning what He achieved.  The Apostle Peter in his first epistle aims to show how we as Christians ought to stand firm in God's grace (1 Peter 5:12). Peter's letter ties in our ability to stand in such grace to what Jesus Christ accomplished.  1 Peter 3:18-20 will act as our telescope to view the New Testament passages that reference the events of "Holy Saturday. To do this, we will consider the following two main thoughts about Christ's accomplished work:

A. The Purpose of Christ's Accomplished Work - reconciliation.  1 Peter 3:18

B. The Proclamation of Christ's Accomplished Work - Victory.  1 Peter 3:19-20

A. Purpose of Christ’s Victorious Work – Reconciliation 3:18 

i. What did He do? He died 

He died for sins.  As Dr. Danny Akin of South Western Baptist Theological Seminary once noted: "He lived the life I couldn't live and He died the death I should have died."

ii. Whom did He die for? The unjust 

Romans 5:6-8 states - "For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." 

Jesus' death on behalf of sinners accomplished two necessary effects required for reconciliation with God. The first necessary effect was expiation or the removal of the cause of God's wrath upon us - our sin (Romans 5:10). The second effect had to do with propitiation - that is to say, the satisfaction of God's wrath (1 John 2:2). Below in the next thought (point "iii"), we see why expiation (taking away of sin) and propitiation (satisfying wrath) are necessary for reconciliation.

iii. Why did he die? To bring us to God (reconciliation) 

Dr. Michael Horton notes: 

"The result of God's wrath being satisfied is reconciliation. Just as we are first of all passive subjects of God's wrath when God propitiates, we are passive subjects of God's reconciliation at the cross.  We do not reconcile ourselves to God; God reconciles Himself to us and us to Him."3

iv. How did He do it? Death and resurrection

Christ's death, burial and resurrection are at the heart of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). The New Testament mostly focuses upon Christ's death and resurrection.  However, what went on during the three days He was buried is not explained in near as much detail as the two book-ends of the Gospel: namely Christ's death and resurrection.  

Death and Resurrection serve to explain how Christ accomplished what he accomplished. What He did in His burial (down below) reveals some of the behind (and under) the scenes work He did in insuring our ability to walk as believers in His Victorious work. 

B. Proclamation of Christ’s Victorious Work – Victory 3:19-20 

i. What did He do between His death &    resurrection? Proclaimed victory 3:19 

John MacArthur has perhaps explained this text better than just about everyone I've read or heard: 

"He was announcing, proclaiming (and) heralding a triumph. About what? It must be pretty obvious, about His triumph over sin, about His triumph over death, about His triumph over hell, about His triumph over demons, about His triumph over Satan." 4

ii. To whom did He proclaim His victory? The  demons reserved for judgment. 3:19-20 

If we were to attempt to offer a faint outline of what Jesus did between His death and resurrection, we could maybe understand why He went to proclaim His victory to the demonic realm.  Much activity was done by Christ in this short-span of time. 

First He went immediately into the presence of His Father by way of the Holy Spirit in his human spirit to present His once and for all sacrifice (Hebrew 9:15). 

Next, He went down into those regions of hell where some of the demons (especially those who rebelled in Noah's day) are being reserved for judgment. 

Thirdly, Christ would had released the Old Testament saints from the righteous realm of the dead (i.e. paradise) to lead the captives out to where they could come with Him to where the saints go in this age (Ephesians 4:8-11). Some have connected this particular event to when the saints came out of their tombs in Matthew 27:52-53.

Fourthly, Christ's proclamation of victory insures that hell will not prevail against the church (Matthew 16:18) as well as fulfilling the fact of His triumph over the demonic realm (Colossians 2:14-15). 

Fifthly, Christ's resurrection from the dead meant He had completed His mission of proclamation and thus He arose as a victorious King, subduing all cosmic powers under Himself (Acts 2:24; 1 Peter 3:22).

iii. Why did he proclaim His victory? To  guarantee Christian victory 3:19-20 

He did this to pave the way for what would be His ascension into Heaven 40 days after His resurrection from the dead (Ephesians 4:7-10). 

iv. What was His victory over? Sin (1 Pet 3:18), hell 1 Pet 3:19-20; Col 2:11-12) grave (3:18,21b)

Revelation 1:4-5 states - "John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood".

Closing thoughts

As we draw this post to a close, let's remember our two main thoughts for today's post:

1. The Purpose of Christ's Accomplished Work - reconciliation. 1 Peter 3:18

2. The Proclamation of Christ's Accomplished Work - Victory. 1 Peter 3:19-20

What Jesus accomplished was proclaimed by Him both in heaven and to the defeated demonic realm. Such activities provided grounds for which future generations of Christian could stand who by grace through faith trusted in Jesus. The cross of Friday and the work of Saturday pointed to what would be the great victory of that early Sunday Morning: He has risen! As Christians, we rest in these works of Jesus.

Endnotes:

1. Fred B. Craddock; John H. Hayes; Carl R. Holladay and Gene M. Tucker. Preaching Through the Christian Year - Part A. Trinity Press International. Harrisburg, PA. 1992. Page 227

2. Robert Webber. Ancient-Future Time: Forming Spirituality Through The Christian Year." Baker Books. 2004.

2. Michael Horton. The Christian Faith - A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way. Zondervan. 2011. Page 500

3. http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/60-37/the-triumph-of-christs-suffering-part-2

P2 - Embracing Christ-centered rather than man-centered Christian living

James 2:1 My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism.

Introduction:
Today's post carries on from yesterday's theme of "Embracing Christ-centered, rather than man-centered Christianity. James is warning his readers not to "show favoritism" or be literally "seekers of the face". Whenever we seek to impress people more than to focus on the glory of Jesus Christ, the vitality of the Christian life is severely weakened. James' strong warnings list four consequences of preferring people more so than the Lord. Today we will look at those consequences, and then consider how we can embrace a Christ-centered Christianity and what it looks like in tomorrow's post.

The Specific consequences of showing favoritism (people pleasing)
So what specific consequences come about when we show favoritism?  Man-centered Christianity becomes the overall outcome.  Ironically, in an effort to focus more on people, man-centered forms of Christianity end up being less loving.  The more we try to please people for our own-agendas, the less we will be like Jesus.  As you journey through James 2:1-13, four damaging consequences result from man-pleasing Christianity

1. Less love in your heart for Jesus.  James 2:1-4
As James speaks about the manner in which you "hold to your faith in the glorious Lord Jesus Christ", the NASB words the statement in 2:1 as "with an attitude of favoritism".  Clearly the issue of showing favoritism affects the heart we have towards Jesus Christ, since such activity leads to us becoming "judges with evil motives". (2:4)  The phrase rendered "evil motives" speaks of "disputes, arguments and schemes" that are characterized as welcoming the company of evil.  Whenever we allow such evil motives to creep into our hearts, the love of Jesus will quickly grow cold.  Thus favoritism leads to less love for Jesus, but notice what else favoritism leads to...

2. Less love for God's glory. James 2:5-7
As James continues, he says in James 2:5 "Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?"  In typical Jewish style, James uses the word "Listen" to get his reader's attention.  Moses back in Deuteronomy 5:1 and 6:4 tells the people "Hear, O Israel" - so we know that what ever James is going to say, we need to heed.  Clearly showing favoritism and preferring one person over another causes the name of God to be blasphemed - which leads to less love of God's glory. (James 2:5)  

God's name and glory are interrelated.  For example, Exodus 33:18-19 "Then Moses said, “I pray You, show me Your glory!” 19And He said, “I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the LORD before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion.”  The name of God refers to the sum total of His goodness, character and reputation.  God has invested His name and reputation into His very people.  How we treat one another ultimately reflects how we treat Jesus, as Jesus Himself explains in passages such as Matthew 25:45 “Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me."  Favoritism or partiality among God's people causes less love for Jesus and.....

3. Less love for God's word. James 2:8-11
To show partiality is characterized by James as violating God's Law.  In fact, the second greatest commandment according to Jesus is to "love your neighbor as oneself" (Matthew 22:37-39; Mark 12:28-34)  When we show partiality, we are doing the exact opposite of loving our neighbor.  To be a man-pleaser or show partiality makes me a "trangressor" (2:9,11) and guilty (2:10) as a lawbreaker.  Whenever we cater to certain people, rather than loving people with God's love, the net result is less love, less regard and less desire for God's Word.  But notice finally.....

4. Less love for one another. James 2:12-13
Certainly whenever we show partiality or become more "man-pleasing" with one another, how we treat one another will change.  When you look at James 2:1-13, you get the sense of a downward spiral effect stemming from ongoing efforts in preferential treatment of one person or group over another.  Mercy and lovingkindness are translated by the same Hebrew word in the Old Testament.  Micah 6:8 reveals the true nature of what God desires from His people - "He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God? "  Tomorrow we will look at 1 John 4:7-21 to discover the way in which we can get back to embracing a Christ-centered Christianity. 

P1 - Embracing Christ-centered rather than man-centered Christian living

James 2:1 My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism.

Introduction:
Today's post features the author of James warning his readers to not show favoritism. The word translated "favoritism" connotes courting favor with certain people so as to gain their favor. Quite literally the Greek word underlying this English word literally refers to be a "seeker of the face". Another way we could render this word could be simply avoiding what amounts to "man-centered" or "man-pleasing" Christianity. How can you and I tell when we are concerned more about "seeking the face" or "approval" of people than God? Today's post begins a three part blog series on the subject we will call: Embracing Christ-centered rather than man-centered Christian living.

How avoiding "man-pleasing" Christianity functions in the overall message of James' letter
James' key point in his letter is concerned with "living working faith", as seen in James 2:26 - "For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead." As James writes to Jewish Christians scattered throughout the regions of Israel and beyond, he communicates to them the type of Christian faith desired by the Lord.  How often in churches today do you see favoritism or "man-pleasing" determining decisions and policies?

Bible teacher R.C Sproul in his study on James refers to this warning on favoritism as "playing politics".  Clearly whenever we try to please one group over another, or whenever we "cave in" to the whims and desires of certain people - we end up being man-centered in our lives and thus our various forms of service to the Lord.  What James is warning us to avoid in this subject of "showing favoritism" is people-pleasing, man centered Christianity.  It is a guarantee: wherever you see man, rather than Jesus Christ being the focal point of all efforts in your personal life or church, somewhere along the way favoritism has reared its ugly head.   

How God regards people ought to be the guide for how we are to approach people
The testimony of scripture is that in all of God's dealings with people, whether they be believer or unbeliever, is the fact that He does not show favoritism.  Passages such as Psalm 89:14 states - "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne;
Lovingkindness and truth go before You."  

God is a fair God.  No one can influence God to adjust standards or pull some strings to accomplish an agenda that would violate His character.  God does what He does for His own glory and purposes. (Isaiah 48:11)  When we turn to the New Testament, time and time again we read of how God does not show favoritism for the sake of anyone. (Romans 2:11; Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 3:25) 

So as we can see, whenever Christians get caught in the trap of trying to impress people rather than glorifying God, man-centeredness results. Amazingly enough, whenever we make Christ our sole Person for whom we bring pleasure, He will bless our efforts and bring people our way in His own timing and purpose. Tomorrow we will consider the consequences of man-pleasing Christianity and how we can instead embrace Christ-centered Christianity. Today we will close with these words from Jesus Himself - John 12:32  "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.”

More tomorrow.... 

Thur 4/7 P3 - Embracing Christ-centered rather than man-centered Christian living

James 2:1 My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism.

1 John 4:7 "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God."

Introduction:
The past couple of days have been focused on the important subject: "Embracing Christ-centered rather than man-centered Christianity. In the first installment we considered James' warnings to his readers to avoid "favoritism" and thus "man-pleasing Christianity". Yesterday we looked at what happens when we show partiality to one another from James 2:1-13. We discovered that showing partiality is another way of saying "being a man-pleaser". When Christians get caught in the trap of trying to court favor with men in the place of bringing pleasure to Jesus, less love for Christ, His Word, God's glory and people occurs.

How James and 1 John work together in urging Christians to embrace Christ-centered Christianity
Clearly James is warning his readers to not show preferential treatment in their dealings with one another. Whenever we study warning sections in God's Word, it is God's way of warning us about what not to do. Often it is instructive and helpful to turn to sections that are dealing with the same subject, urging us on what we need to do. Exhortation is a form of communication that urges readers and listeners to perform a certain task, or to increase effort in a practice that they are already doing. Warning sections in scripture urge readers to avoid certain practices or attitudes that can hurt their walk with the Lord. Whenever we are dealing with sin, we need both warning and exhortation. 

The Apostle John gives the antidote to showing favoritism in his short Epistle of 1 John.  In 1 John 4:7-21 we see John painting a picture of a church that is to exercise the Great Command to "love one another". When we speak of "loving one another", human love is not the love we are exercising, but rather God's love. Notice the four outcomes of Christians showing love to one another, and how such outcomes lead believers to embrace Christ-centered Christianity rather than its man-centered counterfeit.

1. More love, not less love for Jesus. 1 John 4:7-9

John cannot help but to write about Jesus Christ's accomplishments on the cross. Why? Because his exhortation to "love one another" is based off of God's supreme act in the sending of Jesus. As we love one another with respect to Christ's redemptive work on the cross, He and others will become more dearly loved. Loving one another - rather than being partial - yields a greater flow of the love and power of Jesus Christ. When God's power of love flows through His people - the net result is like electricity through a light bulb.

2. More love, not less love for God's glory. 1 John 4:11-12
John writes in 1 John 4:11-12 "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us." God's glory is His goodness and name put on display. As we aim to love one another, we are positioned to not only better see God's glory, but to enjoy it. Jesus states in Mark 12:28-34 that the two greatest commandments are to Love God with all our hearts and to love our neighbor as ourselves. 

The command to love my neighbor is directly related to my love for God. Whenever Christians make these two commands central to their life, God's glory in Jesus Christ takes center stage. As Christians sharing this core conviction to come together in unity of heart and mind, the spiritual climate of the church becomes saturated with love and zeal for His glory.

3. More love, not less love for God's Word. 1 John 4:13-19
1 John 4:13-15 states - "By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. 14 We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God." As the Holy Spirit testifies to your heart and mine about who we are and whose we are, He does so in connection to the scriptures. Where else do we learn that Jesus is the Son of God, or that He first loved us? The scriptures! (1 John 4:16-19) 

Whenever we choose to love one another with God's love, the love for God's word will follow suit, since scripture itself is described as the believer's food. (Job 23:12; 1 Peter 2:1-2) 

The Holy Spirit within the Christian bears witness of the words which He inspired through the writings of the Apostles and writings. It is through the scriptures that faith is born, nourished and enabled to see Jesus Christ. (Luke 24:44; James 1:18)

4. More love, not less love for one another. 1 John 4:20-21
1 John 4:20 reads - "If someone says, 'I love God' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen." As we make a concerted effort to love one another without partiality, we will have the supernatural by-product of greater love for God. Conversely, as we aim to make our lives more God-centered - we will have greater love for one another. Why? Because God has so chosen to indwell each Christian by His Spirit. (John 14:17; Ephesians 1:11-14) 

Moreover, Christ purchased His people with His own blood, making them precious due to the price paid for them. (Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Again, we cannot separate loving the Lord our God with all our mind, soul and strength from the other great commandment to love our neighbor.

Conclusion - loving one another results in embracing a Christ-centered Christianity
Through John's simple command to "love one another", we find the antidote to the warning James gives concerning showing partiality. As we love one another with God's love, we will end up with Christians who love God and others more than themselves, which in turn makes for Christ-centered churches. May every Christian consider these words and embrace Christ-centered Christianity rather than its man-centered counterfeit. 

The need for the Christian to listen to God

Isaiah 50:4 “The Lord God has given Me the tongue of disciples, that I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.”

Introduction

At the time of the writing of this post, my family and I were preparing to attend an evening service at the church God has us serving. Although God has called me to pastor a wonderful church – I functioned in the role of listener that evening. The Associate Pastor delivering the message. My goal was to go with an eagerness to hear what God was going to say through him. Listening to God is the chief occupation of the interior life of the Christian. As a preacher, the assumption is that time will be spent in active communication of God’s Word – as it should be (see 1 Timothy 4:13-16). However, unless I as a preacher do not practice the act and art of listening to God – then the effectiveness to speak God's word will be hampered.  

I am sure some readers recall as children hearing their parents tell them: “Did you hear what I said?” If an immediate response was not forth-coming, the follow-up would come in a raised tone: “Are you listening to me!” Although the terms “hearing” and “listening” may have similar meanings; they nonetheless carry very important distinctions. Hearing entails acknowledgement of sound entering into the ear and given the appropriate response; whereas listening involves a deeper level of following through with every word communicated in the message.

Distinguishing “hearing” and “listening”

Hearing God’s Word includes the Spirit-given ability to discern the author of the message, the contents and the appropriate response (see Romans 10:9-10). Listening involves taking what has been heard and resolving oneself to follow-through in commitment to God with the result being action (see John 14:21-23). Hearing is but the beginning of the process of responding to God; whereas listening demonstrates continued adherence and commitment to what has been heard. Author Richard Blackaby has noted that: "whatever a man does next after claiming to hear God will demonstrate what he believes about God.”

What it takes to “listen” to God

Isaiah communicates in Isaiah 50:4 that he had been given the ability to not only hear God’s voice as a prophet and preacher of the Word, but also that he practiced the need to listen to God. In looking briefly at the entirety of Isaiah 50, we can pick out four components of listening. As my family and I went that recent Sunday night to hear God’s Word, we went to not only hear the voice of God through the song service and preaching; but also to listen and apply what was heard. What elements are necessary in listening to God?

1). Hold (onto what I hear about God). Isaiah 50:1-3

Isaiah hearkens back to when God had redeemed the children of Israel out of bondage in Egypt, as well as how He later on sent them away in exile as a result of their disobedience. Isaiah has before Him God’s love and justice. As he holds onto these two characteristics of God, it becomes clear that God desire to extend a second chance to an otherwise reluctant people. As God reaches out to us, He is ever more willing to know us than we are to know Him.

2). Hasten to obey what God is saying. Isaiah 50:4-10

As is often the case in Isaiah’s prophecies, we are under the impression that Isaiah is speaking of himself, only for the seamless transition to go from himself to the Lord as the speaker. The revelation of scripture entails the overseeing influence of the Holy Spirit carrying along Isaiah while all the while Isaiah is utilizing his language, culture, life-experience and ways of expression. The end result is God’s words draped in the garments of Isaiah’s human vocabulary – immune from error. The “Servant” who is speaking sounds like Isaiah, but it turns out that the “Servant of the Lord” is a figure representing and perhaps even being a pre-incarnate cameo introduction of the Divine Son in the Old Testament.

Matthew Henry, the great commentator, reminds us that Isaiah is “doing like David, he speaks of himself as a type of Christ, who is here prophesied and promised to be Savior”. When God is speaking – how willing and ready are you and I to do His bidding? The Divine Son expressed willingness to yield to the will of the Father in His Divine sharing with the Father and the Spirit in all eternity. New Testament passages such as Hebrews 10:4-5 express the Son’s words prior to his entry into history by the virgin’s womb as being: “I have come to do your will as it is written in the book”. When The Son incarnated in human flesh, He – ever remaining God – became flesh in the historic person of Jesus of Nazareth (see John 1:14; Matthew 1:23; 1 Timothy 3:15-16). Jesus was ever about doing His Father’s business and provided the example to all true followers of Him by faith of what is meant to heed God’s voice – no matter what.

3). Heed warnings concerning not listening to God. Isaiah 50:11

As the prophetic address seems to switch from the “Servant” to that of Isaiah once more, Isaiah rebukes those within the nation who derived their strength from idolatry or simple warming themselves by the light of man-made fire rather than the Divine fire of God’s glory. Natural man’s bent is to ignore God and trust in his five senses, opinions and un-illuminated human intellect – henceforth deeming the things of God as foolishness (see 1 Corinthians 2:14). The road of ignoring God is paved with regret and leads to disappointment, heartache and eternal condemnation. Whether as pastors or those in the pew, the people of God must never trust in none other than the Lord Jesus Christ, His word and the power of the Holy Spirit (see Proverbs 3:5-6).

4). Have Christ as you focus to succeed in listening. Isaiah 50:6

So how can it be that we stay on track in listening to God. How is it that as Christians we can continue in cultivating the much needed skill of listening to the voice of Him who calls us to follow His lead (see Luke 9:23-24)? Christ must ever be before us. In Isaiah’s prophecy we find the Servant predicting what will be the moments leading up to and including His crucifixion. In history the crucifixion was seven centuries removed from Isaiah’s day; yet for the Servant (i.e the pre-incarnate Son in eternity), the events of Calvary were but around the corner.

Listening to God won’t be maintained by moralism and adherence to some man-made prescriptions, but rather the cross. Hebrews 12:3 reminds us to “consider Him who endured such contradiction by sinful men so that you won’t grow weary and lose heart.” As we make our business to hear God and then continue on in listening to what we heard; Christ Jesus and Him crucified, risen and ascended must ever be at the center and circumference of our faith walk.  

Closing

As I reflect back once more on the evening service attended by my family and me, we certainly heard the Lord speak through His word that evening. The Associate Pastor spoke from Acts 8:22-39 on how Phillip’s willingness to listen to God and to “get up and go” resulted in God saving the soul of the Ethiopian Eunuch. I was struck at how unknown to me, God had laid upon the heart of this precious man of God a message that aimed at equipping all in attendance on how to listen to God and do His bidding. The one statement our Associate Pastor made makes clear the necessity of listening to God: “wherever there is a willing Christian and a prepared heart; the result will be  spiritual miracles.” The need for the Christian to listen to God can only happen when the following occurs: hold onto whatever I heard God say; hasten to obedience; heed warnings of not listening and have Christ as the focus.

How to enter into the enjoyment of the Abundant Christian life

Matthew 6:25-27 “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?26 Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27 And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?"

Matthew 6:33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, andall these things will be added to you."

Introduction:

There is a coffee shop in the town where I live that serves an incredible cup of coffee. Whenever I enter into that shop, the owner knows what I will order. He proceeds over to the expresso machine and puts in a "shot" of what I call "new life" (that is, expresso). Now that small amount of super-concentrated expresso sits in the cup. The owner then hands me the cup and I proceed over to some assorted coffee pots and choose which beverage I will put in to fill the cup to the brim. The full experience and enjoyment of that cup of "new life" will be accompanied by undertones of rich, nutty, earthy, smoky flavor. To not have that cup filled to the brim would be missing out on the enjoyment that accompanies the energy guaranteed by the coffee. We could say that my alertness and quality of pgysical energy before the coffee contrasts with the change of energy that occurs when I begin sipping that good cup of "life-infused" coffee.

Two types of life are contrasted by Jesus in the opening verses of today's post. The first set of verses we could classify as "life" or "natural life". Self-centeredness enthrones itself in the natural life. Getting all the one can get and canning all that one can get is the pursuit of natural life. Worry. Doubt. Fear. Those three emotions are outcomes of the natural life. Whenever you look at mankind's attempts to live life without God, you will find worry, doubt and fear interlaced in every plan, pursuit and purpose. The natural, unbelieving soul considers God's Word a foolish book (1 Corinthians 2:14). Many will outwardly pay their respects to the scriptures. However, the court of human opinion means more and carries more weight for the natural human mindset than any book claiming to be the Word of God. 

The second type of life that Jesus speaks of we could classify as "Kingdom life" or "The abundant life". This life is entered upon through the New birth in saving faith (John 3:1-6). Matthew 6:33 gives the Christian the antidote they need to combat the temptation to think only in natural terms. The New nature received in saving faith runs contrary to the assumptions of natural, everyday life. Afterall, the "Kingdom life" or "Abundant life" is supernatural. Jesus speaks a similar thought to Matthew 6:33 in John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." The Apostle Paul wrote of the abundant life in Ephesians 3:20-21 "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think,according to the power that works within us, 21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." The abundant life of walking in Jesus and He in us is the calling of every Christian. 

How is the abundant life, life, consistently enjoyed?

Jesus began the opening of His first sermon with these words in Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." The entry point of the abundant Christian life is the new birth. The entry point of continual enjoyment of the abundant life is by being filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus didn't come merely to give life, but abundant life. 

This is why Jesus sent His promised Holy Spirit to His church (John 16:12-15). We as Christian people are heirs to an abundant Christian life. Only when we daily heed to the Spirit's influencing or filling ministry will we persist in life not upon the basis of natural life, but the supernatural life of the Son of God afforded to us by the Spirit's filling ministry. Ephesians 5:18 states - "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit."

We propose today this main idea: The Spirit-filled life enables enjoyment of the abundant experience of Jesus in this life.

What abundant life looks like in action - Ephesians 5:19-6:9

1. Abundant church-life. Ephesians 5:19-21
Here we see commands given to the entire church body to "speak to one another" and "submit to one another". The songs of praise and worship result in the overflow of the individual Spirit-filled Christians coming together in either a corporate worship setting or smaller groups. Like live coals in a BBQ, as one Spirit-filled Christian fellowships with another Spirit-filled Christian, the worship quickly escalates to that level of worship that can only be described as "other-worldly". A sweetness fills the air and the focus becomes absolutely Christ-centered. Churches benefit from church members who regularly make the Spirit-filled life their priority. It is important to note that nothing can kill church-life quicker than whenever any of us emphasizes self and the flesh over and above the leading of the Lord. Ephesians 4:29-30, which is logically connected to Ephesians 5-6, warns readers of what can occur when self, rather than the Spirit, is trying to run the show in our church-life. When the Lord is in charge, church life goes from "trying to get the work to move forward" to "the Lord at work". Truly the Spirit-filled life enables enjoyment of the abundant experience of Jesus in this life.

2. Abundant Family life. Ephesians 5:22-6:4
In the flesh, the idea of "submission" is viewed negatively. Moreover, the possibility of loving one's wife as Christ loved the church - i.e putting her needs ahead of my own, willing to die if need be, being the spiritual leader - is too-tall of an order in the flesh. The self-life groans in the sight and hearing of such instructions. Natural life cannot imagine abundance.

Only the Spirit-filled wife and husband can achieve what is expected here in Ephesians 5:22-33. Harmony and unity result when both spouses are regularly led by the Holy Spirit. Just as we saw in the example of the Spirit-filled church, the Spirit-filled marriage will focus on Jesus Christ. Turning once again back to Ephesians 4, we find why it is necessary not to end the day on an angry note in Ephesians 4:26-27. Husbands, did you know if you mistreat your wife, your prayer life will come to a standstill? Let’s not give the devil a foothold in our marriages. Let’s be filled with the Holy Spirit again and again for Jesus’ sake and each other’s sake.

I find it interesting that the entire argument for the Spirit-filled life is not only for adult believers, but young Christians too. Parenting in the way God has prescribed can often be an exhausting chore. However when I yield myself to the Spirit's leading by way of daily time in the scripture, praying for my child and denying self - parenting in the name of Jesus becomes a delight. Conversely, whenever a little Christian child is taught to submit themselves to the Lord by practicing daily time in the Word, asking the Lord to lead them and most-importantly of all, mom and dad having Spirit-filled lives, the growing pains of childhood can be greatly dampened.

This is why the Spirit-filled life is a repeated experience post-conversion. Just as your car needs repeated fill-ups, so does the Christian walk. Perhaps this observation is no more realized than in the context of parenting. The abundant life of Jesus Christ is enjoyed by being Spirit-filled. The results that can flow from the abundant life are abundant church life and family life. As we have already noted, the Spirit-filled life enables enjoyment of the abundant experience of Jesus in this life. In church, in the family and then one more area....

3. Abundant life in the work place. Ephesians 6:5-9
Working on the job tests the patience of employees and employers alike. How can either make Godly decisions or treat each other in such a way that honors Christ? In the context of the work-a-day world, where there is often more unbelievers and believers, the Spirit-filled life is an utmost necessity. If an employee finds themselves as the only Christian among dozens (I've been there) or working for a boss who regularly pressures them to attempt things that are contrary to biblical convictions (I've been there as well), then the only way in which successful navigation can occur is the Spirit-filled life. To walk away from temptations, or opportunities to be lazy when the boss is not looking requires a Christian to be daily yielded to the Spirit of God. Abundant life in the midst of life will pray for co-workers and supervisors and labor to be a part of the change being prayed for by the Christian. The Spirit-filled life enables enjoyment of the abundant experience of Jesus that is needed in the workplace.

Closing thoughts

Today we considered how to enter into enjoyment of the abundant Christian life. We saw that such a life is what Jesus came to provide and that is entered upon in the New birth. We also considered this main thought: The Spirit-filled life enables enjoyment of the abundant experience of Jesus in this life. Whether we are talking about church life, family life or work-life, our experience and enjoyment of Jesus Christ is directly related to how much we are placing ourselves under the Holy Spirit's filling ministry. God desires for us to live abundantly for Him. The question is: how much do we want to have a richer experience and walk with Jesus Christ?

P2 Declaration of Dependance - Romans 8:1-11

Romans 8:1-2 "Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death."

Introuduction and review
We ended yesterday's post by noting how true spiritual freedom means dependance upon God through faith in Jesus Christ. By being set free from condemnation and set free to desire God, the sinner is transformed into a saint who now can live for God. True freedom depends on God. This is what makes Romans 8:1-11 such a maginificent stretch of verses, in that it is the believer's declaration of dependence. The irony of the Gospel is that one is never more free than when their bound to Jesus Christ. Freed from condemnation as a result of depending on His righteousness. (Romans 8:1-2) Free to desire God as a result of dying to my own selfish desires. (Romans 8 Free to live for God as a result of dying to self. (Luke 9:23-24; 14:26-33; Romans 6:19-20)

Today we once more turn our attention to what I am calling the believer's "declaration of dependance" in Romans 8:1-11. This idea is influenced by the founding document of our nation - the "Declaration of Independence". Independence is a fine definition of freedom when we are dealing in the realm of men. However to assert the same definition of freedom in the spiritual realm is to miss the intent of the Gospel. Having spelled out yesterday "what" spiritual freedom is: namely depending on God in Jesus Christ, we now turn to the "how" of this reality. This is to say, how does it look and how do we live out our spiritual freedom in Jesus Christ as those dependant upon God?

1. Get in Christ by faith.
Romans 8:1 states - "Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." You and I cannot get "out" of condemnation unless we are "in" Christ. Romans 8:2 describes how this occurs: namely by the Spirit of Life and His guiding influence or what Paul terms "law". On February 20, 1962, decorated WWII and Korean War veteran John Glenn circumnavigated our globe three times in a span of just under 5 hours. Reaching speeds of over 17,000 m.p.h, Glenn achieved a feat that no one had ever accomplished. How did he do it? He did this otherwise impossible feat by climbing into the Mercury program space capsule known as "Friendship 7". Moreover, the laws of lift and science of Rocketry were necessary to overcome the other leading infllence - gravity. Glenn's inaugural journey was one of the quintessential moments that launched the modern space race. You and I dear friend must needs by "in Christ" if we are to declare dependance on God and be set free from condemnation. The abundant Christian life of which Paul speaks is entered into by the New birth in saving faith. (John 1:12-13; 3:3, 16; James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23). But there is more to this wonderful scenario, namely...

2. Live out your new found freedom by ordering your mind. Romans 8:3-8
The Christian has the capability of telling their mind how to think. Prior to salvation, we were bound over to sinning out of necessity and thinking around ourselves and to our ends. (Ephesians 2:1-4) However, God intervened in saving grace, broke the chains of sin and quite literally, the bound-over will was free to choose Christ by grace through faith. (Ephesians 2:6-9) The remainder of the Christian life is all about taking every thought in my mind that is not of Jesus and bring it under submission to His word. (1 Corinthians 2:10-13; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5) What happens as a we order our minds by the Word of God and the Lordship of Jesus Christ? Romans 8:6 explains -  "For the mind set on the flesh isdeath, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace."

When a Christian attempts to exercise their mindsets in the way they did before salvation, the result is disastrous. To think in the way of the world, the flesh and the Devil is contrary to the new nature. The Bible refers to the Christian attempting to be what he is not as being "carnal". (1 Corinthians 3:1-4) Sadly, carnal-minded Christians operate way-below their calling, Spirit-given potential and choose to settle. Though the Spirit still indwells such saints, the Spirit is grieved (Ephesians 4:32) and quenched (1 Thessalonians 5:19). 

Christians must continue to fight the good fight of faith (2 Timothy 4:6-8) and put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-18) to fend off the temptations and allurements of this world. (1 John 2:15-17) We must remember that true spiritual freedom is not marked by our "independence", "self-sufficiency" and "inward focused selves". Rather, true spiritual freedom is marked by dependence upon the One True and Living God Who is Father (James 4:6-8); Son (Matthew 11:28) and Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:16)  

If I am going to heed the Father's will, Christ's Lordship and the Spirit's leading, I must get the Bible into me by memorizing and meditating (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 119:11). To depend on God and thus be truly free, instant obedience is the order of the day. (John 14:21-23; James 1:22-25)

So to practically live out the delcaration of dependence on God means starting of course by getting in Christ, followed by daily ordering our minds around the scriptures and training ourselves how to think Godly and thus do godly living. 

3. Rely on the indwelling Holy Spirit. Romans 8:9-11
The remarkable thing about spiritual freedom and all that is entailed in the Christian's declaration of dependance on God is the fact that He lives inside of me. God in the Person of the Holy Spirit indwells the Christian at salvation. (Romans 8:14-16; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19-20; 12:1-3; 12-13; Galatians 4:6) This is truly profound. Why? Up until the Old Testament, God and His people related to one another by way of God coming "upon" and "over" the person. In a far lesser but still same sort of way, believers in the Old Testament we saved by grace operating in their hearts to believe on God's promise of salvation. (Genesis 15:6; Deuteronomy 10:16; Jeremiah 4:4) This Old Testament work of grace was deemed "circumcision of the heart". God revealed Himself to His people and occupied the tabernacle and temple. Even though the people of God lived for God by His Spirit, His work was mainly outside of them.

When Jesus came and especially when the Holy Spirit came on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2 following His ascension, the way in which God was going to work was no longer just "on and upon" but now "in and through". Jesus Himself contrasts both of these distinction in John 14:17 - "that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you." Salvation was from Pentcost on going to be an "inside job". The very God calling believers unto Himself in the New Testament New birth was going to indwell them by the Holy Spirit. Thus to declare our dependance on God means following the Spirit's leading. We say "no" to the flesh (Galatians 5:16) and put on the Lord Jesus Christ by practically heeding the scriptures, coming to God in prayer and learning to discern His voice. (1 Cor 2:10-13; Jude 20-23; Hebrews 4:12-16). The Spirit's abiding work in believer's not only carries them through in this life (Romans 8:9-10) but also delivers them ultimately to the throne as resurrected saints upon the second coming of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:11). 

Closing thoughts
So as we practically live out our freedom in Jesus Christ, how ought it to be? We of course must begin by getting into Christ by faith. (Romans 8:1-2) Secondly, following conversion, we re-order our minds around the scripture. (Romans 8:3-8) Then finally, we rely upon the indwelling Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9-11). 

P1 The declaration of dependance - Romans 8:1-11

Romans 8:1-2 "Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death."

Introduction: Comparing National Freedom and Spiritual Freedom

When we talk about freedom, what comes to mind? Undoubtedly the upcoming 4th of July weekend celebrates the freedom we have as Americans. Freedom as Americans is marked by "independence". The opening paragraph of the Declaration of Independence, which in effect declares the formation of the United States and independence from the King of Great Britain, begins as follows: "When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation."

By then listing the greviances of the King of Great Britain and the motivations for severing ties with that monarch, the July 4, 1776 Declaration of Independence represents the quintessential statement of freedom that birthed forth our nation. Inasmuch as "independence" often marks what it means to be free in respect to men, the opposite is the case in matters relating to the Christian life. Sin at its very core attempts to envision life independent from God. Whenever a Christian tries to live apart from submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, the Christian life becomes locked down. Today's post is about explaining Romans 8:1-11 in what we will call: "the declaration of dependance". We will propose that true spiritual freedom is found when we depend on God by faith in Jesus Christ. 

The natural human realm generally shows that life independent from God leads to tyranny

The founding fathers of this nation understood as a general principle that living apart from God and His word will only lead to further human tyranny. Whenever a nation or a people attempt to cut the moorings of God's influence and morally revealed law, tyranny under others result. Charles Carroll, one of the signers of the "Declaration of Independence", notes: "Without morals a republic cannot subsist any length of time; they therefore who are decrying the Christian religion, whose morality is so sublime and pure...are undermining the solid foundation of morals, the best security for the duration of free governments." Carroll's statement shows that with respect to God in general, what marks freedom is not independence but dependence. The specific revelation of this point in scripture itself reinforces the argument in texts such as Proverbs 14:34 and Jeremiah 18:7-10. 

Spiritual freedom is dependence upon God

Only when one has become born-again by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, the greatest and most purest freedom is experienced. Spiritual freedom is dependence upon the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself states in John 8:34-36 "Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. 36 So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." 

Spiritual freedom's core trait of dependence upon the Lord Jesus Christ is total opposite to how we may typically think of freedom in the natural realm. Galatians 5:1 states - "It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery." The yoke of slavery made us dead in sins and tresspasses and separated from God, without hope in this world. (Ephesians 2:12) Jesus Himself states in Matthew 11:28  “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." True freedom is experienced as a result of submission under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. (Luke 9:23-24) Freedom is dependence on God in Jesus Christ.

For people who find themselves enslaved to their past, the chief mark of life is (perceived) independence from God. Paul reminds the Thessalonians of the change that took place in them in 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 - "For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come." Unlike our civil freedom in which we broke ties with a human Sovereign, the Gospel declares that true freedom is only found when we are reconciled to the Divine Sovereign. Spiritual freedom is dependance upon God.

Getting real specific about spiritual freedom in the Gospel - The believer's declaration of dependence - Romans 8:1-11

In general the scriptures assert this underlying premise that true spiritual freedom results from dependence, rather than independence from God. In Romans 8:1-11 Paul spells out what is entailed in the wonder of spiritual freedom that the Christian enjoys as a result of the Gospel. Spiritual freedom in Christ means we have been freed "from" things and are free "to" things. 

1. Freedom from condemnation. 8:1-2

2. Freedom to desire God.   8:5-8

3. Freedom to live for God.   8:3-4,9-11

When we are set free by Jesus Christ in saving faith, we find that we are free to do what we ought to do. All human beings are born with the natural ability to choose. With respect to ourselves, other people, and sin, the idea of "free will" is generally true. The freedom to do what one wants to do is what we call "natural ability". If human beings did not possess any ability to make choices, then the idea of moral and spiritual responsibility would be a moot point. Jonathan Edwards notes in his monumental classic - "Freedom of the Will", that since the mind can distinguish and judge between different alternatives presented to it, mankind is truly responsible to God. Proverbs 1:29-31 for instances spells out how human beings in general freely choose to sin as a result of having a sinful human nature.  

However, inasmuch as human beings do possess natural ability to choose, the moral ability to choose or moral freedom is greatly impaired and ultimately bound over in one direction - namely an inward, selfward direction. Unbelievers can exercise good moral choices, such as being good parents and good citizens. Such moral choices are as a result of God's common grace and their retaining the image of God. (Genesis 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 11:7) However, unless the specific, saving grace of God in the Gospel is brought to bear on the heart of a man, no choice for Jesus Christ will be desired. At issue is not a matter of "can't" but moreso "won't". The fact that a man knows that he "ought" to believe, repent and be saved does not mean he will desire to do so apart from saving grace. To summarize this point, we turn once more to the great thinker and theologian Jonathan Edwards. He in effect says that though the will be morally bound over into the direction of not choosing God, the fact that our minds can weigh out the differences and see their intended end means we are still morally responsible. 

With the weight of eternal responsibility hanging over the head of the sinner, to find exemption from such a weight by the grace of God in saving faith is indeed most remarkable! The Gospel of Jesus Christ in conjunction with the saving call of the Spirit in the Gospel frees the sinner to freely respond to the call of Christ. (John 16:8-12; John 1:12-13)  True freedom is dependence on God in Jesus Christ.

Closing thoughts

By being set free from condemnation and set free to desire God, the sinner is transformed into a saint who now can live for God. True freedom depends on God. This is what makes Romans 8:1-11 such a magnificent stretch of verses, in that it is the believer's declaration of dependence. The irony of the Gospel is that one is never more free than when their bound to Jesus Christ. Freed from condemnation as a result of depending on His righteousness. (Romans 8:1-2) Free to desire God as a result of dying to my own selfish desires. (Romans 8 Free to live for God as a result of dying to self. (Luke 9:23-24; 14:26-33; Romans 6:19-20)

Envisioning a more awesome church - Life around the cross

Acts 2:36-38 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesuswhom you crucified.” 37 Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?” 38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

Introduction & Review

I pray these last several posts have proven insightful to the reader. We have been concerned about envisioning a more awesome church. Acts 2:43 tells us about that inaugural church gathering: "Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles." That word for awe could just as easily rendered "fear, trepedation, anticipation". God's presence saturated that early congregation to such an extent that the people felt like they had crossed a threshold into the extraordinary, unfamiliar, uncommon and sacred. Unfamiliarity spawns dependency. When we fear God, we are depending on Him and hating sin. This church was under the control and power of the Holy Spirit and the authority of Jesus Christ. The miracles of the apostles were not the cause of their awe, rather it was people getting saved and the reality of the church coming into focus. The miracles and signs confirmed the apostlic ministry, however it was God's birthing of the church by the sign of the Spirit and the masses getting saved that caused this early church to be in "awe". Thus the early church was "more awesome" than anything else.

We have considered four characteristics of envisioning a "more awesome" church that are found mainly in Acts 2:42-47 and other scriptures in the New Testament:

1). Intercession

2). Word

3). Fellowship

4). Commission

These four practices or traits are what I call a "vision target" for the church. Will that mean that these four things will be in place in equal measure? No. The church, like individual Christians, is ever striving to become in its experience what it is in its calling. (Ephesians 4:11-12) 

Now I hope the reader has grasped why I have labored over these four areas. These four traits or practices are a must for a church to be more awesome. However without the cross, these four practices will drift and quickly become isolated, shrunken or dead. Today's post aims to show the central anchoring point of envisioning the more awesome church: Life around the cross.

Why the Gospel must be heard every day

How often should we be exposed to the Gospel? Is once a month enough? Once a week? How about everyday! Yes everyday! Why? Consider Jesus' words in Luke 9:23-24 "And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. 24 For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it."

The Gospel for the Christian is the source and power of sanctification, just like it is for the sinner the source and power of salvation. Unless I center my life around the cross everyday, I will never put to death the selfish propensisties that wage war against the desire to love and live for God (otherwise known as the flesh).

Notice what Jesus says again in Luke 14:27-28 "Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 28 For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?" More awesome church life and more awesome Christian living requires us to daily assess the cost of following Jesus. The cross is the only place in which I can gain the proper perspective. Our problem so often in the church and in the Christian life is that we compare ourselves with other people or other churches. When we keep the cross at the center of our lives, Jesus alone is our standard. 

Consider what Paul writes about the centrality of the cross and the Gospel in Romans 12:1-2 "Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice,acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Consider these words in Galatians 6:14 "But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." When the cross is at the center of our daily lives, we won't compare ourselves with the world and crave and admire the success of the world above the need and desire to be godly. The cross shows us that we need not conform ourselves to the world's pattern nor give into its whims and desires. We need to hear the Gospel daily. 

We need to hear once more Jesus Christ virgin born, perfect active obedience in childhood, adolescence and adulthood, crucified, buried, risen and ascended. Jesus' entry into humanity by the virgin birth was necessary to provide the foundation of the Christian's new birth in saving faith. Moreover, His perfect life of active obedience was required to provide the righteous life that would be credited to my wretched life in justification. His submissive obedience in crucifixion was foundational to the removal of the penalty of the curse from me at the moment I am justified by faith in salvation. His resurrection and ascension are fundamental to the Spirit's work of empowering the Christian to live the overcoming life day to day, as well as the promise of a physical resurrection at Jesus' physical, bodily return to earth. 

We need to hear how at saving faith a sinner is newly born, crucified, buried with Christ, risen and seated in the heavenly realms in Jesus. The fact that a new convert participates in water baptism as a testimony of what took place in their life asserts that pattern of having been newly born, buried in Christ, risen and seated. When we partake of the Lord's table as a church body, we yet again are telling ourselves and those around us the Gospel story. We are asserting the need of the cross-centered life. The "death-to-self" message is embedded deeply in the Lord's supper so that "life in Christ" may express itself as something that the church has in common. Taking in the life and power of Jesus daily by the Spirit is captured in that physical partaking of the elements which portray such realities. Jesus in me and I in Him. 

Closing thoughts:

As we close out this post and this series on "envisioning a more awesome church", today we have considered the power source behind the traits of such a church - the cross. Only when the cross and the Gospel are central to our individual Christian lives and church lives can we seriously pursue intercession, the word, fellowship and the Great commission. More awesome churches proceed forward by the blood of the lamb and power of the Spirit.