As for the rest of the story . . . .......... Parables 685

September 19, 2000

South African President Nelson Mandela’s former prison cell is now a Cape Town tourist attraction. Friends and perhaps foes gaze at the small space that held Mandela for years, but he now enjoys freedom and a new life. His cell was not the end of the story for Mandela. While some wanted his death, he persisted in his dreams and his message. He was eventually was recognized for his visionary leadership and his jailers had to set him free.

In another part of the world, another supposed former prison also attracts tourists. A newly restored dome rises above the traditional site of the tomb of Jesus. Golden rays shimmer across a backdrop of pearly white surrounded by sparkling stars. Friends and perhaps foes gaze at the even smaller space that held Jesus captive for three days and three nights. This man also now lives in freedom and a new life.

That tomb was not the end of that story for the Son of God either, but for different reasons. Jesus was a leader but He was not recognized by the political and religious pundits of His time. His following consisted of publicans and sinners. While they adored Him, the elite of society and everyone else eventually rejected Him. Their rejection led to His death.

One of Jesus’ disciples later preached to those who did the deed. After healing a cripple, Peter said, “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.

“He (Jesus) is the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved..”

The audience was not exactly ecstatic. They realized what Peter said was true. They pushed that aside though, remarking how this disciple was an “unschooled and ordinary man” yet they also acknowledged that a cripple had been healed. They were speechless — but not for long.

These religious leaders collected their wits and tried to think of a way to stop the disciples from talking about this Jesus. Finally, they commanded the disciples not to speak or teach at all in His name.

Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

I’m amazed that a political message of fair play and freedom for his people landed Mandela in jail for such a long time, but I’m even more amazed that a spiritual message of forgiveness of sin and eternal life through faith in Christ put Jesus on a cross and brought His followers into severe persecution. Most people didn’t want to hear about Jesus then, and many people today still do not want to hear the gospel.

Is it true that right wins over wrong? In Mandela’s case, it could be, but in the case of Jesus Christ, it is definitely true. The evidence that Jesus won over evil is an empty tomb. Even though the sin of the whole world put Him in a grave (and only because He chose to bear the penalty of that sin), it could not keep Him there.

Jesus claimed to be God in the flesh. That incredible claim and His equally incredible message would have no credibility if He lied. But He did not lie. Instead, He loved us so much that He died for our sins — then by walking out of the tomb He proved that He is the eternal God, worthy to be set free and able to set us free as well.

Every person sins and falls short of God's glory .......................... Parables 130

Closets are simply places to hang clothes, store sports equipment, stash books, and shove those piles of stuff that have no other place but beg hiding when company is coming.

But closets are also hiding places for secrets, a secret past, a secret lifestyle.

At one time, homosexuality was one such secret, fearfully kept hidden. Now as the closet doors are opening and “coming out” is hailed a virtue in some minds, frank admission is increasingly equated with acceptability, not only before society, but before God. After all, doesn’t God accept everyone, in love? Especially if they are honest? Don’t be too sure.

First, the idea of hiding this lifestyle, whether in a closet or under the cover of darkness is not new. Back in Genesis, the gay community of Sodom and Gomorrah were much bolder at night (yet they could not escape God’s eyes because “darkness and light are both alike” to Him, Psalm 139.)

“Coming out of the closet” is not a new idea either. I’ve been told the Roman army, about the time of Christ, openly encouraged the practice of homosexuality among its ranks.

We usually associate hiding with guilt. Jesus confirms the connection by saying that people love darkness because their deeds are evil. He urges all to come to the Light and be willing to have their life exposed -- but He makes it clear that coming out of hiding is not enough. The problem goes far deeper than mere avoidance of discovery.

The book of Romans, the most complete outline of man’s condition and God’s remedy, says this: “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all . . . who suppress the truth . . . because what may be known of God . . . has been shown to them . . . (but) they did not glorify Him as God . . . their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image like corruptible man (reminds me of a certain movie!)... therefore God gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves . . . the men leaving the natural use . . . and burned in their lust for one another, men with men -- committing what is shameful . . . (so) God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness: sexual immorality, wickedness . . . (and a long list of other sins) . . . who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.”

Simply put, any who reject what they know about God and His truth are left to follow their own sinful desires. It isn’t that falling into such sin results in God rejecting those sinners, but their immoral lives are evidence that they have already rejected the truth God gave them. Therefore, Romans says, this lifestyle reveals a hardness of heart against the truth of God and in fact, becoming open about sin can really mean, “I don’t care what anyone thinks . . . I am going to do what I want to do.”

When I clean my closets, opening the door is just the first step. It reveals the mess. But unless I go on to straighten it out, it says a mess. Unfortunately, the gay community says they are turning on lights by “coming out of the closet” but all they are doing is letting everyone know what they have previously kept hidden.

Walking in the Light of Christ means more than that. It is repenting or turning from sin, no matter what form it takes, and walking a new way. It is becoming, by faith and the power of God, a new creature that grows in godliness.

While some protest that God loves them (therefore no one has any right to reject them) they are actually rejecting His love. He does not love with a permissiveness that leaves people in an unholy condition. In fact, the love of God is a bright light that exposes the mess with the holy purpose of making it holy.

Do mistakes need forgiveness? .................... Parables 121

U.S. SHOOTS DOWN IRAN JET 290 DEAD

Whatever our feeling about U.S. involvement in the Middle East, this mind-numbing tragedy stained faces with tears and filled minds with questions, many of which may never be answered. How could it happen? What will be the consequence? What will happen to the men who gave the orders to fire? Are they guilty of an act of aggression?

As I considered this headline, other questions came to mind: If a person makes a terrible error without intent to do wrong, does God still call that a sin? Will “I didn’t mean to . . . ” exonerate a person from guilt before God for their actions?

Jesus told a story about a landowner who had to leave his servants in charge of his property. Some took their responsibility seriously. Others did not. Jesus described their fate: “And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not . . . do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few” (Luke 12:47-48).

The servant who willfully did wrong deserved his punishment. But the servant who didn’t know that what he was doing was wrong was also punished, not as severely, but nonetheless punished.

In the book of Acts, Peter explained that those who crucified Jesus were ignorant of what they were doing, “ . . . you killed the Prince of life whom God hath raised from the dead . . . through ignorance you did it . . . ” Yet they needed forgiveness or Jesus, when they nailed Him to the cross, would not have prayed, “Father, forgive them, they do not know what they do.”

According to Leviticus 5:17-19, ignorance is no excuse. When God’s commands are broken, it is sin: “And if a soul sins and commits any of these things which are forbidden by the commandments of the Lord; though he does not know it, yet he is guilty . . . he has certainly trespassed against the Lord.”

Not all sin is committed in ignorance, but whatever the case, Jesus died so sinners could be forgiven. His salvation is for anyone who will come to Him, in faith, repenting of their sin, and believing in Him.

One more question: Does that mean that once a sinner has been forgiven, there will be no consequences or punishment for sin? That depends. God will not punish His children with eternal judgment; His forgiveness is forever. Romans 8 declares that the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ makes us free from the law of sin and death.

However, if civil law is broken, the lawbreaker can expect to serve his sentence, see Romans 13. Besides that, there is God’s law of cause and effect. If I unintentionally break someone’s arm, God will forgive me, and so might the person, but they still must wear a cast for six weeks.

The U.S. government, as a body, may not bring this matter before God, although individuals probably already have done so. Some may be held accountable legally for what has happened. A great many will suffer the consequences - perhaps all of us, should it set off a full-scale war.

But whatever the U.S. does with this major mistake, we should not forget one thing - we make them too, both big and small. The remedy that restores individual peace of mind and satisfies a sin-hating God is not “I didn’t mean to . . . ” but, “You are right, I am wrong. Please forgive me . . . ” accompanied by faith in the good news that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is sufficient to cover any and every sin we commit, intentional or not.

There's preaching and then there is preaching .............. Parables 111

A review in a recent Edmonton newspaper praised the performance of a Christian music group, but had little good to say about the solo performer that shared the evening’s program. It said, “His set featured the bugaboos that turn the unconverted off... obvious arrangements, one‑dimensional lyrics... between heavy doses of preaching.”

It seemed that the critic thought preaching is okay if it is subtle, cushioned by “smooth, inventive” music, but obvious, straightforward preaching, unaccompanied by extraordinary talent, was not acceptable.

According to Webster, anyone who preaches is [1] giving a sermon (a religious discourse) or [2] pressuring someone to change in some way ‑ and doing so in “an offensive or tiresome manner”. Many people lump Webster’s definitions and consider any religious speaking offensive or tiresome. Sometimes they are right.

In the Bible, “preach” comes from several Greek words that mean “to herald or proclaim”, or more specifically, “to proclaim the good news concerning Jesus Christ.”

Jesus Christ’s activities included preaching. Later on, He told His disciples, “what you hear... preach!” After Jesus was crucified, resurrected and ascended into heaven, those same disciples “ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.”

Preaching the gospel, according to Romans 1, is how the “righteousness from God is revealed.” 1 Corinthians 1 says that “it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”

The Apostle Paul agrees that preaching seems foolish to some. He says “the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”

Those who don’t believe and are without eternal life may ridicule the message and the messengers, but those who know Him know how powerful is that message. It changes both our character and our destiny.

But the Apostle Paul warned Timothy, “Preach the Word... for the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead... they will gather... teachers who will say what (they) want to hear.”

Therefore, the hearers are responsibility to respond to the gospel when it is preached, not tune it out or turn it off. But preachers have a responsibility too. Some have slipped away from the truth they once knew. Paul warned a preacher, “Hold firm to the message as it has been taught...”

Then there are some preachers who have corrupted the message: “...who would trouble you and pervert the gospel of Christ” (Galatians 1:7).

Others never knew the message, themselves being corrupt and full of selfish motives: “... there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers... ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not... for the sake of dishonest gain.”

Even good preaching offends, not because it is wrong but because it is right. When Christ is preached, one cannot help but see their own failure to measure up to the standard of God. We are all sinners, fallen short of His glory and deserving the death that Christ died on our behalf. That is the bad news. It hurts our pride.

The good news is that God is merciful. He delights to save sinners, to give us the life of Christ that will change us and set us free from the penalty of sin.

So how can we hear ‑ unless there is a preacher?

False teachers ............................ Parables 090

Last week a lovely young woman came to my door representing a religious organization. She expressed concern for my eternal well-being and wondered if I was satisfied with my “religion.” I was impressed with her sincerity and her desire to please. She admitted that she did not have all the answers but was sure that if she studied more she would know whatever she needed to know.

This woman and others claim to teach from the Bible, yet I could see many contradictions between what she plainly said and what the Bible plainly teaches. Here are some of them:
 
THE NATURE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS: I was told that people can and must please God. She said that God forgives but I had to do something to become righteous. I was also told that eternal life was a future condition and also attained by doing certain good things. 

The Bible teaches that “there is not one righteous person, no, not one...” and that “there is not one just person that does good and sins not...” It says that “all our righteousness is like filthy rags” and even if we do the best we can, it “falls short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3, Isaiah 64, Ecclesiastes 7) 

It also says God forgives - but not on the basis of what we do. “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin.” Jesus Christ died so we could be forgiven. “It is not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy we are saved.” (Titus 3) 

Also, when we believe, God imputes the righteousness of His Son on us. Any good that Christians can do is BECAUSE OF that imputed righteousness, not to earn it. (Romans 4, II Corinthians 5, Ephesians 2) 

I John 5 says that “eternal life is in Jesus Christ” and anyone who “has Christ (that is, receives Him by faith) HAS life.” Eternal life is found in a person, and is a present possession of those who have Christ. 

HOW TO COME TO GOD: I was told that the organization this woman belonged to was God’s only true organization. Without being a member, I would not be able to come to God. However, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man comes to the Father but by me.” (John 14) Acts 4 says “There is salvation in no other name...” 

THE NATURE OF JESUS: This woman told me that Jesus was a created being, not God. (Other false teachers say He only a man, or one of many in whom the “Christ-spirit” lived, or an angel, or one of many lessor gods.) 

The Bible says that Jesus is the eternal “I AM,” the self-existing One. He is God who put on flesh to “pitch His tent” among us for a time. 

He claimed equality with God, not just equality of purpose but equality of nature, or essence. He proved who He was by doing things that only God can do - controlling the elements, healing the sick, raising the dead, and forgiving sin. Yet He did these things in the limitations of human flesh so that He could fully identify with our struggles and our suffering. (John 1, Philippians 2, and throughout scripture) 

This God-Man was put to death for our sins, buried, and by the power of His unchanging life, rose from the dead. After being seen 40 days by over 500 witnesses, He ascended in bodily form into heaven, where He now sits at the right hand of the Father, interceding for those who believe in Him. (I Corinthians 15, Acts 1, Hebrews 7) 

In the day that God will judge mankind, the books will be opened. Only the names of those who have the righteousness of Jesus will appear in the book of life. These will experience “no further condemnation.” (Romans 8) but “those who do not have Christ are condemned already because they do not believe in Him.” (John 3) 

False teachers don’t wear a label that says - “Watch out, I am not telling the truth!” They are sincere. The best test is to measure what they say against the Word of God.

God-given rights? ...................................... Parables 053

If a theme song were written for the 80's, it would probably be entitled, “I Have My Rights.” So many are singing it.

The word “rights” usually describes the privileges or freedoms granted to individuals by a higher authority. But sometimes the protest “I have my rights”, really means “I want something ... and no one is going to stop me from having it.” 

As early as we can talk, we seem concerned about rights... at least in North America. Affluence, many political and social privileges, perhaps even being “spoiled rotten”, contributes to a fierce sense of ownership towards certain freedoms, possessions, and responsibilities.

Thus we claim “rights” in many areas... the right to be treated equal, or the right to equal wages, or the right to speak, or to select clothes, or music, or hair styles. Some believe we should have the right to abuse our rights, to go outside society’s norm, to be bizarre, to shock or offend others. Most people insist in the right to believe whatever they want to believe, to vote however they want to vote, and to say whatever they want to say. Many look to some higher authority to grant, or at least enforce, those rights.

The Bible sheds some interest on this concept of “rights.” It uses the word “exousia” which means freedom of action, or the right to act. When this word is used to describe God, it means absolute or unrestricted freedom. In other words, God has every right to do what He wants to do. He alone has that power and ability and there is no higher authority.

When “exousia” is used in regard to us, it is a delegated or given freedom. More simply, our rights are not an automatic possession but something that is a granted as a privilege or a gift, by God, or by a God-ordained authority.

A basic God-given right is the freedom of choice. God gave each of us a free will, and even though He has the power to, He will not violate that freedom. He respects this right that He has granted to us.

Very importantly connected to that freedom is another right, the right or privilege of being one of His family. This one is also God-given, but granted according to our freedom of choice. In other words, He doesn’t give it to us apart from our decision to receive it.

God says this: “... to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name (referring to Jesus Christ), He gave -the -right to become children- -of God- - children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” (John 1:12,13 NIV)

The choice to believe and receive Christ is ours, but the bestowing of the “right” to be a child of God, is from God. It is not within our ability to become members of His family simply by an act of our own will. God has to grant the privilege. However, this privilege is freely granted to anyone who chooses to believe in His Son and receive Him into their lives.

That theme song, “I Have My Rights”, need not be one of demand and protest. If it is understood as, “He has given me the right...” it can be a song of praise and gratitude to God.