Author: RedeemedInGrace

Jesus and Critical Race Theory

/ RedeemedInGrace / 2 Comments

 

“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord and on His law he meditates day and night.” -Psalm 1:1-3

3F235CE0-AA6E-403D-96D2-AC57AA896180

In the Gospel of Mark (11:27-12:12) the Jewish leaders challenge Jesus’ authority. Jesus drove out the money changers and people using the temple as a marketplace the day before. After their initial shock wore off these men confronted Jesus in a more aggressive manner. In the Lord’s wisdom, Jesus responds with a question concerning John the Baptist’s authority, which the Jewish leaders did not want to answer. They feared the people who viewed John as a prophet, nor could they admit John’s authority came from heaven thereby discrediting themselves for not acknowledging his legitimacy when John was still alive. Jesus knew this. Jesus was confronting their own spiritual hypocrisy for not acting like the spiritual leaders they claimed to be by shepherding the people, directing them to hear God’s wisdom from someone like John. These men were so caught up in their position and power they lacked discernment to see God’s truth and repent. 

It’s remarkable and disheartening to see Christian leadership can also be as flawed and blind to Biblical truth today. This year has unraveled leaders in the church, exposing them to be in err or lack backbone to stand up for Biblical justice. In our cancel culture, determined to drown out common sense and Biblical wisdom, Christian leaders are capitulating instead, for fear of…. being called out by the media? culture? unbelievers??

I’m afraid we have compromised for too long with the world and now we can’t turn back. There seems to be no distinction between Christians and unbelievers today. When we can’t say Critical Race Theory is satanic, and by its very definition shows partiality when the Bible is clear to not show favoritism (James 2:1-9). When CRT teaches that whiteness is evil and people with less melanin are intrinsically racist. How has CRT seeped into evangelical teaching? Quite easily actually, when for decades leaders in our churches have given way to secular culture in order to stay “relevant” and morphed into human jellyfish instead of standing up for God’s truth. The Church is known more for political correctness than Biblical justice. 

It is not sinful to point out sin. As Christians it is how we love sinners like us, directing them to Christ. The argument that we are opening the door to the gospel by meeting people where they are is a theory that has not worked well in practice. If anything, compromising with sin is what has the Church in this confused position. Churches that partner with CRT, LBGT, and abortion rights are devoid of love. That is enabling sin to spread like the cancer it is. So what should our response be? Speak truth in love. Always. Boldness among Christians is sorely lacking. We aren’t to be jerks but we don’t hold the door open for sin either. Instead of speaking out, condemning sin, we condone it by saying nothing at all or embracing it. 

Earlier this week President Trump called for the defunding of Critical Race Theory which has been taught in government training, even in the military, using our tax dollars. In this case how is it that Donald Trump has more insight to the pervasive harm CRT has caused over the evangelicals? Why is this garbage taught in our seminaries and churches? John MacArthur seems to be a lone solider in this fight against true Biblical injustice. Our problems in this world should be focused on our inherent sin nature, not catering to false oppression. We are all sinful and need Christ. One race is not better than another because Jesus created beautiful, immutable diversity with the colors of our skin. Highlighting one race over another is not equality but the exact opposite. MacArthur declares,

“Never has the church of Jesus Christ been more desperately in need of bold, courageous, clear-thinking, forthright, steadfast biblical leadership. As refreshing as it is to see a shift at the government level away from the deliberate dissemination of CRT propaganda, this urgently needs to happen in the church too.”

We need to get back to the basics, away from appeasing the culture we live in which does not acknowledge God as Supreme Authority. This world will always be filled with divineness and distorting Scripture, leading people away from what God’s Word really says. Even though the events in our world are distressing, as Christians we know the end of the Story. Look to God (Colossians 3:2). The Bible says “if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it” (Genesis 4:7). As we gaze in Scripture and see our own sin, may we repent and not rebel against the authority of our Lord and Savior. May we have the boldness and discernment to live out God’s Word, even if our Christian leaders falter. 

Here is a wonderful podcast that has helped me understand current events alongside a Biblical worldview. In this episode, Allie Beth Stuckey interviews Voddie Baucham concerning Social Justice Theology and what it really means. I hope you listen. Grab a cup of coffee and settle in. It’s going to be good!

Grace upon grace,

April 

 

Go to God

/ RedeemedInGrace / 1 Comment

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9

 

E852C8FA-DB49-4ECA-89B9-5FB4A88962A9

 

When you are hungry, go to God.

When you are depressed, go to God.

When you are overjoyed, go to God.

When you feel isolated, go to God.

When you feel insignificant, go to God.

 

He will satisfy the hungry,

He will encourage the depressed,

He will celebrate with the joyful,

He will comfort the lonely,

He will show you your worth through His Son.

 

Go to God.

He is with you in the valleys and 

on the mountaintops and the in between.

He has never left you. 

God is always with you.

Go to God.

 

Grace upon grace,

April

The Fragrance of Worship

/ RedeemedInGrace / 3 Comments

“But thanks be to God, Who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.” -2 Corinthians 2:14

 

I love the smell of coffee and oven-roasted bacon lingering in the morning, hours after breakfast. It’s an inviting aroma that says ‘Come and stay awhile’. When I was little my grandmother’s home always seemed to have a comforting aroma wafting through the house (usually fresh baked bread from scratch). Fragrances have a way of bringing to mind a memory or a person. They have the power to make us react with delight or a visceral response of disgust.

When I think about our sense of smell and the impact it has, it’s interesting to read in Scripture how Paul uses the metaphor of fragrance (2 Corinthians 2:14-16). Back up even further to the Old Testament and we see the first priests using sacred perfume in the tabernacle (Exodus 30:22-38).  It was not to be replicated for common use. Only priests were given the task of administering the perfumed oil to anoint the Tent of Meeting. Priests were also consecrated with this holy perfume, carrying around a specific fragrance.

8313B83E-4F57-4972-BD18-C2AA6E93CC7Dlightstock_155376_download_medium_april_box_

Today believer priests are the aroma of Christ. As a Christian my witness is a fragrant offering of who I am in Him. Reflecting the heart of Jesus is my “scent”. It will smell like death to the unbeliever as my Biblical worldview always points to an eternal perspective, emphasizing life after death. It brings them face to face with their own mortality and eternity.

To the fellow Christian my life will be a familiar and welcoming fragrance, heavily perfumed with the glory of God. This is because the true Church is knitted together with the same heart. Jesus makes this our reality. Even though our personalities, preferences, backgrounds, nationalities, and cultural differences tend to separate us, in Christ we are One. God is at work in each of us not only reconcile us to Himself in perfect fellowship, but also to one another in the Body of Christ. This is for our sanctification and how men will know we are followers of Jesus (John 13:34-35).

img_0057AC4030C0-5FF6-484C-9C48-AE5980410232

The world seeks to divide people, but especially God’s people. May this not be so. We have a responsibility to love each other first, our faith family. Our love for others is a direct reflection of our love for the Lord (1 John 4:20-21). Gossiping, assuming the worst in another, quarreling and even hatred do not represent Christ. In fact, this dishonors His Name and grieves the Holy Spirit.

God desires for us to worship Him by offering a sweet-smelling sacrifice. Namely, how we relate to the people around us. What we say and do, even what we think of others, matters. Our words of kindness and truth, sincere love, humble service, self-control, a listening ear, and the ability to forgive quickly will diffuse the pleasing aroma of Jesus. When we choose to react like the world of godless rebels believers miss the opportunity to display their signature scent.

You are the pleasing aroma of Jesus Christ. What a privilege it is to put on the sacred perfume He bled and bought for you and me.

 

Grace upon grace,

April

 

Grow deeper: Exodus 30:22-38; 2 Corinthians 2:14-17; Colossians 3:12-17

A Broken World

/ RedeemedInGrace / Leave a comment

“The heresy of heresies was common sense.” -George Orwell (1984)

I’ve floundered for words lately. The language to my thoughts seems elusive like grasping the wind. But here’s a shot anyway.

Going into the grocery store and retail stores I keep thinking how we seem like human robots. Faceless masked strangers walk by, staring straight ahead. The increased violence in the streets of cities has all of us on edge. There’s tension in the air wherever you go. The verse that says, “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:12) comes to mind a lot these days. There is a deeper issue which has wormed into the fabric in how we function as a society. What amazes me is how fast we spiraled down. Maybe I was like the proverbial frog in a pot, slowly held over boiling water, not realizing how far we had already fallen as a godless nation. Just like that, the Lord says ENOUGH. This is His judgement.

4D0E7DB7-F533-40D3-91DB-33AAEA79503C439F97E9-1B9E-4BE1-9FB0-5D03C54EC0498936CDB5-3A94-4220-B933-B1A62D4F6B19

Even though most of us have never experienced anything like this rapidly changing dystopian world, it’s a cycle repeated throughout history. Kingdoms rise and fall. Jeremiah prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem because of their rebellion. The word of the Lord came to him as God declared He would no longer tolerate their abominations, defiling His Name (Jeremiah 32:30-34).

I’ve been angry watching the news the last few months, from excessive Coronavirus regulations, untimely deaths, riots, fear, and overall wickedness ruling the day. Our liberties and sound minds have been slowly stripped away. It’s too much. I’m emotionally wrung out like the tired dishtowel by my kitchen sink. What can we do about it? If you’re like me, I’ve been feeling pretty helpless. There is a quote I’ve heard which goes like this: “It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.”

Christian, we need wisdom. The world does not love the things of God. May we hold onto discernment and look for truth in Scripture before turning on the news. Be informed but not easily swayed. Looting a Target store, burning down someone’s business, killing bystanders, shooting a retired police officer is not “protesting”. It’s sin without restraint and it is NOT the answer. This must stop. The lawlessness of the protestors resembles the lawless act of Derek Chauvin and the 3 officers that stood by, rather than mourning the death of George Floyd.

More than arguing over the color of our skin, we are showing the color of our hearts. Sin blinds us. Hatred only begets more hatred and what is the endgame here?

We can be the light shining in ever increasing darkness by speaking the truth to our brothers and sisters in Christ plainly. God created diversity in our appearances which is marvelous. Yet the only race that matters is the human race. Before we are black, brown or white we are all human, bearing the image of our Creator. Furthermore, there is no distinction for those in Christ. One group is not better or less than another. We are One in the Body of His Church and should act like it (Colossians 3:5-14). Christ is everything and He dwells in every. single. believer.

We should also pray. It seems like the Sunday school answer but prayer is powerful. In Revelation it is recorded how the prayers of the saints are incense before the Heavenly throne room, kept in golden bowls (Revelation 5:8). God hears the prayers of His people.

5C4F49A8-D0F1-407D-BB6C-AFF3C961323A6A019942-0906-4EC4-8D25-D5E38C4BBEBD598F7393-1191-44A1-AF93-9CD31967F054

Lastly, we practice trusting the Lord to be faithful to His children living in modern Babylon. He is our only Hope. What we know to be true about God is still true in the bad times as well as the good.

“For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Psalm 100:5)

Fear and hatred are contagious. Yet believers have the antidote. This broken world will always need to hear the Gospel. Jesus is what every sinner needs. Have courage despite what the world thinks of you. You are never more secure in Christ. Be His reflection and persevere. If you aren’t accepted by the world because of standing for Biblical justice and righteousness then you’re doing it right (Matthew 5:11-16).

“Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets. But I tell you who hear Me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:26-27)

“He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of His saints.” (Proverbs 2:7-8)

Grace upon grace,

April

 

A Bloody Covenant

/ RedeemedInGrace / Leave a comment

Exodus 29:1-30:10; Matthew 26:14-46; Hebrews 10:1-25

“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is My body.” Then He took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” -Matthew 26:26-28

Biblical atonement is bloody. Sacrifices made to consecrate priests, yearly and daily sin offerings, left a constant reminder of death. As I was reading about the sacrificial practices in the Old Testament I kept thinking how barbaric it is. In our sanitized modern living this world seems so removed from our own. Yet this is what God instituted before Christ, foreshadowing the cross to end all sacrifices once and for all. The blood of bulls and rams did not take away the peoples’ sins but implied confession of sin, recognizing the necessity of shed blood as atonement. God accepted this offering in anticipation of the finished work of Jesus.

Our sin is barbaric. Animal sacrifices are a picture of what sin does. It kills, as the consequence for sin is death. An in-your-face daily, blood-filled, cut up animal in place of your sin is sobering. I don’t like to dwell on the horrors of sin, mine or in general. The sin of humanity causes destruction wherever it goes, diminishing us to our worst selves as base creatures. This is one of the reasons God graciously reminded Israel of their sin and need for cleansing. We are all sinful. Once we are aware of our sinfulness, only then can a person come before the Lord in need. You realize someone or something is required to take away your sin because we can’t. You need a Savior.

Praise God for sending Jesus as our Atonement. The blood of Jesus covers every believer, serving as the propitiation for our sins. Our guilt is not counted against us as we are no longer condemned (Romans 8:1). At the same time I wonder if we who live post-resurrection frequently mediate on the ugliness of sin. We see its effects all around us but how often do we stop and remember what we once were? If you are in Jesus your sins are forgiven, but by remembering how far the Lord has brought you, no, transformed you, should fill every one of us with awe-inspired worship.

We have a Savior who redeemed us by becoming a Perfect Sacrifice. Jesus is the New Covenant. There is no longer the need to go through a priest, offering animals to be slaughtered on our behalf. Jesus has completed this function. He is the Great High Priest and Sacrifice. So we look back to the commands of bloody offerings, reminding us of the sorrow sin brings. We also rejoice in what Jesus has done for mankind. He paid the hefty price of my sin so I never have to. For those who place their faith in Him, the stains of sin and death have no hold on them.

 

Grace upon grace,

April

 

Grow deeper: Ephesians 2:1-9; Titus 3:3-8

Servant Priests

/ RedeemedInGrace / Leave a comment

Exodus 28; Hebrews 9; Matthew 25:31-26:13

 

“To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve His God and Father- to Him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.” -Revelation 1:5-6

How we relate to people, especially in the Body, seems to be of great concern to our Lord. Spiritual unity is a theme found throughout Scripture and was important enough for Jesus to pray over before going to the cross (John 17:19-23). If God’s heart could be summed up in two sentences it would consist of our love for Him and how we love others (Mark 12:28-31). Why do our relationships matter? Can’t it just be me and God?

When we look back to the Ten Commandments, the first four commands are how man lives toward God. The last six speak of people rightly interacting with each other. God gave us a template for relationship in the Trinity. Created in the image of God, we are made to be relational. We are meant for community.

7B370235-51D6-4215-94CB-147ADB794ED0ED66570B-3DEB-4A69-AAC3-E54EE9AB4FA68FD85E41-09B2-4BE2-B9FE-537CBEBB0AE9

For the most part I am typically reserved and shy, especially in large groups. It takes a lot of energy to be around people for an extended period of time. So intentional community could potentially be an introvert’s worst nightmare. Our bandwidth is limited more than the naturally outgoing person. Still, this isn’t a cop-out as we are all called to serve others, investing in relationships among the faith family. I can trust God to help me interact with people and not live selfishly to myself.

It is actually a joy to represent Jesus by ministering to someone. My Father ministers to me everyday through various acts of service. It might be a text message from a sister in Christ checking on me, a meal, a joke, prayer, or receiving childcare help. Serving the Body doesn’t have to be complicated. There are many practical ways we can bless another or perhaps be on the receiving end.

The priesthood order outlined in Exodus 28 foreshadows not only Jesus as our Great High Priest but believer-priests in the Church Age: us! Notice Aaron is given the high office (a type of Christ), but his sons are instituted as servant priests also. This is our spiritual heritage, a picture of what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ (1 Peter 2:5). Jesus says how we serve others will define whether we are His or not. This isn’t a works based salvation but a product of flourishing faith, obedience and love. Our spiritual sacrifice requires giving of ourselves with our time and resources. In this way we identify with Jesus who demonstrated the deepest kind of love through action on the cross.

301E5AC6-3A78-40D6-B8C2-D2564427E345015F0CF0-164D-43D8-A876-640D18DDD113B2C33734-8BE8-4BDD-A2C6-06FCA3D44773

Mary of Bethany dignified Jesus in the home of Simon the Leper by pouring an expensive perfume over him. This was possibly her life savings and as the Bible does not record her having a husband to depend on financially, her act was one of reckless abandon to the Lord. Did she have an inclination of what was to come? Jesus said she was preparing Him for burial. Whatever her motivation other than overcome with worship, she ministered to Jesus. Can you imagine that privilege? Even then while Mary was in the act of honoring Christ, others around her were scorning this perfumed sacrifice.

What is more incredible than Mary radically serving Jesus is the way he humbly served His own disciples by washing their feet. Jesus also blessed lepers by touching their sores to heal them, erasing their stigma as outcasts. The Lord allowed children to sit on His lap and enjoy His presence, Jesus turned water into wine for a new bride and groom at their wedding feast. Ultimately, Jesus served all who will come to Him by going to the cross. There is no greater testimony than the life of Christ, our Great High Priest. He calls us as servant priests to follow in His steps. Serve the Church, sincerely love and honor our faith family.

 

Grace upon grace,

April

Treasuring Faithfulness

/ RedeemedInGrace / Leave a comment

Exodus 26:1-27:21;  Matthew 25:1-30

 

“Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning. In the Tent of Meeting, outside the curtain that is in front of the Testimony, Aaron and his sons are to keep the lamps burning before the Lord from evening til morning. This is to be a lasting ordinance among the Israelites for the generations to come.” -Exodus 27:20-21

In reading the Exodus passage for constructing the tabernacle I’m amazed how specific it is. God orchestrated every detail in the materials used, measurements and instructions so there would be no confusion. He is the God of order not chaos. We see this reflected in how the Israelites were to worship also. Do we affirm like Israel, after Moses told them everything the Lord commanded, by responding, “We will do everything the Lord has said; we will obey” (Exodus 24:7)? We’re familiar enough with the Biblical history cycle of: call to obedience, failure, judgement, repentance, and restoration. Like a worn path, this is our story too. We all share in this heritage of sin as Adam’s race. But there is hope.

Just as the actions of Israel illustrate every human heart, the components of God’s tabernacle were pointing to an even greater Temple in His Son. We are prone to wander, in need of a powerful and merciful Savior Who is capable and willing to rescue a damned people. God provided Jesus as the way to Himself. Now, as His Beloved Bride the Church, we pursue faithfulness to Christ alone. He is our treasured Bridegroom.

We are to make ourselves ready for Him by staying faithful in the work He has given us to do until His return or until we die. A faithful heart to the Lord creates the desire to walk in wisdom, please our Master, and share in His happiness. Have you ever thought about obedience as a means to be happy?

3F235CE0-AA6E-403D-96D2-AC57AA896180

2051B620-608A-43F7-9E9C-11FE4797AC62

D2F44475-3118-42F2-8113-B3C736A07997

FD6A38C6-077C-4A1E-A881-79F25A0E1DF7

Following Christ is not easy. It certainly cannot be done in our own strength, yet those who abide in Jesus, choosing to trust His ways and obey, will discover a deep-seated joy that gets lovelier over time. Its like finding a priceless treasure buried in the dirt. After persistently rubbing off the grime it begins to gleam. The treasure becomes even more precious to you as its beauty is uncovered. This is what its like to know and obey the Lord. He simply calls us to follow Him, to stay true to our Bridegroom.

Jesus laid the pattern for us to walk in, going before us. We know the way, so we walk by faith. And if  when we stumble, His Hand is right there to pick us up because Jesus’ grace toward His children is boundless. Through His Spirit we have access to God and transformed hearts that are now always tied to our King. Jesus’ blood makes standing in His holy presence possible.

The Lord tells us to keep the light of His Spirit burning in our hearts, letting it shine for others to see (Matthew 5:14-16). We are to be faithful and unashamed. Our faces will shine with the light He has placed inside our hearts, one that never goes out. This is our worship. In this way, we actively wait for God, anticipating His coming again.

 

Grace upon grace,

April

 

 

The Living Temple

/ RedeemedInGrace / Leave a comment

Exodus 23:14-25:40; Psalm 30; Matthew 24:29-51

“You turned my wailing into dancing; You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give You thanks forever.” -Psalm 30:11-12

 

God’s redemption makes the impossible possible. We can have a peace-filled fellowship, a love relationship, with the King of the Universe. How amazing is that?! In the Exodus reading portion we read of the types of Christ under the law. The institution of a priesthood, sacrifices, and tabernacle foreshadow Jesus fulfilling these roles once and for all as our Great High Priest and Perfect Sacrifice, the Lamb of God. Through Him we are cleansed, forgiven, and restored as God’s own sons and daughters. It is because of Jesus that we are free to worship anywhere. His Presence is no longer confined to a portable tabernacle or man-made temple. Jesus is the Temple (John 2:18-22).

The Holy Spirit dwells in each believer thus making up Jesus’ Church from a patchwork of languages, nations, ethnicities, and backgrounds. Rich and poor, Jew and Gentile all have Christ in common. We, His Bride, become where Jesus’ temple resides (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This truth has enormous impact, ministering to us as we realize God has not left us alone. He has given Himself to be with us always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).

1B62C21F-2E44-4D8F-86AC-15A2CDF2EA0B5B5D1BFF-6DEA-42B5-9778-D0413E8F3F8F53E832F8-90EB-4513-BE30-E73DE164D25510614F1D-1AC6-4BD6-B1EC-AAFD1332371B574C59D4-4242-46F4-A1B1-9CC8244E5946

Even when the curtain of human history comes to a close, if we are still here, we can have courage as our faith assures us of the outcome. Our Father literally wrote out the ending for us (Isaiah 35: Revelation 21-22). The time of judgment will be cut short for the sake of His people (Matthew 24:21-22). God will shake the Earth of wickedness then redeem it, creating a New Earth where Heaven and Earth meet. For now the wheat and tares live together but one day God will separate them. It is His grace and long-suffering mercy which causes God to be slow to anger, abounding in love, not wishing any should perish to eternal Hell.

Christian, you can rest secure in Christ because Jesus lives, and He lives in you, His living temple. God destroyed the Temple in Jesus on the cross so that you and I will never be destroyed. We carry His sacred temple within us. Just as Christ was resurrected we too are not overcome by death, but will taste resurrection for ourselves. When we pass from this Earth to our eternal Home we will see Jesus our Lord, the Living Temple, face to face. This is our heritage, this is our glory.

 

Grace upon grace,

April

Judgment to Restoration

/ RedeemedInGrace / Leave a comment

Exodus 21:22-23:13; Psalm 29; Proverbs 7:6-23; Matthew 24:1-28

 

“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” -Romans 8:22-23

Along with the Ten Commandments, God instituted a standard of living among the Israelites. Like today, we’ve been given commands for how to act with integrity toward each other and abstain from spiritual adultery. “Be careful to do everything I have said to you. Do not invoke the names of other gods; do not let them be heard on your lips” (Exodus 23:13). God alone is to be worshipped.

It’s interesting to observe the contrast in God’s will for us versus the natural bent we have toward sin. Moses wrote down the Lord’s system of order and peace. In the end, a life outside His will leads not only to our own destruction but the breakdown of society. Where moral corruption exists, divine judgement follows. Deception of false Christs, blind leaders, wars, famine, abortion, earthquakes, open hostility and persecution are the norm- for now. Jesus Christ rules and will judge everything.

D5207368-6ED2-49F2-B10A-606F822E09261FD4443E-D65A-4C04-A02D-11B4FE6DEF3FBB2FA490-2DB9-4B73-B104-BF54E87A936B7A8C187F-C616-4E64-A3C0-EA495E3EFAB4

One day His final judgment will undo the tangled knot of sorrow. Sin does not triumph. The world and the relationships God had in mind for us in Eden will be made true again. Jesus has already conquered death, yet we wait in the “already and not yet” season as God fulfills future promises. In the meantime, the Bible speaks of our weariness and groaning, along with creation, for everything to be made right because deep down we know it isn’t supposed to be this way. We see the devastation sin has done to the world and our lives. Take heart because this is not the end of our Story. Believers look forward to the most wonderful Day when we receive our resurrected bodies no longer tainted by sickness, sin or death. As we live in the middle of the Fall, between Genesis 3 and Revelation 21, God promises to “[give] strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace” (Psalm 29:11). Jesus will restore, making all things new, but first God must refine, judging the dross. If you are in Christ, the Lord is on your side. Who can be against you?

 

Grace upon grace,

April

God’s Way

/ RedeemedInGrace / 1 Comment

Exodus 19:16-21:21; Psalm 28; Proverbs 7:1-5; Matthew 23:13-39

 

“What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come […] So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith.” -Galatians 3:19; 24

 

There has to be a reason I repeatedly teach my 9 year old not to whine or argue. One, I just don’t like hearing it. But more importantly, I’m parenting for obedience. The lessons I lay out for him now will hopefully change into a habitual behavior. My hope is one day he will want to walk in obedience on his own without me reminding him! I can only assist in modifying actions I know please God, but He has to transform the heart.

In a similar way, God gave us His law not to go through the motions but to promote heart change. Through the law God demonstrates His standard of holiness and how we always fall short because of our sin nature (Romans 3:23). Following the law cannot save us but reveals our need for the Savior. God’s commands are right and good. They keep us from grievous sins against Himself and others. Even the cultural laws for Israel were beneficial to the people as they learned to operate as a set apart nation governed by God.

IMG_0602man in black jacket beside boy in pink jacket holding plush toy during daytime

IMG_1735

 

When we reduce the Lord’s decrees to playing church on Sunday we are no better than the outwardly pious legalists Jesus condemned during His earthly ministry. God says He desires mercy, not sacrifice. So what does that mean? Jesus cares more about the motivation of our hearts than how we appear before others. Is our focus to look “holy” with lengthy superficial prayers, checking the church box, or visible acts of service? Or are we more concerned with what the God of this Universe thinks? Our Father inspects the fruit of the heart.

The Israelites trembled before the Lord in reverence and wonder. They couldn’t bear to have God speak directly to them in all His Glory.  In Psalm 28, David cries out for God to hear his prayer and deliver him from those who defy God’s ways. Our response should be a combination of these two reactions.

As God’s beloved sons and daughters we have the family privilege to boldly approach His  throne of grace. We can cry out to Him in our need, in our thanksgiving, even asking Him to defend us, and He will hear you. Yet this is done with a heart of humility and reverence toward the One who created you. I’m always awe-struck with fear when a storm blows through the area I live in, known for it’s tornadoes. There is such power in the wind and lightning. God is the source of this fierceness. Do you know this kind of God?

ED5C9135-70AB-4CD7-BA39-7722C141E10310737695-70FC-424C-BC65-5C7F8856AF8E

When the Lord comes again He will meet us not only as our Shepherd, but as the Great Warrior He is. He will come to end the final war that has raged since the Fall (Genesis 3). His Name is Faithful and True (Revelation 19:11-16). This should bring us to our knees and worship. One day, all will bow the knee before King Jesus and confess Him as Lord (Philippians 2:9-11).

As we seek God, He will fashion our hearts after His own. Over time our desire will be to obey Him more and more as our love for the Lord grows deeper. We won’t be as concerned with what the world thinks of us. We are either being fit for heaven or fit for hell through our obedience or rebellion. Knowing Christ is the one solid anchor we have to hold onto- everything else is shifting sand.

Follow God’s perfect way today. When you realize this isn’t possible to do on your own, go to the One who made our righteousness possible. Jesus fulfilled God’s ways because we never could. Walk with Jesus.

 

Grace upon grace,

April