Matthew 25:35-36 & 40 - Practical Street Faith

MEMORY VERSE:

“I was hungry and you fed me,

I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,

I was homeless and you gave me a room,

I was shivering and you gave me clothes,

I was sick and you stopped to visit,

I was in prison and you came to me.”  Matthew 25:35-36 (The Message)

“...Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me – you did it to me.”  Matthew 25:40 (The Message)

I just got back from spending a weekend with friends in Calgary.  Besides spending time with “the girls”, another highlight to a weekend in Calgary is Sunday worship at Southwood United Church.  This is the church I attended for the seven years I lived in Calgary. 

The Holy Spirit is very busy at Southwood.  The presence of God is palpable throughout the service.  The love and generosity of the congregation is overwhelming.  Certainly they have their challenges and conflicts; what church doesn’t.  But they’re lead by Pastor Ed Lewis who is strong in faith and believes deeply in the power of prayer and leading through the Spirit. 

If you’re ever in Calgary on Sunday morning, take the opportunity to check out this spirit led church.  If you’re looking for some good preaching, listen to Pastor Ed’s sermons at www.southwoodchurch.ca .

One of my friends was telling me about a project the Southwood kids did recently in Sunday School.  They collected small personal hygiene items.  Things like soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, razors, lip balm, deodorant, and band aids.

They also brought non-perishable snacks like granola bars, apple sauce, trail mix, nuts, hard candy, and gift cards for coffee.  All the items were put together into zip lock bags along with a written blessing.  These are called blessing bags.

The idea is to have a supply of these bags with you in the car.  When you meet a homeless person you are now prepared.  Many times I’ve struggled with how to respond to the homeless (see Starbucks, Tea, and Alcohol – Not a Typical Sunday and The Eyes of Jesus) and the blessing bag provides a great answer.

In the book of James, Jesus’ brother, James, talks about putting your faith into action.

“Now someone may argue, ‘Some people have faith; others have good deeds.’ But I say, ‘How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds?  I will show you my faith by my good deeds.’  You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God.  Good for you!  Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror.  How foolish!  Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?”  James 2:18-19 (NLT)

Shortly after the kids made the blessing bags my friend and her young daughter were out and about when they noticed a homeless couple.  They took the blessing bag they had with them, approached the couple, and gave it to the woman.  The look of joy and appreciation on the woman’s face touched my friend’s heart.  They went back to the church, retrieved a second bag, and returned to give it to the man.

Was it outside of my friend’s comfort zone?  Absolutely!  But she didn’t let fear hold her back.  She stepped out in faith to serve this couple and was blessed beyond measure; and what an incredible learning experience for her shy, young daughter.  Faith in action speaks louder than any words ever will. 

That’s what Jesus is talking about... 

“I was hungry and you fed me,

I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,

I was homeless and you gave me a room,

I was shivering and you gave me clothes,

I was sick and you stopped to visit,

I was in prison and you came to me.”  Matthew 25:35-36

“...Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me – you did it to me.”  Matthew 25:40

Highway To Hope

A few weeks ago I was working in Vancouver.  To avoid the hassles of Easter long weekend travelers at the main airport I booked my flights in and out of a smaller airport east of the city.  After seven days of travel and business meetings I was exhausted and SO ready to go home!  

The Trans Canada highway was under construction so the GPS was no help... I’d have to rely on the road signs.  I approached what used to be the on ramp, scanning the area for signs pointing east.  Target sighted...the sign read, “East to Hope”.

Hope is a beautiful little town in British Columbia that lies east of Vancouver, as did the airport, so off I went, following the sign to Hope.

Apparently I misinterpreted the direction the arrow on the sign pointed because very quickly I found myself in a residential area leading away from the main highway.  I turned around and had another go.

This time I found myself on a service road adjoining the main highway.  Frustrated, I decided to stay on the road until the next exit (not like I had a whole lot of choice).  At least I was heading east!  After driving for what seemed like forever, signs appeared promising an exit ahead.  “Finally,” I thought, “I’ll get on the main highway.”

The sign that said Hope was actually false hope...the exit was closed for construction.  Grrrrrr!  I glanced at my gas gauge, appalled to see it bordering alarmingly close to the empty mark...CRAP!  No gas stations on the service road.

As I drove along frustrated and tired, eyeing the gas tank, (as though watching it would slow its rapid descent) my stress level growing with every kilometer that rolled by I thought, “This has got to be a blog post!”  The irony was not lost on me...

After all I knew the main highway would take me to Hope but here I was driving down a service road in the middle of nowhere with no hope of getting to Hope unless I could get onto the road that promised to take me to Hope.  

All the while I was afraid I’d run out gas before I managed to get onto the highway leading to Hope and the minutes ticked by reminding me that my time to get onto the highway to Hope was quickly running out, meaning I really had no hope of getting to the airport on time.

Does that sound like your life?  Maybe you’re on a road leading nowhere and need to get off right now.  Are you fighting an addiction, flirting with an inappropriate relationship, stuck in a job you hate and want to go back to school, struggling with depression, or battling cancer?  Wouldn’t it help if you could just see a billboard from God saying you’re on the road leading to a hope filled future?

We could all use some hope but it’s not always easy to find.  Life is hard and doesn’t come with a guarantee.  We all face challenging times.  If you’re in one right now I encourage you to do a couple of things.

1)      Reach out to God during these times.  Talk to Him; tell Him your struggles and your frustrations.  Jesus went through many challenges while He was on this earth and knows what you’re going through, too.  You don’t have to be a professional speaker or address God formally to pray, just find a quiet spot and talk to Him, pour out your heart and ask Him to come into your life to help you.

2)      Now take action.  Find someone you can trust – a pastor, a close friend, a counselor, your doctor – someone you can talk to.  You don’t have to suffer alone...seek out and ask for the help you need. 

3)      Keep pursuing hope every day.  Don’t give up on it.  Hope is out there.

If you’re not sure how to start, try saying this prayer today.

Heavenly Father I need You to bring me hope.  Everything seems too big to handle.  Life is overwhelming and I’m not sure what to do or where to turn.  It just seems hopeless and I’m asking You to help me.  I’m asking You to show me hope, to lead me to people who can help in the situation I’m in.  Lord I might have to pray this prayer over and over again before You bring me through this, but I’m asking you to partner with me in this struggle right now and I’m going forward in faith knowing You’re with me and trusting you to give me hope.  Thank you for Your presence, thank you for the hope I have in your son Jesus Christ.  Amen

Matthew 6:3-4 - More Than A Tax Write-Off

MEMORY VERSE:

When you help someone out, don’t think about how it looks.  Just do it – quietly and unobtrusively.  That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out. Matthew 6:3-4 (The Message)

Last week was an exciting mail week!  On two occasions large, bulging envelopes lounged inside the mailbox.  Bills present themselves in severe, thin, business envelopes, no promise of excitement there; but these were nothing like bills.  These held all the excitement and promise of unopened gifts on Christmas morning!

I tore them open and a cascade of letter writing materials poured out – greeting cards, return address labels (with my husband’s name and correct address), a gift bag, and even a pen!  “Cool, free stuff!” I thought...but then I saw it...a letter from the charity who sent the package asking for a donation. 

While a single word, “CRAP!” reverberated in my brain, my husband said, “You better send them some money.”

Let me clarify...I have no problem supporting charitable organizations.  There are a lot of groups doing great work locally and around the world that I fully endorse and support.  I DO have a problem when an organization tries to obligate me or guilt me into donating.

I understand the concept these organizations are using.  A few years ago while working on my studies in marketing, I wrote a paper on motivations in giving within the non-profit sector.  I get it...most people are more motivated to give when they get something in return. 

That something could be recognition, prestige, honour, material goods, gifts...whatever.  The point is a lot of people give to get something back, even if it’s as basic as a tax write off.  One paper I reviewed went so far as to coin the term “conspicuous compassion” which sums it up neatly.  We exhibit compassion but we want the world to know about it!

Jesus calls us to a higher standard.  The Message translation of the Bible uses a great analogy to explore Jesus’ teaching on giving....

The heading at the start of Matthew 6 is, “The World Is Not A Stage”.  Right away it tells us we’re not actors in this life...be authenticate.  Speak and act from a true place within not from behind a mask you put on when you’re around other people.

Here’s the passage leading up to our memory verse...

“Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it.  It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding. 

When you do something for someone else, don’t call attention to yourself.  You’ve seen them in action, I’m sure – ‘playactors’ I call them – treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds.  They get applause, true, but that’s all they get.” Matthew 6:1-2 (The Message)

Our memory verse for the week conveys this message... 

If you see someone who needs help just do what needs to be done.  Don’t look around to see if anyone is watching.  God saw and that’s all that matters. 

Be like God.  He quietly works in your life to provide for you, to look after you, to shelter you, to do good things for you and He doesn’t worry about how big a tax write off He gets.  He doesn’t expect to see His name on a donor plaque or be invited to a black tie dinner thrown in His honour.

I understand it’s hard to give and not expect something in return.  We all have mixed motivations when it comes to helping.  I’m not saying don’t claim your donations to charities on your income tax.  But if the personal benefit is our PRIMARY or ONLY reason for making a donation then it’s time to examine our hearts and re-evaluate our priorities.

The desire to help people through acts of service and financial contributions should flow from a place of deep compassion.  Making a positive difference in someone’s life brings great joy.  It’s a wonderful privilege and it doesn’t come from a place of guilt or obligation.  Shame on the church that makes the use of guilt appeals to meet a budget more important than the spiritual growth and well-being of their congregation!

Are you giving quietly and unobtrusively behind the scenes?  Please share your thoughts by clicking on “comments” below.

When you help someone out, don’t think about how it looks.  Just do it – quietly and unobtrusively.  That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out. Matthew 6:3-4 (The Message)

Does God Love Wrinkles, Stretch Marks, And The Imperfect Life?

At the risk of taking scripture out of context I’d like to consider this week’s memory verse in a different light. 

“...but the voice spoke again, “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.” Acts 10:15 (NLT)

“But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean.” Acts 10:28 (NLT)

In the post "Litter Box Thinking" I spoke about applying this statement to our personal prejudices and biases towards people of a different race, religion, or culture.  But what about applying it to ourselves?

Do you see yourself as inadequate, inferior, or just simply unclean?  Do you struggle with daily (or hourly) thoughts of insecurity; thoughts that you don’t measure up. 

Maybe you think you’re not smart enough, pretty enough, thin enough, fat enough, capable enough, disciplined enough, outgoing enough, or funny enough.  Do you feel you’re not a good enough mother, wife, sister, aunt, step mother, grandmother, or friend?

Do you think you’re not good enough at your job, or wish you had a better job?  Think your hips are too big, your breasts are too small, your ankles are too fat, your hair is too thin, or your nose is too big.  Do you look in the mirror and see chicken legs and a muffin top?

The list goes on and on.  It’s exhausting just thinking about all the insecurities we secretly entertain?  No wonder we’re tired at the end of the day!

Here’s what I’m suggesting.  God’s says, “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.” (Acts 10:15).  If God says you’re “clean” it means you measure up, you’re good enough, and you’re perfect the way He made you.  Shouldn’t we believe Him? 

The gospel of John doesn’t say, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have ever lasting life...PSYCH...JUST KIDDING!"  And I guarantee you won’t find any scripture passage in the Bible that says “God made you perfect in every way...except your                                             .”   

Here’s what you will find:

“The Lord your God is living among you.  He is a mighty savior.  He will take delight in you with gladness.  With His love, He will calm all your fears.  He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”  Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)

“But now, God’s Message... Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you.  I’ve called your name.  You’re mine.  When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.  When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.  When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end – Because I am God, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior.  I paid a huge price for you:  all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in!  That’s how much I love you!  I’d sell off the whole world to get you back, trade the creation just for you.  Isaiah 43:1-4 (The Message)

“When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers – the moon and the stars you set in place – what are people that you should think about them, mere mortals that you should care for them?  Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor.” Psalm 8:3-5 (NLT)

 “For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16 (NLT)

What great images of love...God longs to give you joy, He celebrates you by singing. (I hope God can carry a tune better than I can.)  He traded His own son’s life because He loves you and wants you to live with Him forever.  We shouldn’t be wearing crowns of insecurity and inferiority; God gave us crowns of glory and honor.

Beth Moore sums it up nicely in this quote from her book, “So Long Insecurity”...

"God knows we're insecure.  But we do not need to be.  And He will not leave well enough alone.  He has enough security for both of us, and for those of us who call Christ Savior, He slipped His own secure Spirit within our simple jars of clay.  It is in you to be secure, dear one.  Do you hear what I'm saying to you?  You have it in you."

She also writes, “The enemy of your soul will never have to worry about what kind of damage you could do the kingdom of darkness if he can get you to buy the lie that you are incompetent, weak and inadequate." 

Have you bought the lie?  Trust scripture that tells you otherwise.  It’s time to give up negative thoughts about yourself and marvel in the fact that God loves you just the way you are; wrinkles, stretch marks, imperfect lives, and all.

Ask God for help...pray this prayer throughout the week.

Father how can I believe You love me when I feel unlovable?  How can I trust You to love me completely when others haven’t?  Insecurity has kept me chained in captivity too long.  Today I pray to be released from the bondage of my negative thinking.  Teach me to see myself as You do...created by You in Your own image. 

Take me beyond doubt to a place of experiencing Your unconditional love surging over me like a stream cascading down a mountainside.  Shine Your light in the shadows of my mind where insecurity lives and drive it out.  Today I trust in Your love for me.  Today I know I am your child...bought by Christ’s blood, loved by You, wearing a crown of honor and glory.  In Jesus name I pray...Amen.

Acts 10:15 & 28 - Litter Box Thinking

MEMORY VERSES:

“But the voice spoke again: “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.””  Acts 10:15 (NLT)

“...but God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean.” Acts 10:28 (NLT)

In Acts 10 God sends a vision to Peter.  He puts unclean animals on display, telling Peter to, “kill and eat them.” (Act 10:12-13) 

In the Old Testament God gave the Israelites laws to follow.  Some of these laws related specifically to food.  Leviticus 11 identifies a long list of animals the Jews were not allowed to eat. 

Peter is horrified at the thought of eating unclean animals!  He’s always been a devout follower of Jewish dietary restrictions.  He’s never experienced the fatty goodness of bacon and he’s not about to start now.

But God isn’t speaking specifically about food.  God uses the food analogy to let Peter know he’s habouring some pretty strong prejudices towards non-Jews (the Gentile nations around Israel).

In Acts 1:8 Jesus tells the disciples, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere – in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (NLT)

Peter has been hoarding the message of Jesus, keeping it only for the Jews.  His biases are interfering with God’s plan to share the good news of Jesus’ resurrection and the forgiveness of sins with the entire world.

God gives Peter a spiritual kick in the butt, essentially telling him, “Expand your horizons, broaden your thinking, open your mind to new possibilities, and get over your biased thoughts.” (My words, not God’s)

The great thing about this story is that Peter gets it.  He says, “...but God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean.”  (Act 10:28)

Peter has a huge paradigm shift and gives up his prejudices.  You and I are followers of Christ because the early Christians pushed past their prejudices and shared the gospel message with people outside of the Jewish culture.

We need to do the same today.  We all harbour biases and prejudices.  I’m personally working to overcome some prejudices that I can trace back to childhood.  Others I’ve adopted as I’ve gone through life, applying stereotypes to people of certain religions or races simply because of media hype or a negative experience with one individual.

It’s time we listened to God’s message, “...Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.”  It’s time to re-evaluate our personal beliefs.  We need to understand where our prejudices come from, why we hold them, and then work at letting them go.

It’s not easy to let go of belief systems we’ve held all our lives.  Sometimes you think you’ve succeeded, only to wake up one morning and find your thoughts stink like a cat litter box that hasn’t been cleaned in a week.

If you read Galations 2 you'll find this happened to Peter.  After the vision from God he had this great paradigm shift only to revert back to his stinking litter box way of thinking.

We won’t always get it right the first, second, or third time, but if we work at it hard enough and long enough we’ll eventually overcome those damaging, biased, litter box ways.

This week ask God to identify the prejudices you carry.  Then prayerfully seek His help to open your mind and change your way of thinking.

“But the voice spoke again: “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.””  Acts 10:15 (NLT)

“...but God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean.” Acts 10:28 (NLT)

Starbucks, Tea, And Alcohol - Not A Typical Sunday Morning

Just when I think I’ve got a situation figured out, life’s GPS fails and I find myself navigating a scenario without a soothing, English accented voice giving turn by turn directions.  My plans suddenly don’t work.  Ever had that experience?

A couple of weekends ago I was working out of town at a trade show.  One of the perks to travelling is breakfast at Starbucks.  They offer a yummy bacon and Gouda sandwich and Earl Grey tea that begs to be savoured like fine wine!

It was Sunday morning.  There wasn’t a huge line up; just a couple of people in front of me.  I noticed a slight, stooped woman in worn clothes standing off to the side.  She seemed to be studying the menu posted behind the counter. 

After a few seconds a customer behind her asked if she was in line.  The woman didn’t respond but moved ahead. 

“A homeless woman,” I thought.  “I wonder if she has enough money for coffee and food to keep her warm in the rain this morning.”

I watched covertly as she shuffled forward and thought “If she doesn’t have enough money, I’ll pay for her sandwich and drink.”

Her turn came.  She was still scanning the menu.  Without making eye contact with the cashier she asked, “Do you have alcohol?”

I stood rooted to the floor.  I wasn’t prepared for this.  The cashier indicated they didn’t have alcohol and I watched dumbly as she stepped out into the rain.   I’d been ready to quietly move forward and buy her food but that’s not what she wanted.

While she stood on the street corner waiting for the light to change, conflicting thoughts jostled along the treadmill in my mind.  “Should I buy some food and give it to her?  She doesn’t want food.  Would she be offended?  Does she have a safe, dry place to go?  How can I help?” 

I completely lacked inspiration.  I ordered my breakfast and tea and stepped outside.  Angels’ tears poured down all around me in the form of heavy rain.

My mind screamed in frustration at the disparity of it; my tea, my breakfast, a woman looking for alcohol to satisfy an addiction to escape the reality of life, and my epic failure to take action.

How can we respond in these situations?  I thought about Jesus and wondered what His response to this woman would have been.  He ate with the dregs of society, He talked with outcasts, and He had compassion for invisible minorities.

My heart was filled with compassion for this woman but it failed to make it into my hands and feet.  Even with good intentions, quite often we respond in ways that aren’t satisfactory to us or to God.  What frustrates me most is, given the same situation, I’m not sure I’d do any better. 

How do we grow?  How do we learn to reach out with a gesture that makes a difference in someone’s life right now?

Is being aware of our failed response and evaluating our judgments, assumptions, and pre-conceptions enough to open our minds to new ways to react?

Back in the car I prayed that God would protect her and take her somewhere warm and dry for the day.  I prayed for insight into how to respond in a Christ-like manner.  I prayed I would do better next time.

What are your thoughts?  How would you respond?  Please share by clicking on “comments” below.

Psalm 16:9-11 - Easter - The New Normal

MEMORY VERSE

“No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.  My body rests in safety.  For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.  You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.  Psalm 16:9-11 (NLT)

It’s Easter Sunday.  Today we proclaim…

“He is risen!”

“Christ is risen indeed!”

We gather with friends and family to celebrate.  We indulge in good food, drink, and chocolate! 

We read the story of resurrection; the empty tomb and the living, risen Christ.  We watch movies like “The Passion of the Christ”, “The Greatest Story Ever Told”, and “The King of Kings”. 

What do we do with Easter after the celebration is over?  Are we still joyfully proclaiming “Christ is risen” when we’re munching Gaviscon to recover from over indulgence?

Monday dawns –some have the day off (Easter Monday) and some of us return to work.  Life returns to normal.

What if life wasn’t “normal” ever again?  What if we lived as though it was Easter every day?  (OK, maybe not the eating part.  That would hurt and we’d all end up weighing 600 lbs.) 

In the lives of Christians, it’s Easter every day.  In their song, “My God’s Not Dead” the Newsboys say it like this…

“My God’s not dead

He’s surely alive

He’s living on the inside

Roaring like a lion”

(Listen to the whole song on youtube)

David knew this when he wrote Psalm 16.  David knows life will never be “normal” again.  He knows death isn’t the end because Christ isn’t “rotting in the grave” (verse 10).

It’s true for David and it’s true for us.  Don’t let life return to “normal” this week.  Rejoice with David knowing we have, “…the joy of your (God’s) presence and the pleasures of living with you (God) forever.” (verse 11)

The Holy Spirit lives in you and me.  Grab hold of God’s presence and live life in celebration of Easter every day. 

Christ is risen!  He is risen indeed!

“No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.  My body rests in safety.  For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.  You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.  Psalm 16:9-11 (NLT)

Holy Week

It’s Holy week.  It starts with Palm Sunday.  Jesus rides triumphantly into the city of Jerusalem.  (Matthew 21)  His followers are convinced this is the BIG moment.  Jesus will overthrow their oppressors, take possession of the city, and rule as king.  The disciples are already arguing over who gets to be Jesus’ right hand man.

By mid-week things aren’t looking so rosy.  Jesus joins His disciples to celebrate the Passover.  He breaks bread and speaks of His body being broken (Luke 22:19).  He pours wine and speaks of His blood being poured out (Luke 22:20).  The disciples are confused and even repelled.  He talks of betrayal and death.  The disciples are adamant they will stay with Jesus to the end.

When Judas enters the scene things get darker still.  He turns Jesus over to the chief priests and Pharisees of the temple who have been looking for an opportune moment to seize Jesus. (Mark 14:41-46)

Jesus is betrayed, captured, and abandoned by his disciples; those He has called friends.  He is convicted and put to a bloody painful, humiliating death by crucifixion. (John 18 and 19)

The Pharisees, afraid that Jesus’ supporters will steal the body and make up a crazy story about His resurrection, seal the body in a tomb and post guards outside.

“…the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir we remember how that imposter said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’  Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.  Pilate said to them “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.”  So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.” (Matthew 27:62-66)

Jesus’ followers, afraid of suffering the same fate as their leader scatter like frightened rabbits.

Friday is a dark day.

But it’s not the end!

It’s Sunday morning.  Women come to prepare the body for proper burial but the body that was in a sealed, secured tomb is gone.  All four gospel accounts testify to the fact that Jesus is no longer in the grave!  (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20)

Where is He?

He’s alive, walking, talking, eating, and teaching His followers once again.  He ascends to Heaven and the Holy Spirit comes to earth in His place to live in our hearts.

That’s the whole story from celebration to doubt to betrayal to death to victory! 

Christ is victorious over death and when we choose to believe in His sacrifice as the Son of God we’re forgiven of all our sins.

We’re given a new start, a “do over” in God’s eyes.  We can let go of our guilt and the self defeating thoughts that suck us down in a pit of despair every day.  We can start living in the light and joy of Christ’s victory.

All four gospels testify to this saving act of Jesus.  Some things can’t be explained.  Some things you just believe.  In the memory verse for this week Paul says it this way...

“…that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.  And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.  We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.  We implore on Christ’s behalf; be reconciled to God.  God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (NIV)

John says it this way…

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16 (NLT)

It’s confusing.  It’s mind boggling.  It’s hard to understand.  And it’s true.

That’s the Easter story!

2 Corinthians 5:19-21 – Friendly Agreement With God

MEMORY VERSE:

“…that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.  And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.  We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.  We implore on Christ’s behalf; Be reconciled to God.  God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (NIV) 2 Corinthians 5:19-21

It’s hard to know where to start with this selection.  Paul jammed a smorgasbord of good news into these four statements taken from one of his letters to the people of the Christian church in Corinth.

 “…that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.  And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation”. 

What does Paul means when he speaks of reconciliation?  Take a look at the verb “to reconcile” and you’ll find the two following definitions:

• To bring into agreement
• To restore to friendliness

When we combine the two meanings it paints a great picture…to bring into friendly agreement!  Who doesn’t want that!?!

We all mess up in life.  Show me someone who says they’ve never made a mistake and I’ll show you someone who doesn't have a firm grip on the realities of life!

Some mistakes aren’t earth shattering but they do make our life more difficult.  Others have more serious consequences, tearing through lives like raging tornadoes, leaving a trail of wreck, ruin and devastation behind them.

Even if your mistakes have caused seemingly irreparable damage in your personal life and relationships, Paul says you can still be in “friendly agreement” with God.  This news is a five course feast to the person who’s starved for unconditional love and acceptance.

“…not counting people’s sins against them…”

How many times do you relive the guilt and crappy feelings that accompanied the mistake you made? 

God doesn’t do this to us.  He doesn’t continuously regurgitate our past.  He doesn’t count our sins (our mistakes and screw ups) against us.  He promises we can live in friendly agreement with Him.

How?

“…Be reconciled to God.  God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God”

In one concise statement Paul explains how we claim God’s promise of freedom from sin.  You see, Jesus was completely free from sin. He walked righteously with God. 

Righteous is such a "churchy" word.  Just hearing it kind of makes you want to rush out and do the opposite of whatever it means.  So what does it mean?

Recently I was in a study group led by Gail Rodgers from Spruce Grove Alliance Church.  She broke this word down into very basic terms.  Simply put “righteous” means to have no rebellion in your heart…to not rebel.

Jesus never once rebelled against His Father, God.  Even as He went to His painful death He still prayed, “…yet not my will, but yours be done.”  Luke 22:42

How many of us can honestly pray this prayer?  Sure, we might say the words because we think God approves of such a prayer.  But, do our hearts really desire God’s will or our own desires?

Jesus was without sin.  And somehow, supernaturally He took our sins (past, present and future) onto Himself.  He took these with Him to the grave so we can live as though without rebellion before God; so we can live in friendly agreement with God.

I’m sure there’s a wonderful theological discussion that breaks down the process of how this all works…an explanation of the logistical process.  I’ll be honest…I don’t know what that theological explanation is.  I don’t really understand how God made it all work and you don’t have to either.

I do know this.  Deep in my heart there’s a stirring, a whisper calling out an invitation to faith, to belief; a longing to go deeper in this journey of faith with Jesus.

Jesus’ final words on the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30) mean exactly that.  The battle’s over.  When we believe in Jesus' death and resurrection as the Son of God, we’re a forgiven people living in friendly agreement with God.

Now that’s good news!

“…that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.  And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.  We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us.  We implore on Christ’s behalf; Be reconciled to God.  God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”

(NIV)  2 Corinthians 5:19-21