What is necessary for remaining on fire for God

Colossians 4:16-18  "When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part read my letter that is coming from Laodicea. 17 Say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” 18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you."

Note to the reader: For a more indepth version of this post, check out the other blogsite at: http://biblicalexegete.wordpress.com/2014/09/04/getting-revived-and-remaining-on-fire-for-god-some-exegetical-and-devotional-thoughts/

Introduction:

In yesterday's post we considered how a church or individual positions themselves to prepare for revival. We discovered from Colossians 4:2-15 that at least three necessary ingredients are required: prayer, evangelism and testimony. No doubt about is, the church at Colossae had begun with a mighty move of God - a Heaven sent revival. (Colossians 1:5-6) Furthermore, Paul prayed that the church would remain on fire for God in Colossians 1:11-12  "strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light."  We offered the following definition of revival: "A revival is an extraordinary visitation by God's presence and power into the ordinary life of the church". Today we want to understand how such a momentum is maintained once it has begun. When revival comes, what must we do in its wake? How can we keep on fire for God. Certainly continuing to practice what we looked at should be priority. 

What is necessary in remaining on fire for God? Colossians 4:16-18

1. Focus on the scriptures. 

We read these thoughts in Colossians 4:16 "When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part read my letter that is coming from Laodicea." Romans 10:17 reminds us that: "faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." 1 Timothy 4:13 has Paul writing to Timothy: "Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching." Why is such a devotion to scripture so necessary? Notice what Paul explains to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:16 "Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you." These similar instructions are found in Colossians 4:16, and speak of the supernatural life changing and sustaining power of the Word of God preached, read and taught. In the history of revivals, no revival has been started or maintained apart from a concerted effort to "get back to the Bible". However there is one other necessary component for staying on fire for God...

2. Follow through. 

Notice what Paul writes in Colossians 4:17-18 Say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” 18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you." The word translated in Colossians 4:17 "Take heed" can refer to being aware and taking careful effort to be watchful and alert. Should we not being ever in a state of "expectation" when it comes to what God can do whenever we get in order with Him in prayer, evangelism, testimony and the Word. This is all part of our "follow through" in seasons where maybe the excitement of revival has waned and the revival services have ended.

Following through in this context speaks of finishing those commitments that we made. Archippus, undoubtedly the pastor of the church at Colossae, is commended by Paul to "stay in the saddle" so-to-speak. Jude writes in Jude 20-21 "But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holyfaith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life."

Closing thoughts

Today's post was all about working our way through Colossians 4:2-18 in consideration of how one prepares for revival and then maintains fervor for God. We saw that in preparing for revival, there must needs be prayer, emphasis on evangelism and testimonies with the outside world. Then in consderation of how we maintain our fervor and fire for God in the wake of a move of God, emphasis upon scripture and follow-through must ever accompany our church-lives and Christian lives. As Paul closes out in Colossians 4:18, may the same final word be what motivates and empowers us to apply what we saw today: "Grace be with you."

What is necessary in getting ready for revival

Colossians 4:2-4 "Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving;3 praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; 4 that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak."

Note to the reader: For a more indepth version of this post, check out the other blogsite at: http://biblicalexegete.wordpress.com/2014/09/04/getting-revived-and-remaining-on-fire-for-god-some-exegetical-and-devotional-thoughts/

Introduction:

Today's post will feature Paul's closing thoughts in Colossians 4:2-18. The whole theme of the book of Colossians is: "Jesus is Enough". This theme is gleaned from what appears to be the key verse to the epistle in Colossians 1:28 - "We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with allwisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ." How is it that revival is prepared for, reinforced and maintained in the local church? As Paul wraps up his letter to the church at Colossae, such questions are answered in the final set of exhortations and encouragements that we find in Colossians 4:2-18. 

What is necessary in getting ready for revival. Colossians 4:2-18

1). Persistent Prayer. Colossians 4:2 

Persistent prayer represents the first ingredient necessary to preparing for a move of God - prayer. We see the opening phrase in the NASB regarding the command to pray: "Devote yourselves to prayer....". Do you and I rush through our prayer time? Or do we wait on God to speak to us in accordance to what we may have read in His word or heard in times past in sermons or Sunday School classes. The idea of "devoting oneself to prayer" speaks of waiting and not yielding to fatigue or pressing, non-essential priorities. The kind of prayer being commanded here in Colossians 4:2 indicates a choice to attend and wait in prayer. This posture is so necessary when preparing for revival. (2 Chronicles 7:14).

The persistence in prayer commanded here in Colossians 4:2 is coupled with the command to be vigilant, to be watchful. In the NASB we read: "keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving". The verb translated "keeping alert" comes from a root verb that has to do with being awoken, raised (from the dead) or what we could say in modern day terms, revived. Prayer is as much about keeping one's eyes open to the things around you as it is about keeping your eyes directed heavenward at the throne of grace. What is God doing around us and in us? Persistent prayer is necessary when preparing for revival, but notice also...

2. Evangelism. Colossians 4:3-4 

Paul then writes next in Colossians 4:3-4 "praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; 4 that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak." Paul of course wrote these words while under house arrest in Rome, chained to a Roman Soldier. His incarceration gave him ample opportunity to share the Gospel with people who visited and with the soldiers who were assigned to guard him. 

We know that Paul's request for prayer was being answered based upon the background text to Colossians found at the end of Acts 28. Notice what Luke writes in Acts 28:30-31 "And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered."  When we make prayer and the great commission our increasing priorities, we are positioning ourselves to be ready for a might move of God. Notice the third necessary ingredient needed to prepare for revival....

3. Testimony. Colossians 4:5-15

What is a testimony? A testimony is a consistent lifestyle devoted to living out the living message of Jesus Christ before a watching world. Colossians 4:5-6 states: "Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person." The phrase translated in Colossians 4:6 "salt" is found in Mark 9:50 "Salt is good; but if the salt becomes unsalty, with what will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” As you begin to study the purpose of salt in the Bible, at least three uses are mentioned in conjunction with the life of faith.

First, think about what happens when you eat seasoned or salted food. Salt and seasonings makes one thirsty - thus as Christians, our concern for a strong testimony before God ought to be that others around us get "thirsty" for God.

Secondly, salt and seasoning in the scripture is sometimes used to describe the purity of a sacrifice. Leviticus 2:13 speaks of acceptable sacrifices before God in the Jewish sacrificial system:  "Every grain offering of yours, moreover, you shall season with salt, so that the salt of the covenant of your God shall not be lacking from your grain offering; with all your offerings you shall offer salt." In the New Testament we as Christians are described as presenting ourselves as living sacrifices, Holy and acceptable unto God, which is our spiritual act of worship. (Romans 12:1-2) Testimonies before a watching world ought to communicate a thirst for God and a consistent pattern of "walk" matching with "talk".

But notice a third reality associated with salt in the scriptures - preservation. Matthew 5:13 speaks of the preserving quality the presence of believers have in slowing the tide of evil -  “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men." 

A solid testimony aims for cultivating thirst for God, purity before God and preserving the integrity of God in an otherwise godless world. Now to ensure these three necessary ingredients are not just abstract, colorless ideas floating in mid-air, Paul puts forth before his readers a listing of faithful believers with whom he either ministered the Gospel or of whom he knew about in the course of his travels. 

a. There was Tychicus, described in Colossians 4:7-8 as a faithful and beloved brother.         

b. In Colossians 4:9 we read of a man by the name of Onesimus. One can read Onesimus' story in the short little letter of Philemon, written at roughly the same time as Colossians. Onesimus whad been a run away slave who ended up in prison with Paul. Having been converted under Paul's own testimony and witness, Onesimus quickly became a major part of Paul's ministry and according to church history, not only obtained his freedom, but actually became a pastor.                                                                                             c. Colossians 4:10 mentions a man by the of Aristarchus, who is a fellow prisoner of Paul. It was common in some first century Roman imprisonments to allow the prisoners relatives and friends to visit them. This man may very well had spent some extended time with Paul in his rented quarters where he stayed during his house arrest.                               

d. We then come to a more well known figure by the name of Mark in Colossians 4:10. John Mark's past was a checkered one that started out strong, but then shortly after the beginning of Paul's first missionary journey, Mark deserted the Apostle. Thankfully years later both were reconciled and Mark would be used of God to write the second Gospel we find in our New Testaments.                                                                               e. The next man mentioned by Paul is "Jesus, who is called Justus". Clearly we can see a mark of humility in this man, being that he wanted to be called "the just one" (i.e Justus) rather than named after our Savior and Lord. Furthermore, Paul speaks of this man as being an encouragement to him in Colossians 4:11.                                                   

f. The sixth man who evidences prayer, evangelism and a powerful testimony is Epaphrus. We of course meet this man early on in Colossians 1:7 "just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf."             
g. The seventh man mentioned by Paul that demonstrates a person who is prayerful, all about evangelism and a solid testimony is Luke, the great physician. This is the only passage we find in the entire New Testament where two Gospel writers are mentioned in the same context (Mark in Colossians 4:10 and Luke in Colossians 4:14).               

h. The eighth man, who is only mentioned by name, is Demas, found in Colossians 4:14.

Thus these eight men stand as pillars of example regarding those who are prayerful, all about the work of sharing the Gospel and serious about maintaining a Godly testimony - necessary ingredients in preparing for revival. Its one thing to be ready for revival, however how can one maintain the fervor and fire for God?

See tomorrow....

Why Israel is important to the Christian

Acts 28:20 For this reason, therefore, I requested to see you and to speak with you, for I am wearing this chain for the sake of the hope of Israel.”

Note to readers: For those wanting to prayer more specifically for Israel, the following link is excellent in guiding the reader through such an effort: http://www.operationworld.org/isra

Introduction:

As we come to the 28th chapter of the book of Acts, we find Paul finally arriving at Rome, where he will eventually make his appeal to Caesar, answer his critics and gain opportunity to share the Gospel. Even though Paul would end up under house arrest in Rome, chained to a Roman soldier for two years - the time would prove to be among the most fruitful years of Paul's ministry. As Paul leaves the Island of Malta (upon which he landed in Acts 28:1-10), he make his way to Rome. 

After some preliminary remarks about his experiences on the way to Rome, we find Paul getting an audience with some people, explaining how he had arrived at Rome, and what he expected to take place. In expounding upon his chains and being under the constant supervision of a Roman soldier, we find this interesting statement in Acts 28:20 about him being chained "for the sake of the hope of Israel". It is with that statement that I am interested in unpacking in today's post. Paul clearly saw what he was undergoing as having to do with not only God's master plan for the Gospel throughout the world, but even more specifically with God's program for Israel. Whether Christians realize it or not, God still has a plan for Israel and Israel's ultimate destinity is intimately related to our own. Today's post is all about unfolding the three hopes that are gained when the Christian pays closer attention to Israel, God's abiding interest in it and how such a focus can strengthen the Christian's hope overall. Notice what scripture has to say about the following three hopes attached to God's promises to Israel and for those who adovcate the interests of His chosen people. 

1. The hope we find in prayer.

Psalm 122:6-9 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:“May they prosper who love you. 7 “May peace be within your walls,
And prosperity within your palaces.”
8 For the sake of my brothers and my friends, I will now say, “May peace be within you.” 9 For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good." 

I know of a dear man of God with whom I pray with often.  Everytime that man prays, he prays for the peace of Jerusalem. There is something supernatural attached to praying for the peace of Jersualem. It is commanded and attached with a promise. The prophet Daniel models this for us in Daniel 6:10-11 "Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously. 11 Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God." By getting ourselves in order with what God has said in His Word, we can move on ahead in prayer. Hebrews 4:16 reminds us of the hope we find when coming to God in prayer: "Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." So Israel is important to the Christian because of the hope we can find when praying for it, but notice a second hope....

2. The hope of the Gospel.

Paul clearly attaches all that he has went through for the Gospel's sake to the destiny of Israel. Without a doubt, when Paul mentioned anything about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, oftentimes he would mention Israel. Romans 1:16-17 states:  "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealedfrom faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.” Why is it so important to be interested in the affairs of a people with whom we may or may not have direct contact? Because the Jewish people are still God's people. Seeing Paul's burden for their lost condition reminds us of the burden we ought to have not only for them but lost people in general. Notice what he writes in Romans 9:1-5 "I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit, 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh, 4 who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons, and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the temple service and the promises, 5 whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen." Notice the anguish of heart with which Paul writes concerning his fellow Jews. Should you and I not also have the same kind of burden for the lost - whether Jew or Gentile. Increasing our interest in the affairs of Israel makes us more sensitive to the necessity to share the hope of the Gospel. Paul expresses such hope for their salvation in Romans 11:25-26 For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of thismystery—so that you will not be wise in your own estimation—that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; 26 and so all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob.” So Israel is important to the Christian for the reason of the hope it encourages us to find in prayer and the hope of the Gospel to which it points. However, notice one more hope that is associated with focusing greater attention on the spiritual warefare of Israel, namely....

3. The Hope of the Second coming.

Notice once again what Paul writes in Romans 11:26 "and so all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob.” When the scriptures says: "all Israel will be saved", that is referring to those select Jews within the nation, a number only known to God, who by His grace will turn to the Messiah in His second coming. Scripture ties together the timing of Christ's second coming with the salvation of Israel. Zechariah 12:10 states: “I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication, so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn." Undoubtedly Zechariah's prophecy was speaking chiefly of what would take place at Christ's second coming, however this same passage finds a partial fulfillment in what Jesus achieved in His first coming. John 19:37 quotes nearly verbatim Zechariah 12:10 in reference to what Jesus was undergoing during His time on the cross. 

The Apostle John saw in the piercing of Jesus in the side by the Roman spear the intiation of a series of events that would lead to the ultimate fullfillment of Zechariah 12:10 at Christ's second coming. The cross is ever associated with the second coming, being that what Jesus achieved on the cross and in the resurrection necessarily guarantees what He will accomplish when He comes back the second time. Revelation 1:7 quotes Zechariah 12:10 in reference to Christ's second coming: "Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth willmourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen." 

Closing thoughts:

Today we have considered why Israel is important to the Christian, based off of Paul's remarks in Acts 28:20. We as Christians living in America are oftentimes so tethered to the things of this world that we rarely think about the second coming. I have found whenever I am praying for Jerusalem, immediately I am lifted in prayer from my immediate concerns to global concerns. As I pray for Jerusalem, the Spirit of God begins to deal with me regarding my role in telling others about the Gospel. Then in focusing more direct attention on the welfare of Israel, I find myself thinking more about Jesus' second coming. All three engender greater hope in the Christian, which is why Israel is important to the Christian. 

P2 - Conclusion to my Grand-daddy's sermon on justification

Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
Introduction: 
The Reverend Boaz Obed Smith was born January 1, 1900 and having been converted to saving faith in Jesus Christ as a young man. Having then felt that God was calling him to preach His word, the then young Boaz Smith enrolled in a three year Bible certificate program at was was then called "Philadelphia School of the Bible". Upon his graduation, the ambitious young preacher and his wife Louise would minister for 30 years in various churches throughout South Eastern, KY.  By the mid to late sixties, following Louise's passing, Reverend Boaz Smith would do various sorts of Bible studies and pulpit supply for roughly another 20 or so years in rural South Western Pennsylvania. This beloved man of God was my paternal grandfather, otherwise known as "Grand-daddy". Having passed away in 1983, my Grand-daddy left an amazing legacy of nearly 60 years of preaching, ministry and evangelism. Several months ago my dad gave me all of my Grand-daddy's sermons. These wonderful sermons, radio transcripts and letters have proven to be a treasure trove. Included in the collection are my grandfather's notes that he took when attending Philadelphia School of the Bible (now Philadelphia Biblical University) back in 1927. 

I will ever cherish this collection, being that I barely knew the man I called "Grandaddy". However I felt it necessary to begin sharing a little bit with the readers of this blog his writings and words as both a tribute and a carrying on of the legacy of a man who lived what he preached and preached what he lived. Today's post is a continuation and conclusion of a sermon he preached sometime in the mid-1950's on a chilly October night. The subject of the sermon is on the truth of: "Justification by Faith Alone". The title of the message is "justification". May you get an immense blessing out of it.

A Sermon on "Justification" -continued-

by Reverend B.O Smith

"God owes absolutely nothing to man. God brings untold mercies to sinners and allows them to live in good homes' to live at peace; to amass fortunes; to live in health and to be cared for. Three things God has given to sinners: God's goodness, God's forebearance and God's long-suffering.God's goodness is His moral goodness and His kindness; God's forebearance is His holding back or delaying of His wrath against people. It is as though God raised the thunderbolt of His wrath in one hand to strike mankind to destruction, but with His other hand He restrained the thunderbolt of wrath from falling upon mankind.

God's longsuffering is His slowness in avenging wrongs. Man has despised these three things of God. It goes to show ingrattitude. The blackest of all sins is to despise the riches of God's grace. These three things should lead you to repentance. 

Repentance is not necessarily signified by a person coming to the mourner's bench and there crying and praying and weeping for mercy. It is the word, "about face." A group of soldiers are marching, and the office cries out, "Halt!" "About face!" They immediately pivot on their feet and march in the opposite direction. Behind you is the Lord Jesus Christ. He is despised and rejected by you. Before you is your good works and your opinion. If the good of the Lord moves you, you will "about face" and accept Jesus as your personal Saviour. Then, God will declare you to be a righteous, perfect person, and will set you before the court of heaven as though you had never sinned. Will you repent tonight? Will you turn from anything you have, and look to Jesus? God help you to do it."

Closing thoughts:
Well that concludes my Grand-daddy's sermon on justification. I pray you have found it to be edifying, instructional and illuminating. Some day I will see Him again either when I pass from this life or when our Lord Jesus Christ comes to catch me and other Christians away unto Himself and then I will see my Grand-daddy in a glorified resurrected body, along with my own - as both of us bask and praise the One Who saved us and redeemed us. 

P1 - My grand-daddy's sermon justification

Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
Introduction: 
The Reverend Boaz Obed Smith was born January 1, 1900 and having been converted to saving faith in Jesus Christ as a young man. Having then felt that God was calling him to preach His word, the then young Boaz Smith enrolled in a three year Bible certificate program at was was then called "Philadelphia School of the Bible". Upon his graduation, the ambitious young preacher and his wife Louise would minister for 30 years in various churches throughout South Eastern, KY.  By the mid to late sixties, following Louise's passing, Reverend Boaz Smith would do various sorts of Bible studies and pulpit supply for roughly another 20 or so years in rural South Western Pennsylvania. This beloved man of God was my paternal grandfather, otherwise known as "Grand-daddy". Having passed away in 1983, my Grand-daddy left an amazing legacy of 60 years of preaching, ministry and evangelism. Several months ago my dad gave me all of my Grand-daddy's sermons. These wonderful sermons, radio transcripts and letters have proven to be a treasure trove. Included in the collection are my grandfather's notes that he took when attending Philadelphia School of the Bible (now Philadelphia Biblical University) back in 1927. 

I will ever cherish this collection, being that I barely knew the man I called "Grandaddy". However I felt it necessary to begin sharing a little bit with the readers of this blog his writings and words as both a tribute and a carrying on of the legacy of a man who lived what he preached and preached what he lived. Today's post features an excerpt from a sermon he preached sometime in the mid-1950's on a chilly October night. The subject of the sermon is on the truth we looked at yesterday: "Justification by Faith Alone". The title of the message is "justification". May you get an immense blessing out of it.

A Sermon on "Justification"

by Reverend B.O Smith

"I want to speak to you tonight on a doctrine that is most precious if understood. So many people misunderstand the doctrine of "justification". The word occurs three times in the book of Romans. "That God might be just, and the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus." Here is God's problem to solve: How can God remain a just and a Holy God, and still receive sinful people to Heaven when they die? Because He is Holy, He had to hate sin, and Because He is love, He had to love sinners. The love of God had to pay a fine to the Justice of God. That fine was paid by the death of Jesus.

Man sinned and thereby is utterly corrupt, and sinful, and depraved. There is none good, no not one. None righteous, no not one. No good in anyone that God will accept. Justified freely. Freely is mentioned in (John 15:25) and means: "without cause". God looked down and found none fit to take to Heaven. 

God created man perfect. He created everything perfect. God made him perfect but Satan knew God's holy nature, and that (if provoked), God would need to strike sin in every appearance. So Satan figured: 'if I can seduce Adam, then God will strike him and I'll have the universe all to myself'. 

But instead of God striking lightening when Adam sinned, God came to seek Adam. Satan was correct in assuming that the acid of judgment must fall upon sin and do its destructive judging work, but God's acid of wrath did not start to burn on Adam when he sinned. Instead, God's voice was heard in the garden. There was absolutely nothing in man that could recommend him to God. Absolutely nothing. No one deserves heaven but the Lord Jesus Christ. Every man deserves hell. But a great number of people, all of which who deserve hell, will fill up heaven instead because the grace of God decided they should go there instead. Isn't that wonderful? 

Justified freely by His grace. Nine times in the New Testament you find this word translated. It means in John 15:25 "without a cause". God said that absolute perfection is the only thing that will take us through. Not partly perfect, but total perfection. Christian can be expressed in three phrases: 'I deserve Hell; Jesus took my Hell instead of me taking it; there is nothing left for me but God's Heaven. 

Justified freely by His grace. If God had taken Adam and Eve after they sinned in the Garden of Eden, and sent them immediately to the Lake of Fire, they would had gotten what they justly deserved. If God had not moved towards them but allowed them to raise children, and eventually the earth to have been eventually inhabited with sinners so corrupt, and yet would had brushed them all aside into Hell, God would had been just. The angels would still had sung: "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty." God owes absolutely nothing to man."

Closing thoughts:

We will stop there today and continue this message in tomorrow's post. As any good Gospel preacher knows, you begin with the bad news in order to get to the good news. Rejoice today in the loving grace of God that saves sinners who so convinced by His grace freely respond and receive His legitimate offer of salvation to them. More tomorrow....

The crucial truth of justification by faith alone

Romans 4:3 For what does the Scripture say? “ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.”

Sinful man's three problems
When you study the first three chapters of the Book of Romans, you discover that humanity has three problems: a relational problem, a moral problem and a debt problem. These three problems explain the relational crisis that exists between fallen man and Holy God. Relationally I'm termed an enemy of God (Romans 1:18-31); Morally I'm guilty before God (Romans 2:1-16) and I am in debt to the Law of God (Romans 2:17-3:20).  In short when you and I are born into this world, we are in the spiritual, moral and relational equivalent of a credit crisis.  Unless our spiritual bank account is radically credited with righteousness, no amount of right living will balance out what is owed to God. 

The Bible's solution to man's problems: justification by faith in Jesus Christ
What is the solution? The Bible uses a term that explains God's solution: the term justification by faith. The nature of justification by faith involves God crediting and declaring the sinner to be right with Him - i.e righteousness.  Mind you this is not just any righteousness, but the righteousness of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:21 states: "He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."  

This Divine declaration of the sinner's rightness before God occurs at saving faith, and includes the righteousness of Jesus Christ being counted in the sinner's favor. Such a righteousness is what Bible teachers call "imputed righteousness", meaning that the accomplished work of righteousness credited to us was done by another. An old gospel song I heard years ago explains this point: "He paid a debt He did not owe and I owed a debt I could not pay, thats why God sent Him, to wash my sins away." 

Not only is the truth of justification by faith taught in the New Testament, but also in the Old Testament.  Abraham is used to illustrate the kind of righteousness that was credited to Him at the moment of saving faith, which the Bible describes as Abraham being justified by faith.

How God uses Abraham to illustrate justification by faith alone
For every New Testament teaching or doctrine we can find at least one concrete, flesh and blood example of that truth.  When it comes to the central Gospel truth of Justification by Faith Alone,  we find such an example in the life of Abraham.  Abraham was a man called by God out of the region of ancient Babylonia (modern day Iraq, near Persian Gulf) called "Ur of the Chaldees" in Genesis 12. 

After 13 years God would speak to him in a dream in Genesis 15, reaffirming His promises to Him.  By receiving those promises by faith alone, Abraham was demonstrating the concept of God "crediting" or "counting" Abraham as being right with Him.  We pick up this illustration of Abraham in Romans 4.  Some key questions from Romans 4 will guide us in seeing how Abraham illustrates Justification by Faith.

1. Is Justification based upon human goodness?
According to Romans 4:1-8 the answer is "no".  Abraham had been called by God while He was worshipping other gods in Ur in Genesis 11:27-32.  Later on we would find out that his wife Sarah was barren, unable to conceive a child, a crucial key to God's promise to Abraham of numerous offspring.  Even after trying to bring the promise himself with his handmaiden Hagar, Abraham demonstrated that he was unable to bring about anything contributing to his own salvation.  It was God's loving choice and calling of Abraham (i.e grace) that convinced Abraham to believe.(Joshua 24:1-3; Isaiah 51:1-2; Acts 7:1-4)  As Abraham demonstrates, his salvation was by grace through faith alone.

2. Is Justification based upon the religious rite of circumcision?
When Paul wrote Romans, many Jews in his day thought salvation was a result of circumcision plus faith.  Yet when God spoke these words to Abraham in Genesis 15, it was before He had revealed the rite of circumcision in Genesis 17.  Thus it is not based upon how religious one is that makes one right with God.  This is the argument of Romans 4:9-12.

3. Surely Abraham was justified by keeping the ten commandments?
According to Genesis 15, it would be another 400 or so years before God would reveal the Law to Israel and Moses on Mount Sinai.  Abraham was not declared righteous due to keeping the law.  Rather it was by grace alone through faith alone - identical to how justification occurs today. (John 1:12-13; Ephesians 2:8-9) Salvation by grace alone through faith alone occurs apart from adherence to the law of God, however we must hasten to add that justifying faith does not advocate that which would be lawless. What flows from justification, sanctification, is not in conflict with the law of God (compare Galatians 5:22-23). 

Justification by faith alone does not grant one a license to sin, but grants the believer the license and power to do what is pleasing to God. Though a distinct grace, sanctification consequently follows one's justification, much like a stalk and flower proceeds from a root. Sanctification begins at the moment one is justified by faith and is characterized by desiring to do the will of God for the glory of Jesus Christ. This is the argument of Romans 4, 5 & 6.

4. Abraham was justified by faith alone
In Romans 4:21-22 we read: "and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able to perform. (22) Therefore it was also credited to Him as righteousness."  The essence of saving faith entails the idea of "firm persuasion".  The Hebrew word the word "amen".  When you here the word "amen", it means you affirm, agree, are fully persuaded of what is being said to you.  Abraham "amened" what God promised to Him.  He could not do anything to earn it, nor could he accomplish it.  God alone could bring about the miraculous result of a son born to He and Sarah in their old age. (Genesis 21)   By faith alone he received the promise.  Abraham was justified by faith.

Closing thoughts:
Today we saw why justification by faith alone is so crucial. It first of all solves man's three problems with God. Second, it is what ties together the entire Old and New Testament teaching of salvation. Then finally, it explains why Jesus Christ's life, death and resurrection can be counted as righteousness at saving faith, and why apart from saving faith, no man can make himself morally, relationally and spiritually right with God. 

Purpose of Divine Appointments - Acts 28:1-10

Acts 28:1-2  "When they had been brought safely through, then we found out that the island was called Malta. 2 The natives showed us extraordinary kindness; for because of the rain that had set in and because of the cold, they kindled a fire and received us all."

Introduction:

Paul had survived a storm and a shipwreck along with 275 other fellow prisoners and their Roman captors in Acts 27. The original intent of the journey in Acts 27 was to sail from Caesarea Philippi to Rome, where Paul would appear before Caesar. What was supposed to be a straight journey ended up being an over two-week long ordeal in hurricane force winds with no sun to shine by day nor stars to shine at night. Paul ended up at a little tiny Island called "Malta", just South of Sicily. Concerning Paul's landing on Malta, Bible teacher Woodrow Kroll writes: "Malta is just a 95-square-mile speck in the Mediterranean Sea, but God had miraculously directed Paul's ship to the safety of its shores. This reminds us that not even the depths of the sea can "separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:39). When you are in God's hands, you are in good hands". 

When I look at the overall context of Acts 27-28, the overall destination was Rome.  However before Paul was to go to Rome, there had to be a Malta, which literally translated means "refuge". What appeared to be a non-necessary stop along the way was a Divine appointment. Divine appointments are not scheduled by us, but by God. Our date books, planners and phones don't track the when and where God has us to be or land so-to-speak. Nevertheless what can appear to be an inconvenience ends up being an intersection. What can appear to be a profound waste of time or a dead end can be a great moment for the child of God and the very street upon which God would have us to be. Divine appointments are where God meets with us, chooses to use us and then launches us out to continue onto the next destination. Today's post is about considering Divine appointments and their purposes. 

1. Divine Appointments can be for refreshment

As we saw in the opening verses of Acts 28, Paul and these men landed on the Island, and -  "The natives showed us extraordinary kindness; for because of the rain that had set in and because of the cold, they kindled a fire and received us all." At times God will put an "off ramp" so to speak for you to be simply shown kindness and love. Paul needed this for what laid ahead.  I have had those wonderful seasons of blissful interruption in my life where it seemed things were suddenly interrupted or that I was on a detour, only to be shown love, encouragement and even healing. But notice whatelse happended at Malta, the "place of refuge".

2. Divine Appointments can demonstrate God's power. 

Acts 28:3-6 tells what happened next to Paul - 3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came outbecause of the heat and fastened itself on his hand. 4 When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they begansaying to one another, “Undoubtedly this man is a murderer, and though he has been saved from the sea, justice has not allowed him to live.” 5 However he shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 But they were expecting that he was about to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had waited a long time and had seen nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and beganto say that he was a god." What intially began as a place of refuge quickly turned sideways - or so it seemed. Paul was bitten by a snake and the incident would end up being used by God to demonstrate His power and the power of the Gospel Paul would preach to these people. Mark 16:17-18 notes this from Jesus to His Apostles - "These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” To position Paul for how he would use him, God willed to permit this serpent to be in the cord of wood gathered by Paul. The outcome of not dying from the snake bite opened these people up to the possibility that their new visitor was more than met the eye and that he had a message to tell. Divine appointments are designed by God for the purpose of Him showing up when we least expect it.  When He shows up, we know then that what appeared to be a dissapointment ends up being a Divine appointment.  But now notice the third purpose of Divine appointments, not only refeshment and demonstration of God's Divine power but also....

3. Divine appointments are designed for God to use you to minister to other people.

Acts 28:7-9 notes - 7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us courteously three days. 8 And it happened that the father of Publius was lying in bed afflicted withrecurrent fever and dysentery; and Paul went in to see him and after he had prayed, he laid his hands on him and healed him.9 After this had happened, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases were coming to him and getting cured." Sometimes when we are on our way to our intended destination, God will have a little detour planned that will give us the opportunity to be used by Him. Malta certainly ended up being a place far more than what Paul bargained for. At first he was welcomed and cared for, only to get snake bit and then to see God show up and demonstrate His power. Now Paul was going to be put to work and in this instance God had so gifted Him to perform healings for the residents of that tiny island.  This is the only time Malta is mentioned in scripture and yet it was at this point and time God had chosen to bring healing, deliverance and comfort. Divine appointments are amazing in that the person who is led to be at one ends up being used by God to bless other people.  Now notice the final purpose for Divine appointments...

4. Divine appointments prepare you for the journey ahead.
Acts 28:10 "They also honored us with many marks of respect; and when we were setting sail, they supplied us with all we needed."  Paul's ultimate destination was Rome.  Rome would be where Paul would remain for two years under house arrest. Before it was all said and done, he would end up writing four more letters, preaching the Gospel and bearing witness in the most powerful city on earth at that time.  Much was being required of Paul, and much would be needed. This little stop at Malta proved to be beneficial to the apostle.  No doubt he was invest in as he made investment. People filled up his emotion gas tank and he was spoken into by those new believers. Divine appointments are prescribed by God, being that he alone knows completely what lies ahead.  Will we heed His voice and take advantage of all that a Divine  appointment can offer - a chance to meet and be met by the living God through His word.