sin

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JESUS IS GOD

One of the main premises of Christianity is that Jesus is fully man and fully God. People seldom deny that Jesus was a man, yet his deity is often the point of controversy.  Jesus was born to a woman, but he was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and his father is God.  In his time among us, he did much to demonstrate that he is God the Son.

The first supernatural event that Jesus presented, when he was about to begin his ministry here on earth, was to turn water into wine (see John 2:1-11).  He was at a wedding banquet, and the wine was running out.  He ordered servants to fill 6 stone jars with water.  Each jar held twenty to thirty gallons.  When they were full, he instructed them to take some to the master of the banquet. The water had become fine wine.

Water is as you know H2O.  Its elemental make up is two hydrogen and one oxygen atom.  Wine is about 84% water, and 13% ethanol.  The other 3% is a complex combination of glycerol, organic acids, amino acids, sugars, other alcohols, phenols, minerals, aromatics, and sulfur.  Not only did Jesus turn water into wine, but he made the best wine. 

Other supernatural events occurred frequently during his ministry proving that he is not just a man, but also God.  The gospels are full of miraculous stories of Jesus’ miracles.

For example:

He fed five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two fish.

He walked on the water of a stormy lake.

He commanded the waves and wind to be still and they obeyed.

He healed multitudes of people with various infirmities.

He raised people who had died back to life.

He commanded demons to leave inflicted people, and they had to obey.

Jesus demonstrated his supernatural authority over the basic elements and over all other aspects of creation. Only God has this kind of authority over creation.  And then came the final demonstration. His Godly love for us.  Jesus did not use his power to protect himself but humbled himself and allowed men to take his life so that he could pay for our sins.  Then his Father raised him from the dead and gave him all authority over heaven and earth.

The evidence is clear.  Jesus is God!  No other can claim this truth.

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TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND

(Romans 12:2) Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.

I’ve always loved this scripture from Romans talking about transforming and renewing the mind.  However, I’ve recently come to a different understanding of its meaning.  I used to think of being transformed by the renewing of your mind as some miraculous change brought about by the Holy Spirit.  Then there would come this amazing new level of understanding and a greater connection to God.  It turns out, I was over spiritualizing. 

Yes, the results will be the same, a new level of understanding and a greater connection to our God, but this is simply the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit.  He guides us through our day by day walk from the moment of salvation.  We are continually renewed until we are called home.

(John 14:25&26) All this I have spoken while still with you.  But the advocate, The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

Before we gave our lives to Jesus, we conformed to the patterns of this world.  Hatred, bigotry, self-indulgence, greed, sexual impurity, etc. are the patterns of this world.  When we became disciples of Jesus, The Father gave us the Holy Spirit to guide us into an understanding of the righteous words of Jesus, which are the opposite of the patterns of this world.  The transformation by the renewing of our minds then began, and it is still proceeding.  With this transformation comes an ever-increasing understanding of God’s will for our lives, his good, pleasing and perfect will for each of us.

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FORGIVENESS

(Matthew 6:14&15) For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive others their sins, you Father will not forgive your sins.

Jesus made it quite clear that we need to forgive others of their sins.  Forgiving is difficult for us.  Even simple things like being cut off in traffic challenge our forgivability, but we must overcome our self-righteous need for revenge.  Forgiving is not optional.

 Beyond the simple things, there are many worse things to challenge our ability to forgive.  I can think of some very horrible sins that seem impossible to forgive. I’ll leave the magnitude of that to your imagination.  Yet, since God forgives “all” of our sins, there seems to be no limitation on which sins we can forgive.

So, let’s talk about family relations and the forgiveness that must take place in these close relationships.  I’m reminded of an old song that stated, “You always hurt the one you love; the one you shouldn’t hurt at all.”  Isn’t it true that those closest to us often take the blunt of our ill moods and self-protective responses.  I know my wife has lots of opportunities to forgive me, and, dare I say, I have a share of opportunities to forgive her.   If we chose not to forgive each other, these sins would build a wall of unforgiveness between us.  This would put our relationship on a downward slide, eventually this could lead to divorce.

From the family outward, the need to forgive becomes obvious.  If we hold unforgiveness in our heart, then it will fester, rob us of relationships, and make us bitter and alone. Our lack of forgiving others hurts us. Understanding this, I can begin to comprehend why Jesus was so adamant about us forgiving one another.

 God loves us and forgives us.  He sent his Son to pay for our sins, so he could forgive us and restore relationship with us.  Forgiveness is God’s way of dealing with sin.  The only alternative is eternal punishment.  God doesn’t want that for any of us.

God is love.  Forgiveness makes room for Love.

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THE CORD OF THREE STRANDS

(Genesis 2:18) The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.  I will make a helper suitable for him.”

Throughout our 44 years of marriage, there have been times when my wife and I have spent time away from each other.  We are currently in one of those seasons. My wife is away tending to a sick brother. I find it emotionally painful to be apart, but it is somewhat beneficial in that our desire for each other is heightened.  From the beginning God acknowledged that man has need for a companion.  Though not clearly stated, our companionship was never meant to exclude God.

Forty-four years ago, two sinners came together to form an intimate relationship.  Would this relationship last?  Ah, they had a distinct advantage.  They both had recently formed a strong relationship with their creator. From the start, God was at the center of their union. What that meant is that in hard, difficult times, they had God to turn to.  When times went well, they knew who to thank. 

So here I am sitting alone at my desk, and what is on my mind?  Gratefulness to God for this beautiful, wonderful woman he brought to me those many years ago.  God has been so good to us.  I am thoroughly convinced that God has been at the center of our successful marriage.

(Proverbs 18:22) He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.

(Ecclesiastes 4:12) Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

God’s presence in any relationship is vital, because with him you can form a strong bond. Thus, “a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” In marriage his presence makes all the difference. 

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CHOOSE THE GOOD

(Psalm 64:1-6) Here me, my God, as I voice my complaint; protect my life from the threat of the enemy.  Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from the plots of evildoers.  They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim cruel words like deadly arrows.  They shoot from ambush at the innocent; they shoot suddenly, without fear.  They encourage each other in evil plans, they talk about hiding their snares; they say, “Who will see it?”  They plot injustice and say, “We have devised a perfect plan!”  Surely the human mind and heart are cunning.

Since mankind rebelled against God, we have known the difference between good and evil.  God encourages us to do good; who encourages us to do evil?  Ah, we remember the snake.  He, the devil, and all his cohorts work very hard to lead us away from God and his goodness.

Because we have all inherited the rebellious nature of Adam and Eve, we must continuously battle between good and evil.  If evil wins, we see the fruit of it in our choices and actions.  In Psalm 64 David describes what evil looks like in those who choose to perpetrate it.  The people who David calls his enemies show no consideration to the consequences of their actions.  In fact, they delight in the devastation they inflict on others.

In Psalm 65 David talks about those who choose God’s goodness. (Psalm 65:1-4) Praise awaits you, our God, in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled.  You who answer prayer, to you all people will come.  When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions.  Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts!  We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple.  In these people, we see God honored and praised; thankfulness is in their hearts and on their lips, and they are filled with the good things of God.

What a contrast between those who choose evil and those who choose good.  Yet, even If you have immersed yourself in evil, God has made a way to repent and turn to him. All his children have come to the moment of repentance, and they have been renewed by God’s perfect solution to overcome sins hold. He gave his only Son.  Now is the time to repent, humble yourself, and turn to God.  He will welcome you with open arms.  If you choose not to receive God’s salvation, you will be punished for all your sins.

Choose the good and live in the goodness of God.  Choosing evil always leads to destruction.  Living life the way God intended will lead us to loving others and ultimately eternal life.  Following the ways of evil leads to exploiting others and finally punishment.

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GOD’S AMAZING GRACE

(Ephesians 2:3-5) All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts.  Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.  But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.

God is merciful, and he loves us; but he is also a just and a perfect being in whose presence sin cannot be tolerated. Jesus took it upon himself to pay the debt of our sins. the punishment of all the sins that mankind would ever merit were upon his shoulders.  His sacrifice on the cross cleared the way for grace. With the debt of sin covered by the blood of Jesus, grace was now possible.  God could offer grace to all of mankind, so they might receive the gift of redemption and eternal life.  His grace is available for all who will believe.

The words of this passage from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians clearly explains the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Jesus paid for our sins; God’s grace applies this great gift of salvation to those who humble themselves and receive it.  We, his children, have been given the mission to share this great news.

Now is the time of salvation! The harvest fields are ripe.

Help us, oh Father, to not shy away from the opportunities to share this amazing message.  Make us aware when the time for sharing is before us.

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OUR LIFE COACH

(John 14:25&26) All this I have spoken while I was still with you.  But the Advocate, The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

Jesus died on the cross to be an atonement for the sins of the world.  This includes all sins past, present, and future.  I became a recipient of his great sacrifice when I surrendered to him and put my trust in him.  At that moment, The Father forgave all my sins: past, present, and future; and He sent the Holy Spirit to indwell me and become my teacher.

Since that beautiful experience of salvation, the Holy Spirit has led me on the path of righteousness.  When I falter, he corrects me; and I repent.  There were times when I resisted, but he never gave up on me.  He was training me to become more like Jesus.  I will still be in training till my last breath.

Justification means that our sins are forgiven. That happens when we receive salvation.  Sanctification is the training that happens throughout the rest of our time here in this world.  The Holy Spirit seals us to identify us as God’s children, and he then takes on the task of our sanctification.  You might say he is our life coach.

There have been times when the Holy Spirit has tasked me with going to someone I have sinned against and asked for their forgiveness.  Difficult as that was, It always produced good fruit for them and me.  Over the years, the Holy Spirit has trained me in what to do when I faulter.  I have learned to first go to the Father and repent and then ask the offended person or persons for forgiveness.  

I believe complete righteousness happens after we leave our physical body.  Until then, we will wrestle with our sinful nature and the temptation from the devil.  God loves us, and he has provided us with the Holy Spirit to teach and guide us through this life till we go home to him.

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THE PROPHECIES THAT PREDICTED OUR REDEMPTION

(Isaiah 42:6-9) “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand.  I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the gentiles, to open the eyes of the blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.  I am the Lord; that is my name!  I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols.  See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.”

Isaiah wrote around the years 740-700BC.  The accuracy of his prophecies has been proven time and time again, and he is considered to be the greatest of the Old Testament prophets.  Here in this passage, he quotes the words of the Father about the coming of Jesus his Son.  Our Easter celebration is about the fulfillment of the Father’s plan of redemption. 

As Isaiah predicted, Jesus brought to us the new covenant for the people.  He brought light to us who live in this sinful world, and he has set the captives free.  We have been released from the dungeon of darkness.  All this has been offered to the whole world.  And we are celebrating with our whole hearts.   

Jesus carried the sins of the world to the cross.  He died for our sins, and on the third day, the Father raised him to life in victory over death.  I can’t think of anything more worthy of celebration than this.  May our gratitude overflow as we celebrate our Savior, Christ Jesus – the Son of God.

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GOD CAN USE ALL THINGS FOR HIS PURPOSES

(Genesis 45:4&5) Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.”  When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt!  And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.”

At our Bible study we are coming to the end of our study in the book of Genesis.  Today we were in chapter 45 where Joseph reveals himself to his brothers. His brothers sold him into slavery when he was seventeen years old.  After 13 years as an Egyptian slave, he rose to become the most powerful man in all of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh.  During a famine, his brothers traveled to Egypt to buy food for their families.  When they arrived, They did not recognize their brother Joseph, he looked like an Egyptian and used an interpreter to speak to them.  On their second trip, he finally revealed himself to them in a very emotional interchange. 

Genesis is full of great stories that reveal the character of our God, and how he is continually involved in his creation.  Here in the story of Joseph, we see that the tragedy of brothers selling one of their own into slavery is used by God to bring about the saving not only Joseph’s family but all of Egypt and the regions surrounding Egypt. 

When Joseph’s brothers were still afraid that he was going to take revenge on them, Joesph stated clearly, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.  So then, don’t be afraid.  I will provide for you and your children.”  And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them (Genesis 50:20&21).

Through it all Joseph learned to forgive his brothers, his brothers learned humility and repentance, and God moved Abraham’s children into Egypt where they spent four hundred and thirty years before God returned them to the promised land.  As the Israelites went about their daily lives, God used their choices to continue his plan for his chosen people.   As we go about our daily lives, God is still incorporating our choices in his plan for creation.  We are part of the continuing story.

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BEING AWARE OF THE SCHEMES OF THE ENEMY

(2Corinthians 2:10&11) Anyone you forgive, I also forgive.  And what I have forgiven – if there was anything to forgive – I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us.  For we are not unaware of his schemes.

Why is there so much hostility in the world even among God’s children?  The answer is twofold: humans have a sinful nature, and the lies of a scheming enemy. It is our sinful nature that the enemy uses to taunt us – seeking to lead us into evil.  How do we fight against this?

 Jesus taught us how to overcome our sinful nature and the lies of the enemy.  Being humble before our God is the way to start.  When we recognize that without Jesus, we can do nothing; it sets us in that humble place.  We were created to be in close relationship with our creator. We were not created to stand alone.  God is for us, not against us.  In this, we humbly surrender our pride to access the tools God has given us.

One of the most important lesson Jesus taught us is to forgive one another. He has forgiven us; he, therefore, instructs us to be forgiving, as he is forgiving. If we truly forgive each other, the enemy has nothing to use to keep us at odds.  Taking the humble position, not holding on to an offence, and rebuking the enemy when he tries to remind us of the offence, gives us a victory over our sinful nature and the enemy’s schemes. 

Forgiving and forgetting an offence is not easy.  We can’t do it alone; We need Jesus and the Holy Spirit to help us. Think about it.  Isn’t this how we walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh?  The victory is ours if we humbly trust Jesus and do what he taught us to do.