We Measure Up Only In Christ

"Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin." (Romans 3:19-20)

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus." (Romans 3:23-26)

In reading Romans 3 today, Paul reminds me that it is not enough to be good. If we were to judge ourselves strictly by the law of God, and all the commandments, we would fail because we are prone to evil and sin. Similarly, to boast and measure ourselves by the level of our perceived righteousness is prideful and futile at the same time. We will never fully measure up to every letter of the law. However, the law exposes us to the weaknesses of ourselves and shows us our sins.

It is that this point that many people will give up on God. There is an overwhelming guilt because of our sins, and we don't know if we can ever become the type of person that can please God.

However, there is Jesus. Yes, Paul reminds us of our sinful natures, but at the same time, He also reminds us that when Jesus came, He shed His blood in lieu of us. Although by our sins we deserved to die, Jesus died for us and absorbed our sins. There is no effort needed on our part except to have faith in Jesus.

There are challenges to that as well, of course. We are not only called to believe in Jesus, for even the demons believe in Christ but they willfully reject and despise Him. Instead, we are called to follow Him wherever He asks us to go and do whatever the Holy Spirit is asking us to do. That is not an easy task. But, our goal is not to be comfortable, but instead we must desire and choose to become more like Him daily.

Lord Jesus, I know that I can do better, and I know that I am not a perfect person who does not sin on occasion. It isn't my desire, it isn't my want, but instead it is my weakness. I am so glad for Your Holy Spirit, that You came and not only died for my sins, but gave me a helper to overcome so many bad habits and sins that had plagued me for so many years. I am changed because of You, but I am hardly perfect. That's okay, because I know that You did the hard work and served as a replacement for my punishment. Thank You Lord. I am blessed beyond words. May I always be willing to lay aside my current life and embrace whatever plans You have for me in the next steps. In Jesus' name, AMEN.

Escaping the Torment of Hell - Christ's Ultimate Gift

24"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life."

28"Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth -- those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation."

(John 5:24,28-29)

In churches these days we hear a lot about living the Christian life. Mostly, it's because we as a society are most curious about how to live since it's the most applicable part of the Bible for us on a day to day basis. However, the larger point of the coming of Jesus revolves around our salvation from a life of impending death, to life everlasting.

We are all moving along in the world toward death. It is a certainty that we will all die - no matter who we are in the world and no matter what we might accomplish; death awaits. In the beginning of the world, God created us for eternal life, but because of the disobedience of Adam, death entered into the world and our life became a cycle with a certain impending ending.

But we are still eternal creatures because we have a spirit given to us from God. Where will that spirit go? Christ has restored us to eternal life in God's presence because He died in our place (and rose again to show that His redemption really works). God is the only one who can create and give life; when we are with Him in eternity, we will have life coursing through us eternally.

However, what happens to us when we choose not to come to Christ and reject God? We are given precisely what we ask for -- an eternity without God. Unfortunately, that will result in condemnation with Satan and his demons because they have also rejected God. Now, it may be fine for a person to want to be left alone in eternity (or at least that would be what they think is fine), but would they really want to be in a place where Satan and demons reign over them -- hating them because they bear the image of God?

It is at that point that the loneliness and depression of being away from God the life-giver is multiplied into torment from powerful demons. There are deep implications that come with the rejection of Christ.

Sometimes I wish that Hell was made clear from the pulpit on a regular basis. Without knowing what God says about Hell, we don't know the deep extent of His great love for us and for our fellow man. I must admit that while I have the confidence and peace that comes from knowing Christ, assuredly knowing that my eternity will be with Him - I lose focus about what that means for those who do not choose Christ.

It is not a political argument or simply a religious discussion. Helping people to know Christ and receive Him as Lord and Saviour brings souls to eternal life - while allowing non-Christians to make a choice to reject God without the facts brings them condemnation...

Lord Jesus, I am having some difficulty with today's lesson because I know that I'm not sure how to help those around me in the best way. I know that the power to save does not come from my hands, so I do not worry about that, but what is it that I should do today? Whatever it is, please help me to know it and have the courage to do it. In the name of my Saviour and Lord, Christ Jesus, AMEN.

In a Funk

"Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God."
(Ps 42:11 NIV)

Today I feel very lethargic and a bit downcast. I can't really pinpoint a particular reason or thought as to why that might be, but the words of this Psalm immediately came to mind. And as I sit here mulling over the Psalm which expresses so clearly my state of mind, I can't even seem to pray words to ask God to help me because of the sheer weight of indifference upon me. And so I speak in tongues hoping that the Holy Spirit can express what I cannot at this moment.

Us modern day Christians have such powerful tools in our possession as well, and I turn on praise music to remind me of the goodness of the Lord.

You see, despair used to be a constant companion for me, and loneliness was a way of life. It was a deep pit of loneliness and despair that I felt constantly, especially during the times when I was alone. My relationship with God changed that. On a fateful day when I finally assessed that my methods and efforts were not achieving the fulfillment I was longing for, I simply said, "God, I tried my ways and they aren't working -- I'm willing to give Your ways a shot." With that I went to church with a friend, and I discovered Him there. Not a judgmental, condemning God that I knew in my youth, but instead a loving and caring Father God who wanted to embrace and heal me.

There are still days like today where I feel downcast and want to chill out from the world and from the realm of parenting and being a husband. I simply want to be alone -- but I do not feel lonely. I am not in a desperate pit, but in a funk. I know God is with me right now. Not judging or condemning, but simply abiding with me.

Again, I put my hope and future into His hands. As I remember Him, I am pulled out of the depths once more and the doldrums have faded away.