December 31, 1996
“But you promised . . . . “
What parent has not heard that accusation, particularly Christmas morning when their child did not receive an expected gift. Did he or she misinterpret “maybe” as a promise? Or did the child hear right and is rightly disappointed?
Thankfully parents and children alike have one Parent we can trust all the time. Our Heavenly Father always keeps His promises. Scripture abounds with examples. Here are three:
First, God promised a Savior, right after the first sin was committed. Then, throughout the Old Testament, He expanded and explained His promise. Jeremiah specifically uses the word: “The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will fulfill the gracious promise I made to the house of Israel and to the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land.”
Jesus, the perfectly right and just Son of God, was born of the lineage of David, 600 years later. After two thousand years, we still celebrate the fulfillment of this incredible Promise.
The next example is that God promises to forgive all who turn from sin and believe in His Son. Acts 2 says: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
Those who have responded to the call of God by repentance and faith in Jesus Christ know that this promise has also been fulfilled. We know the joy of His forgiveness and the reality of the Spirit’s indwelling.
The third example is God’s promise that Jesus will return to judge the earth and then renew it. Second Peter says: “The day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.”
Some laugh and say this will never happen but the Bible says, “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change his mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?”
In the Old Testament, God warned His people that if they did not believe and obey, He would destroy them. However, “they despised the pleasant land; they did not believe his promise” and they pushed God’s patience until He judged them and sent them into exile.
Biblical history shows how God hates sin and rebellion but also that He is patient and pleads with His people to return to Him. Peter clarifies His patience in response to those who scoff at the Second Coming of Christ. Instead of giving another threat, he gives this invitation: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Someone has catalogued several thousand promises. God has fulfilled all the others. As He promised, Jesus did come; He was born in a stable—to die on a Cross and He will come again.
This Christmas, consider God’s greatest gift, the promised Christ child. Consider also His promise of eternal life and His promise to come again. Then put your faith in Him because He who promised is faithful. He will do it.
Showing posts with label gift of life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gift of life. Show all posts
Friday, January 20, 2017
Monday, August 1, 2016
Fear of death .......... Parables 465
March 28, 1995
“Doctor, I’m a Christian but I’m afraid to die. What happens in the hour of death?”
It is no surprise that the Bible identifies death as our enemy. No matter who faces this opponent, in the end death defeats everyone. Fear of death is also an enemy. Scripture says this fear can hold people in slavery all their lives. It extends to fear of growing old and even of becoming gravely ill. Also, many will not speak directly about death. Instead, they use euphemisms like “passed away” or even a flippant “kicked the bucket” to soften fear’s stranglehold.
If death was a friend, vitamins and health food companies and a host of other industries and services would not exist. Medical science dedicates itself to free people from these fears. Cosmetic companies flourish because people do not want to lose their youth and strength.
What are people afraid of? Is death feared because of subconscious warnings of an unpleasant judgment? Maybe. Hebrews 9:27 says, “Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.”
After death, judgment is certain. It is based on what people do when alive. Sin has an eternal consequence, as Romans 6:23 says, “The wages of sin is death . . . “ However, the rest of the verse gives hope. It says “but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Certainly the Christian who made the above statement believed both the first and second half of that verse. No doubt he once feared judgment, but as a follower of Christ, judgment was no longer a fearful thing for him. He knew he was “justified by Christ’s blood” and “saved from God’s wrath through Him.” He also knew, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Through Christ, the law of the Spirit of life sets people free from the law of sin and death.
Having confessed and received forgiveness, if a Christian still fears death, the fear is not about judgment but the actual process of dying. Will it be painful? Difficult? As the man asked his doctor, what does the hour of death hold?
The doctor was also a believer but could not think of a comforting answer. When he turned to leave, he was sad that words had failed him. Just then he heard scratching and whining outside the door. He remembered leaving his car window open. His dog must have jumped out. He opened the door and the little dog bounced inside, excited that he had found his master. The doctor playfully cuddled his pet.
At that moment, he thought of a way to express the truth his patient longed to hear. Turning to the sick man, he said, “Did you see how my dog acted? He has never been in this room before. He had no idea what was inside. Yet when I opened the door, he sprang in without fear. He knew his master was here and that was enough!”
Christians do not know the glories that await us on the other side of death. The Bible says our minds cannot grasp the wonders God has for us. However, one thing is sufficient. We do know our Master waits there. Jesus said, “I am going there to prepare a place for you . . . I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
Jesus is in heaven waiting for His followers to walk through death’s door. Our delight in seeing Him will combine with His delight in welcoming us and all our fears will be removed — forever.
“Doctor, I’m a Christian but I’m afraid to die. What happens in the hour of death?”
It is no surprise that the Bible identifies death as our enemy. No matter who faces this opponent, in the end death defeats everyone. Fear of death is also an enemy. Scripture says this fear can hold people in slavery all their lives. It extends to fear of growing old and even of becoming gravely ill. Also, many will not speak directly about death. Instead, they use euphemisms like “passed away” or even a flippant “kicked the bucket” to soften fear’s stranglehold.
If death was a friend, vitamins and health food companies and a host of other industries and services would not exist. Medical science dedicates itself to free people from these fears. Cosmetic companies flourish because people do not want to lose their youth and strength.
What are people afraid of? Is death feared because of subconscious warnings of an unpleasant judgment? Maybe. Hebrews 9:27 says, “Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.”
After death, judgment is certain. It is based on what people do when alive. Sin has an eternal consequence, as Romans 6:23 says, “The wages of sin is death . . . “ However, the rest of the verse gives hope. It says “but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Certainly the Christian who made the above statement believed both the first and second half of that verse. No doubt he once feared judgment, but as a follower of Christ, judgment was no longer a fearful thing for him. He knew he was “justified by Christ’s blood” and “saved from God’s wrath through Him.” He also knew, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Through Christ, the law of the Spirit of life sets people free from the law of sin and death.
Having confessed and received forgiveness, if a Christian still fears death, the fear is not about judgment but the actual process of dying. Will it be painful? Difficult? As the man asked his doctor, what does the hour of death hold?
The doctor was also a believer but could not think of a comforting answer. When he turned to leave, he was sad that words had failed him. Just then he heard scratching and whining outside the door. He remembered leaving his car window open. His dog must have jumped out. He opened the door and the little dog bounced inside, excited that he had found his master. The doctor playfully cuddled his pet.
At that moment, he thought of a way to express the truth his patient longed to hear. Turning to the sick man, he said, “Did you see how my dog acted? He has never been in this room before. He had no idea what was inside. Yet when I opened the door, he sprang in without fear. He knew his master was here and that was enough!”
Christians do not know the glories that await us on the other side of death. The Bible says our minds cannot grasp the wonders God has for us. However, one thing is sufficient. We do know our Master waits there. Jesus said, “I am going there to prepare a place for you . . . I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
Jesus is in heaven waiting for His followers to walk through death’s door. Our delight in seeing Him will combine with His delight in welcoming us and all our fears will be removed — forever.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Hungry? .......................... Parables 017
Have you ever heard the expression, “I don’t want anyone cramming religion down my throat”? I am sure we all have, and many of us have said it ourselves. In fact, I doubt if anyone wants anything crammed down their throat, especially something for which the stomach is not a suitable destination.
Where does religion belong? Some say it belongs with children and old ladies. Others say it belongs with those who cannot cope with the stresses of life without it. Some say religion belongs in the churches, and like well-behaved children, should be seen and not heard.
Frankly, I don’t often use the term religion. It has come to have a rather man-centered meaning and describes, at least in my own mind, the efforts of man to reach up to God and somehow gain His approval or favor. Biblically, that is not possible. Romans 3 says that no man seeks God and that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
The next chapters of the book of Romans go on to describe in great detail the difference between a religion of human achievement and Christianity. Christianity is God having mercy on sinful men and reaching down to them, in fact, coming down to them, not only to pay their penalty for sin but to offer them the free gift of eternal life.
Everyone knows what a gift is. It is something that cannot be earned or deserved, or crammed down anyone’s throat. It is something that must be received, willingly and gladly, without effort to pay for it. Otherwise it does not come under the ownership of the one to whom it is offered.
Think of a young robin in the nest, hungry for that food that will keep him alive. His mouth is open wide, his throat totally exposed, not only willing to have something crammed down it, but his life literally depends on that happening. He will perish without it.
Jesus said, “For God so lived the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Try telling a baby robin, “You need to get your act together . . . you must do these 239 rules and get out of that place that you are in and do something about your life.” The poor little thing will die, mouth open, and likely with a sore throat. He needs the right food, but he also needs to have it given to him in love and with concern for his well-being. Certainly a hasty or less than gentle feeding will also mean a pain in the neck.
Then, should he decide to spit it out, or decide that he really is not hungry, or just does not want to acknowledge that he is in need of some nourishment, the resulting condition of his throat and his life is something for which he alone is responsible.
Where does religion belong? Some say it belongs with children and old ladies. Others say it belongs with those who cannot cope with the stresses of life without it. Some say religion belongs in the churches, and like well-behaved children, should be seen and not heard.
Frankly, I don’t often use the term religion. It has come to have a rather man-centered meaning and describes, at least in my own mind, the efforts of man to reach up to God and somehow gain His approval or favor. Biblically, that is not possible. Romans 3 says that no man seeks God and that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
The next chapters of the book of Romans go on to describe in great detail the difference between a religion of human achievement and Christianity. Christianity is God having mercy on sinful men and reaching down to them, in fact, coming down to them, not only to pay their penalty for sin but to offer them the free gift of eternal life.
Everyone knows what a gift is. It is something that cannot be earned or deserved, or crammed down anyone’s throat. It is something that must be received, willingly and gladly, without effort to pay for it. Otherwise it does not come under the ownership of the one to whom it is offered.
Think of a young robin in the nest, hungry for that food that will keep him alive. His mouth is open wide, his throat totally exposed, not only willing to have something crammed down it, but his life literally depends on that happening. He will perish without it.Jesus said, “For God so lived the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Try telling a baby robin, “You need to get your act together . . . you must do these 239 rules and get out of that place that you are in and do something about your life.” The poor little thing will die, mouth open, and likely with a sore throat. He needs the right food, but he also needs to have it given to him in love and with concern for his well-being. Certainly a hasty or less than gentle feeding will also mean a pain in the neck.
Then, should he decide to spit it out, or decide that he really is not hungry, or just does not want to acknowledge that he is in need of some nourishment, the resulting condition of his throat and his life is something for which he alone is responsible.
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