As we approach the celebration of American independence, July 4, freedom from the tyranny of British rule wasn’t a promise of individual independence. It would take a great combined effort, on the part of the colonists and others who supported their cause, to bring about freedom. Even with the establishment of the United States, there is a common law, our Constitution, to which we must be subject to have the liberty we enjoy. Everyone doing only what they want as individuals, without any concern for others, is not freedom, but anarchy. While it seems like an oxymoron today, to truly be free we must be willing to submit to those principles of life that allow us to live free.
One person has expressed it this way. “Freedom does not mean the absence of constraints or moral absolutes. Suppose a skydiver at 10,000 feet announces to the rest of the group, ‘I’m not using a parachute this time. I want freedom!’ The fact is that a skydiver is constrained by a greater law—the law of gravity. But when the skydiver chooses the ‘constraint’ of the parachute, he or she is free to enjoy the exhilaration. God’s moral laws act the same way; they restrain, but they are absolutely necessary to enjoy the exhilaration of real freedom.”
Paul reminded the Galatians, “Christ has liberated us to be free. Stand firm then and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery” (Gal. 5:1). It’s by living within the limits of the gospel that we have freedom from sin, are transformed in the image of Christ, and live in the blessings God abundantly provides. Christ lived in submission to the will of the Father to set us free; it is within His will that we experience freedom. Living outside the confines of the gospel places us in sin, and sin only brings destruction and death. In writing of false teachers who advocated immorality as a legitimate lifestyle in Christ, Peter wrote, “They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption, since people are enslaved to whatever defeats them” (2 Pet. 2:19). Speak to anyone who has had to deal with alcoholism, drug addiction, or any other vice that constantly appeals to the desires of the flesh, and freedom isn’t how they would describe what they’re experiencing. Such is a lie of Satan. This is why Peter urges us, “As God’s slaves, live as free people, but don’t use your freedom as a way to conceal evil” (1 Pet. 2:16).
The American Revolution could not have accomplished what it did, in bringing our nation into existence, if every colonist did as they pleased. The freedom they gained was achieved through sacrifice and commitment to a common goal. So it is for our freedom spiritually in Christ. We are part of the body of Christ to be a blessing, as well as to be blessed. We are called to serve, and in doing so find our talents develop, and gain joy and peace. We are to let go of ourselves, that we can find all God offers. As we remember the price paid for our nation’s liberty, remember the price paid for our liberty from sin by Jesus Christ, and what submission to Him frees us to be, His children, and frees us to have, eternal life. “For you were called to be free, brothers; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love” (Gal. 5:13).
Robert Johnson
Bible
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Buy Truth and Find Treasure
“Buy—and do not sell—truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding” (Prov. 23:23).
The above passage of Scripture is very familiar to us. The idea of buying these virtues means to acquire them, to devote oneself to gaining these things in life. We need instruction in the truth, so we might not just know what truth is, but that we can understand it, that we might develop wisdom in applying its principles in everyday living. The thought is similar to what Jesus told His disciples in John 8:32; “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Through His inspired word, God reminds us that His truth is objective, actual, rational, and real. We can use the truth of Scripture to discern our innermost selves, to recognize right from wrong, in the world and in ourselves, and to make those changes in our lifestyles that will prepare us for eternity (Heb. 4:12-13). Applying truth frees us from sin and helps us live in the image of Christ (Eph. 4:13). We are freed from servitude to sin and all the destructive elements it brings to our lives, to serve God and find all the blessings He offers us instead.
Spending time with Scripture, then, is more than just an academic endeavor, more than just learning facts as an end to itself. Satan has done a masterful job at convincing people that reading and learning from Scripture is too hard, boring at best, and unnecessary anyway, as God will just accept us all no matter what. Scripture, however, tells us we all will be judged for how we have lived (2 Cor. 5:10), and that there is a right way and wrong way to live (Prov. 14:12; John 3:36). Obviously, it does matter what we believe, because that will equate into how we live our lives, and where we spend eternity.
Spending time in Scripture may seem boring and trite to an overstimulated society, but it offers to life what so many are looking for but can’t find anywhere else. It is our key to having joy, peace, love, mercy, forgiveness, salvation, and everything having to do with life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3). Time spent with Scripture offers a life of discovery and renewal, help and strength, the ability to grow and reach life’s goals (2 Tim. 3:16-17). There comes a deeper appreciation for God, for the depth of love revealed through Christ and every effort expended to humanity, and to you personally. That love equates into a truly spiritual life, as we love in return and reflect it in the choices we make (1 John 4:10-11). God’s love brings real love to us and becomes the motive for how we live. We learn this, and so much more, from spending time in Scripture.
So many people experience a lack of contentment with life, with who they are, what they have, where they’re going. Sin never satisfies, but God can and will bring our lives to where they should be, what they were meant to be. We can have God’s truth and instruction, His wisdom and understanding, as an integral part of our lives, and have a life really worth living. It’s available to each one of us; will you chose to have it? “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure, buried in a field, that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field” (Matt. 13:44).
Robert Johnson
The above passage of Scripture is very familiar to us. The idea of buying these virtues means to acquire them, to devote oneself to gaining these things in life. We need instruction in the truth, so we might not just know what truth is, but that we can understand it, that we might develop wisdom in applying its principles in everyday living. The thought is similar to what Jesus told His disciples in John 8:32; “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Through His inspired word, God reminds us that His truth is objective, actual, rational, and real. We can use the truth of Scripture to discern our innermost selves, to recognize right from wrong, in the world and in ourselves, and to make those changes in our lifestyles that will prepare us for eternity (Heb. 4:12-13). Applying truth frees us from sin and helps us live in the image of Christ (Eph. 4:13). We are freed from servitude to sin and all the destructive elements it brings to our lives, to serve God and find all the blessings He offers us instead.
Spending time with Scripture, then, is more than just an academic endeavor, more than just learning facts as an end to itself. Satan has done a masterful job at convincing people that reading and learning from Scripture is too hard, boring at best, and unnecessary anyway, as God will just accept us all no matter what. Scripture, however, tells us we all will be judged for how we have lived (2 Cor. 5:10), and that there is a right way and wrong way to live (Prov. 14:12; John 3:36). Obviously, it does matter what we believe, because that will equate into how we live our lives, and where we spend eternity.
Spending time in Scripture may seem boring and trite to an overstimulated society, but it offers to life what so many are looking for but can’t find anywhere else. It is our key to having joy, peace, love, mercy, forgiveness, salvation, and everything having to do with life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3). Time spent with Scripture offers a life of discovery and renewal, help and strength, the ability to grow and reach life’s goals (2 Tim. 3:16-17). There comes a deeper appreciation for God, for the depth of love revealed through Christ and every effort expended to humanity, and to you personally. That love equates into a truly spiritual life, as we love in return and reflect it in the choices we make (1 John 4:10-11). God’s love brings real love to us and becomes the motive for how we live. We learn this, and so much more, from spending time in Scripture.
So many people experience a lack of contentment with life, with who they are, what they have, where they’re going. Sin never satisfies, but God can and will bring our lives to where they should be, what they were meant to be. We can have God’s truth and instruction, His wisdom and understanding, as an integral part of our lives, and have a life really worth living. It’s available to each one of us; will you chose to have it? “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure, buried in a field, that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field” (Matt. 13:44).
Robert Johnson
Monday, May 9, 2011
Child’s Play
Many parents remember the sight of their children “playing church.” I remember our children doing the same, holding a song book before they were able to read, or doing the same with a Bible, and of course the precious prayers they would offer. Such memories are special and treasured possessions, especially when they grow up and translate those actions of childhood to a lifestyle in adulthood.
While playing church is endearing when it involves children, it is sad when members of the Lord’s church play church. How do we play church? We play church when the kingdom of God becomes a matter of convenience rather than a matter of commitment. We play church when we pick and choose when to attend worship, rather than having an intense desire to be in God’s presence, to worship and praise our Creator and Sustainer, our Lord and Savior. We play church when we prefer the company of worldly minded folks and pursue worldly activities rather than have fellowship with our family in Christ. We play church when we take no thought to how we give for the work of the kingdom, but make sure our financial resources are available for whatever we want personally. We play church when there are opportunities of service that we can be involved with, but we choose not to get involved, as we allow secular pursuits to occupy our time. Like little children, it’s easy to play church when it’s expedient, but to also walk away from it for other pursuits when desired.
Paul reminded the Corinthians, “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put aside childish things” (1 Cor. 13:11, HCSB). To obey the gospel means we let go of self and submit to God, making His will our will, allowing Him to shape us in His image and fit us for eternity. This is what Jesus meant when He said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness...” (Matt. 6:33). This is what Paul was seeking in his own life when he said, “But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head—Christ” (Eph. 4:15). And what of his statement in Gal. 2:20; “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Gal. 2:20).
Living as a Christian isn’t a game we play in life; it is life. Christians shouldn’t view their faith as a game, a choice one makes when to engage in it, and when to ignore it. We need to, as one person put it, “move away from the ‘Member of the Christian Club’ mentality that defines much of the way we do business as church attendees.” “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col. 3:3).
The Hebrew writer urges us, “Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne” (Heb. 12:2). Coming to earth wasn’t a game to Jesus, and the cross wasn’t child’s play. Neither should life in the body of Christ be to us. There are blessings to be found, joy to cheer our hearts, and hope to encourage us, if we mature and serve. What is the Christian life, the church, to you? “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn’” (Matt. 11:17-17).
Robert Johnson
While playing church is endearing when it involves children, it is sad when members of the Lord’s church play church. How do we play church? We play church when the kingdom of God becomes a matter of convenience rather than a matter of commitment. We play church when we pick and choose when to attend worship, rather than having an intense desire to be in God’s presence, to worship and praise our Creator and Sustainer, our Lord and Savior. We play church when we prefer the company of worldly minded folks and pursue worldly activities rather than have fellowship with our family in Christ. We play church when we take no thought to how we give for the work of the kingdom, but make sure our financial resources are available for whatever we want personally. We play church when there are opportunities of service that we can be involved with, but we choose not to get involved, as we allow secular pursuits to occupy our time. Like little children, it’s easy to play church when it’s expedient, but to also walk away from it for other pursuits when desired.
Paul reminded the Corinthians, “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put aside childish things” (1 Cor. 13:11, HCSB). To obey the gospel means we let go of self and submit to God, making His will our will, allowing Him to shape us in His image and fit us for eternity. This is what Jesus meant when He said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness...” (Matt. 6:33). This is what Paul was seeking in his own life when he said, “But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head—Christ” (Eph. 4:15). And what of his statement in Gal. 2:20; “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Gal. 2:20).
Living as a Christian isn’t a game we play in life; it is life. Christians shouldn’t view their faith as a game, a choice one makes when to engage in it, and when to ignore it. We need to, as one person put it, “move away from the ‘Member of the Christian Club’ mentality that defines much of the way we do business as church attendees.” “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col. 3:3).
The Hebrew writer urges us, “Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne” (Heb. 12:2). Coming to earth wasn’t a game to Jesus, and the cross wasn’t child’s play. Neither should life in the body of Christ be to us. There are blessings to be found, joy to cheer our hearts, and hope to encourage us, if we mature and serve. What is the Christian life, the church, to you? “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn’” (Matt. 11:17-17).
Robert Johnson
Monday, February 28, 2011
LOOKING FOR GOOD
Everyone experiences difficulties in their lives. It’s part of living in a world influenced by sin. “For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God” (Rom. 8:20-21). That everyone has trials in life shouldn’t be an issue. The real question to ask is how each of us face our trials.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28). This passage is much easier to read when everything is going as we want, than it is when our world falls apart. Please note, however, Paul is not telling us everything that happens in life is good. He also isn’t minimizing, or making light of, the problems we do face. He is saying, however, that even from the midst of adversity, God can bring good.
Paul understood this principle as well as anyone. When he wrote Romans, he expressed his desire to come and visit them, and then go on to preach the gospel in Spain (Rom. 15:28). He envisioned making this trip as a free man, not having been falsely accused in Jerusalem, enduring a perversion of justice, having to appeal to Caesar, and finally reaching Rome as a prisoner, chained constantly to a Roman guard (Acts 21-28). How would he face this situation? It would have been easy to get depressed and despondent, doubt in God’s will, and give up. Not Paul! From this situation, he wrote the church in Philippi and spoke of his blessings, including the blessings that had come from this imprisonment (Phil. 1:12-14). Paul realized the opportunities he had to reach people as a prisoner for the Lord, which would never have been available to him as a free man.
What is the application for us? We usually find what we look for. If we only look at our problems, then that’s all we will see. If we look for possibilities and blessings, even in adverse circumstances, we can find them, as well. It depends on whether we trust God enough to look at life from His perspective. Our attitudes are what we make of them, what we choose them to be. May we look at life through the eyes of faith, whatever our situation is, and find good, even in times that aren’t so good. You’ll be amazed at the quality of life you can have, when you allow yourself to look for the positive in life. Remember, in Christ, no matter the situation, we have an abundant life. Live it that way, and find God’s richest blessings.
Robert Johnson
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28). This passage is much easier to read when everything is going as we want, than it is when our world falls apart. Please note, however, Paul is not telling us everything that happens in life is good. He also isn’t minimizing, or making light of, the problems we do face. He is saying, however, that even from the midst of adversity, God can bring good.
Paul understood this principle as well as anyone. When he wrote Romans, he expressed his desire to come and visit them, and then go on to preach the gospel in Spain (Rom. 15:28). He envisioned making this trip as a free man, not having been falsely accused in Jerusalem, enduring a perversion of justice, having to appeal to Caesar, and finally reaching Rome as a prisoner, chained constantly to a Roman guard (Acts 21-28). How would he face this situation? It would have been easy to get depressed and despondent, doubt in God’s will, and give up. Not Paul! From this situation, he wrote the church in Philippi and spoke of his blessings, including the blessings that had come from this imprisonment (Phil. 1:12-14). Paul realized the opportunities he had to reach people as a prisoner for the Lord, which would never have been available to him as a free man.
What is the application for us? We usually find what we look for. If we only look at our problems, then that’s all we will see. If we look for possibilities and blessings, even in adverse circumstances, we can find them, as well. It depends on whether we trust God enough to look at life from His perspective. Our attitudes are what we make of them, what we choose them to be. May we look at life through the eyes of faith, whatever our situation is, and find good, even in times that aren’t so good. You’ll be amazed at the quality of life you can have, when you allow yourself to look for the positive in life. Remember, in Christ, no matter the situation, we have an abundant life. Live it that way, and find God’s richest blessings.
Robert Johnson
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
PRESUMPTIONS
Have you ever stopped to think about how often we make decisions, and base our actions, on our presumptions? To presume is, by definition, to suppose something to be true without proof. Sometimes we presume things based on our knowledge of a person, or the situation, or what it is we understand about what is going on. Sometimes we presume things based on our desires, what we would like to be true, whether in fact it is or is not. For example, if we’re meeting someone for lunch, and they’re running late, they may ask us to order for them. We might presume to know what it is they want, based on previous items they have ordered from the menu. It might in fact be correct that is what they wanted this time, but it could be they wanted something else. How many times have you heard someone say, “Why did you do that?” The response is, “Well, I just presumed…” The reply then is, “Well, you presumed wrong!”
Presumptions are dangerous when we ignore or reject information and make decisions on our own criteria instead. To have facts in hand, but to respond without considering the facts, is rash at best and arrogant at worst. Unfortunately, Satan knows he can tempt us in so many areas of life, and this is how we will respond. For example, when he tempted Jesus to throw Himself down from the pinnacle of the temple (Matt. 4:5-6), it would have been presumptuous of Jesus to have done so, thinking God would have saved Him from physical harm. It would have been testing God, rather than trusting what He has revealed of Himself and His will.
How many people does Satan deceive into sin by presumption? “I don’t have to be faithful in assembling to worship, because after all, God is a gracious God and wants me to enjoy life.” “I know I’m not giving as I’ve been prospered, but God is love and knows all the other things I can spend my money on.” “I’m so busy and involved in so many other areas of life, I’m sure God understands and will be merciful. Maybe sometime later I can serve Him.” These and many more presumptions are dangerous, because God’s word reveals what His will is on these matters of life. Choosing a course contrary to what Scripture teaches is what James describes as sin; “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin” (James 4:17).
Jesus conquered the sin of presumption with the word of God, which is how He conquered each temptation He faced. Just because we want things a certain way doesn’t mean that is the measure of how God will judge us on the day of judgment. Jesus said, “The word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day” (John 12:48). To presume things spiritually when we can know by examining Scripture is dangerous, as it very well may disappoint us on the last day (Matt. 7:21-23)!
We are not to presume when it comes to what we are to believe and how to live for God. “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). It is necessary for each of us to take the initiative and actually use the Bibles we have at home, that we carry to worship, and practice what it teaches us God requires for salvation and living the Christian life. You can presume otherwise, but don’t trust your soul to what you feel when you can know for sure. But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus” (Eph. 4:20-21).
Robert Johnson
Presumptions are dangerous when we ignore or reject information and make decisions on our own criteria instead. To have facts in hand, but to respond without considering the facts, is rash at best and arrogant at worst. Unfortunately, Satan knows he can tempt us in so many areas of life, and this is how we will respond. For example, when he tempted Jesus to throw Himself down from the pinnacle of the temple (Matt. 4:5-6), it would have been presumptuous of Jesus to have done so, thinking God would have saved Him from physical harm. It would have been testing God, rather than trusting what He has revealed of Himself and His will.
How many people does Satan deceive into sin by presumption? “I don’t have to be faithful in assembling to worship, because after all, God is a gracious God and wants me to enjoy life.” “I know I’m not giving as I’ve been prospered, but God is love and knows all the other things I can spend my money on.” “I’m so busy and involved in so many other areas of life, I’m sure God understands and will be merciful. Maybe sometime later I can serve Him.” These and many more presumptions are dangerous, because God’s word reveals what His will is on these matters of life. Choosing a course contrary to what Scripture teaches is what James describes as sin; “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin” (James 4:17).
Jesus conquered the sin of presumption with the word of God, which is how He conquered each temptation He faced. Just because we want things a certain way doesn’t mean that is the measure of how God will judge us on the day of judgment. Jesus said, “The word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day” (John 12:48). To presume things spiritually when we can know by examining Scripture is dangerous, as it very well may disappoint us on the last day (Matt. 7:21-23)!
We are not to presume when it comes to what we are to believe and how to live for God. “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). It is necessary for each of us to take the initiative and actually use the Bibles we have at home, that we carry to worship, and practice what it teaches us God requires for salvation and living the Christian life. You can presume otherwise, but don’t trust your soul to what you feel when you can know for sure. But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus” (Eph. 4:20-21).
Robert Johnson
Friday, February 11, 2011
IS GOD DEAD?
Those of us who lived through the decade of the 1960's will no doubt remember the “God is Dead” movement, announced in the April 8, 1966 edition of Time magazine. The movement was philosophical, from a widely quoted statement by Friedrich Nietzsche. Nietzsche didn’t believe the God of Scripture was real, but was stating humanity’s need for a god was no longer valid. His view was founded on the philosophical belief that objective truth was impossible to discern, and that one’s “needs” were the truths by which life should be lived.
The full quote Nietzsche made is interesting in light of where we are today, not just philosophically but spiritually. “God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him. How shall we comfort ourselves, the murderers of all murderers? What was the holiest and mightiest of all that the world has yet owned has bled to death under our knives. Who will wipe this blood off us? What water is there for us to clean ourselves? What festivals of atonement, what sacred games shall we have to invent? Is not the greatness of this deed too great for us? Must we ourselves not become gods simply to appear worthy of it?”
Nietzsche was an atheist, but his statement reveals what must happen if one rejects God, in that one becomes his or her own god. There will always be something ruling in the hearts of people, whether it’s the one true God or one’s desires. Paul recognized this when he wrote the Christians in Rome, “For though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became nonsense, and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man, birds, four-footed animals, and reptiles” (Rom. 1:21-23).
As the saying goes, what goes around comes around. What began as philosophical rambling is now part of our society’s consciousness and everyday experience. While there is still a belief in the concept of God, few are willing to approach Him on His terms, on the basis of His revealed truth in Scripture. Lip service is offered to God, but in reality many people have become their own god, determining what truth is for themselves and how they should live. For them, God has become an enabler to whatever lifestyle they choose, and in the end will see to it that they will go to heaven.
This isn’t what Scripture reveals to us. The Bible is inspired, God-breathed, as it offers in its pages authentication for the claim it is from God, “because no prophecy ever came by the will of man; instead, men spoke from God as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet. 1:21). If one comes to it with an open mind, allowing Scripture to present itself without prejudice, it reveals God to us and creates faith in Him (Rom. 10:17). It shows to us that it is the source of objective truth, found not in ourselves and our desires, but in what God has made known. What God makes known that there are only two paths to life, one based in His will, the other in however else one chooses to live. The narrow path defined by God leads to eternal life, while the broad way leads to eternal destruction (Matt. 7:13-14). He reveals that in His love He sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins, and in His blood there is forgiveness (Heb. 9:13-14). He reveals that if we love Him as He has loved us, we will obey His commands (John 14:15), for in them is His blessings and the promise of all that is good for us, including eternal life (Rom. 6:22).
It is from human philosophy that the idea came about we can be our own god, that we can pick and choose how to live and whether or not to obey, not from our Creator. Satan is no doubt pleased that so many have decided to follow such ideas, but not God the Father who loves us and has done everything necessary for us to have salvation through Jesus Christ. His word is true and unshakable in its promises to us. Who will you chose to listen to? The eternal God, or the mind of man distorted by sin? “For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor? Or who has ever first given to Him, and has to be repaid? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen” (Rom. 11:34-36).
Robert Johnson
The full quote Nietzsche made is interesting in light of where we are today, not just philosophically but spiritually. “God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him. How shall we comfort ourselves, the murderers of all murderers? What was the holiest and mightiest of all that the world has yet owned has bled to death under our knives. Who will wipe this blood off us? What water is there for us to clean ourselves? What festivals of atonement, what sacred games shall we have to invent? Is not the greatness of this deed too great for us? Must we ourselves not become gods simply to appear worthy of it?”
Nietzsche was an atheist, but his statement reveals what must happen if one rejects God, in that one becomes his or her own god. There will always be something ruling in the hearts of people, whether it’s the one true God or one’s desires. Paul recognized this when he wrote the Christians in Rome, “For though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became nonsense, and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man, birds, four-footed animals, and reptiles” (Rom. 1:21-23).
As the saying goes, what goes around comes around. What began as philosophical rambling is now part of our society’s consciousness and everyday experience. While there is still a belief in the concept of God, few are willing to approach Him on His terms, on the basis of His revealed truth in Scripture. Lip service is offered to God, but in reality many people have become their own god, determining what truth is for themselves and how they should live. For them, God has become an enabler to whatever lifestyle they choose, and in the end will see to it that they will go to heaven.
This isn’t what Scripture reveals to us. The Bible is inspired, God-breathed, as it offers in its pages authentication for the claim it is from God, “because no prophecy ever came by the will of man; instead, men spoke from God as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet. 1:21). If one comes to it with an open mind, allowing Scripture to present itself without prejudice, it reveals God to us and creates faith in Him (Rom. 10:17). It shows to us that it is the source of objective truth, found not in ourselves and our desires, but in what God has made known. What God makes known that there are only two paths to life, one based in His will, the other in however else one chooses to live. The narrow path defined by God leads to eternal life, while the broad way leads to eternal destruction (Matt. 7:13-14). He reveals that in His love He sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins, and in His blood there is forgiveness (Heb. 9:13-14). He reveals that if we love Him as He has loved us, we will obey His commands (John 14:15), for in them is His blessings and the promise of all that is good for us, including eternal life (Rom. 6:22).
It is from human philosophy that the idea came about we can be our own god, that we can pick and choose how to live and whether or not to obey, not from our Creator. Satan is no doubt pleased that so many have decided to follow such ideas, but not God the Father who loves us and has done everything necessary for us to have salvation through Jesus Christ. His word is true and unshakable in its promises to us. Who will you chose to listen to? The eternal God, or the mind of man distorted by sin? “For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor? Or who has ever first given to Him, and has to be repaid? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen” (Rom. 11:34-36).
Robert Johnson
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
My Heart’s Desire
The Christmas holidays are behind us, and New Year’s Day is just ahead. The week in between always encourages me to reflect on my values, on what I consider important, on what I feel needs to be a course correction in my life.
The holidays for me always revolve around family, family present and family absent, whether out of town, or departed from this life. So many memories flood my consciousness, and so many feelings crowd my heart. I am always grateful for this, because it reminds me what life is all about, and that is to reflect and show love.
First, we are to reflect the love of God. How great a love has been shown us by the Father through the Son. John 3:16 can never be over quoted; “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). God always gives to us, all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3). His best is seen, not only in the gift, but in the way He gives (James 1:17). But of all He gives, He gave His Son, which is how we know love (1 John 3:16a). The love of God is more than a feeling, it’s a response to our needs, it’s beyond our ability to fully comprehend, and it’s always there even when we respond badly. The blood of Christ must touch our hearts before we will submit to the will of God and allow it to cleanse our lives.
Second, we must show the love of God. I ask myself how well I show the love of God to those around me. Do others know how much I love them? Do I respond to them from the love of God at work in me, or do I allow selfish motives to overcome me? If I am trying to be more like the Father and His Son (Eph. 5:1-2), then I must respond from love (1 John 3:16b).
We all can have questions about the past, what we did or didn’t do, what we said or didn’t say, but we can’t go back to change those things. What about the time we have ahead of us? What about, Lord willing, the coming year? I want to live for eternity, more than anything else; this is my heart’s desire and my greatest goal. I want my family to live for eternity, as I want us together in God’s presence forever, not just now. This is most important to me, but not all that is important. I so much want all my brethren where I labor together in Christ to be there too. I would love to see everyone from every congregation I have been associated with to gather around the throne of God.
So, I need to love more with the love of God, in all its multifaceted ways. From love, I need to teach, preach, live, “rebuke, correct, and encourage” (2 Tim. 4:2) so that we all can know God’s way for our lives and live it out. This year, more than any other, I want us to live more closely to God, to encourage each other to live for God, to realize eternity is what it’s all about, and that it could come at any time. I promise to do what I can in my life personally, and in my ministry for Christ. Will I make mistakes, will we all? Of course, we’re human. But if we’re working together, we can be more than conquerors (Rom. 8:37).
It’s too important to deceive ourselves into thinking eternal life will be given no matter how we live. But with the love of God at work in us, we will allow Him to accomplish His purpose in and through us. I want us all to be together in heaven. I want to grow in the love of God to allow God to use me for this goal. Will we join together to live for this heavenly goal?
Robert Johnson
The holidays for me always revolve around family, family present and family absent, whether out of town, or departed from this life. So many memories flood my consciousness, and so many feelings crowd my heart. I am always grateful for this, because it reminds me what life is all about, and that is to reflect and show love.
First, we are to reflect the love of God. How great a love has been shown us by the Father through the Son. John 3:16 can never be over quoted; “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). God always gives to us, all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3). His best is seen, not only in the gift, but in the way He gives (James 1:17). But of all He gives, He gave His Son, which is how we know love (1 John 3:16a). The love of God is more than a feeling, it’s a response to our needs, it’s beyond our ability to fully comprehend, and it’s always there even when we respond badly. The blood of Christ must touch our hearts before we will submit to the will of God and allow it to cleanse our lives.
Second, we must show the love of God. I ask myself how well I show the love of God to those around me. Do others know how much I love them? Do I respond to them from the love of God at work in me, or do I allow selfish motives to overcome me? If I am trying to be more like the Father and His Son (Eph. 5:1-2), then I must respond from love (1 John 3:16b).
We all can have questions about the past, what we did or didn’t do, what we said or didn’t say, but we can’t go back to change those things. What about the time we have ahead of us? What about, Lord willing, the coming year? I want to live for eternity, more than anything else; this is my heart’s desire and my greatest goal. I want my family to live for eternity, as I want us together in God’s presence forever, not just now. This is most important to me, but not all that is important. I so much want all my brethren where I labor together in Christ to be there too. I would love to see everyone from every congregation I have been associated with to gather around the throne of God.
So, I need to love more with the love of God, in all its multifaceted ways. From love, I need to teach, preach, live, “rebuke, correct, and encourage” (2 Tim. 4:2) so that we all can know God’s way for our lives and live it out. This year, more than any other, I want us to live more closely to God, to encourage each other to live for God, to realize eternity is what it’s all about, and that it could come at any time. I promise to do what I can in my life personally, and in my ministry for Christ. Will I make mistakes, will we all? Of course, we’re human. But if we’re working together, we can be more than conquerors (Rom. 8:37).
It’s too important to deceive ourselves into thinking eternal life will be given no matter how we live. But with the love of God at work in us, we will allow Him to accomplish His purpose in and through us. I want us all to be together in heaven. I want to grow in the love of God to allow God to use me for this goal. Will we join together to live for this heavenly goal?
Robert Johnson
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