John 6:61-65 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, "Does this offend you? Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. He went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them."
I guess I am not a person to accept things without the background information or technical details. "Show me the Carfax" is just how I am. And I tend to bristle when I am told to just believe something without information. In those instances, I am just not "sold" on the validity of what I am told.
We live in a world that over the past twenty years has undergone a phenomenal change in the availability of information. What was once available in only the best of libraries and institutions of higher learning is now just a mouse click or a tap on the screen away. There is no doubt that the information revolution ushered in by advent of the internet has forever changed the face of information availability. In an instant we can look at the current weather in many parts of the world. We can search databases to find the most important or most obscure bits of information. We can even attend a class at many of the Ivy League schools all while never leaving the comfort of our own home. All of this information is at our finger tips. And yet the most important piece of information we need has been in printed form, freely available for hundreds of years. The answer to the big question of "Why Do I Believe?" is found in the bible. God's Word has held that answer for all to see in many languages and many translations. The are three simple truths to be found in scriptures that pertain to our question. From John 3:16 God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. From John 3:3 Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again." And from John 3:5&6 Jesus answered, "Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit." I guess you could say Gospel of John in Chapter Three is rich in answers. We are born again in baptism. The water and the Spirit fundamentally change us. Baptism opens the door to a life in Christ that will profoundly change what we are and how we live. I am reminded of the words shared in our Baptism services at Grace Lutheran. We are blessed with the gifts of Faith, Family, and Forgiveness in the waters of Baptism. We come to the Father through Baptism. It is as simple as that. And Christ shows us the way for he is the way, the truth and the light.
When you ask that question, "Why Do I Believe?" you can now know the answer. It is because you have been baptized. It all starts with that one deliberate action. If you are reading this, and are baptized, you have your answer. If you are reading this and have not been baptized, go visit a Pastor and start that process. It's not rocket science and it is not difficult. It is the best gift you will ever receive. On that you do not have to trust me, you can see for yourself.
PRAYER: Lord we often go seeking the answer to life's many questions. This endless seeking of answers can distract us from You. Help us with Your Holy Spirit to stay on track. Help us to keep our eyes on Jesus in all that we are and all that we do. Help us to be refreshed in our Baptism every day of our lives until we are joined with You. This we ask in the name of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.
This Is Where Everything Changed
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Friday, August 10, 2012
What Is The Truth?
John 8:31&32 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
We had an interesting discussion last night at our small group bible study. The talk was about scams people try to run on the unwary or unsuspecting. Sound advice is if it just does not look right, it probably is not right. That is closely followed by if it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn't true.
Being able to discern the truth, in our world today, can be a challenge. We are bombarded by so much information and from so many sources. It can be likened to trying to drink from a fire hose. And amidst all that data, is the truth. And by the truth I mean the "whole truth and nothing but the truth." And not some mere 'version of the truth.' (For the source of 'version of the truth' check out the movie "Somethings gotta give". When it comes to faith and Christianity we are in no better condition with regards to the information out there. There are many versions of the truth. So many claim to preach 'the bible truth'. Yet on closer examination all they really profess is some version of the truth. But what is really the truth, the whole truth? We can look at John 8:31&32 for that truth. To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." When we hold to the teachings of Jesus we are on the right track. When we try something other than His teachings, we are lost. We remain slaves to sin and are captured in the death that comes with sin. Some will chose to follow the 'salvation by works' in a vain attempt to earn eternal life. Some with be drawn by greed into the dead end that lies in the 'prosperity gospel'. Still others will be completely lost on the 'do what ever modern society tells you because it's all good' road to wreck and ruin. When we stick to the teachings of Jesus we are in the groove. We follow Jesus to the Father, and to the salvation we desperately need. We do this because we alone are totally unable to get there by ourselves. Sorry to disappoint those who think otherwise, but we are just not able to achieve righteousness without Christ. We are lost in sin and desperately need a Savior. The words of Jesus from John 14:6&7 tell us the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." Friends of the Risen Savior, that is the whole unvarnished truth. Jesus is the way, the truth and the light. All other paths lead you astray and straight to spiritual death. That is the truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God.
PRAYER: Lord and Giver of Light and Life we look to You and You alone for our salvation. The world around us screams out to look away from You. But without You we know we are lost. Father, let Your light, Your Son, shine brightly as a beacon in the night. Help us to stay on course in the fog of our lives. This we ask in the name of Jesus who with the Father and the Spirit are one God now and forever, Amen.
We had an interesting discussion last night at our small group bible study. The talk was about scams people try to run on the unwary or unsuspecting. Sound advice is if it just does not look right, it probably is not right. That is closely followed by if it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn't true.
Being able to discern the truth, in our world today, can be a challenge. We are bombarded by so much information and from so many sources. It can be likened to trying to drink from a fire hose. And amidst all that data, is the truth. And by the truth I mean the "whole truth and nothing but the truth." And not some mere 'version of the truth.' (For the source of 'version of the truth' check out the movie "Somethings gotta give". When it comes to faith and Christianity we are in no better condition with regards to the information out there. There are many versions of the truth. So many claim to preach 'the bible truth'. Yet on closer examination all they really profess is some version of the truth. But what is really the truth, the whole truth? We can look at John 8:31&32 for that truth. To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." When we hold to the teachings of Jesus we are on the right track. When we try something other than His teachings, we are lost. We remain slaves to sin and are captured in the death that comes with sin. Some will chose to follow the 'salvation by works' in a vain attempt to earn eternal life. Some with be drawn by greed into the dead end that lies in the 'prosperity gospel'. Still others will be completely lost on the 'do what ever modern society tells you because it's all good' road to wreck and ruin. When we stick to the teachings of Jesus we are in the groove. We follow Jesus to the Father, and to the salvation we desperately need. We do this because we alone are totally unable to get there by ourselves. Sorry to disappoint those who think otherwise, but we are just not able to achieve righteousness without Christ. We are lost in sin and desperately need a Savior. The words of Jesus from John 14:6&7 tell us the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." Friends of the Risen Savior, that is the whole unvarnished truth. Jesus is the way, the truth and the light. All other paths lead you astray and straight to spiritual death. That is the truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God.
PRAYER: Lord and Giver of Light and Life we look to You and You alone for our salvation. The world around us screams out to look away from You. But without You we know we are lost. Father, let Your light, Your Son, shine brightly as a beacon in the night. Help us to stay on course in the fog of our lives. This we ask in the name of Jesus who with the Father and the Spirit are one God now and forever, Amen.
Friday, August 3, 2012
What Have You Been Told?
Galatians 3:1-3 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?
The proliferation of news sources out there for us to draw our information from is simply staggering. The Internet and social media have added a totally new dimension to how we, as believers, consume our information. And this is regardless of whether it is part of our Christian study of the Word, or just catching up on the news of the day. It is liken to drinking from a fire hose.
The Apostle Paul raises a very important point in his letter to the Galatians. What is great about this point is this one, like so many others he raises, is this point is just as valid today as it was back in Paul's day. We are bombarded with so many of our information sources telling us that grace is too simple to be true. There are too many people in our world who seek to earn grace. Their efforts are noble, even if they are completely misguided. "After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?" Many who first started as believers who followed grace by faith have fallen into the trap of grace by means of the flesh. The lure of that false doctrine is strong in that it feeds a basic need exemplified by trying to apply logic where faith is all that is called for, or needed. What is completely ironic is this age of entitlement should feed the desire to accept grace by faith. And yet, this is not the case. Many have been "bewitched" into believing the sacrifice of Christ on the cross was not enough for some people to accept. It is disturbing, but that is the case. They are saying 'Thanks Jesus, but You were not enough to save me.' Friends of the risen savior, grace by works is a dead end. And that has to be our response when confronted by those who seek to divert us from our grace-filled path. We must speak the truth. And we must do so in love. Our imperative is to reach out to the lost and share the words of grace with love, and not anger or hate. We must share the love of Christ with those who do not know that love, or have been "bewitched". We can make a difference, and do not let anyone tell you anything different.
PRAYER: Father, we are beset by many who seek to draw us away from Your grace. We are inundated by the noise of grace by works. Many in our world have fallen into the trap of that line of reasoning. Help us Dear Lord. Send Your Spirit to fill our hearts and minds with the faith we need to stay strong. And send Your Spirit to fill our mouths with Your words of grace by faith. Let us be Your voice of love to the world we live in. We ask this in the name our our risen savior Jesus Christ who with the Father and the Spirit are one God now and forever, Amen.
The proliferation of news sources out there for us to draw our information from is simply staggering. The Internet and social media have added a totally new dimension to how we, as believers, consume our information. And this is regardless of whether it is part of our Christian study of the Word, or just catching up on the news of the day. It is liken to drinking from a fire hose.
The Apostle Paul raises a very important point in his letter to the Galatians. What is great about this point is this one, like so many others he raises, is this point is just as valid today as it was back in Paul's day. We are bombarded with so many of our information sources telling us that grace is too simple to be true. There are too many people in our world who seek to earn grace. Their efforts are noble, even if they are completely misguided. "After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?" Many who first started as believers who followed grace by faith have fallen into the trap of grace by means of the flesh. The lure of that false doctrine is strong in that it feeds a basic need exemplified by trying to apply logic where faith is all that is called for, or needed. What is completely ironic is this age of entitlement should feed the desire to accept grace by faith. And yet, this is not the case. Many have been "bewitched" into believing the sacrifice of Christ on the cross was not enough for some people to accept. It is disturbing, but that is the case. They are saying 'Thanks Jesus, but You were not enough to save me.' Friends of the risen savior, grace by works is a dead end. And that has to be our response when confronted by those who seek to divert us from our grace-filled path. We must speak the truth. And we must do so in love. Our imperative is to reach out to the lost and share the words of grace with love, and not anger or hate. We must share the love of Christ with those who do not know that love, or have been "bewitched". We can make a difference, and do not let anyone tell you anything different.
PRAYER: Father, we are beset by many who seek to draw us away from Your grace. We are inundated by the noise of grace by works. Many in our world have fallen into the trap of that line of reasoning. Help us Dear Lord. Send Your Spirit to fill our hearts and minds with the faith we need to stay strong. And send Your Spirit to fill our mouths with Your words of grace by faith. Let us be Your voice of love to the world we live in. We ask this in the name our our risen savior Jesus Christ who with the Father and the Spirit are one God now and forever, Amen.
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