On the Journey

the cost and the wonders of following Jesus

2010-03-30T18:05:00.000-07:00

John 15,16

There was much Jesus had to tell his disciples before he left them. Much of what he told them was a little disturbing like his instruction; "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first."John 15:18

Those aren't very encouraging words. It's not encouraging to know that the world would be against them but this is the cost of discipleship. Jesus reminded them, "No servant is greater then his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also." And why? because they bear his name and proclaim his name. They would be light in a dark world and just as the world did not like Jesus light they would not like there light for they were the body of Christ. If you read through the book of Acts you will see evidence that Jesus words did indeed come true.

But it wasn't just the words about persecution that came true. His words about the power of the Holy Spirit working through them also came true. We remember that Jesus told them about this as well. Back in John 14:12 Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."

These words seem to be for the first Century Christians that is for sure. They obeyed him, they accepted the pruning and the persecution, and they abided and loved him and they loved each other. As a result great things happened.

I wonder are Jesus world in John 15 and 16 for us today as well? You might say, "But I don't see that kind of open persecution in my life" and you might say "I don't see that kind of power in my life."

Could it be if we truly proclaimed the message of Christ we might see the good and the bad. If we truly loved him and each other would we see great miracles and feel the sting of Satan working in the world to extinguish that light? I wonder. Are we living in a time of compromise. Are we living that way to avoid the pain? If we are do we know what we are really missing when it comes to seeing the Holy Spirit move through our lives?

"No pain no gain." I wonder. I wonder if when we start becoming really devoted to the Lord and he starts to prune us so we will bear more fruit; will we simply turn away? Do we turn around? Do we assume something is wrong if we start to struggle?

I believe Jesus invites us to look once again at his instruction in John 14,15,16 and 17. I think it is time for us to learn to abide and to rely upon the Holy Spirit. I think it is time for us to really love each other and the world around us.

I have to confess that I really don't like the thought of persecution but I sure do love the thought of producing "Much fruit" for the Lord. I also love the thought of experiencing the peace that passes all understanding.

Why did Jesus tell his disciples these things. It wasn't so they would be fearful. It wasn't so they would be filled with pride when they did the miracles. Jesus said, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!I have overcome the world."

My thought for the day is this. He has overcome the world. Will we join him and find true peace.

Just some thought to think about along the journey.

Is Jesus God? Did he claim to be?

2010-03-22T16:54:00.000-07:00

One of the debates that has raged through the ages is the question. "Is Jesus God?" It is clear that Jesus claimed to be the Messiah but did he claim to be God? and what difference does it make to us? I believe our salvation rests upon this debate. If Jesus claims to be God but is not God then he is a lunatic, and there is absolutely no way that we can be saved if we are following a lunatic. We also must ask, "Can we be saved if Jesus isn't the God who redeems. In other words can a mortal die for anther mortal's sins?

I believe that there is no question that the book of John paints a picture of Jesus as one who claimed to be God. In John 1:1 says, "Jesus was with God at the beginning of creation." It doesn't say in the beginning God created the word. No it said, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of Men." Vs. 14 "The Word became flesh, and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father full of grace and truth." Clearly Jesus was the Word that became flesh.

In John 3:13 "Jesus claims to be from Heaven saying, "No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven the Son of Man. The Pharisees clearly knew that Jesus was claiming equality with God. In John 4:18 it says, "for this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God." Later in John 4:21 it says, "For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him." Here Jesus claims to receive and deserve the same honor that is due to the father.

Jesus speaking to the Pharisees in John 8:23 saying, "You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins." From this statement it seem pretty important that we get Jesus identity correct.

but even with all of his statements which are recorded throughout the book of John, the Pharisees continued to disbelieve and threaten to kill Jesus. In John 10:33 the Pharisees proclaim, "We are not stoning you for any of these" (speaking of his miracles he had performed) "but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God."

Did Jesus claim to be God? It seems that the religious leaders of the time believed he did, and Jesus never corrected them. Actually over and over Jesus keeps on saying in the book of John that the Father and I are one. (See especially John 17)

So why does this matter to us today? Simply because only God can save man and if Jesus claims to be God he can save but if he claims to be God and is not then he is a blasphemer just like the Pharisees claimed.

Is he God? Right now we are reading in the tenth Chapter of John. Just keep reading and keep asking that question. I believe John's gospel offers us no other conclusion. So do the investigation for yourself.

If he is God, are you following Him with your whole heart, mind and strength? It's less then two weeks to Easter. This is a great time to draw your own conclusions and walk in the light of those convictions.

So join us. On the Journey

Timid yet still standing

2010-03-16T17:00:00.000-07:00

Based on John 7:43-52

One of the most interesting character in the drama of Jesus life was Nicodemus who was a Pharisee the one who visited Jesus secretively in the night). Nicodemus was a well respected teacher who came to Jesus out of curiosity. Jesus taught him about the need to be born again. We read his story back in John 3. We didn't hear his response back in John 3 but John brings him back for us again thus developing an interesting theme and character study. In the seventh chapter of John people were still wondering and speculating about Jesus. The leading Pharisees on the council had already made up there mind and sent guards to bring Jesus to them. Of course they could not take him because if was not yet his time. Their failure only made the Pharisees more mad especially when the guards added, "No man ever spoke like this man."

Defending Jesus wasn't exactly a popular thing to do but in his own way Nicodemus, who sought out Jesus at night, does offer a bold response. Nicodemus didn't exactly admit to believing Jesus but he did put forth a cautious opinion saying to the rest, "Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?" I'm sure Nicodemus met with more then one frown and piercing glare. You see the Pharisees didn't really care about making a proper judgement they just wanted to get rid of Jesus. As I said it wasn't exactly a statement of faith but his boldness and Johns inclusion of this account acknowledges that timid Nicodemus was starting to come to faith.

No Nicodemus never becomes a major player in the drama of Jesus life but we do meet him yet again following Jesus death. It is Nicodemus who comes with Joseph of Arimathea to take down Jesus body from the cross and take him to the grave. It is Nicodumus who anointed his body with a mixture of myrrh and aloes about seventy five pounds. (John 19:39) This was a costly gesture both in money but also in terms of his reputation as a Pharisee.

We don't know much more about Nicodemus but my guess is that he was among the religious leaders who later became apart of the new movement of believers in Jesus and he probably helped to spread the news so that others came to faith in Christ as well. He was also probably the one responsible for giving so much details to the gospel writers so they could record events that otherwise they would not have been present to witness and later record.

God greatly used this timid man who first sought out Jesus at night away from the crowds and there would be no mistaking his allegiance when he helped to take Jesus down from the cross.

I pray that each one of us would grow in our faith and boldness regarding our witness. I pray that when the opportunity arises that we will stand up and let people know what we believe about Jesus. It may not be popular but our stance might mean salvation to many and our stand might bring great advancement to the gospel.

How will you respond when God calls you to stand up for him?

Come and See

2010-03-08T18:23:00.000-08:00

Based on John 1:29-51

Today we can find many books and models for doing evangelism. Just go to a Christian book store and you'll find a full shelf of books talking about evangelism and many of those books are wonderful but perhaps we have made "evangelism" too complicated.

I think we can find a great example of effective evangelism in the first chapter of John. There we find Philip's story. Philip was approached by Jesus who simply asked him, "Follow me." A short time later Philip found Nathanael and proclaimed to him saying, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote - Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."

Nathanael wasn't sold at first saying, "Nazareth? can anything good come from there?"
At this point Philip didn't try to convince him or argue with him he simply said, "Come and see"
and as we read on that is exactly what he did and because of that personal encounter with Jesus, Nathanael became a disciple as well.

So what does this teach us about evangelism or sharing our faith? First we have to have a personal encounter with Christ. Second we must come to the realization in our head and in our heart that Jesus is the Messiah. Third we have to share with someone what we have come to believe in our heart. Fourth, after we have shared our story we need to tell them to "come and see" or perhaps we will say, "Jesus has been great for me, why don't you try Him for yourself. Why don't you come and see."

Evangelism is about having a story and telling someone about it but ultimately the other person has to try it for themselves and when they do Jesus will meet with them and the Spirit will speak to their heart.

We need to remember that it is our job to spread the seed. the Lord is the one who makes it grow.

The thief that steals our joy

2010-03-04T07:21:00.000-08:00

Based upon Philippians 4

This is a favorite passage for many but one that is hard to live out. If we can embrace the truths of our text then we can indeed say as Paul. "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice." But there is a thief who comes to steal that joy. That thief's name is worry.

Paul says in verse 6 "Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." You'll notice Paul doesn't suggest that we deny our concerns but he does give us ways to deal with them. We bring them before the throne and then in faith we rejoice and thank God that he will help us with our burdens. Yes, thanksgiving is the key because it reminds us of our faith our foundation and our hope. It's easy to say thank you after you receive the blessing but saying thank you before we receive the help is an indication that we know the blessing is on the way.
It's when we have the proper balance of supplication and thanksgiving that we receive the Peace of God, which surpasses all understand, which guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Worry is born in our minds as well as our heart. Our job is to allow God to transform our minds and our hearts. We allow the Lord to transform our minds by focusing them in the right direction. Paul says in verse 8 "Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Thinking properly is another key to reducing worry. Like being thankful, it doesn't come second nature we must intentional. In this way it becomes a Spiritual discipline but like all other disciplines if we do it long enough it is easier and even second nature. Thinking about the bad in other and about our situations will only bring us down and heighten our worry.

The last prescription Paul offers about worry is to live a good life. Paul says, "Keep on doing that things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me and the God of peace will be with you you." Wouldn't it be great if we lived such exemplary lives that we could encourage others to follow what we have said and what we have done.

Peace of mind come through living a life of integrity. When we walk in sin our life tends to fall apart and when our life falls apart we have more things to worry about. A well disciplined life that works with God will bring blessing and peace. As a result we will have more to be thankful for and we will more good things to think about.

the Lord doesn't want us to worry. He wants to carry our burdens and give us rest. So let us pray with Thanksgiving. Think about those things that are praise worthy and walk with integrity and purpose in our living. When we do this the Lord will guard our hearts and our minds so Satan can't come in and steal our joy.

It's all about grace

2010-02-24T14:00:00.000-08:00

Based on Ephesians 2

If you were to ask me to explain the gospel message and use but one passage I would either turn to Romans 3 or to our passage for today Ephesians 2:1-10.

After sharing his excitement in Ephesians 1 now he shares the heart of the gospel which has brought him so much joy and it's all grace.

Paul starts by explaining we were all hopeless and dead sinners.

In vs. 1-3 it explains our hopeless state of affairs, "we were dead in our trespasses and sins" were we followed the desires of the flesh and the senses and we were in nature children of wrath just like everyone else"

In Romans 3:23 says, "since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God;"

No we don't like thinking about ourselves as sinners but its the truth. Denial will only lead us to death but realization and repentance of sin can be our first step to new life.

Now for the good news.

Paul says that Though you were sinners God loved you and showed you grace and mercy through Jesus Christ.

vs. 5 even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ-by grace you have been saved.

Paul says that we receive this grace through faith in Jesus

Eph. 2: 8 "For by grace you have been saved through faith,"

Romans 3:21 "But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe."

And this grace and our faith is a gift of God.

Eph. 2:8b "For by grace you have been saved through faith and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God not the result of works, so that no one may boast.

And not only are we saved we have a place in heaven with him.

Eph. 5:b and 6 "by grace you have been saved and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus." Notice he didn't say we will be raised up and we will have a heavenly place now we are raised up and seated with him in heavenly places. In other words we have a seat reserved for us right now. It remains empty now because we are his ambassador but our citizenship and glory are in the heavens while we serve him in this world!

Speaking to the gentile Christians (and to us) he says, in Ephesians 2:19 "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God"

And this grace is extended and our new position in the family of God is ours because of the sacrifice of Jesus.

vs. 13,14a "but now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace;"

Yes, we were sinners in need of a savior. Jesus came as our savior. We placed our faith in him and out of his grace we were saved and now we are citizens of heaven! And all this is ours because the "price is right". The price was Jesus death on the cross. That's the Good News of the gospel.

It's where we must go to start our journey.

There's much to be excited about!

2010-02-23T11:15:00.000-08:00

Based on reading: Ephesians 1

One thing that jumps off the pages of Ephesians one is how excited Paul is.

He's excited about God in Jesus Christ and about being a Christian. vs. 3"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places."

He's excited about the gospel and the blessings we receive. vs. 5 "He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us."

He's excited about the church in Ephesus. vs. 16 "I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers."

He's exited about our future! vs.18 "so that, the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power."

He's excited about Christ Power and glory and the power we share with him. vs. 20,21 "God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far about all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this present age but also in the age to come."

And Paul is excited about the universal church vs. 22 "And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all."

I'm not sure Paul could be more excited! Except for the day he sees Jesus face to face in heaven. Truly we should be that excited as well. Yes, we have a great redeemer, a great hope, a great inheritance, and we share in his power and in his glory! I hope you find joy, hope and courage from the words of Paul in Ephesians. If you meditate on these words and if you believe (despite what you might see going on around you) watch out life might become a great adventure.

God is with us in Jesus Christ! Praise be to God!
Let's move forward in faith! God is good!........

Is there joy in your journey? If not you haven't really met Jesus. Ask Him to reveal himself to you today. It will change your life forever!

Proclaiming the truth sometimes hurts

2010-02-17T12:45:00.001-08:00

Some from the church have asked me how I chose the order for our reading program through the New Testament. They have noticed that I didn't go straight from the gospels through Revelations. First about the gospels. I wanted to separate them throughout the year to balance them out with the letters. In addition, I wanted to end the season of lent with the account of Jesus Death and resurrection coinciding with Easter. This year we will prepare for Easter by reading the book of John. I also wanted to have the Book of Acts and Act 2 coincide with Pentecost. Otherwise I tried to go from the beginning and yes we will end with Revelations. I hope that helps.

Now it's on to Galatians (We skipped over 1 and 2 Corinthians because I couldn't go through both books before I needed to start the book of John leading up to Easter).

Galatians 2

We learn in chapter one that there were those who came behind Paul to undermine his message to the people in Galatia. It seems that there were those who accused him of preaching a gospel that was too free. Remember the Jews had followed the laws to achieve righteousness in God's sight for hundreds of years. Paul's message of grace would have seemed very difficult to accept as it continues to be today among some Christians. But they didn't just attack Paul's gospel, which was really the gospel given to Paul by Jesus himself, they also attacked Paul's authority as a teacher and Apostle. Paul addresses these attacks in chapter two pointing out how he was accepted as a leader among the Apostles who walked with Jesus.

No one could say that Paul was not bold. We see this in how he continued to preach even when people persecuted him. He would even stand up to the religious pillars if it was necessary. But even though many did not accept his teachings Peter and the rest of the Apostles accepted his message. They could see that Paul was called to preach to the Gentiles just as Peter had been appointed by God to preach to the Jews.

Yes, Paul was even so bold as to confront Peter when he was freely eating with the Gentiles one moment but when James and some of the other Jewish Christian leaders arrived he refrained. He did this because he was afraid what the leaders would think. Worse yet Peter's example led others astray even Barnabas.

Yes, Paul's accusation was right on and he rebuked them publicly because it was causing the public to fall into the same sin.

Yes, Paul was bold and I wonder, "Is there things that he would call us out about today? Are there practices that we as individuals and even leaders of the faith engage in today that cause dishonor to Christ and His Church? Are we engaged in racism or turning our backs upon others who are in grave need of our help and friendship?

When we don't like someones message we sometimes discredit the message and the messenger. perhaps it's because we know that they are right but they make us feel uncomfortable. Perhaps we need to hear these voices out and compare them to the truth of Scripture and when we have been rebuked or called out as Peter was, we need to set aside our pride, our excuses, and humbly repent.

That's some of my thoughts on the journey

2010-02-10T12:19:00.000-08:00

Based on Romans 10 and 11

the Roman Church was perhaps started by by Jews from Rome who were present at the Pentecost. At that point in history there was a significant Jewish presents and even many synagogues in Rome. Because the early Jewish believers did not see themselves as a separate Religious movement they continued to worship in the synagogues testifying about Jesus as the long awaited Jewish Messiah. In addition the earlier Christian church was made up of many God fearing Gentiles who had converted to Judaism and Christianity.

The Jewish character of Christianity in Rome suddenly and drastically changed. in AD 49 when Emperor Claudius, out of exasperation with the squabbles among the Jews and the Christian Jews, issued an edict that required all Jews to leave Rome. As a result almost over night the Christian church in Rome became almost completely Gentile. By the time that Paul wrote his letters Jews were allowed back into Rome but they came back to a church dominated by Gentiles and this created much tension. The Jews, who stand in the heritage from which Christianity has sprung and who were at one time the leaders in the community, now find themselves in a minority not only in number but also in power. Here in chapters 10 and 11 Paul addresses this social tension and even rebukes the Gentile Christians in Romans 11. At question is this. Is there any advantage to being a Jew? Is there any place for the Jews or has God turned his back upon the Jews forever? Chapters 10 and 11 address these thoughts.

One thing can be said for sure. Paul's desire and God's desire is that Jewish people would come to faith in Jesus Christ. It seems to me that God continues to have a special desire to reach out to the Jewish people and that in time there will be a movement of Jewish people who will come to faith in Christ and this is yet to come in God's time line before the end of this world. However, because of there disobedience room has been made so that Gentiles, which means everyone else in the world, can find salvation and be grafted in as well. Paul in 11:17 "If some of the ranches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root." Paul says vs. 18 "do not boast over those branches." Paul is telling them that it is because of there disobedience that the original branches have been broken off but he warns them not to become too arrogant because if God would break off the nature branches, "he will not spare you either" that is if they become disobedient.

God did not abandon the Jews. He continues to reach out to them just as Paul did and as we should do as well. The Jewish people come from a royal heritage from the patriarchs and they received the promise from their Father Abraham and the Holy Law from God through Moses. Back in Romans 3:1 Paul said, "What advantage, then is there in being a Jew or what value is there in circumcision? Much in every way! first of all they have been entrusted with the very words of God." and even though many have not come to faith in Christ this does not nullify God's faithfulness to the Jews. He is more then faithful by coming to them and to us to provide a way of salvation through Christ Jesus the Lord.

As Christians today we must not be arrogant that we are some how special because we have received the grace of Christ. Rather we must pray for our Jewish brothers and sisters for they come from the original or as Paul puts it the "natural root" as God's chosen people.

We too should pray for our Jewish brothers and sister that they would set aside the Law to embrace the grace and love of Jesus. May it be that we will celebrate with them when they are grafted back into the root. Let us be thankful to God that he has made room for us to be grafted in as children of God through the saving work of Christ. Let us meditate and be thankful for the truth of Scripture found in 10:9 "that if you confess with your mouth, that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Vrs. 11 As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him Will never be put to shame. Vs. 12 for there is no difference between Jew and Gentile the same Lord is the Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be save.

Prayer: May the time come soon when our Jewish brothers and sisters join us in the confession that Jesus is Lord. May we be present to celebrate at the day of there return as God's chosen and sanctified people. Amen

Finding freedom in Jesus not the law

2010-02-05T13:02:00.000-08:00

Roman6

As I wrote yesterday, there are many who had objections to Paul's teachings about grace. Today's objection is regarding the importance of the law. In verse 7 Paul says, What shall we say, then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed I would not have known what sin was except through the law." The law makes us aware of our sin and our need for a savior. Apart from the law we would continue to sin and have know idea about God's standard of holiness. but what Paul reveals to us in this chapter is that laws and legalism have no power to transform the sinful heart and mind. Rather the law creates death.

It is humbling to read the end of the chapter and see that someone as great as Paul struggled with sin and temptation. Paul had lived life as a Pharisee for many years and during that time he tried his best to live the righteous life by the power of his own will but neither his will nor conviction and guilt helped him because at his core he was a sinful man. He could do nothing to change that fact. Paul's message is loud and clear if your trying to be good and trying to get to heaven by being good your fighting a futile battle that will only end in discouragement and death.

Speaking of such things Paul cries out in Romans 8:24 "What a wretched man I am! who will rescue me from this body of death?" Then he writes with a great sigh in verse 25 "Thanks be to God-through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

You see Jesus is the only hope for our sin problem that is killing us. Jesus bore our sins on the cross and through the Spirit of Grace within us, now we have the power to walk in the newness of life. We are no longer slaves to the law which only breads death now we can be slaves to Jesus who brings life.

Application: If we are helping someone who is struggling with sin know this; If we heap laws, guilt, and criticism upon their heads it will not help them. Rather it will suffocate them even further. After the person knows his or her sins and repents, they need to turn to Jesus for only he can bring freedom though his love and grace. This is also good advice for all of us who struggle with temptation and sin. Yes, the law is good because it points out our fault and points out our need for a savior. Embrace the Savior and he will bring freedom but if your embracing and preaching the law you will only bread destruction. Truly only Jesus saves us from ourselves and from eternal death in hell.

Find Jesus and find freedom! That's great advice for the journey.

We are alive in Christ

2010-02-03T13:39:00.001-08:00

Romans 6

It must have been difficult for those who were used to living by strict laws and regulations to grasp the idea of grace. It must have seemed unfair, like the manager who gave the same wage to the person who started early in the morning and the one who started late at night. The legalist must have shouted at Paul from the crowds saying," but what about the laws? If there's no punishment or judgement then what's to keep people from sinning?" When writing the book of Romans, Paul must have anticipated the objections from the crowd. He also anticipated the potential abuses so he addresses these concerns and defends the doctrine of justification by faith in chapter 6-8 of Romans.

The first question he anticipates in Romans 6:1 "What shall we say, then? shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? by no means! we died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?"

Paul states two truths and they are all rapped up in the statement that we are dead to sin. From a legal since we are covered by the blood of Christ through our faith and our sins have been nailed to the cross with Jesus. Just as Christ died so too we died to sin when we were baptized. In addition we were baptized into Christ. This gives us the second truth, not only are we not under the penalty of sin we are also not under the power of sin. Penalty speaks to our escape from hell. Power speaks to our ability to live and resist sin and live as a voluntary slave to righteousness rather then a slave to sin.

Sin is indeed a horrible master. Sin leads us to death but sin also enslaves us. Through my counseling with individuals and couples I have seen the power of sin. I've spoken with men who are addicted to gambling, alcohol or pornography and I've heard their testimony of how powerful those sins are. Many of these are filled with extreme guilt but they cannot resist the call of sin which reaches to their very core. Most sinners understand that they are doing something unholy and harmful but they are hooked and can't break free from the rush, guilt and the sense of escape they find in their sin. Sin changes people and makes them self centered, dirty and evil.

I think Paul is saying, "If you are free from the bonds of sin because of the Spirit inside of you, why would you want to continue to live that way? If you've been taken out of the dirty ghetto and now you have a home in the heavenlies why would you want to keep visiting the ghetto?

Oh how wonderful it is to know that we are saved by grace. We are saved and escape the punishment our sins deserve but also because of the presents of Christ within us we have a new master, a new hope, a new power to walk in the path of righteousness and not in the paths of sin.

But isn't sin fun? The world might tell us that but just walk with someone who is a prisoner to sin and you will find a truly miserable person. But praise be to God we are alive in Christ!

The power of the Gospel. Its worth sharing!

2010-01-28T13:41:00.000-08:00

Romans 1

Today we read the theme of the Letter of Romans. Romans 1:16-17 "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith".

Paul had come under fire for his preaching to the gentile world the message of grace and salvation by faith. In Romans 3:22 it says, "This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference,(speaking of Jew or gentile) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ." (italics added)

What great news to know that Jesus has come for all. This is Paul's gospel but it's really the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is the gospel which Paul is proud to preach no matter what others might say or do to him.

And we too should be proud to proclaim the gospel as well. This is good news. The best news!

It is the powerful news which brings salvation to all! And it is the power which sustains us. Yes there are many things that we should be ashamed of and Paul deals with them in the end of Romans one and in other places of the gospel, but we should never be ashamed to embrace the one who has loved us and saved us and we should never be ashamed to speak up and identify ourselves with this gospel. Actually we should have so much pride in the message that we should willingly proclaim the message to others. Think about it how loving is it to withhold the greatest news of all from those who have never heard it? No one could ever say Paul was ashamed of the Gospel. The gospel was Paul's greatest joy and it should be our joy as well.

So... Are you ashamed? Are you uncomfortable to tell someone about the gift of salvation that you have in Christ Jesus? Do you understand what the gospel's all about? Do you know it enough that you could share it and defend it? We'll the book of Romans is a great place to learn.

So, Spend a moment in prayer to God. Thank him for what he has done and ask him to help you to move beyond a position of fear and doubt to a place of pride and joy. Ask the Lord to teach you through His word about the wonderful gift of righteousness by faith.

Truly, the gospel is what gives us life and power "On the Journey."

Look at what Jesus has done for us

2010-01-27T11:43:00.000-08:00

Over the past days we have been reading the end of the book of Mark. I have been amazed once again regarding the sacrifice and the love of Jesus Christ who went to the cross for our sins. I'm also deeply moved because of the determination of Christ and the willingness of Christ to face persecution, ridicule, and torture for me. What makes all of this so remarkable is that he could have chosen at any moment to turn back and reveal his wrath upon those who hated him and those who turned their back on Jesus.

In addition to watching and considering Jesus journey, I have been surprised and disappointed to watch the disciples misunderstandings, selfish motivations, cowardice, and betrayal. At it's worst we find Peter swearing profanities that he didn't even know Jesus. Yet after Jesus' resurrection he disciplined them for their lack of faith, forgave them, and reinstated them once again to there calling in life to be his ambassadors to the world. This was a task they were by no means worthy of. Jesus could have ignored them and punished them for what they had done and no one would have any reason to question him for doing it.

I also think that it is wonderful that the woman who faithfully watched with Jesus and stood by him and supported him in ministry to the very end where also the first to be given the privilege of being the first witnesses to the resurrection. There's were the first broken hearts to be mended and healed.

I certainly pray that we can be like Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome who brought spices to anoint Jesus body. Today may we anoint Jesus with our love and our worship.

My guess is that from time to time and shamefully we have been more like the disciples. But thank God for his grace. Thank God that he still counts us worthy to be his witnesses into the world.

Yes, Mark has been a wonderful and challenging book. May we learn from the example of Jesus and learn from the mistakes and triumphs of the disciples for the journey of life that God has before us.

The book of Mark was great! 26 books to go! Please join us as we read through the book of Romans.

Thoughts on the Lord's return

2010-01-22T05:52:00.000-08:00

Mark 13
Perhaps you don't think about Christ second coming very often. It might seem confusing or perhaps even scary but Jesus did talk about it and our passage for today is one of those times.
I believe that there are at least two reasons that Jesus told us about his second coming. First, he didn't want us to be afraid especially when we see wars and catastrophe's in the world. These may or may not be signs that the world is about to come to an end but because he has told us about these things we do not need to worry because God has everything under control. In addition when persecution comes to us because of our faith in Christ again we do not need to be afraid because he has told us that this will happen and he has told us that the Holy Spirit will help us.

The second reason Jesus has told us about the end times is so we will watch. Watching for the Lord's return is not like watching a sunset. As Christians we live a watchful life by serving and working so we will be prepared when he come. In addition because of our witness in the world we can help others to be prepared so they don't miss it when it happens.

Jesus may come back at any time. Are you ready? Do you know someone who needs to be ready? Isn't it time that we become bold in sharing our faith with others? Will they think we are strange and treat us differently? Perhaps, but what would we think if we were taken up by the angels and a close friend or family member was left behind because we didn't share the truth with them.

Just some thoughts to consider on the Journey....

Give unto God what is God's

2010-01-21T05:45:00.000-08:00

Our reading for today is from Mark 12:18-44 but I would also like to comment on Mark 12:13-17 because I believe this encounter with the Pharisees, who were trying to trap Jesus by asking about paying taxes, serves as a nice book end to the story of the widows offering (Mark 41-44).

Both passages are dealing with the subject of money but even more then that they are dealing with the subject of one's commitment and devotion. Looking at the passages from this view we can easily include Mark 12:28-34. In that passage Jesus answer the teacher of the law who asked him, "which is the most important commandment?" Jesus responded, "Here, O Israel the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself."

With this commandment in mind let us consider Jesus response to the religious leader about paying the tax. Jesus asks them for a denarius and asks, "whose portrait is this? and whose inscription?" "Caesar's" they replied. Then Jesus said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's."

I believe that when we give to God what is God's we are fulfilling the first commandment to love the Lord our God... and when we give to Caesar or to the government we are showing our desire and doing our part to fulfill the second commandment which speaks of loving our neighbor as ourselves. Ideally our taxes are meant to make life better for our neighbor and ourselves. We might argue about how effective these taxes are being used and if they are actually accomplishing there desired purpose or not. Yet, However we feel about our taxes I know that we would prefer our taxes over the taxes the Romans were imposing on the Jews.

Perhaps the thought I want to close with is this. How much should we give to God? Jesus tells us to love God with heart, our soul and with all our mind and our strength. At this point someone might say, "But he didn't say we have to love him with all our money?" To the one thinking such a thought I would direct them to the Widow's offering at the end of chapter 12. Jesus commended her above all the rest because she, out of her poverty, gave everything she had to live on. When I consider her example, once again I'm reminded that the portion that goes to God should far out way the portion we give to the world. But we must not make the mistake of believing that this is like a separation of church and state issue. When we look at stewardship we must realize that God is over all domains, religious and otherwise. Actually we cannot be a good Christian without being a good citizen as well. With this perspective in mind all that we give and all that we do out in the world and in the church is an offering to God.

Yes, the standards are high but Jesus is our Lord, and the fact that he died of the cross to redeem us should be more then enough motivation to "give unto God what is God's.

Being a servant like Jesus

2010-01-18T10:47:00.000-08:00

Mark 10: 32-45

In the book of Mark the author is painting a picture of Jesus as the "servant redeemer". And I believe the key verses are Luke 10:43-45 which says, "Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." These words were offered in response to the selfish ambitions of the disciples who were arguing and seeking the place of honor next to Jesus.

When we read the gospels, we see that Jesus healed to serve others, he taught to serve others and ultimately he gave up his own life as a servant to ransom many. What a paradox. the one who is truly first chooses to be last so those who are last might be lifted up and ransomed. That fact alone should cause us to rejoice! But if we are to be his disciples today we must do more then rejoice, we must follow his example and serve no matter the cost.

Today we celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. He is a perfect example of one who did just as Jesus asked. He was more then an intelligent man and a dynamic speaker. He was a humble servant who gave his life for the the sake of freedom. He used the power of love and not the power of the sword to serve. His life is a wonderful example of just how powerful serving can be to make a difference in the world and so we honor him as God's servant.

Now I believe God looks at each one of us and asks, "What about you?" Will you give your life to try to climb the ladder of success? or will you humble yourself to serve others knowing that in due time the Lord will lift you up?

2010-01-14T06:51:00.000-08:00

Mark 8:1-10
I know that all of us are deeply concerned and prayerful regarding the earthquake in Haiti where it is feared that thousands have died. We also know that the relief effort is going to be monumental. Haiti will need the help of the world to recover but they will also need the help of the Lord. I believe that as we've been studying through the book of Mark that we have been overwhelmed by the miraculous power and compassion of the Lord and so I am sure that he is in the rubble, crying and supporting those who have lost loved ones. In our readings we have also seen that when Jesus touches and blesses something miraculous things happen.

Yesterday's reading revealed both Jesus ability to bless and demonstrate his compassion in a miraculous way. First he had compassion knowing that the people who were following him and listening to him need food. Jesus said, "I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat." The disciples may have had compassion as well but they looked at the task of feeding so many as impossible. Today we may be like the disciples wondering how can we help those in Haiti. The task seems overwhelming. But we like the disciples need to remember that there is nothing impossible with God. Today I believe that God is calling us to gather what little we can to help them and just as he multiplied the fishes and the loaves he will multiply our efforts and assistance.

One of the principles that you will see throughout the gospels is simply this, that God can do all things but most often he does them when we do our part. What is our part? Our part is to pray and ask. Our part is to take steps of faith and obedience. Our part is to give what we can in faith that he will also provide for our needs.

Let us pray together. Lord we ask that your power and your mercy would descend upon the people of Haiti. Please take the worlds efforts to help and multiply them. Help those who are clearing debris . Multiply there strength and endurance so they can clear faster and with wisdom. Lord direct the government of Haiti, multiply their wisdom and understanding as they make decisions and direct the help. Lord please take the food and multiply it as you have multiplied the fish and the loaves, so children and adults can find nourishment. Dear Lord help families who are looking for their children and children who are looking for their parents to find each other. Lord please direct someone to the pile of rubble where a little girl or a little boy is trapped and desperately calling out. Lord may your miraculous power and mercy flow through the believers in Haiti that those who are crying out for help and mourning their losses might find comfort from you. Lord teach us to never give up hope even when the obstacles before us seem to overwhelming. Lord we know that you can do everything and we ask you to reveal you love and power this very moment. We pray this in the most precious name of Jesus our Savior. Amen

Finding the rightful place for traditions and laws

2010-01-12T05:30:00.000-08:00

Thoughts from Mark 7:1-23

It could be said that Jesus and the Pharisees looked at things pretty differently. Much is said that the Pharisees were jealous of Jesus but there's really more to it then that. I think that many pharisees wanted to give Jesus a good hearing but many times his practices ran in the face of what they believed to be right and holy. Take today's passage, many people might think it very petty that the Pharisees got all over Jesus because his disciples were eating food with unclean or unwashed hands. Today parents have the same problem with their children and rightfully so considering the spread of germs but the Pharisees aren't concerned about the disciples catching a cold. They aren't concerned with the spread of germs but the spread of ungodliness. (OK, maybe they were also a little jealous).

At best the laws regarding cleansing and washing which come from Leviticus 11 are meant to acknowledge that every activity in life is holy and should be performed with care. Even the most common tasks as eating can be an expression of thanks and worship. As we sit down to eat what is placed before us we acknowledge that God has made this for us as a gift. Yes, even common tasks can lead us into worship and so we should be careful how we approach them. However, Jesus knew that a clean heart was more important then clean hands.

Today we have many rituals as well. When done for the proper reasons our Spirits are enriched.
Communion is one of those rituals. But this tradition has also become a source of division. In addition it's possible to do it without even thinking about anything spiritual.

In some church traditions communion cannot be celebrated unless an ordain minister touches and/or preside over the table. The elements have to be handled in a proper way for them to be holy. Unfortunately, over time different traditions have been developed which keep believer's from celebrating communion together. I remember hearing of an city ecumenical service where three separate stations of communion where set up because the different traditions would have been compromised if they had but one central table.

Tradition and rituals are not bad and actually they can be quit inspiring and worshipful as long as we remember the heart of why we do them. For the Pharisees adherence to the law was all about maintaining a faith tradition and keeping it pure before the Lord. It was about protecting the faithful from the paganistic practices and beliefs of those who surrounded them. These became walls to keep the evil of the world out These laws also helped to identify those who were in so they could keep the fellowship undefiled. Finally because they believed the Laws to be God ordained they had to study them and enact them to meet with God. It is for these reasons that the Pharisees were so concerned that Jesus and his disciples didn't seem to care. Jesus however made it clear that what mattered most was not the legalistic adherence to the Law or the tradition. What mattered most was the heart.

So are all traditions bad? Of course not. Many traditions and practices help us to feel close to God. The problem happens when we practice them and exclude those who do not live as we do.

As Christians we must be mindful it is impossible for us to reach a dirty world unless we get dirty. In our readings from Mark we have seen that Jesus was touched by a woman with an issue of blood which made her "unclean". He also touched a leper which would have made Jesus unclean not to mention touching a corps (Jarius' Daughter). So when we consider our religious acts we need to ask ourselves some questions. Is this practice helping me to feel closer to God? Am I doing this or that with reverence or am I going through the motions? How do I respond to people who don't do things the way "we do them"? Do I look down upon the person in blue jeans? Do I look down upon the church with drums and electric guitars? Do we think it to be unholy if people talk in the church before the service begins? Finally, we need to ask. Do our traditions and rituals keep people away and make them uncomfortable and do they keep me from reaching those who do things differently? Always remember the heart must lead traditions and rituals. If not the rituals may become our God and not the Lord.

The ways of guilt and shame

2010-01-08T12:02:00.000-08:00

Today we read from Mark chapter 6. Things are going well for Jesus and many people have come to notice and wonder about Jesus and the effectiveness of his disciples ministry had only served to increase his acclaim throughout the region. This was good news for some but disturbing for others. It was especially disturbing for King Herod who we remember as a very paranoid and jealous man. Mark 6:14-16 records, King Herod heard about this, for Jesus name had become well known. Some were saying, John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him. Others said, "He is Elijah." and still others claimed, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago." But when Herod heard this, he said, John, the man I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!"

So why do you think that Herod was so confident? I think it was his guilt and his paranoia speaking to him loud and clear. In the passages that followed it is told about how Herod was fooled into having John's head removed as a gift for Herodias, His brothers wife whom Herod had married. You can read the sorted story in Mark 6:17-29.

Herod had remorse over having John killed. He knew it was the wrong thing to do but because of a foolish promise to a young beautiful lady dancer Herod had John Killed.

Now, Herod was absolutely sure that this Jesus must be John the Baptist come to haunt him. Of course he wasn't but the moral of the story is this, "If you want to sleep well at night don't allow your sinful desires to rule you into making foolish decisions." And we all know that to be true. Many of us know this through experience. Herod was a man who wanted power, pleasure, and popularity. He loved being the king even more then walking as a righteous man. Verse 20 reflects on Herod's feeling toward John, "because John Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him." I think there are many who like to listen to the voice of wisdom and righteousness but sadly Herod, just like many others, never moved from the position of puzzlement and curiosity to a place of faith. If he would have heeded John's message and determined to walk in the way of righteousness, Herod could have saved himself a life time of hardship and guilt. Yes, Herod is a wonderful character study for all of us. In a world in search of power, pleasure and popularity, I think we would be good to remember that blessed are those who walk in the ways of righteousness.

One last note. If Herod would have sought out an audience with Jesus rather then speculate about Jesus and if would have confessed his sin, he would have found peace. Perhaps you have guilt in your life because of foolish decision and past sins. Seek out Jesus and His righteousness and you will surely learn to walk in freedom.

Where our witness begins

2010-01-07T05:30:00.000-08:00

Today I want to look at how we should respond to our encounter with Christ. We find this in today's reading from Mark 5:1-20 the healing of a Demon-possessed man. This story is a powerful and graphic story of a desperate man who no one could tame. The demons inside of him cursed at Jesus. What was left of the man could only run and fall at Jesus feet in worship. Truly only Jesus could heal such a wild uncontrollable demon possessed man. Once again this story points out that there is no task to difficult for Jesus as he cast the demons into the herd of swine.

But I'm intrigued by the man's response and by Jesus final instructions to him. After the man is healed from the legions of demons it is no wonder that he is so grateful that he asks to go with Jesus. However, Mark 5:19,20 says, Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and all the people were amazed.

I believe these instructions serve as a reminder to all of us about the responsibility that each one of us have to tell our story of what Jesus has done in our lives. It's also important for us to remember that our witness starts at home among our family. As working parents this is so important. Quit often we show our "best face" in the work place and when we are tired at the end of the day sometimes our children and spouse get the left overs. We say that we are trying to unwind but we must remember that our most important legacy starts with our family and for this reason our best witness should start at home. In other words our children and spouse or our parents for that matter deserve our very best. We need to make sure that our Christian love and witness starts at home.

Sadly, we sometimes hear stories of pastor's kids and other Christian leader's kids who stay away from the church because their parents neglect them and fail to live out their faith at home. It's very posssible for Christian leaders and even busy leaders out in the business world to give all they have to the world leaving little energy, love, and time for the family. However our family must be our first priority, but not only that, if Jesus has truly transformed our lives our families and those closest to us should be the first to notice the difference.

Yes, I'm sure that the healed man would have learned much from hanging around Jesus and he would have a great story to share with the world but his greatest witness of the transformational power of Christ would be revealed to those who remembered how he used to be out of control. So let's be sure to "Go out into all the world and make disciples" but let's not forget that our testimony at home is still our most important, powerful and lasting witness at all.

Producing abundance

2010-01-06T09:59:00.000-08:00

Today's text is from Mark 4. This is a great passage for my first entry because it highlights the power of the Word of God sown into our lives. In this passage Jesus offers three parables about seeds. Each parable has a common theme and promise. Each promises abundance for the one who receives the sown seed and allows the seed to grow in them. The promise is abundance beyond the initial seed's investment . In the parable of the sower (Mark 4:1-20), a seed, the Word of God is sown or scattered, and when the word finds root in our hearts and lives Jesus promises increase. Mark 4:20 says, "Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop-thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown." That's the type of increase that I want don't you! In the parable of the growing seed Mark 4:26-29, Jesus talks about the harvest that comes from the scattered seed. The mystery of abundance in this parable is that we can't explain how it happens but "all by itself the soil produces grain-first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. Then when the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come." Mark 4:28-29. I think this is talking about the mystery of the Spirit which works in our lives even when we don't work at it or make a plan for it to happen. Indeed the word of God is powerful beyond our understanding. The last seed parable is about the little mustard seed which when planted grows to become one of the largest of all garden plants. This speaks of God's ability to use even our little faith for great returns. To me all three tell parables tell me that God's word will produce great abundance in our lives through the miraculous working of the Spirit and through our faith.

Mark 4 has one other parable about abundance it's the parable about the lamp on a stand. If we are to apply this parable I believe it tells us to share from the abundant harvest, to share of the light that God has given us and to raise it high for others to see. And hear again is the promise of abundance, Jesus says, "consider carefully what you hear, "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you and even more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him." So today as you have received the Word be sure to share the word and the wisdom that it has given you and you will surely receive more abundance in return. That's what I want to do with this blog this year. Join me on the journey and let us all marvel at the abundance of blessings we will receive. Together let's share the joy of sowing seeds into others lives as well.

2010-01-05T10:53:00.000-08:00

Hello, this is Pastor Tim Brown introducing to you my new blog. "On the Journey". I'm the Pastor of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Massillon Ohio. This year the church is taking a journey through the New Testament following a schedule that I have developed. I'm going to be preaching on Sunday mornings from the readings. During the week I hope to make comments on passages that we are reading. I'm a rookie at this blogging stuff so "be patient!" We have a reading schedules available at our church office for those of you who are associated with the church. We can also email the schedule to you so send me an email.

I believe the Word of God is powerful. It is God's inspired word. I believe he wants to use the Bible to speak into your life and bring you comfort, joy, wisdom and strength for the day. I welcome your comments. Let us embark on the Journey to have a closer relationship with Christ as we read and study His word.