The Blessed Life #12: Redemption of Time

While proudly showing off his new apartment to friends, a college student led the way into the den. “What is the big brass gong and hammer for?” one of his friends asked. “That is the talking clock,” the man replied. “How’s it work?” the friend asked.

“Watch,” the man said, then proceeded to give the gong an ear shattering pound with the hammer. Suddenly, someone screamed from the other side of the wall “Knock it off you idiot; it’s 2 o’clock in the morning! :) (Streiker, Nelson’s Big Book of Laughter , p. 425)

Time is something which affects every one of us. It marches on regardless of what is happening. Ever since we were conceived, our moments have paraded by; Seconds turn to minutes, hours, weeks, years, and before we know it, years turn into a lifetime. While it may seem like we have a long time to live, (especially to our younger readers) the reality is, our time is short. And once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.

Thus, I encourage you this new year to consider how you live. Many follow the ideology “Eat, drink and live for tomorrow we die.” However, it is not in our best interest to simply bury our heads in the sand to ignore the reality.

We have one life to live. I challenge you, live with no regrets—speak to those you’ve refused to for months or years. Live without fear. And be mindful of each action you take, word you say, and thought you think. What you do, you can never take back. Abraham Lincoln said, “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”

Yet, at the same time, we need to bear in mind our time on earth will end, and there is another life for us to live on the other side of the rainbow, so to speak. Therefore, the Apostle Paul admonishes us to “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Eph. 5:15-16). 

Furthermore, Jesus instructed us to lay up treasures to precede us into the next life (Matt. 6:20). We attain these priceless treasures through serving and loving others, putting their needs in front of ours as Alan mentions. 

But in order for us to receive these treasures, we must first of all, have a personal, saving relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Prior to receiving Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, our lives were not quite what they needed to be. We were damaged goods as a result of our sins (Rom. 6:23). We were worse than the Christmas presents that some of us are returning. :) 

God did something about our damaged condition, though His Son, Jesus. He redeemed us from that lifestyle. Likewise, He redeems our eternity (Eph. 1:13-14).  

In His service,

            Matt

Elder’s Corner: I Need to Fix That!

I've got a defective burner on my gas range.  It won't light most of the time with the electronic ignition. I lit it with a match several times until...I discovered that if I turn on the burner next to it, the flame from it will ignite the one I want lit.  (Now I know some of you are saying why doesn't he just get the part and fix it?)  Well, there is a lesson in here.

Maybe that's why God put you here—to light someone's spiritual fire next to you (a friend, a neighbor, a family member).  I can't do it because I'm the burner too far away but God put people in your life that only you can reach.  I can reach the ones that cross my path and you the ones that cross yours.

So in this new year make yourself care more about people and less about things.  We are indeed here to help others.  Paul says in Philippians 2:3-4 “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also the interests of others.”  I'm going to remember the ones who have helped me and make it my goal to help others this new year.  How about you?

          —Alan

The Spiritual Reality #6: Angels in the Infield

“Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation” (Heb. 1:14 NLT).

Scripture plainly teaches that God wants us to have an understanding of angels’ existence and their activities. But what relationship do angels have in our daily lives? There are several roles that angels fulfill in relation to mankind.

First, they are spirits who are sent to care for the spiritual needs of believers (Heb. 1:14). Some times this could include our daily bread (1 Kings 19:4-8). Other times this could include calming our fears in times of distress (Acts 27:23-24). Still other times they can help to heal our emotional and spiritual suffering (Matt. 4:11; Luke 22:43).

Sometimes they meet our needs by allowing us to show hospitality to them (Heb. 13:2). One writer said, “This should make us eager to minister to the needs of others whom we do not know, all the while wondering if someday we will reach heaven and meet the angel whom we helped when he appeared temporarily as a human being in distress here on earth” (Grudem, Systematic Theology, p. 406).

Second, angels can grant guidance (Matt. 1:20-21; Acts 8:26), and reveal information to believers (Acts 7:52-53). While this is the case, one should very carefully consider any claims of this today! Scripture warns that even if an angel preaches a message other than the true gospel: worshiping the Trinitarian God alone (Matt. 4:10), salvation by faith alone (Eph. 2:8-9), and the 66 inspired books of the Bible alone as our ruling authority (Rev. 22:18), they will be eternally condemned (Gal. 1:8)!

Thus, 1 John 4:1 states that we must test things to see if they are from God or not. However, this can be especially challenging since Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14). Therefore, it is imperative that we allow the truth of God’s Word to discern what is from God and what is from Satan.

Having said these things, there is no compelling reason to rule out the possibility of angels guiding or providing information to believers today.  If they are from God, their words would not add to, nor alter what the Bible already teaches. Rather, their words would be to either encourage the downhearted or to warn those in danger.

Third, angels are meant to protect people (2 Kings 6:13-17). Does this mean that every person has their own guardian angel? The answer to this question comes from Matthew 18:10 which talks about little ones who’s angels are in heaven. Yes, little ones can refer to children. However, in context it better fits the idea of believers, God’s children. Additionally, no where in the Bible do we see the idea of non-believers having angels assigned to them. Yet for us, as believers, we can find assurance knowing that God will use His angels to protect us when necessary.

Wayne Grudem explained this by saying, “When we are suddenly delivered from a danger or distress, we suspect that angels have been sent by God to help us, and we should be thankful. An angel shut the mouths of the lions so they would not hurt Daniel (Dan. 6:22), delivered the apostles from prison (Acts 5:19-20), later delivered Peter from prison (Acts 12:7-11), and ministered to Jesus in the wilderness at a time of great weakness, immediately after His temptations had ended (Matt. 4:11).  “When a car suddenly swerves from hitting us, when we suddenly find footing to keep from being swept along in a raging river, when we walk unscathed in a dangerous neighborhood, should we not suspect that God has sent His angels to protect us?” (Systematic Theology, p. 406).

Remember what Psalm 91:11-12 promises, “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”

More importantly than understanding these details about angels is Who they point to and what He thinks about us as believers. Matthew 18:10 suggests that the angels are in heaven observing God, who, in turn, is observing His children. Theologian John MacArthur said, “The fact that Almighty God is so concerned about the care of His beloved children that He has hosts of angels in His presence ready to be dispatched to their aid demonstrates clearly how valuable believers are and how unthinkably wicked it is to look with disdain on someone whom God so highly prizes” (The MacArthur NT Commentary: Matthew 16-23, p. 119).

Therefore, angels are in the infield, working in our lives not point to their greatness but to the greatness of our loving God that we serve. He knows and cares about every detail of our lives. He would not send His angels to minister to us as believers if He did not.

Because of God’s love,

     Matt

Elder’s Corner: Keeping Us in View

The other day I found a meditation which I would like to share with you. —Enrique

“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good” (Pro. 15:3)

A little boy was always getting into trouble in his Sunday School class. Finally, in exasperation, his teacher said to him, "I want you to know that God is watching you all the time. Even when I can't keep my eyes on you, God has His eyes on you. He's watching you. So you'd better straighten up."

The boy was terrified by the thought of God watching him all the time, like some great eye in the sky. After Sunday School, he told his parents, "The teacher said that God is watching me all the time." They could see that the thought terrified their son rather than bringing comfort to his heart. So his parents put it into proper context for him.

They said, "Yes, it's true that God is always watching you. But there's a reason for that. The truth is, He loves you so much that He just can't take His eyes off you."

Many times when we think of God watching us, what comes to mind are the seemingly omnipresent surveillance cameras we have in public places today. I knew someone who worked in a department store, and he showed me how these work. They are hidden in places where we tend to never look, and they can pretty much watch everyone. Most people don't even realize that in many public places, cameras are basically tracking them wherever they go.

So when we consider the fact that God is watching us, we might think, That's terrifying. But it all depends. If we are rebelling against the Lord, then the thought of His constant surveillance could be more than a little frightening.

But if our hearts are right with Him, then . . . what an incredible comfort! He never loses track of us, never misplaces our file, never takes His loving attention from us for even one moment. God is watching us, but He loves us so much that He can't take His eyes off us. We may lose sight of God, but He never loses sight of us.  Originally written by Greg Laurie, at http://www.harvest.org/devotional/archive/devotion/2014-10-31.html  

The Spiritual Reality #5: The Angel of the LORD

 “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!” (Heb. 13:2)

The idea of mankind encountering an angel has inspired several books, TV shows and movies. In the Bible we find several such encounters: angels protecting the Garden of Eden in the book of Genesis, angels giving messages to certain people and angels worshiping God in Revelation.

However, there is one Angel who is clouded in mystery and has generated much debate about who He is. This is angels is known by a few different phrases “The Angel of the LORD” (used 56 times in the OT) “The Angel of God” (used 9 times in the OT), and a few select others (see Gen. 18:1ff; 32:24-32; Josh. 5:14-15; etc.).

A careful examination of these passages reveal several clues as to the identity of this mysterious individual. The first clue to consider is the Angel’s activity. At times, this Angel acts as a mediator between sinful man and the righteous God (Zech. 1:9-17). Yet, Scripture says, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 2:5).

A second clue from this Angel’s activity relates to how He is found defending God’s people while acting as the supreme Judge, carrying out punishment upon those who have refused to repent of their sins (2 Sam. 24:16-16; Zech. 12:8; 2 Kings 19:35). This is a role which Scripture gives to Jesus (John 9:39; Rev. 19:11-21).

Third, this Angel has the authority to forgive sins (Ex. 23:20-21; Num. 22:34-35; Isa. 6:5-6; Zech. 3:4). Only someone who is God has this authority—not any saint, priest, pope or normal angel can do this according to Scripture (Mark 2:7).  Similarly, fourth, the Angel was declared to be the Savior (Gen. 48:15-16; Isa. 63:9). The One true God is the only Savior (Acts 4:10-12).

Fifth, the Angel of the Lord received worship (Gen. 16:13; 31:13; Judges 6:21-23; 13:23). This is something that clearly separates “The Angel of the Lord” from all the other angels mentioned in Scripture. After an angel had shown the Apostle John the visions contained in the book of Revelation, John fell down on his knees to worship that angel. However, immediately that angel rebuked John by saying, “No, don’t do anything like that. I, too, am a servant of Jesus as you are, and as your brothers the prophets are, as well as all those who heed the truth stated in this book. Worship God alone" (Rev. 22:9 TLB). Yet the Angel of the LORD never rebuked people for worshiping Him; that points to Him being more than just a mere angel.  

Sixth, the Angel is called God (Gen. 16:10; 32:30; Hos. 12:3-5). Seventh the Angel claimed to be God (Gen. 22:12; 31:11-13; Judges 6:22; 13:21-22). Similarly eighth, the Angel claimed to be Yahweh/Jehovah (Ex. 3:2-6; Judges 2:1-5; 6:11-16).

Lastly, the NT identifies the Angel whom Isaiah encountered (Isa. 6:1-5) as Jesus Christ Himself (John 12:37-41). Additionally, some translations of Galatians 3:17 (KJV, NKJV) affirm that God’s covenant with His chosen people was confirmed in the OT by Christ. All of these things point to Jesus being physically present throughout the OT era.

Some might question how the Angel of the LORD can be God Himself when Scripture says that “No one has seen God...” (John 1:18a). The answer is given by simply reading what the remainder of the verse says: “...but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made Him known” (John 1:18b). In other words, when Scripture states that no one has ever seen God, it is in reference to God the Father. Yet through Jesus Christ the Father has been revealed (John 14:7-11).

So why is it important to recognize that the Angel of the Lord s Jesus? It is important because it shows God’s close, personal and loving hand guiding the history of mankind towards the great plan of salvation. He is not a distant being without care for His creation. The great theologian John Calvin wrote, “For even though He was not yet clothed with flesh, He came down, so to speak, as an intermediary, in order to approach believers more intimately” (http://calvinsinstitutes.tumblr.com/page/8).

Furthermore, as one considers the Angel of the Lord in the OT passages they find a foretaste of what Jesus would do during His 33 years on this planet as a man: from His birth to His ascension back into heaven. And likewise it is a picture of the foretaste that we as believers have now through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Then one day we, as faithful followers of Jesus Christ, will see Him face to face and be with Him for eternity. And from now on may we see throughout the Bible what Jesus revealed to the two men on the road to Emmaus after His resurrection: the entire Bible revealing and reuniting mankind to Jesus (Luke 24:27).

In His service,

     Matt

The Blessed Life #11: The Incarnation

“The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, generous inside and out, true from start to finish” (John 1:14 MSG).

December tends to be one of the busiest months of the year for most people. Businesses are frantically working to have all their merchandise available for us last minute Christmas shoppers. Elsewhere, people are picking out the perfect Christmas trees and decorating their houses. Meanwhile, people virtually across the globe will set aside their normal routines to go to Christmas parties, attend church services, sing Christmas songs, watch Christmas TV specials, and travel long distances to be with those whom you love.

I’ll admit, I love this time of year. I love the holiday delights. I love the joyous spirit which many people tend to have during these few weeks. And I love being able to spend time with my family members.

However, sometimes, the holidays are not quite so pleasant. Maybe you have gone through a difficult year: you have lost a job or some of your physical abilities. Or maybe you have lost a loved one. Or maybe the holidays have a way of reminding you of individuals who have passed away. Or maybe you are not looking forward to seeing certain individuals in your family that you will soon come in contact with.

Yet regardless of whether you are on a mountain top of joy or in the valley of despair, we all need to have an understanding of the real reason for the season. Rick Warren the author of the Purpose Driven Life said, “Right now there’s nothing more important for you to understand than the implications of Christmas for your life” (The Purpose of Christmas, p. 7). 

The real reason for the season is Jesus, God with us. It is about celebrating the incarnation: God coming to earth as a Man, in the form of a Baby lying in manger. One theologian explained the significance of the incarnation in the following way. “When Jesus came to this earth men saw in Him the splendor of God, and at the heart of that splendor was love. When Jesus came to this earth, men saw the wonder of God, and the wonder was love. They saw that God's glory and God's love were one and the same thing. The glory of God is not that of a (dictator type) eastern tyrant, but the splendor of love before which we fall not in abject terror but lost in wonder, love and praise” (Barclay, Daily Study Bible).

The incarnation is about God being always with us. It is about Jesus coming to earth, living the perfect life, and dying for our sins, so that we might have an eternal relationship with the One who will never leave us nor abandon us (Heb. 13:5). He is always with us who have received Him as Lord of our lives. 

He is with us when our boss is a jerk. He is with us when our baby is crying and we are having a hard time just to get out of bed. He is with us when we are having marriage problems. He is with us when family members get sick, and die.

He is with even when we are angry at Him for allowing certain things to happen. He is with us when we are struggling to trust Him. He is with us when we just don’t know what to do. He is with us as we are lying in the ICU and the doctors don't know what to do. And even when we take our last breath, He is with us.

So no matter how high or low in life we find ourselves, we as faithful followers of Jesus Christ, are never alone. He is with us just as He declared, “Surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20b NASB). That is the promise which the birth of Christ, the incarnation, reminds us of. May we never forget it; He is with us.

Because of His love,

            Matt 

Elder’s Corner: Your Net Worth

Have you ever considered what your worth?  If someone had to come up with a value for your life, what would the answer be?   Most of us would think instantly to money: assets, cash on hand, credit available, etc.  The bottom line though is your stuff is only worth what someone else will pay.  The same goes for you,  your life is only worth what someone is willing to pay.  

Your Creator bought you with the life of His Son.  Don't forget to thank Him today and don't forget that people are more valuable than anything you can own.  Christ Loves you!!  

Have a wonderful day.

—Tim

The Spiritual Reality #4: Angels in the Outfield

“All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God” (Rev. 7:11). 

Our society tends to be fascinated with the topic of angels. Just consider all of the movies, TV shows, books, collectables and more that have something to do with angels. Oftentimes, I discover when talking with others, that there is an incorrect understanding about angels. Some want to deny their existence, however, this goes contrary to both the evidence of the spiritual reality that we have been examining over the last 3 months and the arguments from Scripture. On the other hand, most people in society do believe in their existence. While some elevate them to a god-like stance, although we are commanded not to worship them (Rev. 22:8-9). Even still most do not comprehend just how amazing these creatures are and the role they play in our lives.

The more we study these heavenly beings through Scriptural accounts, the greater we will adore the very God who created them.

Let’s begin with a Biblical definition for angels. Angels are created spiritual beings, whom Jesus created, and they are meant to serve God (Neh. 9:2; Ps. 148:2-5; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:14). They were created either on the first or third day of creation. This conclusion is made by examining the Lord’s words to Job when He said that the angels “shouted for joy” in response to God’s wonderful work in creation (Job 38:4-7).  Likewise, this passage states that they rejoiced when God laid the foundations of the earth, which could be a reference to day 1, when God made the earth; or a reference to day 3, when God made the dry land. 

Angels reveal God’s strength.  Scripture says that they “excel in strength” (Psalm 103:20).  They are “innumerable” in number (Heb. 12:22). Angels are immortal (Luke 20:36), highly intelligent (2 Cor. 11:3)and yet not all knowing (1 Peter 1:12). (Generally, they remain invisible, yet can become visible at certain times (Num. 22:31; 2 Kings 6:17; Luke 2:13). Yet as amazing as they are, God is greater (Psalm 148:5)!  

Angels can make limited freewill decisions (2 Peter 2:4). Unfortunately, some chose to sin without the option to return to God once they sinned (Jude 6). Keeping with this thought process of angels choosing to sin, it is important to note that angels do not marry (Matt. 22:30).  The importance of this fact contradicts the false teaching that they somehow married people and thus reproduced a mixed race or an alien offspring (see http://eugenechristianchurch.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-spiritual-reality-et-phone-home.html for more details concerning this topic).

Angels’ limited freewill points us to the mercy that the Lord has for us. During this lifetime, regardless of what we have done, God is still willing to forgive us (1 John 1:9). Yet Jesus only died for mankind (1 Cor. 15:21-22, 45-47).  Even still, angels are incredibly interested in our salvation. Roger Ellsworth in his book about angels comments at length concerning their desire to study salvation. “Perhaps they study salvation out of amazement that God could love those who had so grievously sinned against Him and were, therefore, deserving of nothing but His wrath.”

Ellsworth goes on to say, “Perhaps the unfallen angels study salvation out of amazement that the Prince of Glory, the eternal Son of God, would stoop so low as to take unto Himself the humanity of sinners, and in that humanity would suffer the hostility of sinners and die on a Roman cross. Perhaps they study out of amazement at the peace and joy of those who have received it...Or perhaps they are interested in the salvation that is available to mankind because it brings glory to God.

If God’s mighty, immortal and faithful ones (the angels) stand in awe of the plan of salvation, how much more should those who are weak, dying, and sinful. If angels, who have never experienced salvation, are so keenly interested in it, how much greater should be the interest of those who have experienced it!” (Ellsworth, What the Bible Teaches About Angels, pgs. 100-101).

Therefore, it is my prayer, that over the next several months as we consider the topic of angels that your relationship with the Lord will grow deeper, as you consider the God who created them!

Because of God’s love,

     Matt