How Do I Inherit Eternal Life?

The gospel of God’s saving grace through Jesus Christ is the never ending story. Each of the four gospels gives a different perspective of the story of salvation. According to Mark 10 beginning in verse 17, a rich young ruler came running to Jesus and asked him a question: Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? 18. And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. 19. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. 20. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. 21. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. 22. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.”

Jesus knew what was in the rich man’s heart. Jesus asked him, “Why do you call me good? There is none good but God.” In another encounter with the Pharisees, an expert in the Old Testament Law asked Jesus a related question, “What is the greatest commandment?” According to Matthew 22:37-39 “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38. This is the first and great commandment. 39. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”“40. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

Jesus summarized the Ten Commandments into two commandments: To love God above all and to love thy neighbor as thyself.

John said, I write you these things so that you can know that you have eternal life. According to Ephesians, the standard of salvation is not what we do. There is another standard for inheriting eternal life. The abundant life that Jesus spoke of in John 10:10 is the spiritual life in Christ. This is a life of peace, hope, and assurance that God will never leave us or forsake us. The life of the spirit is Christ in you the hope of glory. This is the newness of life that we received by God’s grace when we were born again of His spirit.

Jesus knew what was in the rich man’s heart. The rich young ruler thought that he would inherit eternal life by his good deeds. However, according to Ephesians 2:8, by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast.

The rich young ruler said that he had followed the six of the Ten Commandments that Jesus mentioned. These commandments were about loving thy neighbor as thyself. What the rich young ruler didn’t realize is that he had broken the first commandment: Thou shalt have no other Gods before me. In other words, thou shalt have no other gods between your face and God’s face. The most important question is this: Is God your God, or is your wealth your God?

The rich young ruler’s God was his riches. Like others blessed with riches, he had options for provisions other than the Lord God Jehovah. Likewise, we Americans have been blessed with material wealth. There is irony in the American motto printed on our currency, “in God we trust.” The irony is that money itself is the God in which most Americans trust.

Therefore, Jesus said to the rich young ruler, “Go sell all your possessions, give the proceeds to the poor, and follow me.” Either money is your master whom you serve, or you serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Ye are slaves to whom ye obey. You cannot serve both God and mammon. Earthly riches are here today and gone tomorrow. As Proverbs said, material blessings shall take wings and fly away.

The people of Jesus’ time subscribed to the “prosperity gospel.” They equated material blessings with being close to God. They thought that calamities and trials of life were brought about by sin. However, according to Romans, tribulations are a blessing. For tribulation worketh patience and experience hope and hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given to us.

God will teach us humility through the trials of life, especially within marriage relationships. Loving our wives is the meaning of turning the other cheek, going the second mile, and blessing those who persecute you. If we are to reconcile with our wives, we must meet each other at the foot of the cross. Jesus Christ is the one who reconciles. It’s not about me,it’s about him.

King David learned humility through trials and tribulations. David’s family put the “dys” in the definition of a dysfunctional family. However, when he repented, David was a man after God’s own heart.

Jesus said, “It’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of an needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.” The people asked Jesus, “then who can be saved?” Jesus answered, “nothing is impossible with God. With God all things are possible to him that believeth.” As Isaiah said, “though your sins be as scarlet, ye shall be as white as snow.” In order to enter into God’s presence, we must be clothed in the righteous robes of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will provide the robes to exchange for the filthy rags of our own fallen nature.

According to Ephesians, God has blessed us with so much more than material blessings. He has blessed us with his Holy Spirit. “Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus.”

He has called us as stewards of the material blessings that he’s given us. He requires that we give back to him a portion of the material wealth with which he’s blessed us. This offering acknowledges that he is our provider…that He is our sufficiency and not our material possessions. Therefore give and it shall be given to you pressed down, shaken together, and running over. God is rich in grace and mercy. He has given us all things richly to enjoy. The greatest gift is the gift of His Spirit and our greatest blessing is to bless Him.

May we ever live to the praise of the glory of His grace!
Your brother in Christ,
Michael

What Must I Do to Inherit Eternal Life?

The greatest danger is not failing in something important but that you’ll succeed in something that doesn’t really matter. The world’s definition of success is diametrically opposed to God’s definition of success.

According to Mark 10 beginning in verse 17, a rich young ruler came running to Jesus and asked him a question: Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? 18. And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. 19. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. 20. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. 21. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. 22. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. 23. And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 24. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! 25. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 26. And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? 27. And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.”

The rich young ruler ran up to Jesus seeking affirmation. He said, “What must I do to inherit eternal life” Jesus knew what was in the heart of man. He asked the rich man a question to examine his heart: “Why do you call me good? There is none good except God.” Jesus as a rabbi, knew that the Jewish rabbis never allowed others to call them good. As the apostle Paul said, “in my flesh dwelleth no good thing.”

Jesus also knew that the young man had studied the Ten Commandments. On another occasion, a Pharisee had asked Jesus, “what is the greatest commandment?” Jesus had answered, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy mind and with all thy strength. And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” The first four of the Ten Commandments are about our relationship with God. Jesus reminded the young man about the other six commandments regarding our relationships with others.

The rich young ruler said that he had kept all of the commandments that Jesus mentioned. He thought that inheriting eternal life was about doing good works. However, the human heart is deceptive above all things and desperately wicked. The flesh lives to fulfill the lusts (over desires) of the flesh. One of the desires of the flesh is to receive the praise and affirmation of others.

Jesus asked the rich young man to see what price he was willing to pay to inherit eternal life. Even though the young man was sincere in his desire to do the right thing, the real question is not, “are you doing the right thing?”, but rather, “are you doing the right thing for the right reason?” In other words, “Where is your heart?”

In Jesus’ time, they prescribed to the “prosperity gospel.” They believed that material blessings were the result of living a righteous life. They thought that a life of misery and poverty was the result of a sinful life.

However, Jesus preached a message that was contrary to their religion. Looking to the rich young ruler, Jesus loved him. In order to receive grace we must accept the need for grace. With a heart of humility, we must first acknowledge that “in my flesh dwelleth no good thing.” The hallmark of grace is that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. For by grace are you saved through faith and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast.

Jesus said to the rich young ruler, “only one thing you lack.” The young man didn’t think that he lacked anything. Similarly, Americans are rich in material blessings. Jesus said, “Go sell everything you have and give the proceeds to the poor.” Money is a wonderful servant but it is a terrible master. You cannot serve God and mammon. Ye are slaves to whom you obey. Money gives status, power, position, and influence in a fallen world. The incentive for material wealth is a powerful influence. However, Jesus said, “Is God your God, or is your money your God?” There is irony in the motto on US currency that says, “in God we trust.” The irony is that the money itself is the God in which most Americans trust.

The rich young ruler obeyed the commandments related to “love thy neighbor as thyself.” However he had broken the first and greatest commandment: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, mind and strength. The first of the Ten Commandments says, “thou shalt have no other gods before me.” In other words, “there shall be no other gods between your face and my face.”

The question is, “am I living for God or am I living for my possessions.” The rich young ruler walked away grieved, for he had great possessions.

God has given us all things richly to enjoy. The enjoyment is living in fellowship with our Father, His son Jesus Christ and one with another in the household of faith. Material blessings pale in comparison with the greatest blessing: that we should be to the praise of the glory of His grace!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Your brother in Christ,
Michael

Because of Grace

The gospel of Salvation is like a diamond. It reflects and magnifies the resplendent glory of God. There are many facets to God’s glory. We who are born again reflect the glorious light of his gospel of truth.

There is a book by John Lynch called “The Cure.” This book describes a path with a fork in the road. One path leads to a room that says “please God.” This room is full of works based people who are trying desperately to please God. The people in this room appear to have it all together. However, everyone in this room is wearing a mask. No one reveals his true self. Everyone is on his best behavior trying to prop up his facade of self-worth. When they remove their masks they are consumed by guilt, shame, and condemnation. Finally when you “come to yourself” in frustration because of the hypocrisy, you slip out the back. The road leads back to the fork in the road. The other path leads to a room that says “Trust God.” In this room there are messy, but honest people. They know that they are sinners saved by grace. In this room they live in the Liberty wherewith Christ has set them free. In this room God says, “I love you and I even like you. When I see you I see the righteousness of my son Jesus Christ. There is nothing that you could ever do to keep me from loving you. You will learn to love me when you spend time in my presence and abide with me and within me.”

Buck Murphy started the Pennysaver and made millions as a successful businessman. He started Hume Lake ministries and changed the lives of many young people. Buck built dental offices in Southern California and decided to expand this profitable businesses into Hawaii. He bought a penthouse in Waikiki. Even though he had good intentions, he didn’t find a good Christian fellowship. He fell into a crowd who frequented nightclubs and indulged in drugs. Buck loved people and was everyone’s best friend. One man approached him and said, “Do you have any cocaine?” Buck acquired some cocaine and sold it to him as a favor. This man turned out to be a narcotics agent. Buck was convicted and sent to prison for selling cocaine even though he had no prior convictions. Buck realized that he was a sinner saved by grace.

Ephesians 2:8-9 is the heart of the gospel message: For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works lest a man should boast. Nothing that I’ve done or will ever do will warrant the gracious gift of God. That’s why salvation is a gift….we could never earn it or deserve it. Trusting God through the payment of his son, Jesus Christ is the only way to approach a holy God.

Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. There is no other way. Grace is exclusive: Jesus said, I am the way, the truth ,and the life, no man cometh to the father except by me.

God’s grace is divine favor given by the one who didn’t need to give it to the ones who didn’t deserve to receive it. Grace flies in the face of human logic. Human logic says that we are all sinners and that the wages of sin is death. All are guilty before a righteous God. The logical conclusion is that I’m not wise enough, I’m not rich enough and I’m not strong enough…..I”m just not good enough. As Paul said, “O wretched man that I am! Who shall save me from this dead body?” A performance based system means that we deserve our Just Desserts: The wages of sin which is death.

Grace is the antidote to our sin nature. God chose us before we chose him. Our righteousness is not in our own goodness. As Jesus said, “there is none good no not one.” Only God is good. Salvation is not because we are good but because God is good. Salvation is because of Christ’s righteousness not mine. Acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord accomplishes both grace and justice. Justice means to be made righteous…not because of our performance but because of the accomplished work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. For he who was without sin became the perfect sacrifice for sin on our behalf that we may be made the righteousness of God in him.

The fear of man brings a snare. False religions enslave their members through fear. Ministries that are built on men’s word and not God’s word use guilt and condemnation to subject and enslave their followers. However, according to 1 John 4:19, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love casts out fear: for fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”

It’s the love and grace and mercy of God that calls a man to repentance. Jesus said, “come unto me all ye who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.” When we rest in him, he will give us peace. Peace is the result of reconciliation. Reconciliation means to bring together that which has been separated. Jesus redeemed us from our sins by shedding his innocent blood as full payment for our guilty blood. Therefore we have been reconciled to God. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.

To give grace we must receive grace. When we’re thankful for what God did in Christ in us, then we cannot condemn others. As Paul said, “unto me who am the chief of all sinners is this grace given.” We’re saved not because we never sin but because we accepted the Saviour from sin. For in that we were yet sinners Christ died for the ungodly. When we come to understand the magnitude of his grace and forgiveness, then we’ll gladly spread the message of the grace and goodness of the love of God.

We’ve been called to minister to those we love. God has called us to proclaim his message of grace. We’re called to sow the seed of the word of God. As Paul said, we’re called to plant and water, and God will give the increase. Then he will call laborers unto his harvest.

Grace needs an example of grace. Grace is caught and not taught. God has called us as able ministers of the New Testament of the grace of God. We are his living epistles, his love letters known and read of all men.

The book Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo is a story of grace and redemption. When Jean Valjean had been released from prison he hid in the church. In desperation he stole two precious candelabras from the sanctuary. When the law officers captured him they said to the priest, “we caught him with these candelabras and we’re going to imprison him for grand theft.” The priest showed him grace. He said to the gens d’armes, “they were a gift…he forgot to take these other two candelabras with him.” Where sin abounded, grace abounded all the more.

God’s grace changed Peter. Jesus had reminded him in the upper room, Before the cock crows twice, you shall deny me thrice. Peter had said with a heart of pride, “although everyone else forsakes you I will never forsake you.” After Peter had denied Jesus the third time, Jesus and Peter locked eyes. Peter turned away, broken in shame and guilt. He went away and wept bitterly. A broken and a contrite heart God will not forsake. Jesus called Peter unto repentance and reconciliation when he said, “Peter feed my sheep.”

It’s the grace and mercy and love of God that calls a man to repentance. The key to repentance is to run to the Lord and not from the lord. The first of the Ten Commandments says, “thou shalt have no other Gods between your face and my face.” Because of God’s grace, we can approach a holy God….clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ, faultless to stand before his throne. For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not of works lest any man should boast.

May we ever live to the praise of the glory of His grace!
Your brother in Christ,
Michael

Justified and Sanctified

God’s plan is our justification and sanctification for his glory. Justification means that through the righteousness of Christ we have been saved from the consequences of sin and delivered from the power of darkness. Since we’ve been justified we’re a new creation in Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast. Justification is the result of our righteousness in Christ. Not because of what we’ve done but because of what Jesus Christ did: For he who was without sin became the perfect sacrifice for sin on our behalf that we may be made the righteousness of God in him.

Sanctification is the answer to the question, “do you want to spend the rest of your life learning to become just like Jesus.” Sanctification means “to set apart according to the purpose intended by the designer.” This is the essence of Ephesians 2:10: For we are God’s workmanship (His masterpiece, His Magnum Opus, His Great Work) created in Christ Jesus unto good works which he has foreordained that we should walk therein.

The world says that we are deserving of Judgement. For the wages of sin is death. However where sin abounded grace abounded all the more. For in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for the ungodly.

John Lynch says in his book “The Cure,” that when you come to Christ there is a choice between two paths. One path says “Please God.” The other path says, “Trust God.” The path that says Please God leads to a room full of passionate immaculate people. Everyone appears to be doing just fine. When you enter the room, they hand you a mask. You’re welcome to join the impressive people in this impressive group. On most days, you receive an “atta Boy” from your Father. However on other days, when you take off your mask, you hear a voice of condemnation. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Finally when no one is looking, in desperation and guilt, you slip out the back. The path leads back to the fork in the road. The other path that says “Trust God” leads to a room of grace. In this room you’re welcomed by a group of messy, but honest guys. They’re open about having sinned…of coming clean before others and before the Lord. In this room God says, “I love you and I like you even though you mess up. I’m here in your midst and I enjoy your presence… I’m big enough to handle all you stuff…nothing you do or have done can come between me and my love for you. You’re my beloved son and I’m madly in love with you. You will learn to love me when you experience my unconditional love for you.”

The room of good intentions characterizes the world’s organizations. The world says that you’re judged by your performance. Life is a meritocracy and you’ve come up short. Therefore condemnation and judgement is your just dessert. Focusing on sin magnifies the condemnation. For in my flesh dwelleth no good thing.

However, by grace are ye saved through faith….it is the gift of God. Not because we deserve grace but because God is gracious. Not because we deserve love but because the nature of God is love. Salvation by grace flies in the face of human logic for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amazing grace is God’s unmerited favor given by the one who didn’t need to give it to the ones who didn’t deserve to receive it.

How do we set ourselves apart according to God’s purpose? Hebrews says, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” The fellowship of believers is the answer to the declaration: Lord I believe, help thou mine unbelief. The word “exhorting” is the Greek word Paraklete. It means to “come along side to help.” We’re here to bear one another’s burdens according to Galatians 5. This is the Liberty that we have in Christ. This is the freedom from bondage: Only use not Liberty as an occasion to sin, but in love serve one another.

We who are married have been called to support each other and to exhort or build up one another in love. Why am I here? I’m here because you’re here, you make me want to be a better man.

Oswald Chambers says in his devotional that Jesus Christ will teach us only when we’re alone with him. Alone time with the master is when we abide with him and spend precious time in his presence. In the assembly of the believers and in the multitude of people, we may have questions and confusion. But when we’re alone with him, he will answer our questions one on one. Prayer is aligning God’s heart with our heart. Faith must have an object of faith. The object of faith is Jesus Christ…he is the way the truth and the life, no man cometh to the father except by him. For there is one God and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus.

Most men think that they don’t have enough time to spend time alone with God. However as Martin Luther said, “I have so much to do today that I need to spend the first three hours in prayer.”

According to Ephesians 2:1, even you has he quickened (made alive) who were dead in trespasses and sins. The word “sin” means to miss the mark. To miss the mark you have to define the mark. The word of God defines the mark. The emphasis of the word sin is not on “missing” but on the mark itself. Therefore we press toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Isaiah saw the depth of his sin and iniquity when he saw the glorious light of God’s presence. He said, “woe is me…I’m a man of unclean lips among a people of unclean lips.” He was devastated that he was unworthy in the presence of a holy God. Then an angel took a burning coal and touched it to his lips. God will purge our lips and cleanse us by his grace to speak the word boldly on his behalf.

When we confess our sins God is faithful and just to forgive us of our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. There is confession unto salvation and confession unto fellowship with him. He created us so that we could confess that our righteousness is in Christ.

Unworthy was I of the grace that he gave, Unworthy to hold to his hand.
But he made me worthy and now by his grace, His mercy has made me his own…

1 Corinthians 1:30-31 says, “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”

May we ever live to the praise of the glory of His grace!
Your brother in Christ,
Michael

Zacchaeus’ Example

Christianity is a rescue effort for desperate men. When there’s nothing in this world left to live for, then we can run from the world and toward our Lord Jesus Christ. He will embrace us in his arms. Jesus said, “come unto me all ye who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” When we’re desperate and at the point of repentance we can turn from ourselves and unto the Lord.

Zachaeus was a desperate man. His story is in Luke 19: “AND Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. 3. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. 4. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. 5. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. 6. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. 7. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. 8. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.”

Previously, Jesus had told a rich young ruler to sell all that he had and to follow him. This man left grieved and discouraged because he had many riches.

The story of Zacchaeus is a contrast to the story of the rich young ruler. Jesus asked the both of these rich men a diagnostic question to determine the condition of each man’s heart: “What is the cost of following me?” However, the underlying question is not about the cost… it’s about value. Is the value of eternal life and of walking in fellowship with the Lord worth the price of the world?

Zacchaeus’ name means “the righteous one.” He was a wealthy tax collector who received a cut from the other tax gatherers in his district. To the Jews, he was considered a “turncoat” because he worked for the Roman government and not for the people. He took pride in taxing the people beyond their means. Zacchaeus came to a point of conviction… to the realization that he wasn’t righteous after all.

Sin means to miss the mark. According to James, he who knows to do what is right and doesn’t do it, to him it is sin. Zacchaeus had heard of Jesus. He realized that even though he was rich, Jesus had something that he didn’t have. Romans 8 says that unless you receive the Holy Spirit you cannot please God. Zachaeus thought that he was seeking Jesus. However, Jesus said, “you have not chosen me, I have chosen you.”

Jesus knew what was in the heart of man. By revelation, he knew that Zacchaeus had a “hunger and thirst for righteousness.” According to the beatitudes, He who hungers and thirsts for righteousness shall be filled.

The crowds followed Jesus around because they had witnessed miracles that he had performed. Jesus drew many people but they didn’t realize that he was the son of God, the promised Messiah who would redeem mankind.

There must be conviction before conversion. We’re all convicts in the sight of God, for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. In our own power we cannot approach the throne of a holy and righteous God. Zacchaeus realized that he did not live up to his namesake and that he was unrighteous. Humility and meekness is the prerequisite to receive God’s grace.

Zachaeus threw dignity to the wind. He ran before the crowd and climbed up a tree to see Jesus when he came by. In his desperation to see the Lord, he was not ashamed to shame himself before the multitude. A desperate man is not ashamed to empty himself of his pride in order to approach the Lord with empty hands.

Jesus looked up and said, “Zacchaeus.” He addressed him by his name. Like the song says, he knows my name, He knows my every thought, and sees me when I fall. From our Father’s perspective we are “righteous in his sight” when we are clothed in the white robes of Christ’s righteousness.

Zacchaeus approached his Lord Jesus Christ with a heart of repentance. Repentance means to turn around. He gladly ran to the Lord and away from sin. He said, I’ll give half my riches to the poor. I’ll recompense those I’ve defrauded four times over. To follow the Lord, I’ll gladly forsake my evil ways, make restitution to those I’ve wronged, and come clean before my Lord.

The gospel message is not in great swelling words of man’s vanity but in deed and in truth. Many don’t understand what it means to be a witness for Christ. John the Baptist sent his disciples to see Jesus and then report whether or not Jesus was the Messiah. A witness does not defend the truth. A witness testifies to the truth of what he has seen with his own eyes. When John’s disciples saw Jesus, they had witnessed the Way, the Truth and the Life. Jesus said, “go and tell John what you’ve seen and heard.” Like John’s disciples, we have “tasted and seen that the Lord is good.” Therefore we are his witnesses: we cannot but speak the things that we have seen and heard.

A sinner can’t help but sin. It is his nature, for the natural (unsaved) man receives not the things of the spirit of God. Neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned. To receive the things of the spirit of the Lord we must be born again of God’s spirit. We had nothing to do with our natural birth. Likewise, we had nothing to do with our spiritual birth. For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not of works lest any man should boast.

According to Philippians 3, we have no confidence in the flesh. Even though Paul was a “Hebrew of Hebrews” of the tribe of Benjamin, Paul said, “I count all things but loss for the sake of the surpassing value of knowing Christ. The righteousness I have is through the power of the resurrection of my Lord Jesus Christ.”

Those who are born again of God’s spirit are witnesses of the resurrection. Because of Christ’s completed work on our behalf we have received salvation by grace alone though faith alone in Christ alone. For he who was without sin became the perfect sacrifice for sin on our behalf that we may be made the righteousness of God in him. This is the gospel message. This is amazing grace. This is God’s unfailing love.

May we ever live to the praise of the glory of His grace!
Your brother in Christ,
Michael

The Good Shepherd

In our Christian endeavors, we’re often so busy that we forget the reason why we’re doing what we’re doing and for whom we’re doing it. We need to be reminded every day of the purpose for which the Designer designed us. Our Father designed us for His purpose. According to Ephesians 1 and 2: That we should be to the praise of the glory of His grace who has made us acceptable in the beloved. For we are God’s workmanship, his masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus unto good works in which He has foreordained that we should walk.

Luke 15 is called “The Gospel within the Gospel.” It contains some of Jesus’ greatest parables. One of these is the parable of the lost sheep. According to Luke 15:3-7: “And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 4. What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5. And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”

Jesus told this story in the presence of the Pharisees. They condemned Jesus for ministering to “publicans (tax gatherers) and sinners.” The Pharisees thought they were superior to others for keeping the letter of the Old Testament Law. People who think that they are right because of their own self-righteousness are today’s Pharisees. They don’t believe that they need justification through Jesus Christ. They think that their self-righteousness makes them better than others.

The devil’s ploy within churches and religious institutions is to “divide and conquer.” He works in hearts of men to sow seeds of strife, division, and “irreconcilable differences.” According to James, For where there is envying and strife, there is confusion and every evil work. Peace with others is the result of reconciliation. Jesus Christ came not to judge, but to reconcile God’s men back to God. Meekness is the key to reconciliation. It means that we need to “humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God.” For there is one God and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus.

Sinners were attracted to Jesus whereas the Pharisees were repelled by him. Repentance is to turn from myself and unto Jesus. True repentance also means that we gladly seek out men of God who preach the truth of the gospel message. People would walk miles to hear DL Moody speak. When one man was asked why he walked by other churches, he said, “those guys love a man.” They loved Jesus Christ, his word, the truth of God made manifest.

The important thing is that we have peace with God through the completed work of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “my peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. Not as the world giveth give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Peace is the result of reconciliation through Jesus Christ. If we’re to meet each other in peace, we must meet at the foot of the cross.

When we’re married, we pledge to love and honor. In a godly marriage, we must understand the message of the three fold cord. Unless we are reconciled to each other through Christ’s finished work of redemption, then the devil will quickly break us as apart as individual strands. Ephesians says, “husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her.” Love is characterized by grace.

As husband and wife, we have nothing to offer each other except grace. God’s gracious gift of salvation is a picture of grace. When we’re under law, we are judged under sin. For he who knows to do right and doesn’t do it, to him it is sin. However, Jesus came not to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved.

Recently a couple approached Pete with a problem that was threatening their marriage. The husband had previously been married. His new wife told him that if he ever took a picture with his ex-wife, this would be an act of extreme disrespect. According to her culture taking a picture with his ex-wife would be like a slap in the face. The husband had attended his daughter’s graduation. His ex-wife, his daughter’s mother also attended. Their daughter had insisted that they take a picture together to commemorate this special occasion. After anguishing over his new wife’s request, he finally agreed but he did not tell his new wife. When she found out she was extremely upset. Pete said to the wife, “you husband agonized over this decision. He was torn between offending you and offending his daughter. If you put yourself in his shoes, wanting to honor the request of two people he loves dearly, you can appreciate his heart ache for offending you. The loving thing to do would be to give him grace and say, “I know you struggled with this decision, but as husband and wife, and with the help of our Lord Jesus Christ, we’ll get through this.”

Grace builds devotion. People who were true disciples were attracted to Jesus not because of the miracles they witnessed but because they knew that Jesus cared. He said, “come unto me all ye who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” We can rest in the grace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ. When we come to him he says, “I’ve got this.” Casting all your cares upon him for he careth for you.

Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd.” A shepherd was responsible for each individual sheep in his flock. Isaiah said, “all we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned every one into his own way, but upon him has he laid the iniquity of us all.” In biblical times, some flocks belonged to the village. They appointed two shepherds to watch the sheep. If only one shepherd returned with the flock at the end of the day, the whole village knew that the other shepherd was looking for a lost sheep. As the good shepherd, Jesus leaves the ninety nine sheep in the sheepfold to look for the one lost sheep.

Pete recalls that he and his wife attended an evangelism training session. They learned about sharing the gospel message of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. After the training, their “final exam” was to go into Orlando neighborhoods to knock on doors and share with strangers the four laws of salvation. Everyone in the group was terrified about sharing the faith. Afterwards, they met to talk about what they had learned about evangelism. This was one of Pete’s greatest revelations about the “ministry of reconciliation.” One person said, “when I knocked, a woman came to the door and said, “you’re the guy.” Then when I asked her what she meant, she said, “I prayed this morning that God would show me the truth about the bible. I’ve had many questions about Jesus Christ and you are the answer to my prayer.”

Jesus is the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Psalm 23 says, The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters, He restoreth my soul. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil, for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil. My cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Because Jesus laid down his life for his sheep, we were saved by grace. For he who was without sin became the perfect sacrifice for sin on our behalf that we may be made the righteousness of God in him. Because we were saved by grace, we can give away the grace we have received. Grace is caught and not taught. To understand the grace of God we must dwell in the presence our Lord Jesus Christ. We are the only bibles that some people will ever read. We are God’s love letters, his living epistles, known and read of all men.

May we ever live to the praise of the glory of His grace!
Your brother in Christ,
Michael

The Good Shepherd

Luke chapter 15 is often called the gospel within the gospel. This is where Jesus shares important parables about the gospel of grace. The first illustration is the parable of the lost sheep. According to the first seven verses of this chapter:
“THEN drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. 2. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. 3. And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 4. What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5. And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.”

The Pharisees criticized Jesus for associating with publicans (tax collectors) and sinners. They thought that they were too righteous in their own self-righteousness to keep company with the “unclean” sinners of the world.

When Jesus had previously addressed the Pharisees, he told them about two people who came into the synagogue to pray. One person, a Pharisee said, “I’m thankful that I’m not like those sinners over there because I keep the Old Testament law and the Ten Commandments.” The other man, a tax collector beat his chest as he prayed, “O Lord have mercy on me a sinner.” Jesus asked the Pharisees, “which prayer do you think that God heard?” The lesson is to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God. In our own power we are nothing. We must empty ourselves so that he is our all in all.

The people of Jesus’ time could relate to The parable of the lost sheep. They knew that sheep were helpless and in need of a shepherd. If a sheep lay down in a ditch and rolled over on his back, the sheep could not get up. This “cast sheep” would die in this position if the shepherd didn’t rescue him.” The shepherd was responsible for every sheep in his flock. When one sheep was missing, the shepherd diligently looked for the one lost sheep until he found him. Some villages owned flocks of sheep and appointed shepherds to watch the sheep. If one shepherd didn’t return with the sheep at the end of the day, they knew that he was looking for a lost sheep.

When the shepherd returns with the lost sheep, there is rejoicing. There are four types who rejoice when the shepherd finds the lost sheep. One is the sheep himself. When a person strays from the flock and then is restored into fellowship, the pastor, the shepherd of the sheep also rejoices.

Jesus Christ himself, the chief shepherd rejoices. Jesus identified himself as the shepherd of the flock. The shepherd leads and guides his sheep through the valley of the shadow of death. He gladly lays down his life for his sheep. According to Hebrews 12:2, He who for the joy (of your salvation and mine) that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

When the shepherd finds the lost sheep, he rejoices and invites his friends to rejoice with him. This is the key to continuing in fellowship in the household of faith. When lost sheep return to Christ, this is a time of celebration and rejoicing….for he who was lost is found. Heaven also rejoices when a sinner repents and comes to Christ.

Many people remember the exact moment of repentance and salvation. We’re saved because we were called by the shepherd. Jesus said, my sheep hear my voice and they know me. They follow me and I give unto them eternal life.

Salvation is an example of grace. For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast.

The call of God is an exclusive call. Only those who know their shepherd follow their shepherd. The shepherd’s sheep recognize their shepherd’s voice. They know that when they are cast down, helpless, and vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy, the shepherd will deliver them. According to Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters; he restoreth my soul. Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil. My cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

This is the hope of heaven. In this life we can guard our hearts to keep an attitude of awe and gratitude. For the Lord is good, his mercy is everlasting, and his truth endureth to all generations.

We’ve been called by the good shepherd to “feed the flock of God which is among you. He has made us able ministers of the New Testament. Grace is caught and not taught. Jesus Christ himself is our example of Grace. When we spend time in his presence walking according the way that he has fore ordained for us, then we can show others what it means to walk in fellowship with the good shepherd. For what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.

May we ever live to the praise of the glory of His grace!
Your brother in Christ,
Michael