The Blessed Life #14: Healing to the Hurting

^“God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matt. 5:4 NLT).

Sometimes the pain that we go through in this life seems to be beyond anything that we can bear. It could come to us in the middle of the night as we receive a call that one of our loved ones is not doing well and probably not going to make it. Or it could come to us as a couple of men show up at our door in military attire to tell us that our son or daughter has been killed in combat. Or it could come to us through the death of a child or a miscarriage. Or it could come to us as we hear those dreaded words from the doctor, “You’ve got cancer.” Or our hurting might be the result of a job loss or a divorce in the family.

The reality of the matter is that all people go through times of suffering and hurting in this life. Scripture never questions this nor downplays it. And our realization of our pain actually gives proof to God’s existence (see http://eugenechristianchurch.blogspot.com/2013/10/i-dont-have-enough-faith-to-be-atheist_5525.html). Yet knowing that doesn’t necessarily make our pain any easier. However, God can bring healing to our hurts.

God knows and understands our suffering. Not a sparrow falls without Him knowing it (Matt. 10:29). Jesus Himself was “a Man of sorrows and familiar with suffering” (Isa. 53:3). Likewise, just because God knows what happens to us does not mean that He caused it to happen. God is not the author of evil (James 1:13). Even still God promises that He will make it work out for our good as Christians in the end (Rom. 8:28).

God cares about our suffering. Jesus sympathizes with our pain (Heb. 4:15). He too experienced painful emotions at the death of His friend Lazarus. John 11:35 has to be one of the most profound verses in the Bible: “Jesus wept.” Here our all-knowing God knew that soon He would raise Lazarus from the dead, yet He still experienced the same emotions that we do when we mourn. This should teach us to not deny our pain, and that He cares about what we are going through. 

Beyond these things, God wants us as faithful followers of Jesus Christ to know that He is with us in our pain, and that one day He will right every wrong that has ever happened. One writer said it like this: “Our comfort is derived from knowing not only He is on our side, but that He is by our side, though He can only be seen or felt with eyes of faith” (Victor Yap, The God of All Comfort).

Furthermore, Billy Graham said, “One of the most comforting truths in all the Bible to me as I travel from one part of the world to another is to know that God has stationed His heavenly guards to protect, guide, and lead me through life’s dangerous way. I cannot see these beings with my physical eyes, but I sense they are present every day” (Nelson’s Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations, & Quotes, p. 27).

Life is challenging; we all will face suffering at one point in time or another. However, if you are not a follower of Jesus Christ, I am left with one simply question for you: what hope or healing do you have in the midst of your pain? This is one of the many reasons that being a Christian truly is a blessed life.

Because of His love,

            Matt

The Blessed Life #13: A Firm Foundation

“For thus it stands in Scripture: Behold, I am laying in Zion a chosen, honored, precious chief Cornerstone, and he who believes in Him who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him shall never be disappointed or put to shame” (1 Peter 2:6 AMP).

This past month, a few individuals from Eugene Christian Church decided to do a little renovating in our church’s nursery. If you have ever done any renovating or remodeling then you probably know that things are virtually never as easy as you’d like, especially with older buildings. That was definitely the case here.

We decided to repaint our nursery and redo the beautiful hardwood floors that had been covered by carpet for several years. Unfortunately, there had been a roof leak in the one corner. But we thought, ah, no big deal we’ll just replace a few pieces of wood flooring and be done with it. Boy were we ever wrong! 

When the flooring was taken up, beyond the water damage, an old termite problem was discovered. Even though the termites have long since vacated the building, their damage was done. Before long, we discovered that both the outer floor joist support (aka bond joist) and a support beam in the basement had been seriously comprised by termite and water damage. We praise the Lord that we were able to catch the damage before anything further took place. Furthermore, we are thankful that the foundation is still solid.

This brings up an interesting question: how is the foundation of your life? A lot of people in our society tend to build their foundation upon their careers or finances, only to end up having their jobs outsourced or eliminated, or to lose their finances do to some unforeseen circumstance. Likewise, a lot of people tend to build their foundation on family or friends, only to have relational let downs. We could talk about several other things that people tend to build the foundation of their lives upon, only to end being disappointed.

However, for us as faithful followers of Jesus Christ, the foundation of our lives will never be washed away. We have chosen to build our lives upon the Rock, Jesus Christ (Matt. 7:24). So then when the storms of life come, we will be able to still stand our ground (Matt. 7:25).

If you would like to learn how you can have a life that remains strong regardless of what is happening in your life, I encourage you to join us on Sunday mornings 9:30-11:30 as we learn to build our lives upon the firm foundation of Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:19-22). God bless!

In His service,

            Matt 

Elder’s Corner: Bitter Sweet

Some things are just bitter/sweet; the passing of a loved one for example; your loss, their life in heaven... or hell. Everything we do can be looked on with different perspectives.

This will be my last elder’s corner because I am moving out of this area. Some of you will be sad and some will be ecstatic.

We post pictures of work being done in the newsletter and online. Some folks look on it as calling attention to ourselves, when in reality we hope to encourage you by helping you realize that the little things you do matter. It’s the whole idea of monkey see, money do.

This is my final note to all of you and it is my wish to encourage you to show God’s love in every part of your life. I am trying to move junk. It has monetary value, but no eternal value. Make sure that the things that consume your life are actually important. Jesus told the Pharisees that the one who has not sinned should throw the first stone (John 8:7). Our motivation needs to bring about healing, not condemnation.

—Tim

The Spiritual Reality #7: God’s Special Messengers

What message do you need to hear from God today? Could you be going through one of life’s hardships—family, work, finances, etc.?  Are you in need of encouragement to stand strong in your faith? Whatever it maybe, God has a message for you today.

Occasionally in Scripture we find these messages being delivered by angels. And even though there are countless angels, there are only two angels who are specifically listed by name in Scripture who are known to deliver messages to those in need: Gabriel and Michael the archangel.

Gabriel plays a very unique role in Scripture. He appears four times, and each time he has a powerful message to proclaim. Three of the four times he proclaims Jesus’ birth. On account of this, he is sometimes referred to as “God’s preaching angel” and “God’s Christmas angel.”

In the first appearance, Gabriel gives Daniel the prophet understanding into a vision that God had given (Dan. 8:16ff). This vision was of two separate kingdoms: the combined kingdom of Medio-Persia and Greece; and how these kingdoms would persecute God’s people prior to Jesus first coming, as the Son of God.

History validates Daniel’s prophesies leading up to the birth of Christ, which, by the way points to the reliability of the Bible. And it points to how we, as believers, can know that even when we go through rough times, God’s promises will come true. God is in control!

Therefore, as Jesus stated in John 16:33, we will go through times of trial, but we can take heart because Jesus has overcome this world. I encourage you to write this verse on your mirror or memorize it. Then when you do go through rough times, you can look up and know that the Lord is coming soon, and He will right every wrong that has taken place. That is exactly what Gabriel preached in his second appearance to Daniel (Dan. 9:20-27).

His second message delivers how Jesus would save the world from sin. “There could be no better statement of the redeeming work of Christ. He died not for Himself but for (us), and in doing so provided forgiveness for (our) sins and eternal righteousness before God” (Ellsworth, What the Bible Teaches About Angels, p.55).

The third and fourth appearances of Gabriel are in reference to two miraculous births: John the Baptist (Luke 1:5-25), and Jesus Christ (Luke 1:26-38). For John the Baptist’s parents, parenthood seemed to be impossible. Elizabeth was barren and both were past the point of being able to conceive a child.

Similarly, when Gabriel announced to Mary that she was going to be a mother, it would come through impossible means: as a virgin. Yet nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37). These passages give us all encouragement that, if God calls you to it, He’ll see you through it!

The second angel mentioned in Scripture, Michael the archangel appears five times, and likewise has some very helpful messages for us. He is the only angel referred to as “the archangel” (Jude 9). This likely infers that he is superior to the other angels.

Michael’s messages first, pertain to his great responsibility in the war with Satan. Second, his actions seek to protect us as faithful followers and help us to overcome our enemy the devil (Rev. 12:7-12).

Daniel needed comfort from his distress over the conflict that God’s people would experience so he called out to God. 21 days later, Michael appeared and (Dan. 10:13) reassured him that God heard his cries for help and sent Michael to comfort him. Notice that it took 21 days before Michael appeared. This indicates the reality of the spiritual battle is all around us. Satan is extremely strong, resisting Michael the archangel’s attempts to respond. Yet Satan could not stop God’s loving hand of comfort from reaching His faithful follower, Daniel.

Likewise, as we go through very challenging times, we might wonder where the Lord is at. He is right here with us, using the delay of His response to help us (1) recognize the reality of the spiritual battle, (2) participate in His great plan of salvation, and (3) increase our desire for the Lord.

The second role that Michael the archangel fulfills pertains to Jesus’ return (1 Thess. 4:19). Michael will be accompanying Jesus as He descends to earth, gathers His followers (the rapture) and overcomes His enemies. This great act will end the war between God and Satan that began in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve sinned. Why would Michael need to accompany Jesus since He is all-powerful and perfectly capable of defeating His enemies by Himself? It seems to be a reward given to Michael for all of his efforts and battles with the enemy. The victory is won. We as believers win!

  Thus, when we consider the proclamations of God’s special messengers we are left with a sense of hope knowing that God is in control regardless of our circumstances, He will right any wrong that takes place and nothing is impossible with God. If He calls you to it, He’ll see you through it! And as the old saying goes, “I read the end of the book, and we win.” We are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us (Rom. 8:37).

Because of God’s love,

     Matt

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