It seems that this past Sunday I touched a nerve in some people when I spoke of Glenn Beck. Let me clarify a couple of things; first, I never said Glenn Beck is our savior. Secondly, I never said I agreed with everything he said. I simply said that I went to see him and he has some good things to say. And now what I am saying is that we Americans had better listen up!
Why do we get so upset when even the hint of politics is mentioned from the pulpit? Are we to sit hoarded up in the comfort of our pews while America goes to Hell all around us? Let me remind you of something: we are the government! We the people. We the people have been given the responsibility to govern through the election process. Therefore, why wouldn’t it be prudent for us to cry out from our pulpits what is necessary in order to remain a free and righteous people before God? Why wouldn’t we proclaim to the masses the principles, character and morals that would manifest themselves from the rural countryside to the downtown alley ways? Our proclamation could influence a nation and her government for God. I can relate the word of God to your money, your behavior, your marriage, your attitude, your service, your children, but don’t mention your politics— hogwash! No longer should Christians be allowed to compartmentalize their lives and hide sinful lifestyles behind the banner of politics!
Matthew 22:21 proclaims, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.”
The trouble today is that we have confused who is who! We have become more afraid of the government that can and will kill the body than God who kills the soul. Listen, we should completely and ungrudgingly give to the government what it is entitled to, but in no circumstance should we give to it what belongs to God! Our government, past and present, has launched an attack on three specific areas that belong to God alone. They are central to the very foundations of Christianity. The sanctity of life, the institute of biblical marriage and religious liberty are absolutes to our faith, and at no time should we surrender to Caesar in these areas. When the law of the land dictates we violate God’s righteousness or suffer consequences, we should be willing to suffer the consequences rather than denounce God! Is martyrdom dead?
I hope and pray you will join with me as I stand to do my part in preserving America as a Christian nation. I am unwilling to accept the words of a president who proclaims that we are no longer a Christian nation, who leads an attack on the sanctity of human life and who seeks to undermine the foundations of religious liberty. It is not too late to join the fight! I have made available to you a list of government officials; exercise your freedom to contact them, and let the people govern once again.
Unapologetically,
Pastor Barry
Monday, July 6, 2009
Oh Ye Of Little Grace
Oh ye of little grace! This is the exact thought that entered my mind as I sat down and studied through this week’s Bible Fellowship study. Like flood waters rushing over a dam, my memory was drawn to ungracious words I had spoken recently. No, I wasn’t trying to be ungracious or harsh, but it seems to come natural for me.
Part of maturing as a Christian is learning to behave in a Christ-like manner during difficult times. It is most difficult to extend grace to others when we do not seem to be receiving grace. The conscience is quick to justify bad attitudes and misbehavior based on the current conditions of our life. I am so glad Christ did not treat me the way I treated and treat Him! In the parable of the Faithful Steward found in the 12th chapter of Matthew we read, “…For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required…”
I have been so blessed in my marriage, in my children, in my ministry; in every area of life God’s blessings have far exceeded my worth! Why? Why would God make such an upside down investment in me—one who was considered an enemy (“For if when we were enemies…” Rom. 5:10)? If there was ever a question that could be summed up in one answer it is this one. The answer is grace, God’s amazing grace! I love what the Apostle Paul says in Ephesians 2:4, “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, (didn’t deserve it) made us alive together with Christ (by His grace you have been saved…”
I hope you truly studied and contemplated this week’s Bible Fellowship lesson. I pray the fruit of this study—not only for my own life but for the life of the church—will result in grace manifested throughout our church and community. God has laid a challenge on my heart this week, and I want to extend it to you as well. It is really quite simple. Find someone this week in your life who deserves nothing from you and show the love of God through grace.
In His Service
Pastor Barry
Oh ye of little grace! This is the exact thought that entered my mind as I sat down and studied through this week’s Bible Fellowship study. Like flood waters rushing over a dam, my memory was drawn to ungracious words I had spoken recently. No, I wasn’t trying to be ungracious or harsh, but it seems to come natural for me.
Part of maturing as a Christian is learning to behave in a Christ-like manner during difficult times. It is most difficult to extend grace to others when we do not seem to be receiving grace. The conscience is quick to justify bad attitudes and misbehavior based on the current conditions of our life. I am so glad Christ did not treat me the way I treated and treat Him! In the parable of the Faithful Steward found in the 12th chapter of Matthew we read, “…For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required…”
I have been so blessed in my marriage, in my children, in my ministry; in every area of life God’s blessings have far exceeded my worth! Why? Why would God make such an upside down investment in me—one who was considered an enemy (“For if when we were enemies…” Rom. 5:10)? If there was ever a question that could be summed up in one answer it is this one. The answer is grace, God’s amazing grace! I love what the Apostle Paul says in Ephesians 2:4, “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, (didn’t deserve it) made us alive together with Christ (by His grace you have been saved…”
I hope you truly studied and contemplated this week’s Bible Fellowship lesson. I pray the fruit of this study—not only for my own life but for the life of the church—will result in grace manifested throughout our church and community. God has laid a challenge on my heart this week, and I want to extend it to you as well. It is really quite simple. Find someone this week in your life who deserves nothing from you and show the love of God through grace.
In His Service
Pastor Barry
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Addressing the subject of holiness C.S. Lewis wrote “How little people know who think that holiness is dull. When one meets the real thing... it is irresistible. If even 10 percent of the world’s population had it, would not the whole world be converted and happy before year’s end?” Oh how Christians need to polish up the dull holiness which we present to the world. Not only the world but our nation; America is in great danger of imploding at its very core. Many Christians want to take a back seat and rest on the sovereignty of God or hide behind some misunderstood idea of separation of church and state. Listen; if I am a Christian, then I am a Christian through and through, not just on Sunday. I can’t put Jesus on pause when it comes to political and moral matters. I can’t stifle the Holy Spirit just for the sake of political correctness or self preservation, to do so is to deny the very tenants of Christian faith: that Jesus Christ dwells in me and that my life is a mere reflection of Him. The work Jesus does on the inside is not restrained by the work of Satan on the outside! I am much afraid the irresistibility of our holiness has been dulled by the complacency of the church and her refusal to make a stand through the demonstration of righteousness. America, the nation we love the nation God has so richly blessed and afforded you and I, when it matters the most will we shrink back into the recesses of excuses or will we be “steadfast and unmovable?” In the days ahead, I intend to continue to lead our church in such a way that there will be no confusion as to where we stand spiritually, morally and politically. We will give no sponsorship to any entity that rejects the authority of God’s word by asking the church to turn against the very God we love and trust. As I am writing this note to you our government is making decisions on what has been called the Fairness Doctrine. This bill is proposed as a tool to stop hate speech. The trouble is the hate they speak of is the Word of God and the truths it holds in regard to immoral behavior such as homosexuality, abortion, and same sex marriage. Soon, the persecution against Christians that goes on around the world will be at our doorsteps. Those who profess to be Christians will be forced to choose. One thing you can be sure, of there will be no fences in Heaven. I pray that we would have a common goal of living to please God alone in our homes, our church, our community and this great America. I pray that we would make investments in our ministries that would produce strength and longevity for the glory of God rather than the applause of men.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Triumphs and Tests:
Just the title of this week’s lessons says something to me. After completing the study, I think back across some of life’s triumphs and failures, and I must be honest, I can claim responsibility for none of my triumphs but yet I receive the credit for all of my failures.
I have often posed the questions, “Why do we have to learn for ourselves the hardships of life? Why can’t we trust the testimony of those who also learned the hard way?” Beth Moore makes the statement in this week’s lesson, “We have all defaulted to old patterns as well, under stress or sudden crisis, our first reactions at various points may be fleshly and selfish.” My immediate thought after reading that was old habits die hard.
I would love to respond to all of life’s opportunities just like Jesus would, but I have this huge problem; It’s called flesh, and as long as I am robed in it, I will deal with that which comes natural to the human—sin. However, I am not making excuses or justifying sinful behavior in the wake of trial and tribulation.
We should give much consideration to all that our lives could be for the Kingdom of God, if we did respond more like Christ to the issues of life. We could be such an encouragement to the less fortunate, the hurting and the broken. We could be such a testimony to the unbelievers of this world, if they only saw Christians act and respond like Christians should.
I know from personal experience the negative knee jerk reactions we give have far greater impact than the positive Christ-like reactions. Those reactions, whether they be words or actions can’t be taken back. Once they role off the tongue or motivate the hands, they are out there. Unfortunately, the world would rather see the Christian fail than succeed.
What’s the answer? How do we improve our responses before the world? First of all, we must remember that our response is first and foremost before the Lord. When we fail, we fail Him alone. Secondly, we must invest in God’s Word. You can’t expect Christ-likeness to come out if you’re not putting it in first. Like the old computer related saying, “Junk in, junk out.” Lastly, we must learn to trust God. God is faithful!
Let me close with a question for you to ponder: “Aren’t our knee jerk responses due to the fact that we don’t believe that God is going to handle it swiftly, correctly and in such a manner that best fits our needs?” When will we learn that God loves us? God is loyal to His children. God will never “leave nor forsake” us.
Pastor Barry
Just the title of this week’s lessons says something to me. After completing the study, I think back across some of life’s triumphs and failures, and I must be honest, I can claim responsibility for none of my triumphs but yet I receive the credit for all of my failures.
I have often posed the questions, “Why do we have to learn for ourselves the hardships of life? Why can’t we trust the testimony of those who also learned the hard way?” Beth Moore makes the statement in this week’s lesson, “We have all defaulted to old patterns as well, under stress or sudden crisis, our first reactions at various points may be fleshly and selfish.” My immediate thought after reading that was old habits die hard.
I would love to respond to all of life’s opportunities just like Jesus would, but I have this huge problem; It’s called flesh, and as long as I am robed in it, I will deal with that which comes natural to the human—sin. However, I am not making excuses or justifying sinful behavior in the wake of trial and tribulation.
We should give much consideration to all that our lives could be for the Kingdom of God, if we did respond more like Christ to the issues of life. We could be such an encouragement to the less fortunate, the hurting and the broken. We could be such a testimony to the unbelievers of this world, if they only saw Christians act and respond like Christians should.
I know from personal experience the negative knee jerk reactions we give have far greater impact than the positive Christ-like reactions. Those reactions, whether they be words or actions can’t be taken back. Once they role off the tongue or motivate the hands, they are out there. Unfortunately, the world would rather see the Christian fail than succeed.
What’s the answer? How do we improve our responses before the world? First of all, we must remember that our response is first and foremost before the Lord. When we fail, we fail Him alone. Secondly, we must invest in God’s Word. You can’t expect Christ-likeness to come out if you’re not putting it in first. Like the old computer related saying, “Junk in, junk out.” Lastly, we must learn to trust God. God is faithful!
Let me close with a question for you to ponder: “Aren’t our knee jerk responses due to the fact that we don’t believe that God is going to handle it swiftly, correctly and in such a manner that best fits our needs?” When will we learn that God loves us? God is loyal to His children. God will never “leave nor forsake” us.
Pastor Barry
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
The Approaching and Approachable God:
Well let me ask you, have you made a home in your heart for Jesus? We closed this week’s lesson by
reading John 14:23, which says “Jesus answered and said to him, If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make Our home with him.”
We invest so much into trying to figure out the Christian life when Jesus gives us the key ingredient in this one simple verse. With the completion of two axioms of faith and trust in our daily walk, Jesus will move right in. The Lord Jesus said first to love Him and secondly to keep His word. Abraham, formerly Abram had to come to this crisis of belief: “I can trust God to do what He said He would do.” How much easier life would be, if we could get our head around that truth? I am reminded of Philippians 1:6, that we can be “confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
Genesis 18:14, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” This verse takes me back to the scene at Calvary where Christ hangs on a tree between two thieves. Remember what Arthur Pink said of the thief who would join Christ in paradise, “He could not walk in the paths of righteousness for there was a nail through either foot. He could not perform any good works for there was a nail through either hand. He could not turn over a new leaf and live a better life for he was dying.” But yet based on the sovereign authority of Jesus Christ that thief would join Jesus in paradise. That rings encouragement into my heart! No matter the failure, no matter the disappointment, no matter the struggles in life, no matter what, if my trust is in God and I know that there is nothing “too hard for the Lord,” I will be okay!
I want to challenge you this week to truly let God have control over life’s situations, He can do more with them than we can. Second to this, I want you to make more time for the two things that make a home for Jesus in our lives: 1. Find a special way to show your love for the Lord this week. 2. Make a special point to spend purposeful time in the Word.
I look forward to hearing how God is blessing the life you have surrendered to Him.
Pastor Barry
Well let me ask you, have you made a home in your heart for Jesus? We closed this week’s lesson by
reading John 14:23, which says “Jesus answered and said to him, If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make Our home with him.”
We invest so much into trying to figure out the Christian life when Jesus gives us the key ingredient in this one simple verse. With the completion of two axioms of faith and trust in our daily walk, Jesus will move right in. The Lord Jesus said first to love Him and secondly to keep His word. Abraham, formerly Abram had to come to this crisis of belief: “I can trust God to do what He said He would do.” How much easier life would be, if we could get our head around that truth? I am reminded of Philippians 1:6, that we can be “confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
Genesis 18:14, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” This verse takes me back to the scene at Calvary where Christ hangs on a tree between two thieves. Remember what Arthur Pink said of the thief who would join Christ in paradise, “He could not walk in the paths of righteousness for there was a nail through either foot. He could not perform any good works for there was a nail through either hand. He could not turn over a new leaf and live a better life for he was dying.” But yet based on the sovereign authority of Jesus Christ that thief would join Jesus in paradise. That rings encouragement into my heart! No matter the failure, no matter the disappointment, no matter the struggles in life, no matter what, if my trust is in God and I know that there is nothing “too hard for the Lord,” I will be okay!
I want to challenge you this week to truly let God have control over life’s situations, He can do more with them than we can. Second to this, I want you to make more time for the two things that make a home for Jesus in our lives: 1. Find a special way to show your love for the Lord this week. 2. Make a special point to spend purposeful time in the Word.
I look forward to hearing how God is blessing the life you have surrendered to Him.
Pastor Barry
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Truth For The Moment:
Leave Your Country:
This week we began a new series of lessons written by Beth Moore entitled The Patriarchs. I enjoyed the first week’s study and look forward to the next nine lessons.
Beth immediately grabbed my attention with her statement in the first paragraph on Day One’s lesson: “When you don’t have God, any god will do.” How many of us have spent seasons of our life serving other gods? Sure enough, the gods of the Old Testament patriarchs were idols and beings of worship put in place to fill the void in the hearts and lives of people. Today in America the type of god has changed from idols and beings to material possessions, self-gratification and feeling. Whatever the object of our worship may be, it stems from a longing to be fulfilled, loved and value. We must remember the same emptiness that stemmed from the worship of false gods in the days of Abram is the same results we receive from the god’s of our day. Just as Abram found out there is only one God worthy of our praise, worship and glory—the most High God! Our worship of God is “never aimless.” Our worship of God never turns down a narrow street with a sign posted on the shoulder which reads “Dead End.” Just as God moved Abram out for a purpose, God moves us out of our comfort, sinful and complacent zones with specific purpose in mind. Any failure on our part to navigate the valleys and mountains does not discount God and His sovereignty but rather enforces our depraved and sinful nature. It never voids or changes God’s initial call; it points to a self-inflicted detour. It points to pride and selfishness hidden in the GPS of our hearts. This truth was displayed in Abram’s life as he lied about his wife being his sister, detoured from God’s plotted course, found himself confronted by a plague and upset Pharaoh. As children of the most High God, we must constantly bring ourselves to trust the will of God over the will of man. God always knows what is best for His children.
Often times, following the will of God brings confrontation with those we love and care about. As we strive to serve the God we love, others will serve the god that pleases them. This was seen in the confrontation that arose in the life of Abram concerning the size of the flocks and the shortage of feed. We cannot miss the great truth of this passage. We must separate ourselves from the influences of all the ungodly. There comes a time and place in which separation becomes necessary. Concerning Abram and Lot’s separation, Abram was blessed for his direction, and Lot was disciplined for his.
Let me close this week’s post with a challenge. Whether it’s the influence of ungodly people or the draw of other gods, refuse to detour from the course that God has laid out for you. Stay the course! The words to an old familiar hymn come to mind: “When we walk with the Lord, in the light of His word, what a joy He sheds on our way…trust and obey for there’s no other way.”
Pastor Barry
Leave Your Country:
This week we began a new series of lessons written by Beth Moore entitled The Patriarchs. I enjoyed the first week’s study and look forward to the next nine lessons.
Beth immediately grabbed my attention with her statement in the first paragraph on Day One’s lesson: “When you don’t have God, any god will do.” How many of us have spent seasons of our life serving other gods? Sure enough, the gods of the Old Testament patriarchs were idols and beings of worship put in place to fill the void in the hearts and lives of people. Today in America the type of god has changed from idols and beings to material possessions, self-gratification and feeling. Whatever the object of our worship may be, it stems from a longing to be fulfilled, loved and value. We must remember the same emptiness that stemmed from the worship of false gods in the days of Abram is the same results we receive from the god’s of our day. Just as Abram found out there is only one God worthy of our praise, worship and glory—the most High God! Our worship of God is “never aimless.” Our worship of God never turns down a narrow street with a sign posted on the shoulder which reads “Dead End.” Just as God moved Abram out for a purpose, God moves us out of our comfort, sinful and complacent zones with specific purpose in mind. Any failure on our part to navigate the valleys and mountains does not discount God and His sovereignty but rather enforces our depraved and sinful nature. It never voids or changes God’s initial call; it points to a self-inflicted detour. It points to pride and selfishness hidden in the GPS of our hearts. This truth was displayed in Abram’s life as he lied about his wife being his sister, detoured from God’s plotted course, found himself confronted by a plague and upset Pharaoh. As children of the most High God, we must constantly bring ourselves to trust the will of God over the will of man. God always knows what is best for His children.
Often times, following the will of God brings confrontation with those we love and care about. As we strive to serve the God we love, others will serve the god that pleases them. This was seen in the confrontation that arose in the life of Abram concerning the size of the flocks and the shortage of feed. We cannot miss the great truth of this passage. We must separate ourselves from the influences of all the ungodly. There comes a time and place in which separation becomes necessary. Concerning Abram and Lot’s separation, Abram was blessed for his direction, and Lot was disciplined for his.
Let me close this week’s post with a challenge. Whether it’s the influence of ungodly people or the draw of other gods, refuse to detour from the course that God has laid out for you. Stay the course! The words to an old familiar hymn come to mind: “When we walk with the Lord, in the light of His word, what a joy He sheds on our way…trust and obey for there’s no other way.”
Pastor Barry
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Truth For The Moment:
The Cries of Victory and of Submission:
I don’t know about you, but I have thoroughly enjoyed Erwin Lutzer’s study Cries From The Cross. This week as we complete the study, our lesson was entitled, The Cries of Victory and of Submission. This lesson takes a close look at the statement of Jesus from the cross: “It is finished.”
Lutzer does a great job of defining our salvation in terms of having a Savior that paid the price of our sin debt. “It is finished” literally means paid in full. The statement specifically describes what Christ accomplished through the cross. His suffering was finished, ceremonial sacrifice was finished, and Satan was finished.
How can we be sure it was finished? Because His (Christ’s) finished work was accepted by the Father. Often times growing up, I would receive a task from my father with specific instructions. I would busy myself with getting the job done as soon as possible so that I could move on to Saturday morning cartoons or fishing or bike riding with friend—anything other than chores. I would hurry through; go to my dad and say, “I’m done.” He would always inspect my work and most often say, “This job is not finished, I told you I wanted...” Then, he would proceed to repeat the instructions. How did I know when I was finished? I knew it when my father accepted my work. Our heavenly Father accepted the work of His Son Jesus Christ. He accepted it on our behalf. Like the old hymn proclaims, “What a Savior.”
This week’s title made quite a statement in itself. Christ victory that day was contingent on His submission to the will of the Father. We so often struggle to be victorious over certain sins in life. We must understand victory is inseparable from submission. Listen to the words of the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 15:56-58: The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. Read it carefully and let it sink in. Yes, our lives are made victorious in and by Christ. However, the victorious life is steadfast in the word of Christ, immovable in his walk with Christ, and always doing the work of Christ. This sounds like submission to Christ that is inseparable from the victory that is ours in Christ.
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth, finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. Ephesians 5:8-9
God Bless,
Pastor Barry
The Cries of Victory and of Submission:
I don’t know about you, but I have thoroughly enjoyed Erwin Lutzer’s study Cries From The Cross. This week as we complete the study, our lesson was entitled, The Cries of Victory and of Submission. This lesson takes a close look at the statement of Jesus from the cross: “It is finished.”
Lutzer does a great job of defining our salvation in terms of having a Savior that paid the price of our sin debt. “It is finished” literally means paid in full. The statement specifically describes what Christ accomplished through the cross. His suffering was finished, ceremonial sacrifice was finished, and Satan was finished.
How can we be sure it was finished? Because His (Christ’s) finished work was accepted by the Father. Often times growing up, I would receive a task from my father with specific instructions. I would busy myself with getting the job done as soon as possible so that I could move on to Saturday morning cartoons or fishing or bike riding with friend—anything other than chores. I would hurry through; go to my dad and say, “I’m done.” He would always inspect my work and most often say, “This job is not finished, I told you I wanted...” Then, he would proceed to repeat the instructions. How did I know when I was finished? I knew it when my father accepted my work. Our heavenly Father accepted the work of His Son Jesus Christ. He accepted it on our behalf. Like the old hymn proclaims, “What a Savior.”
This week’s title made quite a statement in itself. Christ victory that day was contingent on His submission to the will of the Father. We so often struggle to be victorious over certain sins in life. We must understand victory is inseparable from submission. Listen to the words of the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 15:56-58: The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. Read it carefully and let it sink in. Yes, our lives are made victorious in and by Christ. However, the victorious life is steadfast in the word of Christ, immovable in his walk with Christ, and always doing the work of Christ. This sounds like submission to Christ that is inseparable from the victory that is ours in Christ.
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth, finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. Ephesians 5:8-9
God Bless,
Pastor Barry
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Truth For The Moment:
The Cries of Anguish and of Suffering
It’s amazing how much the attentive student can learn from the experience of Christ on Calvary. As we follow Erwin Lutzer’s account of the crucifixion and his insights into the words of Jesus, the grace that pours out is truly life changing.
As I studied this week, I was faced with two piercing questions. First, spiritually speaking: If I were a plant what kind of plant would I be? Would I be a cactus that could go months without water or would I be a pond lily that would shrivel and die without the constant preeminence of water? Secondly: If Christ defeated darkness so that I can “walk in the light as He is in the light,” why do I find myself so often fumbling around in the dark?
The answer to both of these questions is right in front of us this week. On day one, Lutzer had us read Matthew 27:45-46. Then he asked this question: “What phenomenon occurred while Jesus hung on the cross?” The answer: The righteous Son of God took on all of mankind’s unrighteousness! Wow, this feat is totally impossible for you and me. We would have to be able to eternally suffer the penalty of the sin which is against us. Oh, how we needed a Savior!
What is it about darkness we fear? What is it about going thirsty we dread? The thought that paralyzes us is our inability to conjure up true thirst quenching, spiritually satisfying water. It’s our inability to produce light which has the capability to dispel darkness. However, when we realize, understand and believe that this is exactly what Christ came to accomplish for us, we can “let go and let God.” Now, we can begin to experience the fullness of the cross! It is from this listening vantage that the cries from the cross begin to mean something.
Lord help me this week to not devalue what your Son accomplished at Calvary by manufacturing my own light and striving to quench my own thirst. Help me stay out of the way and allow you to be my Savior! Remembering, by His stripes I am healed.
In His Service,
Pastor Barry
The Cries of Anguish and of Suffering
It’s amazing how much the attentive student can learn from the experience of Christ on Calvary. As we follow Erwin Lutzer’s account of the crucifixion and his insights into the words of Jesus, the grace that pours out is truly life changing.
As I studied this week, I was faced with two piercing questions. First, spiritually speaking: If I were a plant what kind of plant would I be? Would I be a cactus that could go months without water or would I be a pond lily that would shrivel and die without the constant preeminence of water? Secondly: If Christ defeated darkness so that I can “walk in the light as He is in the light,” why do I find myself so often fumbling around in the dark?
The answer to both of these questions is right in front of us this week. On day one, Lutzer had us read Matthew 27:45-46. Then he asked this question: “What phenomenon occurred while Jesus hung on the cross?” The answer: The righteous Son of God took on all of mankind’s unrighteousness! Wow, this feat is totally impossible for you and me. We would have to be able to eternally suffer the penalty of the sin which is against us. Oh, how we needed a Savior!
What is it about darkness we fear? What is it about going thirsty we dread? The thought that paralyzes us is our inability to conjure up true thirst quenching, spiritually satisfying water. It’s our inability to produce light which has the capability to dispel darkness. However, when we realize, understand and believe that this is exactly what Christ came to accomplish for us, we can “let go and let God.” Now, we can begin to experience the fullness of the cross! It is from this listening vantage that the cries from the cross begin to mean something.
Lord help me this week to not devalue what your Son accomplished at Calvary by manufacturing my own light and striving to quench my own thirst. Help me stay out of the way and allow you to be my Savior! Remembering, by His stripes I am healed.
In His Service,
Pastor Barry
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The Cries of Assurance and of Compassion:
I apologize for the tardiness of this post, but some lessons take longer to mentally, emotionally and especially spiritually process. This weeks study is full of great truths and pushed me to consider the amazing compassion and assurance of our Lord Jesus. While I agree with Mr. Lutzer in his teaching, I certainly believe it is possible for someone to walk away from this lesson with an entitlement attitude. In other words, I have lived my life like a reprobate but now have called on the name of Jesus. Therefore, it doesn’t matter how I lived I am entitled to redemption.
Lutzer makes the comment “what a day for this thief! In the morning he was justly crucified on a cross; by late that evening he was justly welcomed into paradise by Jesus!” How true! Put this statement on the scales of justice and the only thing that can bring satisfaction to the law of God is the blood of Christ Jesus! Grace! However, the precious blood of Jesus and redemption was never shed to accept the behavior of sin only to remove the guilt of sin! The word of God is very clear, that sinner crucified that day on the cross next to our Lord may have joined our Lord in paradise but I must wonder what sad going home it must have been. He will never know the joy or reward of leading someone to faith in Christ, of discovering and using his spiritual gifts, worshipping and glorifying God, he will never know the reward of investing in eternal things. I am reminded of I Corinthians 3:13-15 where Paul speaks of a person just like this thief. He states “each ones work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” At the risk of sounding boastful, I am looking forward to having more than fire insurance when the Lord calls me home.
I love what Lutzer wrote about Pilate and his writing the charges against Christ on a sign and hanging it over the head of Jesus as was customary in that day. This prompted a line of thought on my part. If I took my rightful place on the cross, the place Jesus substituted Himself for, what would they write on a sign and post over my head? What crime against God and Kingdom would I be found guilty of? I certainly could share some things here but I believe it would be healthier for you to consider your own crimes at this juncture.
On day three of our study the comparison is made between the Disciples and our thief each having and amazing future to loom forward to. I agree all parties who avoid Hell’s fury and receive saving grace have an amazing future. However, we cannot begin to imagine that this thief who never invested a thought in Kingdom things will experience the blessing, joy and reward that the Lord Jesus' Disciples will receive. We must move beyond this idea that we are all entitled to equal treatment of God. God has promised His faithful children great blessing and reward. Lutzer makes the statement “The thief’s forgiveness reminds us that there is more grace in God’s heart than sin in our past.” It’s as if our sinful past doesn’t matter. No! No! No! It means Christ blood is more precious than all our sin!
If we are going to live near the cross we must realize the blackness of sin and the desire God has for us to abstain from it. To live near the cross demands that we recognize the high cost of the freedom and ability to overcome sin on a daily basis through the empowerment of being crucified with Christ and raised a new. I pray this weeks study pushes us to call on Christ daily for strength to overcome sin and sow seeds of eternal value.
In His service,
Pastor Barry
I apologize for the tardiness of this post, but some lessons take longer to mentally, emotionally and especially spiritually process. This weeks study is full of great truths and pushed me to consider the amazing compassion and assurance of our Lord Jesus. While I agree with Mr. Lutzer in his teaching, I certainly believe it is possible for someone to walk away from this lesson with an entitlement attitude. In other words, I have lived my life like a reprobate but now have called on the name of Jesus. Therefore, it doesn’t matter how I lived I am entitled to redemption.
Lutzer makes the comment “what a day for this thief! In the morning he was justly crucified on a cross; by late that evening he was justly welcomed into paradise by Jesus!” How true! Put this statement on the scales of justice and the only thing that can bring satisfaction to the law of God is the blood of Christ Jesus! Grace! However, the precious blood of Jesus and redemption was never shed to accept the behavior of sin only to remove the guilt of sin! The word of God is very clear, that sinner crucified that day on the cross next to our Lord may have joined our Lord in paradise but I must wonder what sad going home it must have been. He will never know the joy or reward of leading someone to faith in Christ, of discovering and using his spiritual gifts, worshipping and glorifying God, he will never know the reward of investing in eternal things. I am reminded of I Corinthians 3:13-15 where Paul speaks of a person just like this thief. He states “each ones work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” At the risk of sounding boastful, I am looking forward to having more than fire insurance when the Lord calls me home.
I love what Lutzer wrote about Pilate and his writing the charges against Christ on a sign and hanging it over the head of Jesus as was customary in that day. This prompted a line of thought on my part. If I took my rightful place on the cross, the place Jesus substituted Himself for, what would they write on a sign and post over my head? What crime against God and Kingdom would I be found guilty of? I certainly could share some things here but I believe it would be healthier for you to consider your own crimes at this juncture.
On day three of our study the comparison is made between the Disciples and our thief each having and amazing future to loom forward to. I agree all parties who avoid Hell’s fury and receive saving grace have an amazing future. However, we cannot begin to imagine that this thief who never invested a thought in Kingdom things will experience the blessing, joy and reward that the Lord Jesus' Disciples will receive. We must move beyond this idea that we are all entitled to equal treatment of God. God has promised His faithful children great blessing and reward. Lutzer makes the statement “The thief’s forgiveness reminds us that there is more grace in God’s heart than sin in our past.” It’s as if our sinful past doesn’t matter. No! No! No! It means Christ blood is more precious than all our sin!
If we are going to live near the cross we must realize the blackness of sin and the desire God has for us to abstain from it. To live near the cross demands that we recognize the high cost of the freedom and ability to overcome sin on a daily basis through the empowerment of being crucified with Christ and raised a new. I pray this weeks study pushes us to call on Christ daily for strength to overcome sin and sow seeds of eternal value.
In His service,
Pastor Barry
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Amazing Grace
This week's lesson, The Cry For Pardon written by Erwin Lutzer, is a welcome reminder of how amazing Jesus Christ truly is. As you study be prepared for the flood of conviction to come as a result of being exposed to the Spirit of God. However, be prepared as well to be deeply encouraged and refreshed by the review of God’s amazing grace.
As I meditated on these lessons I was repeatedly reminded of a picture I have in my home named Forgiven. If you are not familiar with it I encourage you to take a look at it. Forgiven pictures Christ standing and supporting a young man in His arms. In the young man's hand is a hammer. The picture makes a profound statement about the forgiveness of our Lord Jesus. Guilty! It’s as if we drove the nails ourselves and yet for my gross sin I receive grace, encouragement, support, and more than these I receive salvation from the very sin that put Christ on that cross. I am reminded of the Apostle’s words in Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”
I hate to think that my sin is the reason for the brutality of Christ crucifixion. But the truth is, until we take ownership of our sin we will never see through the ugliness and cruelty of the cross to the beauty of redemption and saving grace. Lutzer makes a piercing statement on day five; “where sin is not taken seriously, forgiveness is received too lightly.” I pray that as we examine the message of the cross this quarter we would grasp with new understanding the blackness of all sin, which in turn leaves us with a keen appreciation for the love of Christ.
I want to encourage you to spend time this week being honest with yourself in three areas. First, ask God to reveal any sin in your life. Lean on God for clarity, His opinion is the only one that matters, as we have already discovered the conscience of man will lead us astray. Secondly, as God reveals areas of sin in your life move swiftly to repent. There is no motivator like the fresh wind of forgiveness from God. Thirdly, share with those around you what God is doing in your prayer and study time. Your willingness to share with others the impact God is having in your life can be contagious among others who may be in need of their own encouragement.
In His Service,
Pastor Barry
This week's lesson, The Cry For Pardon written by Erwin Lutzer, is a welcome reminder of how amazing Jesus Christ truly is. As you study be prepared for the flood of conviction to come as a result of being exposed to the Spirit of God. However, be prepared as well to be deeply encouraged and refreshed by the review of God’s amazing grace.
As I meditated on these lessons I was repeatedly reminded of a picture I have in my home named Forgiven. If you are not familiar with it I encourage you to take a look at it. Forgiven pictures Christ standing and supporting a young man in His arms. In the young man's hand is a hammer. The picture makes a profound statement about the forgiveness of our Lord Jesus. Guilty! It’s as if we drove the nails ourselves and yet for my gross sin I receive grace, encouragement, support, and more than these I receive salvation from the very sin that put Christ on that cross. I am reminded of the Apostle’s words in Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”
I hate to think that my sin is the reason for the brutality of Christ crucifixion. But the truth is, until we take ownership of our sin we will never see through the ugliness and cruelty of the cross to the beauty of redemption and saving grace. Lutzer makes a piercing statement on day five; “where sin is not taken seriously, forgiveness is received too lightly.” I pray that as we examine the message of the cross this quarter we would grasp with new understanding the blackness of all sin, which in turn leaves us with a keen appreciation for the love of Christ.
I want to encourage you to spend time this week being honest with yourself in three areas. First, ask God to reveal any sin in your life. Lean on God for clarity, His opinion is the only one that matters, as we have already discovered the conscience of man will lead us astray. Secondly, as God reveals areas of sin in your life move swiftly to repent. There is no motivator like the fresh wind of forgiveness from God. Thirdly, share with those around you what God is doing in your prayer and study time. Your willingness to share with others the impact God is having in your life can be contagious among others who may be in need of their own encouragement.
In His Service,
Pastor Barry
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