Luke 11:1a "It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray....."
What would you had asked Jesus to teach you?
As you read through the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, you are exposed to over 140 episodes in the life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. The Master and His disciples traveled all over the regions of Israel for 3 1/2 years. If you had been one of those disciples, what would you had asked the Master to teach you? Perhaps how to teach? Christ was certainly the Master at teaching - He preached sermons, taught over 60 parables and lived out or referenced nearly 600 Bible verses. Or maybe you had asked Him about four easy steps to doing miracles? Christ did over 30 recorded miracles, cast out demons on almost 10 occassions and demonstrated His identity and power.
The only thing the disciples ever asked Jesus to teach them
How about this one - prayer? In Israel, there were other teachers living during that time who not only taught on prayer and wrote on prayer but who were known for prayer. So as a disciple of Jesus Christ, would prayer had been on your radar screen? No doubt it was of chief interest to these disciples. They saw many examples of beautiful prayer, dramatic prayer and well worded prayer. But from the request for Jesus to teach them how to pray - they evidently had never seen prayer with power (except John the Baptist). Prayer to the faith-life of the disciple is as oxygen to the lungs.
What is included in an effective prayer-life?
As Jesus goes down through His most famous prayer - "The Lord's Prayer", He lays out the key elements involved in an effective prayer life:
1. You begin and end with an exalted view of God the Father.
Jesus begins this prayer with "Our Father" and He then ends the prayer in the parallel passageof Matthew 6:13 with a declaration of the Eternal dominion of the Father. How you begin your prayer-life will determine where you end.
2. You Proceed through the promises of God through God the Son
As Christ continues to teach His disciples, He invokes several key promises and truths straight from the scripture. He first of all prays about the Kingdom of God or the reign of God to allign God's purposes in Heaven and on earth. Next He prays for God to supply every need. Then thirdly He prays for protection from the Evil One. All of these promises find their completion in the Son Himself. Christ will soon return, is the Mediator between God and believers and is the source of every spiritual and physical provision. 2 Corinthians 1:20 reminds us that all the promises and truths of God are confirmed in Christ.
3. Your prayer-life's connection to practical life is done through God the Holy Spirit
As Jesus concludes His teaching on prayer in Luke 11, we see Him speak about the Person and work of the Holy Spirit in Luke 11:13. Why the Holy Spirit? Because it is through the work of the indwelling Spirit that my prayer-life and practical-life are connected. It is the Spirit who leads me and guides me whether I am in prayer about my life or living prayerfully between prayer-times. (Romans 8:26) We read in Galatians 5:25 - "If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit."
Breath-in the Oxygen of discipleship
I find it no accident that Christ's teaching on prayer is purposefully centered around the Trinity. It is to God the Father that the disciple directs their prayers; it is through the Son that they can proceed confidently in prayer and it is by the strength of the Holy Spirit that they can continue to pray. (Ephesians 2:18) May you and I breath deep into the lungs of Christian faith the oxygen of prayer.
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Saturday, January 7, 2012
Friday, January 6, 2012
Why discipleship must include the church
Matthew 16:18 “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.
Over the past several days we have been exploring the concept of discipleship. A disciple is someone who by grace, through faith, follows Jesus Christ with the purpose to become like the Master. In the process of our study we have discovered so far the following about discipleship:
1. Call of Christ begins Discipleship
2. Cross bearing through self-denial is how one steps into discipleship
3. Christ must be prized above any counted cost to continue in discipleship
4. Commitment to the text of the scriptures is how one grows in Discipleship
In today's blog, we want to answer the simple question: Why does discipleship include the ministry of the local church? We will discover that the design, call, aim and desire of discipleship cannot be accomplished apart from the local church.
1. The design of discipleship - dependance, not independance
On the one hand, discipleship emphasizes the "personal" effort and experience of the disciple in their journey with the Master - Jesus Christ. However to think that discipleship is a Lone Ranger affair is a myth. In fact, if I approach discipleship only as a "me and Jesus" activity, then I will undo the principles of self-denial and counting the cost. Not only has Christ designed discipleship to make me dependant upon Him, but also to break me of the self-sufficient mindset that often accompanies my dealings with other people.
2. The call of discipleship demands connection with other disciples
The word "church" comes from a Greek word meaning "the called out ones". As we have seen already, discipleship begins with the Master Himself calling you. However with this idea of the church, as true as it is that Jesus calls each disciple one by one, He calls them to come together in the journey of following Him. Hebrews 10:24-25 states - "and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." Becoming involved with a local church is not optional for disciple. We know there will be times when emergencies arise or sickness occurs. However beyond those reasons, there is no reason to ever attempt the Christian life apart from the church.
3. The aim of discipleship is to value what Jesus' values
The church is Jesus' own personal building project. How important is it? The Bible reminds us that He paid the price for the salvation of all His disciples - the church - with His own blood. (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 1:7). Furthermore, God the Holy Spirit has been sent by the Father, in Jesus' own name, to help each individual disciple working with other disciples in being the church - in order to fulfill everything Jesus' commands. (John 14:16-21) The Master has invested all of His eternal effort as God and all of His blood as man to provide the means by which His disciples can become more like Him. Why would you not love what He loves?
4. The desire to follow Jesus in discipleship is strengthened through the church
When Jesus says to Peter here in Matthew 16:18 "upon this rock I will build my church", what is the "rock" that He is talking about? The idea of "rock" speaks of a foundation stone. The only "rock" to which Christ could be referring to is none other than Himself. 1 Peter 2, written by the same Peter here in Matthew 16, speaks of each disciple being a "living stone", with Jesus Christ being the "Chief Cornerstone". (1 Peter 2:4-7) Discipleship's calling is too demanding to be carried out only on the individual level. Cultivating a deeper love for the Master can only take place in relationship with others whose goal is the same. (1 Peter 2:7)
A Simple illustration - Can you have a coach without a team
Is there such thing as a coach without a team? Or how about a conductor without an orchestra? Or a racecar driver without sponsors? All these scenarios involve individuals who could never live out their identity, nor accomplish their tasks without their respective groups. Now take what is true in the natural realm, and try to accomplish the God-ordained call to discipleship. Disciples need one another. Christ as so designed discipleship that though the calling is issued to one person at a time, yet it's very nature requires every disciple participating at the same time.
Over the past several days we have been exploring the concept of discipleship. A disciple is someone who by grace, through faith, follows Jesus Christ with the purpose to become like the Master. In the process of our study we have discovered so far the following about discipleship:
1. Call of Christ begins Discipleship
2. Cross bearing through self-denial is how one steps into discipleship
3. Christ must be prized above any counted cost to continue in discipleship
4. Commitment to the text of the scriptures is how one grows in Discipleship
In today's blog, we want to answer the simple question: Why does discipleship include the ministry of the local church? We will discover that the design, call, aim and desire of discipleship cannot be accomplished apart from the local church.
1. The design of discipleship - dependance, not independance
On the one hand, discipleship emphasizes the "personal" effort and experience of the disciple in their journey with the Master - Jesus Christ. However to think that discipleship is a Lone Ranger affair is a myth. In fact, if I approach discipleship only as a "me and Jesus" activity, then I will undo the principles of self-denial and counting the cost. Not only has Christ designed discipleship to make me dependant upon Him, but also to break me of the self-sufficient mindset that often accompanies my dealings with other people.
2. The call of discipleship demands connection with other disciples
The word "church" comes from a Greek word meaning "the called out ones". As we have seen already, discipleship begins with the Master Himself calling you. However with this idea of the church, as true as it is that Jesus calls each disciple one by one, He calls them to come together in the journey of following Him. Hebrews 10:24-25 states - "and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." Becoming involved with a local church is not optional for disciple. We know there will be times when emergencies arise or sickness occurs. However beyond those reasons, there is no reason to ever attempt the Christian life apart from the church.
3. The aim of discipleship is to value what Jesus' values
The church is Jesus' own personal building project. How important is it? The Bible reminds us that He paid the price for the salvation of all His disciples - the church - with His own blood. (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 1:7). Furthermore, God the Holy Spirit has been sent by the Father, in Jesus' own name, to help each individual disciple working with other disciples in being the church - in order to fulfill everything Jesus' commands. (John 14:16-21) The Master has invested all of His eternal effort as God and all of His blood as man to provide the means by which His disciples can become more like Him. Why would you not love what He loves?
4. The desire to follow Jesus in discipleship is strengthened through the church
When Jesus says to Peter here in Matthew 16:18 "upon this rock I will build my church", what is the "rock" that He is talking about? The idea of "rock" speaks of a foundation stone. The only "rock" to which Christ could be referring to is none other than Himself. 1 Peter 2, written by the same Peter here in Matthew 16, speaks of each disciple being a "living stone", with Jesus Christ being the "Chief Cornerstone". (1 Peter 2:4-7) Discipleship's calling is too demanding to be carried out only on the individual level. Cultivating a deeper love for the Master can only take place in relationship with others whose goal is the same. (1 Peter 2:7)
A Simple illustration - Can you have a coach without a team
Is there such thing as a coach without a team? Or how about a conductor without an orchestra? Or a racecar driver without sponsors? All these scenarios involve individuals who could never live out their identity, nor accomplish their tasks without their respective groups. Now take what is true in the natural realm, and try to accomplish the God-ordained call to discipleship. Disciples need one another. Christ as so designed discipleship that though the calling is issued to one person at a time, yet it's very nature requires every disciple participating at the same time.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Discipleship's need for the scriptures
John 6:66-68 66As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore. 67So Jesus said to the twelve, “You do not want to go away also, do you?” 68Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life.
Thus far in our study on discipleship, we have defined discipleship as the process whereby a person by grace through faith trusts in Christ in order to become more like the Master through the pattern of self-denial. We have explored the following key principles:
1. Discipleship begins with the Call of Christ
2. Cross bearing through self-denial
3. Christ must be prized above any counted cost, if the disciple is to genuinely follow Him.
Discipleship's effectiveness is not only measured by how well one begins (which we could say classifies the first three lessons in this blog series), but moreso by how well one continues on in Christ. In today's blog, we want to understand the purpose of the scriptures in the disciple's spiritual growth.
1. Scripture is that which is written, communicating Christ's mind
Notice what Peter says to Jesus in John 6:68 "You have the words". When we call the Bible "scripture", that word "scripture" comes from the Latin "scriptura" meaning "that which is written". Perhaps you have heard of a "script". In this sense then the Bible is Christ's script for your life. Furthermore, if I want to get the mind of the Master into my own, I consult the scriptures. The Apostle Paul writes about the scriptures in 1 Corinthians 2:16 "For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ."
2. Scripture's inherent property as a life-giving document communicates spiritual growth
As we once again notice Peter's response to Jesus in John 6:68, he states that Jesus has "the words of eternal life". What is it about the Bible that makes it unique in being the Disciple's sustaining source for committment in discipleship? We know from other scriptures that the scriptures are the sole means through which the converting power of God is communicated into the human heart. (Psalm 19:7; James 1:18) Unless the word of God is present, read or communicated to the hearing ear, no one can become a disciple. (Romans 10:9-15).
As true as the scriptures are used by the Lord to convert the soul, they are also used by the Lord to sustain the soul following conversion. In the context of John 6, Jesus had performed his greatest mass miracle - the feeding of the 5,000. Yet whenever the crowd saw that they were no longer going to be getting free handouts, they left in droves. Yet Peter, a true disciple, knew the truth that "man shall live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God". (Mt 4:4) Were it not for the Bible, the disciple could not sustain the high call and cost that is discipleship. It is a fool's errand to think that one can live the Christian walk apart from daily exposure to the word of God. (Psalm 1; 19:8-13)
3. The scripture as the written word points us to Christ, our Rabbi, the Living Word
The word "word" comes from the word "logos", from whence we get our word "logic" and "logical". When we say the word "word", we are referring to how the Bible communicates God's logic, provides order and faithfully communicates His voice into our hearts. Christ too is also called "The Word". As the "Living Word", He does as The Living Person what the Bible does as the living document - He communicates God's logic, provides order to our world and communicates the very presence of God - since He is God. (John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16-17)
4. Your attitude toward the Bible reveals your attitude toward Jesus
Jesus Himself recognizes the relationship between Himself and the scriptures, since they are the words which points the believing disciple to Him. (John 5:39; Luke 24:44) Thus our attitude toward the Master will be directly related to what our attitude is towards the Bible. The two in terms of their relationship are inseperable. You cannot think of Christ apart from the Bible. He as the author of life is spoken of by the the Author of the scriptures, the Holy Spirit. This is why Peter says to Jesus in the same context of John 6: "To Whom shall we go, for you have the words of Eternal Life".
Thus far in our study on discipleship, we have defined discipleship as the process whereby a person by grace through faith trusts in Christ in order to become more like the Master through the pattern of self-denial. We have explored the following key principles:
1. Discipleship begins with the Call of Christ
2. Cross bearing through self-denial
3. Christ must be prized above any counted cost, if the disciple is to genuinely follow Him.
Discipleship's effectiveness is not only measured by how well one begins (which we could say classifies the first three lessons in this blog series), but moreso by how well one continues on in Christ. In today's blog, we want to understand the purpose of the scriptures in the disciple's spiritual growth.
1. Scripture is that which is written, communicating Christ's mind
Notice what Peter says to Jesus in John 6:68 "You have the words". When we call the Bible "scripture", that word "scripture" comes from the Latin "scriptura" meaning "that which is written". Perhaps you have heard of a "script". In this sense then the Bible is Christ's script for your life. Furthermore, if I want to get the mind of the Master into my own, I consult the scriptures. The Apostle Paul writes about the scriptures in 1 Corinthians 2:16 "For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ."
2. Scripture's inherent property as a life-giving document communicates spiritual growth
As we once again notice Peter's response to Jesus in John 6:68, he states that Jesus has "the words of eternal life". What is it about the Bible that makes it unique in being the Disciple's sustaining source for committment in discipleship? We know from other scriptures that the scriptures are the sole means through which the converting power of God is communicated into the human heart. (Psalm 19:7; James 1:18) Unless the word of God is present, read or communicated to the hearing ear, no one can become a disciple. (Romans 10:9-15).
As true as the scriptures are used by the Lord to convert the soul, they are also used by the Lord to sustain the soul following conversion. In the context of John 6, Jesus had performed his greatest mass miracle - the feeding of the 5,000. Yet whenever the crowd saw that they were no longer going to be getting free handouts, they left in droves. Yet Peter, a true disciple, knew the truth that "man shall live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God". (Mt 4:4) Were it not for the Bible, the disciple could not sustain the high call and cost that is discipleship. It is a fool's errand to think that one can live the Christian walk apart from daily exposure to the word of God. (Psalm 1; 19:8-13)
3. The scripture as the written word points us to Christ, our Rabbi, the Living Word
The word "word" comes from the word "logos", from whence we get our word "logic" and "logical". When we say the word "word", we are referring to how the Bible communicates God's logic, provides order and faithfully communicates His voice into our hearts. Christ too is also called "The Word". As the "Living Word", He does as The Living Person what the Bible does as the living document - He communicates God's logic, provides order to our world and communicates the very presence of God - since He is God. (John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16-17)
4. Your attitude toward the Bible reveals your attitude toward Jesus
Jesus Himself recognizes the relationship between Himself and the scriptures, since they are the words which points the believing disciple to Him. (John 5:39; Luke 24:44) Thus our attitude toward the Master will be directly related to what our attitude is towards the Bible. The two in terms of their relationship are inseperable. You cannot think of Christ apart from the Bible. He as the author of life is spoken of by the the Author of the scriptures, the Holy Spirit. This is why Peter says to Jesus in the same context of John 6: "To Whom shall we go, for you have the words of Eternal Life".
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
The Cost, and Greater Prize of Discipleship
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?
So far in these last couple of blogs we have been exploring the meaning of discipleship. Discipleship begins with the call of Christ. This call is radical. You must be willing to deny yourself, take up His cross daily, and follow Him in order to gain the appreciation of becoming like the Master in thought, word and deed. (Luke 9:23-24) The first two lessons we have learned thus far about discipleship are these:
1. Discipleship begins with His call
2. Discipleship must include self denial and daily cross bearing
With the first element dealing with the Sovereign Grace of God calling you to Himself, and the second dealing with the intention of the will set free by such grace to respond, today's element in discipleship involves counting the cost.
Why the cost of following Christ is so high
As Jesus' popularity was growing, the Bible tells us in Luke 14:25 that "Large crowds were going along with Him." Jesus knew that not everyone who was claiming to be a "disciple" with their lips was truly a disciple in their heart. Jesus sets forth this principle of "counting the cost" as the standard that must be met if discipleship is ever to be a true reality in the life of the one who claims Christ as His own. Only by grace through faith that has embraced Jesus as Savior Lord and Treasure will such a standard become the delight of the soul. Jesus uses three illustrations to reveal why the cost is so high:
1. Christ must be the most important relationship in your life.
When you trust in Christ, understand that it will regulate and determine who and what will influence your life. Jesus says that in a comparitive way, the affection we have for parents, siblings or family must be as "hatred" in comparison to the undivided loyalty to Christ. The realm of human relationships is the greatest test for the disciple. If they have not resolved in their heart to make Christ The Priority, distraction and apathy will characterize the Christian walk.
2. Christ must be the most important priority in your life
Jesus then moves onto his next illustration - the realm of projects and things. If you have ever tried to build anything, go for a career, plan a family or purchase anything, unless you have sat down and calculated how much it is going to cost - you can quickly get-in-over your head. Priority has to do with that scale we use to weigh what we are going to do next. Building a big huge tower takes planning, materials and money. If a builder goes in with no plan - then he plans to fail. In following Christ, many people don't bother to count the cost. Why? Because if Christ was the main reason, they would be careful in how they approach following Him. Are you will to place all plans in last place to make Him the priority of your life?
3. Christ must be the main purpose in your life.
We have seen Jesus illustrate how counting the cost must be at the beginning in our relationships and throughout our lives in the realm of everyday priorities. But what of our main goal in life? Where or whom are you willing to risk it all to gain the prize of discipleship - Christ? Jesus uses the illustration of a King going into battle. The objective is clear - victory. However He first of all has to count his army, his supplies and the wisdom of his counselors against the opposing army. Is the victory desired worth the losses that could come as a result of the impending battle? Either the King will conclude the cost is too high, walk away and surrender or He'll say - "lets go, we have more than enough to win".
4. The Prize gained is greater than the cost
The prize gained in discipleship - Christ, is always greater than any cost. The Prize - Christ - determines the purpose for which I will carryout my life's priorites and relationships. As Paul writes in Philippians 3:8 - "... I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ".
So far in these last couple of blogs we have been exploring the meaning of discipleship. Discipleship begins with the call of Christ. This call is radical. You must be willing to deny yourself, take up His cross daily, and follow Him in order to gain the appreciation of becoming like the Master in thought, word and deed. (Luke 9:23-24) The first two lessons we have learned thus far about discipleship are these:
1. Discipleship begins with His call
2. Discipleship must include self denial and daily cross bearing
With the first element dealing with the Sovereign Grace of God calling you to Himself, and the second dealing with the intention of the will set free by such grace to respond, today's element in discipleship involves counting the cost.
Why the cost of following Christ is so high
As Jesus' popularity was growing, the Bible tells us in Luke 14:25 that "Large crowds were going along with Him." Jesus knew that not everyone who was claiming to be a "disciple" with their lips was truly a disciple in their heart. Jesus sets forth this principle of "counting the cost" as the standard that must be met if discipleship is ever to be a true reality in the life of the one who claims Christ as His own. Only by grace through faith that has embraced Jesus as Savior Lord and Treasure will such a standard become the delight of the soul. Jesus uses three illustrations to reveal why the cost is so high:
1. Christ must be the most important relationship in your life.
When you trust in Christ, understand that it will regulate and determine who and what will influence your life. Jesus says that in a comparitive way, the affection we have for parents, siblings or family must be as "hatred" in comparison to the undivided loyalty to Christ. The realm of human relationships is the greatest test for the disciple. If they have not resolved in their heart to make Christ The Priority, distraction and apathy will characterize the Christian walk.
2. Christ must be the most important priority in your life
Jesus then moves onto his next illustration - the realm of projects and things. If you have ever tried to build anything, go for a career, plan a family or purchase anything, unless you have sat down and calculated how much it is going to cost - you can quickly get-in-over your head. Priority has to do with that scale we use to weigh what we are going to do next. Building a big huge tower takes planning, materials and money. If a builder goes in with no plan - then he plans to fail. In following Christ, many people don't bother to count the cost. Why? Because if Christ was the main reason, they would be careful in how they approach following Him. Are you will to place all plans in last place to make Him the priority of your life?
3. Christ must be the main purpose in your life.
We have seen Jesus illustrate how counting the cost must be at the beginning in our relationships and throughout our lives in the realm of everyday priorities. But what of our main goal in life? Where or whom are you willing to risk it all to gain the prize of discipleship - Christ? Jesus uses the illustration of a King going into battle. The objective is clear - victory. However He first of all has to count his army, his supplies and the wisdom of his counselors against the opposing army. Is the victory desired worth the losses that could come as a result of the impending battle? Either the King will conclude the cost is too high, walk away and surrender or He'll say - "lets go, we have more than enough to win".
4. The Prize gained is greater than the cost
The prize gained in discipleship - Christ, is always greater than any cost. The Prize - Christ - determines the purpose for which I will carryout my life's priorites and relationships. As Paul writes in Philippians 3:8 - "... I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ".
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Discipleship's greatest gain
Luke 9:23-24 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. 25 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?
The Radical Call of Discipleship
Yesterday we began to explore what discipleship is and how it begins - namely with Christ calling you by His grace to trust and follow Him. Once you by grace through faith trust in Christ, the heart of the radical call to discipleship involves "denial of self" and "daily cross bearing". In the original Greek and Hebrew a disciple first and foremost was a "learner". But in the process of "learning", it wasn't just gaining facts and figures from the teacher. Discipleship's aim is for the eager follower to forsake his desire for comfort and self-interest in order to follow the Master and become like Him. No doubt, what Jesus is saying here in the above verses is radical - but necessary and expected, if anyone wants to truly follow Him.
Why self denial is at the heart of discipleship
The disciple was "learning" how to talk like, walk like and live like the Master or "Rabbi" as it is termed in the original language of Jesus' day. Therefore all Jews understood that if you ever had the privilege to learn under a respected "Rabbi" inIsrael
What it means to "take up your cross"
Jesus makes an intresting statement concerning the level of committment it will take to be a "disciple". He says that in order to follow Him, you must "deny yourself" and then "take up your cross". When Jesus made this statement about "cross-bearing", it was referring back to an event the took place before He had been born inBethlehem
During the days leading up to and after Jesus’ birth, Jewish expectation of a Messiah to come and break the yoke of Roman oppression was at an all-time high. Many guys came and went, claiming to be the One who would break the tyranny of Rome away from the shoulders of the Jewish people. One such wanna-be was named “Judas the Galilean”. A first century Jewish Historian by the name of Josephus records how this man had gained many followers. According to the history of that time, this "wanna-be" convinced 2,000 followers in the regions ofGalilee (a Roman province that was North of Jerusalem) that he was the One to lead a rebellion against Rome
WhenRome Galilee . They then crucified everyone of these followers, along with their “wanna-be” Messiah, thus sending a message to everyone that if you follow anyone like this man, this will be your fate. Thus in Jesus day, when anyone spoke of “taking up their cross”, everyone knew it was in reference to the violent, bloody end of the failed coup against Rome
This radical commitment must be a daily reality
No doubt when Jesus made this statement, it instantly sent a message to all of his “wanna-be” followers – namely be ready to not only give up your claims to your own life; be ready, if need be, to give up your life period. Jesus inserts that little word that adds another exclamation point to an already demanding call – “daily”. Everyday the disciple of Jesus Christ needs to regard what God has said, regard his own selfish interests to be dead, in order that in Christ He may move ahead. (Please compare Romans 6:4-11)
Keep your Eye on the prize
Despite what is no doubt a perceived loss, the gains in following Christ achieve a far greater prize – Christ Himself. Jesus says in Luke 9:24-25 - "For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. 25 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? The Apostle Paul writes similar words in Philippians 3:7-8 “But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ.”
If we remind ourselves of the goal of discipleship – to be like the Rabbi in our thoughts, our actions and our life, demanding realities such as “self-denial” and “daily cross-bearing” will more become delights rather than duties.
The Radical Call of Discipleship
Yesterday we began to explore what discipleship is and how it begins - namely with Christ calling you by His grace to trust and follow Him. Once you by grace through faith trust in Christ, the heart of the radical call to discipleship involves "denial of self" and "daily cross bearing". In the original Greek and Hebrew a disciple first and foremost was a "learner". But in the process of "learning", it wasn't just gaining facts and figures from the teacher. Discipleship's aim is for the eager follower to forsake his desire for comfort and self-interest in order to follow the Master and become like Him. No doubt, what Jesus is saying here in the above verses is radical - but necessary and expected, if anyone wants to truly follow Him.
Why self denial is at the heart of discipleship
The disciple was "learning" how to talk like, walk like and live like the Master or "Rabbi" as it is termed in the original language of Jesus' day. Therefore all Jews understood that if you ever had the privilege to learn under a respected "Rabbi" in
What it means to "take up your cross"
Jesus makes an intresting statement concerning the level of committment it will take to be a "disciple". He says that in order to follow Him, you must "deny yourself" and then "take up your cross". When Jesus made this statement about "cross-bearing", it was referring back to an event the took place before He had been born in
During the days leading up to and after Jesus’ birth, Jewish expectation of a Messiah to come and break the yoke of Roman oppression was at an all-time high. Many guys came and went, claiming to be the One who would break the tyranny of Rome away from the shoulders of the Jewish people. One such wanna-be was named “Judas the Galilean”. A first century Jewish Historian by the name of Josephus records how this man had gained many followers. According to the history of that time, this "wanna-be" convinced 2,000 followers in the regions of
When
This radical commitment must be a daily reality
No doubt when Jesus made this statement, it instantly sent a message to all of his “wanna-be” followers – namely be ready to not only give up your claims to your own life; be ready, if need be, to give up your life period. Jesus inserts that little word that adds another exclamation point to an already demanding call – “daily”. Everyday the disciple of Jesus Christ needs to regard what God has said, regard his own selfish interests to be dead, in order that in Christ He may move ahead. (Please compare Romans 6:4-11)
Keep your Eye on the prize
Despite what is no doubt a perceived loss, the gains in following Christ achieve a far greater prize – Christ Himself. Jesus says in Luke 9:24-25 - "For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. 25 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? The Apostle Paul writes similar words in Philippians 3:7-8 “But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ.”
If we remind ourselves of the goal of discipleship – to be like the Rabbi in our thoughts, our actions and our life, demanding realities such as “self-denial” and “daily cross-bearing” will more become delights rather than duties.
Monday, January 2, 2012
The Beginning of Discipleship
Luke 5:27-28 And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me. 28 And he left all, rose up, and followed him.
I thought we would begin this New Year by focusing on one of the chief reasons for the existence of this blog site: Discipleship. Discipleship refers to the process by which a person by grace through faith believes on Christ as Savior and Lord while forsaking himself to become like the Master. Throughout the Gospel accounts Jesus brings forth the nuts and bolts of what it means to be a disciple - or what is termed today as "a fully committed follower of Jesus Christ".
Discipleship begins with the Call of Christ
Luke records the conversion of one of the twelve original disciples - Levi (or more commonly known as Matthew). Matthew (Levi) would 30 years after this event write the first Gospel in our New Testament - the Gospel of Matthew. But before Matthew became "Saint Matthew", he was sinner Matthew. He took advantage, extorted and did whatever it took to make that next dollar. As a tax-collector for Rome, he not only made it his business to get the necessary taxes from his fellow Jews, he also charged "hidden" fees over and above the tax to line his own pockets. Jews hated tax-collectors - and tax collectors loved money. The last thing that Matthew was thinking of doing was turning His entire life over to Christ to follow Him.
The Call of Discipleship identifies the claim of Christ on your life
Matthew was into his career, his life. He was making money. Then came that voice - that voice which cut through the air and into his heart. Suddenly the clinking of coinage and the rustling of bills were over-powered by the voice of the One who was now laying claim on Matthew.
This was a voice that was unlike any voice he had ever heard. Two words: "Follow Me". What follows is as shocking as it is unexpected. Matthew, the man of means, the man of money, was touched by Divine Grace. The same voice which created all life and through whom came the entire universe was now through human vocal cords penetrating the dark heart of Matthew.
The Call of Discipleship makes following Christ a foregone conclusion
Grace made following Jesus a foregone conclusion. He left all, rose up and followed Him.
This is how life with Jesus Christ begins: with a call issued forth from Him, through His word, into your heart. To be a disciple means to forsake all that you used to define yourself in favor of following the One who is unlike yourself. By faith, as you follow the One calling your name, you will grow in your desire to be so much like Him that you too we see that what Matthew did was the only thing that makes sense - Go and Follow the Master.
I thought we would begin this New Year by focusing on one of the chief reasons for the existence of this blog site: Discipleship. Discipleship refers to the process by which a person by grace through faith believes on Christ as Savior and Lord while forsaking himself to become like the Master. Throughout the Gospel accounts Jesus brings forth the nuts and bolts of what it means to be a disciple - or what is termed today as "a fully committed follower of Jesus Christ".
Discipleship begins with the Call of Christ
Luke records the conversion of one of the twelve original disciples - Levi (or more commonly known as Matthew). Matthew (Levi) would 30 years after this event write the first Gospel in our New Testament - the Gospel of Matthew. But before Matthew became "Saint Matthew", he was sinner Matthew. He took advantage, extorted and did whatever it took to make that next dollar. As a tax-collector for Rome, he not only made it his business to get the necessary taxes from his fellow Jews, he also charged "hidden" fees over and above the tax to line his own pockets. Jews hated tax-collectors - and tax collectors loved money. The last thing that Matthew was thinking of doing was turning His entire life over to Christ to follow Him.
The Call of Discipleship identifies the claim of Christ on your life
Matthew was into his career, his life. He was making money. Then came that voice - that voice which cut through the air and into his heart. Suddenly the clinking of coinage and the rustling of bills were over-powered by the voice of the One who was now laying claim on Matthew.
This was a voice that was unlike any voice he had ever heard. Two words: "Follow Me". What follows is as shocking as it is unexpected. Matthew, the man of means, the man of money, was touched by Divine Grace. The same voice which created all life and through whom came the entire universe was now through human vocal cords penetrating the dark heart of Matthew.
The Call of Discipleship makes following Christ a foregone conclusion
Grace made following Jesus a foregone conclusion. He left all, rose up and followed Him.
This is how life with Jesus Christ begins: with a call issued forth from Him, through His word, into your heart. To be a disciple means to forsake all that you used to define yourself in favor of following the One who is unlike yourself. By faith, as you follow the One calling your name, you will grow in your desire to be so much like Him that you too we see that what Matthew did was the only thing that makes sense - Go and Follow the Master.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Two things worth living and dying for in 2012
Acts -60 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
MY CHALLENGE TO YOU FOR 2012 As we begin this year of 2012, I want to propose to you that you make this the year that you find something that is both worth living for and dying for. Many of you reading this blog have made a "New Year's Resolution" in which you believe you have found something worth living for. Fewer people have ever found something worth dying for. However, Stephen, the first martyr ever for the Christian faith, found not one, but two things that were worth living and dying for - The Entire Bible and the Entire Christ.
STEPHEN PREACHED TO THE DEATH As he stood before his accusers, the charges leveled against him were those of blasphemy and attempting to replace the Jewish religion with Jesus Christ. The religious leaders who were accusing Stephen did not have anything to live for or die for. They had tradition, ideas, self-righteousness and themselves. When they actually ran across someone who was proclaiming what he believed was worth living and dying for, Stephen's words became as a stench in their ears. Mediocrity will always hate excellence, religion will always detest true godliness and self-righteousness will forever wage war against Christ.
STEPHEN LIVED AND DIED BY THE ENTIRE BIBLE Stephen first of all believed that it was worth living for and dying by the entire Bible. His address to this angred mob gives the entire history, in highlight form, of redemptive history from Abraham to Christ. Before it is all said and done, Stephen will had referenced over 60 Old Testament passages, mentioned eight major Old Testament figures, covered 2100 years of time and summarized 40 books of the Bible. Stephen burned with a white hot passion for the word of God. He knew that his sermon was going to end in death - yet he never felt more alive.
STEPHEN LIVED AND DIED BY THE ENTIRE CHRIST Then Stephen secondly believed that it was worth living and dying for the entire Christ. In the lives of the people mentioned in Stephen's address, we find pictures of Christ. Abraham pictures the promised Christ, Isaac the Sacrifical Son. In Jacob's life we are reminded of Christ anticipated and in Joseph the picture of Christ's death and resurrection. In Moses we see Christ the intercessor for His people and with Joshua we see portrayed the victorious Christ. David reminds us that Christ was to be the King of Kings and Solomon foreshadows Christ our wisdom. Stephen also briefly mentions the prophets, reminding us that Christ alone could reveal the glory of God - since He is God. Is it no wonder that as stones bludgeoned Stephen to death that he echoed the prayer of forgiveness that Christ prayed when He was being crucified.
SO WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Will you this year make the entire Bible and the entire Christ your standard by which you determine what is worth living and dying for? Christianity's cornerstone is shaped by the Written Word and The Living Word - Jesus Christ. Make 2012 your year by which you are willing to live and die for the Christ of the word and the word of Christ.
MY CHALLENGE TO YOU FOR 2012 As we begin this year of 2012, I want to propose to you that you make this the year that you find something that is both worth living for and dying for. Many of you reading this blog have made a "New Year's Resolution" in which you believe you have found something worth living for. Fewer people have ever found something worth dying for. However, Stephen, the first martyr ever for the Christian faith, found not one, but two things that were worth living and dying for - The Entire Bible and the Entire Christ.
STEPHEN PREACHED TO THE DEATH As he stood before his accusers, the charges leveled against him were those of blasphemy and attempting to replace the Jewish religion with Jesus Christ. The religious leaders who were accusing Stephen did not have anything to live for or die for. They had tradition, ideas, self-righteousness and themselves. When they actually ran across someone who was proclaiming what he believed was worth living and dying for, Stephen's words became as a stench in their ears. Mediocrity will always hate excellence, religion will always detest true godliness and self-righteousness will forever wage war against Christ.
STEPHEN LIVED AND DIED BY THE ENTIRE BIBLE Stephen first of all believed that it was worth living for and dying by the entire Bible. His address to this angred mob gives the entire history, in highlight form, of redemptive history from Abraham to Christ. Before it is all said and done, Stephen will had referenced over 60 Old Testament passages, mentioned eight major Old Testament figures, covered 2100 years of time and summarized 40 books of the Bible. Stephen burned with a white hot passion for the word of God. He knew that his sermon was going to end in death - yet he never felt more alive.
STEPHEN LIVED AND DIED BY THE ENTIRE CHRIST Then Stephen secondly believed that it was worth living and dying for the entire Christ. In the lives of the people mentioned in Stephen's address, we find pictures of Christ. Abraham pictures the promised Christ, Isaac the Sacrifical Son. In Jacob's life we are reminded of Christ anticipated and in Joseph the picture of Christ's death and resurrection. In Moses we see Christ the intercessor for His people and with Joshua we see portrayed the victorious Christ. David reminds us that Christ was to be the King of Kings and Solomon foreshadows Christ our wisdom. Stephen also briefly mentions the prophets, reminding us that Christ alone could reveal the glory of God - since He is God. Is it no wonder that as stones bludgeoned Stephen to death that he echoed the prayer of forgiveness that Christ prayed when He was being crucified.
SO WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Will you this year make the entire Bible and the entire Christ your standard by which you determine what is worth living and dying for? Christianity's cornerstone is shaped by the Written Word and The Living Word - Jesus Christ. Make 2012 your year by which you are willing to live and die for the Christ of the word and the word of Christ.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Treasuring Christ makes every day like Christmas
Hebrews 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. 2And 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.
As we close out this month, and this year, I want to leave 2011 with thoughts on how we can make everyday "Christmas" by making our life all about "treasuring Christ" in 2012. I believe if we unfold what it means to be a "living sacrifice" as stated in the above verses, you and I by grace can do this:
1. Receive in order to Give for Christ in 2012
I want to challenge my readers to present themselves to God through Christ, every day, for 2012. Perhaps you are reading this blog, and have not yet by grace through faith believed on Jesus Christ as your Savior, Lord and treasure. Romans 10:8-10 tells us how to do that: what does it say? “The word is near you, in your heart and in your mouth”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, 9that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. Christmas is all about giving. As we have witnessed in these last 30 blogs, God demonstrated His infinite capacity to give to a people who otherwise were not willing to receive. By receiving Him into your life, you will discover the only way you can begin making your life a life of giving for His glory.
2. Giving yourself in 2012 is maintained by presenting yourself constantly to Him
By its very nature, the miracle of Christ's incarnation set the pattern for all of those who would by grace through faith believe upon Him. Christ presented Himself, quite literally as a living sacrifice. He was born into a world that was diametrically opposed to He and His Father. He later on, at 30 years of age, would "present" Himself for baptism by John the Baptist - who heralded Him as "The Lamb of God". (John 1:29)
3. As you present your life in 2012, keep focused on the cross
As Christ ministered throughout the regions of Galilee and Judea, He was constantly "presenting Himself" as God's living sacrifice. Six times throughout the course of His ministry He would predict His death. Then on the cross, He did the ultimate presentation - He laid down His life for His sheep. (John 10).
4. In focusing on the cross, draw your strength from His resurrection power in 2012
However three days later He would rise again, demonstrating that He was not the God of the dead, but of the living. In His Humanity He still could say he was the living sacrifice. As God, He could decree as much.
5. As His resurrection power gives strength, glorify Him by coming to Him more in prayer in 2012
As He ascended up into Heaven, He has never ceased being that living sacrifice, since He ministers daily on behalf of all true believers at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 1:1-4; 1 John 2:1-2). The Apostle John in Revelation 5:6 sees Him as "The Lamb in the midst of the Throne". He is and will ever be the living sacrifice - the God man.
6. As your grow in prayer, make it your chief aim in 2012 to treasure Christ above all things
Thus are we to treasure Him in our hearts, just as Mary did as she watched him grow up before her sight. (Luke 2:51). May we too be willing, as those who by grace were called and gifted by faith to believe on Him as Savior, Lord and Treasure present ourselves as living sacrifices. Only at the cross and through the cross can this be a reality. May you and I make everyday Christmas - imitating our Lord and Savior and Treasure Jesus Christ.
As we close out this month, and this year, I want to leave 2011 with thoughts on how we can make everyday "Christmas" by making our life all about "treasuring Christ" in 2012. I believe if we unfold what it means to be a "living sacrifice" as stated in the above verses, you and I by grace can do this:
1. Receive in order to Give for Christ in 2012
I want to challenge my readers to present themselves to God through Christ, every day, for 2012. Perhaps you are reading this blog, and have not yet by grace through faith believed on Jesus Christ as your Savior, Lord and treasure. Romans 10:8-10 tells us how to do that: what does it say? “The word is near you, in your heart and in your mouth”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, 9that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. Christmas is all about giving. As we have witnessed in these last 30 blogs, God demonstrated His infinite capacity to give to a people who otherwise were not willing to receive. By receiving Him into your life, you will discover the only way you can begin making your life a life of giving for His glory.
2. Giving yourself in 2012 is maintained by presenting yourself constantly to Him
By its very nature, the miracle of Christ's incarnation set the pattern for all of those who would by grace through faith believe upon Him. Christ presented Himself, quite literally as a living sacrifice. He was born into a world that was diametrically opposed to He and His Father. He later on, at 30 years of age, would "present" Himself for baptism by John the Baptist - who heralded Him as "The Lamb of God". (John 1:29)
3. As you present your life in 2012, keep focused on the cross
As Christ ministered throughout the regions of Galilee and Judea, He was constantly "presenting Himself" as God's living sacrifice. Six times throughout the course of His ministry He would predict His death. Then on the cross, He did the ultimate presentation - He laid down His life for His sheep. (John 10).
4. In focusing on the cross, draw your strength from His resurrection power in 2012
However three days later He would rise again, demonstrating that He was not the God of the dead, but of the living. In His Humanity He still could say he was the living sacrifice. As God, He could decree as much.
5. As His resurrection power gives strength, glorify Him by coming to Him more in prayer in 2012
As He ascended up into Heaven, He has never ceased being that living sacrifice, since He ministers daily on behalf of all true believers at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 1:1-4; 1 John 2:1-2). The Apostle John in Revelation 5:6 sees Him as "The Lamb in the midst of the Throne". He is and will ever be the living sacrifice - the God man.
6. As your grow in prayer, make it your chief aim in 2012 to treasure Christ above all things
Thus are we to treasure Him in our hearts, just as Mary did as she watched him grow up before her sight. (Luke 2:51). May we too be willing, as those who by grace were called and gifted by faith to believe on Him as Savior, Lord and Treasure present ourselves as living sacrifices. Only at the cross and through the cross can this be a reality. May you and I make everyday Christmas - imitating our Lord and Savior and Treasure Jesus Christ.
Friday, December 30, 2011
The Journey from Eternity into Time
1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
If there was ever one verse that captures the entirety of the Christmas story - 1 Timothy 3:16 is it. In a span of one verse, the Apostle Paul, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, captures six statements that tells us the Journey of God the Son from Eternity into time. This verse was most likely one of the first hymns sung by early Christians living in the days following Christ's resurrection. Consider below the journey recorded for us in this verse:
1. The Journey was made by God The King James and New King James tells us that it was "God manifest in the flesh". We know from other scriptures, such as John 1:14, that this was the second person of the Trinity, God the Son, who had agreed with God the Father from all eternity to take upon Himself humanity. God, in the person of Jesus Christ, would make the journey from Heaven to earth through a virgin's womb. (Isaiah 7:14)
2. The Holy Spirit made this journey possible. The event of God the Son taking upon Himself human flesh was ordained by God the Father, and made possible by God the Holy Spirit. In this one short phrase: "justified in the Spirit", we see here not only the twin truths of Christ's Deity and humanity, but also the Personality of the Holy Spirit. It is He who would overshadow Mary, making the conception of Christ's humanity a reality in her womb. Also to, the Holy Spirit was the Agent responsible for the miracle of the virgin birth, thus preserving Christ's human nature from the tainting of sin as seen in that term "justified".
3. The Angelic Hosts announced it When Paul writes "seen by angels", I am reminded of angels who met the Shepherds watching their flocks by night in Luke 2. Or we could also include the Angel Gabriel who told the news to Mary and Joseph of the Christ child being miraculously conceived in her virgin womb. The text here tells us that the entire angelic host of Heaven was witness to all of this.
4. Preached unto the Gentiles When we read "preached unto the Gentiles", we are talking about the entirety of the proclamation of Christ's birth, life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension. Herod heard of the Savior's birth. Then as this baby grew into a man, he lived a perfect life for 33 years and made his way to the cross. After rising from the dead, He gave his final commission unto His followers, the disciples, to go into all the world an preach the gospel, making disciples, baptizing and teaching them everything He had done and said. (matthew 28:18-20).
5. He was by grace through faith believed Paul wrote these words in or around 60 A.D, almost 30 years after the events of which he records here. No doubt he is reflecting on all those who by grace through faith believed on Christ - from those early saints gathered in the upper room following Christ's ascension to the untold thousands who were converted under his ministry. John 1:12 tells us that as many as received Him, as many as believed upon His name, He gave them the right to be called children of God.
6. He ascended, demonstrating that while being man, He never ceased being God. The ascension of Jesus Christ does for Christ in demonstrating His Deity as the incarnation does in demonstrating His humanity. He had to become man in order to pay the price for salvation with his blood. He never ceased being God - for only as God could He be the true source of salvation to all who by grace through faith would believe on Him.
If there was ever one verse that captures the entirety of the Christmas story - 1 Timothy 3:16 is it. In a span of one verse, the Apostle Paul, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, captures six statements that tells us the Journey of God the Son from Eternity into time. This verse was most likely one of the first hymns sung by early Christians living in the days following Christ's resurrection. Consider below the journey recorded for us in this verse:
1. The Journey was made by God The King James and New King James tells us that it was "God manifest in the flesh". We know from other scriptures, such as John 1:14, that this was the second person of the Trinity, God the Son, who had agreed with God the Father from all eternity to take upon Himself humanity. God, in the person of Jesus Christ, would make the journey from Heaven to earth through a virgin's womb. (Isaiah 7:14)
2. The Holy Spirit made this journey possible. The event of God the Son taking upon Himself human flesh was ordained by God the Father, and made possible by God the Holy Spirit. In this one short phrase: "justified in the Spirit", we see here not only the twin truths of Christ's Deity and humanity, but also the Personality of the Holy Spirit. It is He who would overshadow Mary, making the conception of Christ's humanity a reality in her womb. Also to, the Holy Spirit was the Agent responsible for the miracle of the virgin birth, thus preserving Christ's human nature from the tainting of sin as seen in that term "justified".
3. The Angelic Hosts announced it When Paul writes "seen by angels", I am reminded of angels who met the Shepherds watching their flocks by night in Luke 2. Or we could also include the Angel Gabriel who told the news to Mary and Joseph of the Christ child being miraculously conceived in her virgin womb. The text here tells us that the entire angelic host of Heaven was witness to all of this.
4. Preached unto the Gentiles When we read "preached unto the Gentiles", we are talking about the entirety of the proclamation of Christ's birth, life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension. Herod heard of the Savior's birth. Then as this baby grew into a man, he lived a perfect life for 33 years and made his way to the cross. After rising from the dead, He gave his final commission unto His followers, the disciples, to go into all the world an preach the gospel, making disciples, baptizing and teaching them everything He had done and said. (matthew 28:18-20).
5. He was by grace through faith believed Paul wrote these words in or around 60 A.D, almost 30 years after the events of which he records here. No doubt he is reflecting on all those who by grace through faith believed on Christ - from those early saints gathered in the upper room following Christ's ascension to the untold thousands who were converted under his ministry. John 1:12 tells us that as many as received Him, as many as believed upon His name, He gave them the right to be called children of God.
6. He ascended, demonstrating that while being man, He never ceased being God. The ascension of Jesus Christ does for Christ in demonstrating His Deity as the incarnation does in demonstrating His humanity. He had to become man in order to pay the price for salvation with his blood. He never ceased being God - for only as God could He be the true source of salvation to all who by grace through faith would believe on Him.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Front row seat to history
Luke 2:8 8In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.
As we are beginning to wind down our month long focus on the biblical account of Christ's birth in Bethlehem, we want to consider today the place of the shepherds in the Christmas story. We have noted throughout this past month that many prophecies from the Old Testament spoke to every detail surrounding the coming of the Savior - the shepherds being no exception.
What is special about our shepherd friends in the fields outside of Bethlehem is the fact they were predicted to be on the "front row" of the appearance and announcement of the Savior.
The Bible predicted the Shepherds would be the first to hear of His coming
Micah was a prophet of Israel who lived over 700 years before the record that we read of in Luke 2. In Micah 4:8, we read this prophecy: “As for you, tower of the flock, Hill of the daughter of Zion, To you it will come— Even the former dominion will come, The kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem." The place called "tower of the flock" was located right outside of Bethlehem where Christ would be born.
The significance of otherwise insignificant people
This particular spot would be where the Shepherds of Israel would lead and feed their flocks. Shepherds were considered the lowest people on the social ladder. In fact, Shepherds were so despised that their testimony was not accepted in a court of law. However there was one very important job these Shepherds had - raising all of the sheep that would be used in the sacrificial system in the temple in Jerusalem. In the eyes of men, these Shepherds were the lowest and least important. Yet in the eyes of God, they would play a key role in prophetic history.
Christmas' front row seat
Micah writes in his prophecy that, concerning this location of the "Tower of the Flock", "To you it will come". When we come to Luke 2:8, we see the fulfillment of Micah's words. For the angelic host suddenly appeared in the fields where they were watching their flocks by night. Those famous words were spoken: "Unto you this day is born, in the city of David, the Savior, Christ the Lord.".
Those who were raising lambs for the Spring slaughter would be the first to hear of the coming of the Lamb of God. These who were but paupers in the sight of men were treated as prinices. They had hearts of faith. The hearts of the priests and teachers of the law had been hardened by religious tradition. Yet the hearts of these men, who were never allowed to walk in the temple that they raised sheep for, would be the first human beings outside of the family of Mary and Joseph, to hear of the birth of the Savior. They were treated to History and Eternity's front row seat.
As we are beginning to wind down our month long focus on the biblical account of Christ's birth in Bethlehem, we want to consider today the place of the shepherds in the Christmas story. We have noted throughout this past month that many prophecies from the Old Testament spoke to every detail surrounding the coming of the Savior - the shepherds being no exception.
What is special about our shepherd friends in the fields outside of Bethlehem is the fact they were predicted to be on the "front row" of the appearance and announcement of the Savior.
The Bible predicted the Shepherds would be the first to hear of His coming
Micah was a prophet of Israel who lived over 700 years before the record that we read of in Luke 2. In Micah 4:8, we read this prophecy: “As for you, tower of the flock, Hill of the daughter of Zion, To you it will come— Even the former dominion will come, The kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem." The place called "tower of the flock" was located right outside of Bethlehem where Christ would be born.
The significance of otherwise insignificant people
This particular spot would be where the Shepherds of Israel would lead and feed their flocks. Shepherds were considered the lowest people on the social ladder. In fact, Shepherds were so despised that their testimony was not accepted in a court of law. However there was one very important job these Shepherds had - raising all of the sheep that would be used in the sacrificial system in the temple in Jerusalem. In the eyes of men, these Shepherds were the lowest and least important. Yet in the eyes of God, they would play a key role in prophetic history.
Christmas' front row seat
Micah writes in his prophecy that, concerning this location of the "Tower of the Flock", "To you it will come". When we come to Luke 2:8, we see the fulfillment of Micah's words. For the angelic host suddenly appeared in the fields where they were watching their flocks by night. Those famous words were spoken: "Unto you this day is born, in the city of David, the Savior, Christ the Lord.".
Those who were raising lambs for the Spring slaughter would be the first to hear of the coming of the Lamb of God. These who were but paupers in the sight of men were treated as prinices. They had hearts of faith. The hearts of the priests and teachers of the law had been hardened by religious tradition. Yet the hearts of these men, who were never allowed to walk in the temple that they raised sheep for, would be the first human beings outside of the family of Mary and Joseph, to hear of the birth of the Savior. They were treated to History and Eternity's front row seat.
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