“So after receiving the morsel he went out immediately; and it was night” (John 13:30).
As one reads John’s account of the gospel, the obvious is made clearer for us than if we were present at the time. Throughout the writing of John we can easily see Judas in the proper attire of his hypocrisy. But those who are with him do not have a clear line of sight into his intentions, except for Jesus. It is also true today as we can sometimes sit among hypocrites and never see their intentions until they reveal them in their actions. But Jesus knows our hearts and intentions.
Judas has just been identified as the betrayer after receiving a morsel of food dipped in the bowl of our Lord’s sauce. Once he has done this he has fulfilled the prophecy of Scripture (Psalm 41:9) as the one who will betray our Lord. It is at this time Jesus turns him over to Satan and tells him to carry out his act of betrayal without delay (John 13:27). As Judas realizes his cover has been blown, he exits the warmth of Jesus’ Light for the coldness of the world’s darkness. Many times we find ourselves at a critical time in our lives where we must decide whether we will continue in our discipleship and walk in the light or become like Judas and choose to leave Jesus for a walk in darkness. Let us learn from past experiences and make good decisions in the future.
Satan is described by God’s Spirit as the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4) not because God wanted that but because man surrendered that power over to him in the Garden of Eden when he gave into Satan’s temptation. Satan still wanders this earth looking for souls to devour (James 5:8) and when we give into his evil deception of temptation we also choose to walk into his darkness. Please, do yourself a favor and remember that walking into darkness is always turning away from Christ: “This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). God’s truth is the Light of Christ that is given to illuminate the path way to His eternal presence (Psalm 119:105). If we are going to remain on the right path we must keep our focus on the light of truth and not be lured away.
Through his grace and mercy God has called us to draw near to Him. The key here is that He has called us, not forced us, to make this choice. Whenever we set out to accomplish our own desires instead of the will of God, we have made the choice to leave the Light to walk in darkness: “But turning around and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter and said, ‘Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's’” (Mark 8:33). Harsh words, it would seem, especially for a disciple who was just trying to defend His Lord. But sometimes harshness is the only way to get people to see the deceitfulness of Satan’s schemes. Peter needed a lesson that would sink deep into his heart so that change would be inevitable in his way of thinking.
One thing that we need to make sure we are extracting from both of these instances is the idea of free will. Both Judas and Peter were given the opportunity to repent. Jesus loved both of these men and gave each a chance to change their minds. Obviously, Peter made the right choice whereas Judas gave way to Satan’s deceit. Peter didn’t pay the price for sin but reaped the reward of repentance. He loved Jesus and listened to His word and allowed the truth to convict his heart. Judas on the other hand, did not listen and his heart was hardened by Jesus’ words. When Satan’s deceit is embraced it fogs our minds and causes us to make decisions that will cost us our relationship with Christ. But the good news is that Jesus will always give us a chance to repent and change the path in which we are walking. We must choose daily to walk with Him.
In His Grace,
Cub
Friday, April 5, 2013
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
The Risen Savior For Life
“For you first, God raised up His Servant and sent Him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways” (Acts 3:26).
There are certain events throughout the days of our lives that stick out like a sore thumb, days that may have had a great effect on us. The bombing of the twin towers in New York City, the ending of World War II and the assassination of President Kennedy are just a couple that stick out in this author’s mind. But as extraordinary as these events truly are, they do not hold a candle to the events that took place in the first century during the week that led to our Lord’s crucifixion. The events of this week have changed the world forever, but the most defining moment of this historical week came on the day of the resurrection of our Savior. This miraculous resurrection changed the lives of every person in this world from that point onward as it gave sustenance to our faith: “[A]nd if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain” (1 Corinthians 15:14). Only Christianity can truly boast in the cross.
When God raised Jesus from the restraint of the tomb He blessed the world with His promise of eternal life. Jesus came to this world as our “Passover Lamb,” to pay for the sins that each one of us have committed. His willingness to be the sacrificial Lamb for our inequity pleased God and His acceptance of that sacrifice was revealed to the world through the resurrection of Christ and assured us that our sins have been paid for: “[A]nd He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). God gave His creation the chance to be freed from sin’s power, which is death, and live eternally with Him in heaven: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
Jesus paid the price for our foolish decisions. And that is what sin is, a foolish decision. When we allow our hearts to be set upon anything that opposes the will of God we become fools in the eyes of our Creator: “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. For it is written, ‘He is the One who catches the wise in their craftiness’” (1 Corinthians 3:19). But God is a compassionate Father and only wants what is best for His children. He knows we will stumble so He offers us a chance to repent and turn back to Him by recognizing our own inability and surrendering to His authority (Acts 17:30). When we make this decision we are making a decision to live eternally in His eternal dwelling place (Psalm 15). Without repentance, or letting go of our own weakness and holding on to Christ, we remain separated from His promise (Ephesians 2:12). We should be grateful that Jesus willingly gave His life to free us from the doom of foolishness. His death assured us that sacrifice is needed and willingness is accepted.
There have been many sacrifices made throughout our history but none as powerful as the sacrifice our Lord offered to save us from the demise of our sin. God presented His love in flesh and sent Him down as our Savior, Jesus. He came as a sacrifice and an example: “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps” (1 Peter 1:21). Satan would like to reduce the effects of this miracle to just one week of your life. Resist his efforts by allowing Jesus’ sacrifice to influence you for life.
In His Grace,
Cub
There are certain events throughout the days of our lives that stick out like a sore thumb, days that may have had a great effect on us. The bombing of the twin towers in New York City, the ending of World War II and the assassination of President Kennedy are just a couple that stick out in this author’s mind. But as extraordinary as these events truly are, they do not hold a candle to the events that took place in the first century during the week that led to our Lord’s crucifixion. The events of this week have changed the world forever, but the most defining moment of this historical week came on the day of the resurrection of our Savior. This miraculous resurrection changed the lives of every person in this world from that point onward as it gave sustenance to our faith: “[A]nd if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain” (1 Corinthians 15:14). Only Christianity can truly boast in the cross.
When God raised Jesus from the restraint of the tomb He blessed the world with His promise of eternal life. Jesus came to this world as our “Passover Lamb,” to pay for the sins that each one of us have committed. His willingness to be the sacrificial Lamb for our inequity pleased God and His acceptance of that sacrifice was revealed to the world through the resurrection of Christ and assured us that our sins have been paid for: “[A]nd He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). God gave His creation the chance to be freed from sin’s power, which is death, and live eternally with Him in heaven: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
Jesus paid the price for our foolish decisions. And that is what sin is, a foolish decision. When we allow our hearts to be set upon anything that opposes the will of God we become fools in the eyes of our Creator: “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. For it is written, ‘He is the One who catches the wise in their craftiness’” (1 Corinthians 3:19). But God is a compassionate Father and only wants what is best for His children. He knows we will stumble so He offers us a chance to repent and turn back to Him by recognizing our own inability and surrendering to His authority (Acts 17:30). When we make this decision we are making a decision to live eternally in His eternal dwelling place (Psalm 15). Without repentance, or letting go of our own weakness and holding on to Christ, we remain separated from His promise (Ephesians 2:12). We should be grateful that Jesus willingly gave His life to free us from the doom of foolishness. His death assured us that sacrifice is needed and willingness is accepted.
There have been many sacrifices made throughout our history but none as powerful as the sacrifice our Lord offered to save us from the demise of our sin. God presented His love in flesh and sent Him down as our Savior, Jesus. He came as a sacrifice and an example: “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps” (1 Peter 1:21). Satan would like to reduce the effects of this miracle to just one week of your life. Resist his efforts by allowing Jesus’ sacrifice to influence you for life.
In His Grace,
Cub
Monday, March 18, 2013
Trials Strengthen Church
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials” (James 1:2).
Trials and tribulations are a part of the Christian life. Although we are children of the Almighty Father we are continually facing difficulties that can cause us to stumble. But Christians will not allow trials to destroy their faith because their goals are on pleasing God. The Hebrew writer reveals to us that faith is needed to please our Lord (Hebrews 11:6). Staying faithful to God’s will is the secret to overcoming obstacles (1 John 5:4).
When my mother passed away it was one of the most difficult trials that my family has had to face. But through faith in God’s power we have overcome this trial and face new ones with a stronger desire to please God. Mom always said, “What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.” Mom’s death didn’t kill us but God used this trial to strengthen our faith in Him (James 1:3). When faced in faith, trials will draw us closer to our Father.
God strengthens our faith in Him using different implements. One of the tools He uses is the brethren. The Maryville congregation has been a wonderful example of the Christian love that God wants us to have for each other. Jesus demands true love from His true followers (John 15:17). God’s love for us defines our love for each other and if we know God we will have this love (1 John 4:8). It is a divine love that motivates the heart, hands and head to make sure each member is adequately supplied to keep the church united.
God is truly amazing as He lives up to His promise to be there for us in any situation. He also fulfills His promise to make any situation positive (Romans 8:28). His faithfulness and integrity are proven as He took the worst thing man could do to His Son and turned it into the best thing His Son could do for mankind. His love for us goes beyond explanation as we face different trials every day. His love flows through the veins of the people who assemble to worship Him in “spirit and truth” (John 4:14). Our gratefulness to Him is shown through our devotion to His truth and our dedication to His life.
The churches throughout this great world have been a blessing to us and even gone out of their way to assist us in times of trial. The church was established by Jesus to be a pillar of strength for the people. We are assembled to give strength to those who are suffering. We give strength through God’s word that gives us His strength. Divine strength overwhelms human strength and that is why we are to die to self, to allow God’s strength to be recognized. It is His strength that builds the church up. If you are going through some kind of struggle, remember the church is here for you, to give strength to overcome.
In His Grace,
Cub
Trials and tribulations are a part of the Christian life. Although we are children of the Almighty Father we are continually facing difficulties that can cause us to stumble. But Christians will not allow trials to destroy their faith because their goals are on pleasing God. The Hebrew writer reveals to us that faith is needed to please our Lord (Hebrews 11:6). Staying faithful to God’s will is the secret to overcoming obstacles (1 John 5:4).
When my mother passed away it was one of the most difficult trials that my family has had to face. But through faith in God’s power we have overcome this trial and face new ones with a stronger desire to please God. Mom always said, “What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.” Mom’s death didn’t kill us but God used this trial to strengthen our faith in Him (James 1:3). When faced in faith, trials will draw us closer to our Father.
God strengthens our faith in Him using different implements. One of the tools He uses is the brethren. The Maryville congregation has been a wonderful example of the Christian love that God wants us to have for each other. Jesus demands true love from His true followers (John 15:17). God’s love for us defines our love for each other and if we know God we will have this love (1 John 4:8). It is a divine love that motivates the heart, hands and head to make sure each member is adequately supplied to keep the church united.
God is truly amazing as He lives up to His promise to be there for us in any situation. He also fulfills His promise to make any situation positive (Romans 8:28). His faithfulness and integrity are proven as He took the worst thing man could do to His Son and turned it into the best thing His Son could do for mankind. His love for us goes beyond explanation as we face different trials every day. His love flows through the veins of the people who assemble to worship Him in “spirit and truth” (John 4:14). Our gratefulness to Him is shown through our devotion to His truth and our dedication to His life.
The churches throughout this great world have been a blessing to us and even gone out of their way to assist us in times of trial. The church was established by Jesus to be a pillar of strength for the people. We are assembled to give strength to those who are suffering. We give strength through God’s word that gives us His strength. Divine strength overwhelms human strength and that is why we are to die to self, to allow God’s strength to be recognized. It is His strength that builds the church up. If you are going through some kind of struggle, remember the church is here for you, to give strength to overcome.
In His Grace,
Cub
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