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
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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