How to be sure?

Nearly every Sunday, the message from the pulpit includes what it means to be a Christian. Our pastors do this because they know the abundance of false ideas about our identity. Despite hearing the gospel most of their lives, some still think they must be worthy, must do good works, must be in church, and other self-describing definitions.

If a description of myself is necessary, it always comes after the entrance of Christ into my life, and the changes that come because of faith in Him. Those descriptions do not tell me how to become a Christian but describe what I ought to be like because I am a Christian.

To illustrate, I could say of someone, “She acts just like a married woman” but if she is unmarried, the actions mean nothing, maybe pretense, or even delusion. She can go through the motions, but not be married at all.

It is the same with faith. It is about a genuine relationship with Jesus. A great many people are only playing church and not part of the body of Christ. After listening and studying what the Bible says about this, it seems that this happens because some people confuse the words written to those in the kingdom with the words written to those not yet genuine believers. The latter thinks that they must do what Christians do to get into the family of God, so try to live that way.

A few weeks ago, one of friends said, “Sin is not only what we do, but what motivates what we do. If it is self-effort, that is the root of sin.” His words came from this verse:

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6)

To many, their own way seems fine and not sin at all as they are doing ‘good’ things, but that is not the point. The point is that self-effort is turning from God’s way — which is about faith in Him and living in forgiveness, new life, and the power He supplies through His Holy Spirit.

The only way to have that is to be given it by God. We cannot claim any of God’s forgiveness and power without faith in Christ in a love-faith relationship with Him where He changes us.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

And with that new life, He make a huge difference…

For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. (2 Corinthians 5:14–15)

No one can be a Christian until they admit they cannot do it. The way is down not up, humility not effort, trusting Jesus and not myself, and realizing sin is just that, trusting me instead of what God says about all of humanity — we all fall short and cannot change by our own efforts.

Faith draws us to the Word of God and as we read it, faith comes and increases by hearing about Christ. As a seeker, or as a Christian, it is vital to remember that the good God tells us to do is impossible without trusting Jesus. The NT says “… For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23) No matter how good our actions look, they fall short because without Christ, “We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.” (Isaiah 64:6)

For both non-Christians and believers, trusting the flesh is sin. Self-effort and selfish motives oppose faith. For believers, our lapses into ‘me, myself, and I’ are forgiven, but useless. True righteousness is about being constrained by the Spirit no matter how good my I-wants might seem.

PRAY: Jesus, life in the Spirit is hard to define because as soon as I start examining myself to make sure I’m doing Your will, I slide into fleshy, old nature thinking. Faith brings me back to trusting what I cannot see (yet others will see it in me) and a life of freedom with love, peace, joy, and the other fruit of the Spirit that You pour in and through me. I cannot take credit for any of that. Wow, may You be glorified.

Humbled before the empty cross and tomb…

 

Last week I had a conversation with a man we have known since he was a boy. He was not a Christian then but after being challenged to read the Bible by a woman who is now his wife, his life was transformed. As we talked about what it means to be a Christian, he stressed the importance of humility.

In other conversations with professing Christians, I often hear them say, “When I accepted Christ. . . .” and “I did this for the Lord” and wonder about the thinking behind those words. The Bible is clear. Jesus said,

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. (John 15:16)

Scripture is also clear that any good thing we do does not earn our salvation, nor is it totally our doing when we obey Him:

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:4–5)

This week someone mentioned a well-known preacher with admiration. Years ago I looked into his teaching and concluded he was a false teacher so said so. I’d forgotten why so checked again. This person, now deceased, taught that anyone who believed that faith in Christ made us eternally secure was demon-possessed. He was convinced that we chose faith in Christ and be saved, but then we could also chose not to believe in Christ and become unsaved. While I’ve challenged that on the meaning of “eternal” it is also evidence of a lack of humility.

Pride says “I can” and thinks we have more control over our eternal situation than God. The one who thinks we can override what God promises His children is a proud person to think that “my decisions” determine destiny. Yes, we can make choices, but Galatians and the rest of the NT tell how the Spirit of God changes our hearts for those who believe. Also this:

For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. (2 Corinthians 5:14–15)

Yes there are warnings about turning from Christ, mostly for those who waiver at His Word, but there are also promises like this one: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)

Salvation is by grace, not by works, by God’s calling not my decision. Walking by faith is also by grace, not earned by my performance. Without Christ, I am nothing and would be lost in an instant the very first time I thought or did something to ‘live for myself’ — and I cannot claim even as a Christian that I have no sin:

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1 John 1:8–10)

Humility means honesty about what we do — and fail to do — in our walk with Jesus. Sometimes we don’t listen — an activity of our old nature, which the Bible continually tells us is now dead, separate from God. When we do listen and obey, that is evidence of His grace and the new nature He gives His children. Our lives are filled with learning how to walk in the Spirit and not the flesh, and in the end, when we see Jesus face to face, we will be like Him. God says so (1 John 3:1-3) and God does not lie nor is He unable to finish His work of saving us.

PRAY: Jesus, hearing on Friday the details of Your suffering was incredibly humbling. If I could do any of what it means to walk with You, You would not have needed to experience the cross. Nor would Your grace be necessary, nor Your sustaining power. To say You cannot keep me saved is another way of saying I don’t need You, a pride-filled nonsense and the mark of false-teaching. Today we celebrate that You rose from the dead. That is true and vital. It is because of Your obedience that Your people can say: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) You have risen! This demonstrates Your incredible love for those who humbly bow before You. You have risen indeed!

The Ripple Effect

A few weeks ago, God showed me a small example of the ripple effect. It began with a whim to see a lottery home on the other side of our city. That was His idea but I didn’t realize it at the time. It was Sunday and a long weekend so our usual brunch at church was not happening. We were a long way from home, so after viewing the house we went to a nearby restaurant. It happened to have those newsletters that sometimes show up in eating places. This copy had an article about a city who build an inner city with structures for artists to paint murals. When we got home, I looked it up and was utterly amazed at the paintings, most of them done with the artist standing on a forklift or other machinery. They were done freehand and astonishingly beautiful. I know a young artist that lives on the other side of our country thinking he would already be aware of this place but just in case, and because he does outdoor art sometimes, I sent him a message with the link. He messaged back, very excited because he was thinking of taking a course involving mural work and when he saw the work done in that far away place, he was convinced to take the course. How delightful — because of a whisper that seemed like a whim.

Today’s reading offers a much more startling example of God at work making ripples. It tells how one book changed many lives:

A book by Richard Sibbes, one of the choicest of the Puritan writers, was read by Richard Baxter, who was greatly blessed by it. Baxter then wrote A Call to the Unconverted which deeply influenced Philip Doddridge, who in turn wrote The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul. This brought the young William Wilberforce, subsequent English statesman and foe of slavery, to serious thoughts of eternity. Wilberforce wrote his Practical Book of Christianity which fired the soul of Leigh Richmond. Richmond, in turn, wrote The Dairyman’s Daughter, a book that brought thousands to the Lord, helping Thomas Chalmers the great preacher, among others.

Chalmers went on to write more than 30 books that also rippled out to affect others. This demonstrates the power of God to use the work of obedient people. It is about books, but could be about simple acts of obedience. Another author says, “You reflect the Spirit of God simply by the love you show to others. Your kindness will yield kindness. And, like a pebble tossed into a pond yields ripples, kindness flows outward from just one simple act, inspiring others.”

Another simple illustration is a yawn. Yawn and the whole room yawns. Smile at a stranger and who knows, that stranger is inspired to smile at another.

The book of Acts illustrates how God spread the Gospel like a pebble in a pond. Jesus told His disciples, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” (Mark 16:15) then told them how it would happen:

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

Usually the effects of doing what God says or just being like Jesus in life’s situations is not obvious. Also, faith is the foundation for obedience, not any notions about what will happen because of it. One person insists that all we need to do is share what Jesus has done for us and others will want to know him too. That is not always the way it works. Ask those in the middle east. Many Christians have been persecuted and even slaughtered for telling others about Jesus. This does not stop God from using their obedience, but many of them will never see the results.

For me, this points to the worst event in history — putting to death the innocent man who is God. And God turned that into the best event, the most superior thing that ever happened. Yesterday we heard of the torture He experienced. Many in our church wore black and felt the pain of it — in a minuscule way compared to what Jesus endured. Tomorrow we look back at the reason we call Friday ‘Good’ and celebrate the reality that Jesus is alive and that the ripple effect that started with a few at the empty tomb has reached our hearts and minds. Millions live because He lives, and the ripple continues to use the obedience of His people to bring Good News to one person then another, then another.

PRAY: Lord, for a few days I’ve felt the deep sorrow that You, my best Friend, suffered as You did to save me from sin and the wrath of God. As tomorrow rolls closer, that sorrow turns to incredulous joy for the love that put You on that cross and the ripples that You used to bring me to join You there happened because of Your obedience — and because You rose and are alive!

One way to share Christ

Piper’s writing for today explains why I’m bothered when I hear someone say they never read anything. He says: “There are several reasons I write. One of the most personally compelling is that I read. I mean, my main spiritual sustenance comes by the Holy Spirit from reading. Therefore reading is more important to me than eating. If I went blind, I would pay to have someone read to me. I would try to learn Braille. I would buy books on tape. I would rather go without food than go without books. Therefore, writing feels very life-giving to me, since I get so much of my own life from reading.”

His words also encourage me. When God told me to publish my devotions online, it seemed a mysterious request and I balked at bit. In my experience, blogs were not important. Now that I’ve found many that are “life-giving” my opinion has changed. Even so, when hearing challenges to share my faith, rarely does anyone say to do it this way. Face to face or door to door are stressed. Making relationships also. Yet God has me at my desk writing, and I wonder if this “obedience” makes any difference to anyone.

Piper’s words say that the history of the church depends on writing. “God chose to send his living Word into the world for thirty years, and his written Word into the world for two thousand years. Think of the assumption behind this divine decision. People in each generation would be dependent on those who read.” I’ve not thought of that before, mainly because we live in a different time and culture, but we do have the marvels of modern technology. I can talk face to face with family members who live thousands of miles away. Communication is different. Lives are changed by email, phone messaging, and the Internet. And some still read books. Yet back in the day, writing was a key means to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. . . .  

For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. (Ephesians 3:1–5)

God spoke to Paul and he wrote what God said and sent it to other Christians. When they read what he said, they could perceive what had been revealed. I cannot claim the same gifts or powers of a special anointing to do what they did — “knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:20–21) — these men wrote the Bible as the Holy Spirit led them. I write what the Holy Spirit speaks to my life which is not the same thing. However the value of writing and sharing validates what I do is one of God's ways to communicate, bearing in mind that He also says:

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. (James 3:1–2)

For that reason, I realize that no one should think that people who write about their spiritual lives are experts who know all there is to know about God. As Charnock says, “To be desirous to know the reason of all God’s proceedings in the matter of sin, is to second the ambition of Adam, to be as wise as God, and know the reason of his actings equally with himself.” I need to be careful that my desire to know God does not come from the same sinful desire that drove Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge and plunged humanity into the destructive grip of sin.

PRAY: Jesus, we call today Good Friday, good because You died to release us from the penalty and power of sin. That must always be my reason for wanting to hear You and wanting share what You say with others. May You keep me on target, and like John be able to say to anyone who reads my writing that Jesus did many things, but: “These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31)


 

Patience

Last night’s Bible study raised an interesting question: why do we belittle “doubting Thomas” just because he said:

“Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” (John 20:25)

How many times have we asked God to prove something by giving us what our eyes can see? After all, faith is defined this way: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)?

After some discussion, we determined that doubt is asking for proof in an attempt to build or reassure our faith or erase our doubts. However, God often answers prayer or does things we did not expect, giving us a faith-builder that was initiated by Him. There is a difference between asking for proof and Him giving us proof because He sees we need a boost.

As for doubt, it is related to impatience, like the child that wants supper now when supper has not finished cooking. Sometimes this is described to a human inability to deal with delayed gratification. This happens to adults too. We want something NOW.

Devotional reading this morning asks: Do I have the patience to wait on God’s timing? The Word of God describes the journey to patience this way:

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2–4)

“Steadfast” means to endure patiently. It is a trait developed by having it tested by difficulties or challenges. Those tests usually start small.

For instance, when others learn that I quilt, they often say, “I don’t have the patience for that” meaning they want the quilt finished. When I started quilting, I enjoyed the process so much that finishing was often delayed. Now I’m very glad to have another one finished but have learned through making many quilts that the process is necessary. It also built my patience so I can persist on a project until it is done without being antsy about it.

The truth is, God patiently goes through a process to answer many of my prayers. He may give me a requested parking place in a few minutes, but when I pray for someone’s healing, or salvation, rarely do such things happen at the snap of a finger. He could do it that way, but takes time to soften hearts (or build immune systems) in respect to human situations. Not everyone is like Saul, who was persecuting Christians when God confronted him and changed his life. It seemed like an instant zap, and so did my salvation — at least to observers. No one could see the preparation going on in my heart for many years.

God’s process begins by convincing a person that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him. But then they hear that they are sinners who need Him. That is a common parking place, but some admit it is true and find out that He loves them enough to die for their sin. If someone resists any of those things, He comes to them in different ways, always looking for a change in their hearts at whatever stage they are in so they can move toward Him.

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)

Thomas doubted that Jesus was alive. When I pray for someone and nothing seems to be happening, I could doubt that God is at work, but the entire Bible declares otherwise. I just cannot see it, like Thomas doubted until he saw Jesus. Basically, this man was saying to the other disciples, “I hear you tell me but I need to see Jesus for myself.” That sounds less like doubt and more like what Jesus wants for everyone — not to believe on hearsay but believe in Him because of a personal and very real encounter with Him.

PRAY: You are telling me again to be patient. I want what You want and I know that You could speak and make things happen instantly, but like most instant stuff in our world, it never turns out with the same power and potential as those things that take time to accomplish. I’ve been told not to pray for patience as it invites trials, but it also produces maturity. May Your will be done.

Apply this. . . .

Piper’s devotional for today gives an example of summarizing a passage to apply it.He used Luke 18. I tried it with Philippians 4 and here is the result. . . . 

Stay Firm

Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

Stay United

I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Stay in Peace

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Stay Mindful

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Stay Contented

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Stay Generous

Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Stay Loving
To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. (Philippians 4:1–23)

This could be divided into more sections and have even more applications. I picked those that first caught my attention. Besides this, God spoke to me again in a dream. I was feeling yucky last night and complained about it. In my dream, He clearly said, “Choose joy” and reminded me of my ‘hero’ at church who is always “just fine’ when he has many things wrong with his body. His joy is infectious and an example of always being filled with the Holy Spirit who is the author of joy.

PRAY: Jesus, again You give me much to think about and to do. Stand strong in faith, promote unity not division, pray about everything, think godly thoughts, be satisfied and joyful no matter what, and be loving and generous to all. In other words, be like You! Thank You for living in me. Otherwise all this would be totally out of reach.

His strength perfected in weakness

 

Everyone knows what it is like to have a person’s name slip from memory, or fumble to find a word for something that is known but hiding somewhere in the back of their head. Some say this is old age, or dementia, but whatever it is, God is there to help.

This week I ordered a quilt pattern and downloaded the file. Since it was only a lap size, and I wanted a queen-size, I printed only the front page photo and redesigned it on a quilter’s app that does that sort of thing. I knew this pattern directions would not work for the changes I made. I had no idea what to do with it, so I prayed.

I went to bed wondering how I would assemble this project. It seemed a large challenge. Even though I’ve made more than 300 quilts, this one had me stumped. I prayed for guidance — and then fell asleep. And then I had a vivid dream. In that dream, I was shown precise instructions for putting that quilt together, totally different than anything I’ve ever done before! I shake my head in amazement at how God answers prayer when I cry for help.

Then to top it off, today’s devotional reading was short and about God helping the helpless. It included three references that were like exclamation marks for that dream:

He loves to be God for the weak and childlike, who look to him for all they need. From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him. (Isaiah 64:4)
But the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love. (Psalm 147:11)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

How could I doubt Him? Or turn to google for answers? Or try to find a Youtube? His answer is so perfect — a testimony to His ingenuity and goodness. The One who made the universe with a word has no trouble with how to assemble a mere quilt.

PRAY: What can I say to You? Thank You seems so small — even if this quilt is not an earth-shattering project, You knew exact instructions will save time and eliminate stress. What a blessing You are, my ingenious God!