Living in light of eternity

  When you think about it, sleep is a very strange thing.   We’ve been doing it since we were born, and studies show infants sleep even in the womb.    They say you will spend a third of your life in this state.   As I get older, I find myself sleeping more.   When possible, I like a short nap after lunch, although these short naps seem to be getting longer all the time.   But consider for a minute the state of sleep: We are removed from the day-to-day realities. We may have dreams that take us on exciting or scary adventures. We are in a state of vulnerability. (A thief could break in and steal). We do not have full control of our faculties. (People sometimes hurt themselves while sleepwalking ). The Bible often uses sleeping as a metaphor for spiritual sluggishness.   We are admonished to "wake up".   Here are few of the most notable examples: “Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who...

  We live in a world where we often feel vulnerable. There are earthquakes, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, mudslides, etc. As children were often scared of spiders, snakes, and large dogs.   There is much in our physical world to be afraid of.   But beyond the physical world, there is also the world of men.   We may experience the fear of rejection or the fear of failure . If we’ve lost a loved one, we may develop the fear of abandonment . In other words, we often feel powerless and vulnerable in this world. Fortunately, we don’t feel this way all the time. Unfortunately, we do feel fear more often than we would like. You may be interested to know that this was not the original design. God intended for humans to live in close fellowship with him, always feeling his protection and his love. We were to live in a world that was safe- in a world where we had control over the forces around us. But unfortunately, man decided to go his own way, and when he rebelled agains...

  For sin will have no mastery over you, because you are not under law but under grace . (Ro 6:14) The book of Romans is deeply profound, and often hard to understand.   One of the more puzzling sections are chapters 6-8.   Paul seems to be saying two things at the same time.   On the one hand, in chapter 6, he tells us we have a new capacity to resist sin.   On the other hand, in chapter 7 he paints a vivid picture of enslavement to sin.     For we know that the law is spiritual—but I am unspiritual, sold into slavery to sin. For I don’t understand what I am doing. For I do not do what I want—instead, I do what I hate. (Ro 7:14-15) The casual reader may wonder, "Which is it?”   Let’s look at it carefully…  Leading up to chapter 6 he clearly shows that all have sinned, and we are saved through the redemption in Christ.   for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. But they are justified freely by his grace throug...

Throughout the Bible the fear of man is often contrasted with the fear of God .  When it speaks of the fear of God, it is not referring to a sinister dread, but rather an awesome honor and respect. And there are great blessings associated with a proper fear of God… The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10) The fear of the LORD leads to life, So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil. (Proverbs 19:23) Better is a little with the fear of the LORD Than great treasure and turmoil with it. (Proverbs 15:16)  And Jesus is our perfect example.  In John 8:28-29 Jesus said, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. “And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.” Throughout His earthly life Jesus lived in perfect harmony a...

  To the person who has never seriously studied the life and death of Christ, it might appear that he was a VICTIM. Nothing could be further from the truth.  At first glance one might think his death was caused by the Jewish authorities- the scribes and the Pharisees.  After they questioned him, the High Priest said, "He deserves death!" (Matthew 26:65-66) Or was it the everyday person?  When Pilate was questioning him, he seemed reluctant to issue a verdict.  Pilate said, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you so that you may know that I find no guilt in Him.” (Jn 19:4) To that, the crowds said, "Crucify him!" (Matthew 27:23) Finally, Pilate handed him over to be scourged and crucified. (Matthew27:29)  So, who was responsible for the death of Jesus?  Was it the Jewish leaders, the everyday person, or Pilate?  Or was it all three? Upon a closer look, we discover that the suffering and death of the Messiah was a plan conceived in the heart and mind ...

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works , which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.  (Eph 2:8-10)  It is almost too good to be true!   Not only does God save us as a gift of His grace, but He also has designed each of us for a particular purpose.   Through the death of His dear Son, we receive the gift of eternal life by faith.   Soon  we realize He has a certain work for us to do- the good works that He has prepared in advance for us.   As we walk by faith, these good works will manifest themselves to the glory of God and to the praise of the Lord Jesus Christ.   But it is so easy for us to feel inadequate.   How will we ever be able to fulfill the calling He gives us?   Well, good news, we are not the first to feel this way!   ...