What Were You Saved From?

Revival Hymn

Do You Love Me?

“Do you love me?”

This statement is one of the hardest statements to get past in Scripture. The implications for Peter, as well as for us, are many and they are hard.

The context is familiar to all of us. When Jesus was enduring trial and crucifixion, Peter was denying Him. Three times Peter denied Him. The text doesn’t say it but I’m sure Jesus heard all three. He knew Peter’s heart as well as his sin. When we arrive at this text in the book of John, Jesus has risen from the dead and is now sitting on the beach with some of the disciples. Among them is Peter. After they finished eating breakfast, Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Peter’s response each time is “yes” with added emphasis on the last time.

Jesus knew Peter’s heart but He asked anyway. Some people have speculated that Jesus was asking the questions for Peter’s sake or that the questions were to reemphasize to Peter his own love for Christ. This could be true but I don’t think that’s the main point. When I read this text I wondered what the original language was. Did Jesus really ask the exact same question three times? According to the Greek text, the answer is no. The first two times Jesus essentially asks the same question. It was just worded differently. The third time however, Jesus changes the question. In the first two questions Jesus uses the word “agape.” This word means to love or cherish. But the last time Jesus uses the word “phileo.” This word still means to love or cherish but it is a more active word. When Jesus asks, “Do you love me” He also was implying “Peter, is your love for me active?”

This question was asked of Peter specifically but it is also the essence of our Christian faith. We don’t just believe in Him, we love Him. This is what sets us apart from the world. Most people in the world believe in Jesus but their love for Him, if it exists, is not active. They live their lives with little regard for Him and His commands.

The fact of the matter is, if we truly love Jesus we will be different. “How can we who have died to sin still live in it?” (Rom 6:2) Paul’s point is Jesus point. We have been changed. Sin cannot reign in our mortal bodies (Rom 6:12) for this reason we are commanded to flee from it. Jesus’ command to Peter was to care for His people and from this was built the Church of God. In our life however the active question of our love for Christ stands ever before us. Do we love Christ? If we do, our actions will mirror Christ’s and our lives will be a living witness to the truth of the gospel. Sin cannot reign in us because it does not reign in our God. A life of sin is no reflection of Him.

Do you love Christ? Then Prove it.

The Lure of Sin

"The human mind is never more resourceful than when it is involved in self-justification."

- Jean Garton

Intruder?

We've all heard ridiculous arguments concerning abortion but I think this one takes the cake. This is the latest pro argument:

"It doesn't matter at what point a fertilized egg becomes a zygote or a zygote a fetus or a fetus a baby. Personhood is irrelevant. The state simply does not have the right to require any citizen to use their body to keep another citizen alive, much less for nine months. The state can't force us to donate blood or organs. The state can't make us sign up for bone marrow registries. If we choose to do these things, it is noble and good, but we still would never tolerate, as a society, being forced to do so. How much less, then, should we tolerate the state forcing women to use their bodies to keep other people alive for nine full months, with all the risks and permanent changes in the body this entails? How is this permissible if women are fully functioning moral agents with all the rights of citizenship and not state-owned incubators?"
(More from Intruder Alert)

What's worse than this is the response of Matt Kaufman, the writer of the article in Boundless. Maybe I should say that what's worse is his lack of argument. While he doesn't ignore it, he most certainly doesn't set forth a convincing thought. He appeals to the reader's sense of responsibility for those less able to care for themselves.

Lets think about this. How many people would actually walk by a child on the street and think nothing of it? How many people watch the food for the hungry commercials and just change the channel? Wake up people. We don't live in a perfect world. Why do we try to argue like we do?

Maybe a better way to approach the subject, as Christians, is to view it through the lens of Scripture. It's clear that a fetus is actually a person and there are numerous commands in the Bible that address the need to care for the helpless. "Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for Me." The words of the Messiah for His people.

Granted those arguments won't stand amongst the godless of our generation. For them I propose a different tactic. First, I propose that you pray. The truth is there is absolutely nothing that we can do. Sorry. We aren't in control. God is the one that softens the heart.

My response to those who would use this argument is probably not so gracious.

If you don't want to get pregnant, maybe you should be more responsible or better yet stop fooling around. Granted, there are circumstances that are out of our control. Rape is never pleasant but should one sin lead to another? Killing a child, unborn or otherwise, is still sin. You can't get around it. People argue for the rights of the mother all the time. What about the rights of the child? Or does it forfeit rights because it can't speak up? (Much more can be said about this but for now I'll leave it alone)

Unfortunately, the majority of abortions are instigated not by a woman who has been raped but rather by a woman who was careless.

Just Thinking

Our response to music should be according, NOT to media but rather, to content.
(This most specifically refers to worship)

Lessons From a Flower

There are crocus in clusters sprouting up all around the yard. Around the tree and by the sidewalks they are growing in bunches. The one that caught my eye though was in the middle of the lawn. All around it there is dead grass, twigs that have fallen from the tree, and even dead leaves from last fall. All of that waste and yet it blooms.

I noticed it this morning while I was having some quiet time and praying. My prayers are far from joyful this morning. Though most of the time I don’t mind it because I’m content with just Christ, today I sat on the sidewalk terribly aware of just how single I am. Why am I nearly twenty four and yet to be in a relationship? Is this what You want for me? Should I just plan to be single? And how can I plan to be single when I feel so strongly that You have called me to serve my husband and family? And really, God. How can I have this calling and be so single?

I remember asking that question of my mother when I was home a while back. Her response was that God never gives a calling that He doesn’t not intend to fulfill. Right. And yet, here I am. I’m like that flower. I am out in the middle of nowhere. I’m on my own in the culture surrounded by dead souls. I have Christ who I can talk to but never see. And that’s all. Is this all You have for me?

I sat there and prayed for the flower and myself. Then I noticed something. Almost invisible amongst the dead grass and leaves, right next to my friend is another crocus. This one has not bloomed yet. So, my little friend is alone but not for much longer. So, God, are you saying that once again I’m being impatient and the timing isn’t right?

There you have it. I’m being impatient once again. God, forgive my impatience and help me to be satisfied where I am with what I have. Christ is enough.

Jesus Saves

Standing there I couldn’t see much of anything. The darkness had fallen and was lingering. There was a strange heavy atmosphere like a damp fog but that wasn’t what made discernment so challenging. So I stood there cold and damp, watching the darkness whirl around me and waiting. I knew what was coming was inevitable but I silently hoped it wouldn’t come. My heart sank. Not again.

Then in the stillness I saw the movement I dreaded. It’s voice was thick and deep. It chuckled. “So you couldn’t stay away?” More blatant laughter. “You know you like this. You have to admit that if it weren’t for me, your life would be dull.”

My mind turned but there was nothing to say. I waited as it moved around me. I could feel it’s breath on my neck as it came closer. I’m here. Get on with it.

“Mmm. You are dirtier than before. I thought you might be.” It came around full circle and I wanted to melt away, to hide, as it’s eyes seemed to penetrate every ounce of my being.

Why does it always take so long? Why do I care. I chose this.

Every moment that passed seemed to torment me more than the previous one. It didn’t touch me but started circling again, as a vulture circles it’s prey. “You’re trembling today. Are you going to be as exciting as you were last time?” I heard the glee in its voice and it made me shudder all the more. “How dark you seem, but you are heartless so I should expect that from you. Let’s see. Where should I start this time? I have so many more options it seems. How many have you killed? No, how many have you eaten? Or maybe I will ask you, how did it feel when you attempted to tear yourself up? When haven’t you ever tried to inflict pain on yourself or others? You know I commend you for thinking ahead. Destroy yourself so I have less work to do. How thoughtful.”

Tears were coming to the surface but I tried not to show it. This is what I asked for. It’s a small price to pay, isn’t it? I wished I could believe myself.

“What about your husband? Oh, that’s right. I forgot you have none. Well, it’s okay. He’ll appreciate it later. You really are too dirty. I don’t know what he would do with you.” It giggled again. I could feel it’s cold rough hand sliding up my arm. “If you wanted I could be your husband. After all, I am your master. It would be fitting. I appreciate you, the dirtier the better.” Its hand was on my shoulder now inching it’s way to my neck.

The sick feeling in my stomach increased but still I stood there. There was no way to prevent it. I had to let it wash over me. I chose this! I kept trying to remind myself. Oh, God! Why doesn’t it get on with it? Everything in me hurt. One tear trickled down my cheek. I didn’t wipe it away.

“What’s this?! Tears of joy? Or maybe you still feel after all. Very interesting.” It’s stale breath was on my face. “ You should have thought of that before. It’s too late. You are mine. There is nothing that can be done but accept it. I’m all you have.”

Why did I do this? I want out! Oh, God! Not again, please I can’t take it! The tears were falling now, steadily. No, I don’t want to do this! I can’t! I can’t! Help me! Please!

Suddenly, there was a loud sound almost like lightning accompanied by such force it knocked me over. I looked up from the ground and could see two images, my tormentor and a man, very still and thin looking. There seemed to be more light now, though it was still dark and damp and cold.

It was taken aback for an instant but it didn’t take long for it to regain composure. It looked from me to the new arrival. They stood there for a minute, silently. Then I heard it laugh out loud. “You! Well, the more the merrier!” The man did not shrink back. He stood ready and waiting but with an air of humility.

Who is this? What is going on? For an instant I dared to feel relief.

“You know the arrangement.” The man said quietly. “Do what you will.”

It circled it’s new prey, then suddenly with such vengeance as I had never seen, it attacked. I flinched though they were not close enough to effect me. However, the man was steady. He man fell back a bit but was still standing. He didn’t move or make a sound. “Are you really that strong?” It taunted before striking again. “I never thought I would see the day you were at my mercy!” It struck again and there appeared in its hand a whip of nine tails.

Why is he still standing there? Is he just going to let it come after him? Why doesn’t he fight back? I watched as it began to circle him and wondered at what was seeing.

I watched in horror as it beat my rescuer with the most venomous intent. Within minutes the tormentor had him doubled over in agony but still the man made no protest. He didn’t fight back. He just took what was given him. I wanted to jump up. I wanted to take that punishment that I knew was mine but I was frozen-- in fear or shock, I know not which. Maybe it was both. Again and again, the tormentor beat him and spit on him and laughed at him. My guilt was sure and my shame complete. Here was one who stood in my place and took my punishment and shame. He received my torment willingly though he himself deserved none of it!

It seemed hours later when, at last, it was over. Tortured to the fullest, finally he fell and did not get up. It was pleased with itself. It kicked the poor man’s body one more time, then, with a satisfied sneer, bent over to ensure it’s work was complete. Finally standing, it looked around for me. “And he thought I would stop there?” It’s laugh was malicious. “Where have you gone? You aren’t hiding are you?”

I was in plain sight, or so I thought but I silently prayed that I was truly as hidden as I felt. Though, what did it matter? He was another who endured pain and punishment because of me. I wanted to die.

For some reason, the tormentor looked for me and did not find me. It was as though I was covered from his sight. Finally, he gave up the search and left but still I didn’t move. I looked at the body before me and the blood that should have been mine. I fell on my face and wept bitterly.

I cried myself into a worthless sleep and when I awoke there was light. It was no longer the thick wet darkness that hung in the air. In fact my surroundings seemed to have changed entirely. As I lay there, letting my eyes grow accustomed to the new light, I noticed that I was indoors somewhere, warm and clean.

It was a minute before I realized I was not alone in this room. When I saw him, he leaned over me cautiously. “You’re awake. That’s good.” His voice was kind and quiet.

“Who are you? Where am I?” I asked.

“You’re safe. I am Joshua.” Suddenly, I knew him. The man who had suffered for me was now in front of me!

“You weren’t dead?!” How can this be?!

He smiled a small smile. “No. I am not dead and now you are not dead either.” He sat down next to me and was quiet for a minute. “What happened to the one? And do you not have any other tormentors?”

“No. I mean, I don’t know. It looked for me and left.”

“Well, then neither do I accuse you. Now, you are mine. You may go. Be clean. It can never reclaim you.”

Because of what happened at the cross, Satan can NEVER reclaim you. The wrath of God has fallen. At the cross we should see the full consequences of sin… that death should have fallen on you and it didn't because Jesus stepped in. Sin killed your Lord and it kills you. Think about the cross.