Americans Join Together in Prayer
John R. Petrilli
Scores gathered on May 5 at the steps of the County Courthouse in downtown Syracuse for the 60th annual National Day of Prayer. The sun shone down upon Syracuse for the first rain-free day in over two weeks, and the chimes from the Cathedral church signaled that noontime had arrived. The Crossway Quartet from Trinity Baptist Church in Warners began with a rousing rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner. Sheriff Joel Darby led the crowd in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by an opening prayer by Dr. Bruce Jones, President of the Greater Syracuse Association of Evangelicals.
Next came a fitting proclamation by Rep. Anne Marie Buerkle delivered in absentia by her Constituent Representative, Lindsay Bednarzyk. In the proclamation Buerkle recognized the significant place prayer holds in our history, and how prayer has sustained us through many difficult times. The proclamation also remembered those who are suffering from the devastation and loss of loved ones from natural disasters both home and abroad. It also also included prayer for the safety of our service men and women either at home or abroad, as well as the families of those soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. In a post-event phone interview Buerkle affirmed, “The National Day of Prayer is so important for this nation, that we recall our foundations, that we are one nation under God, we must never forget that. We commemorate the day and hold it very dear as something that’s important in our country.”
Jeff Shaver, Executive Director of Faith Heritage School, led a heartfelt prayer for our students. Phil Turner, recent pastor of the Baldwinsville Alliance Church followed with a tender prayer for the families of our community. Then Suresh Thiagarajan, Assistant Pastor of the International Assembly Church and affiliated with Syracuse University, offered up a fiery prayer for those serving in uniform at both locally and around the world. Eunhee Hertweck, Co-Pastor of Trinity Assembly of God, prayed earnestly for courage for the leaders of all levels our local, state and national governments. Keynote speaker Duane Motley from the New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms shared an informative address that traced the history of prayer by and for our government, citing its roots in the time of prayer that was called during the 1775 Continental Congress. Motley shared the many advances being made by prayer, including the growing numbers of prayer times by some members of our state serving in Albany. Motley was also instrumental in encouraging former Governor George Pataki to officially recognize the National Day of Prayer. That tradition grew to attract as many as 1500 attendees at its zenith, but Motley’s attempts to carry over the practice in a substantial way have been unfavorably received by the last two governors. Motley closed with an encouraging outline citing a number of important and specific ways that prayer has changed things in our state government.
The Syracuse observance was a local expression of the annual nationwide event. The observance in Washington D.C. featured keynote speaker Joni Eareckson Tada, a speech from freshman Congressman Allen West (R- Fla.), and a performance by three-time Dove Award-winning artist Ginny Owens and worship leader Jared Anderson. Tada’s remarks addressed the anxieties Americans currently feel. "Americans are nervous; Americans are restless; and what troubles me the most is that Americans are uncharacteristically pessimistic," she said. “And boy, it doesn't help when you sit at home and watch videos of the tsunami (in Japan) and the tornadoes down South. Forty-four years of quadriplegia, I deal daily with chronic pain. And [with my] recent battle with breast cancer, I know something about uncertain times," she told the audience. "Trials are not just assaults to be withstood. No, trials are opportunities to be seized. Life becomes inspiring, not in spite of the problems and the hard hits, but because of them." Reminding the crowd that God’s in control, Tada advised the audience to refuse to give in to challenges, and instead, to think "Game On! Let's Go! Victory is within Reach!"
In an April 15 interview on with Citizenlink writer Roger Greer, Tada sounded a note of spiritual optimism and hope for the nation. “I think revival is going to sweep our land, if we Christians not only start praying as we should but start living as we should. I love where the Old Testament tells us that if we would confess our sins, we turn and repent from them, God will heal our land. (2 Chronicles 7:14). Revival is poised, ready to sweep our nation. But it first has to happen in our hearts. And it’s not easy to confess sins. It’s not easy to admit that you are stubborn, self-centered, full of pride, cherishing inflated ideas of your own importance, or tending to manipulate others with your precisely timed phrases. I could go on and on, but as we readily confess and be transparent and vulnerable with one another, and confess our sins to one another, not only will we be healed as the Bible says, but our nation will be healed.”
An additional highlight of the Washington D.C. event was the stirring message delivered by Rep. Allen West, a freshman Republican congressman from Florida. West stated, “When the foundations of America were attacked and destroyed on September 11, 2001 we found ourselves as a Nation doing that which is best, praying. We found ourselves doing as it says in Psalm 34:6, ‘This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.’ In our Congressional office there is a simple portrait that reminds me where great leaders find strength in times of troubles. It is a portrait which reminds me of the faith and conviction that enabled a rag tag bunch of 13 Colonies to come together and triumph. It is the portrait of General George Washington kneeling beside his horse, hands clasped, and head bowed in the snow of Valley Forge.
I know that before you can stand against the evils, trials, and challenges we all face.....we must first kneel in prayer. As we trust in God through the power of prayer we can say as it says in Romans 8:31 ‘What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us.’ This America is rooted in a Judeo-Christian faith tradition which finds its cornerstone of communication, prayer. Psalm 11:3 asks us a simple question, ‘If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?’ The answer is simple, this nation will pray when its foundations are being destroyed.”
Monday, June 6, 2011
God’s Design for Dads
God’s Design for Dads
John R. Petrilli
It’s a date we will never forget … 9/11/01. While the impact of the events of that day are still being felt, the American people have responded, once more, with courage, nobility, honor and grace. As we speak, men and machines are at work at Ground Zero constructing the new Freedom Tower. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2018. Designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, the Tower will stand 84stories and have a base measuring 200 feet by 200 feet. The design of the building is such that each facet has some kind of symbolic value. For instance, the base is the same size as that of the original twin towers. The observation deck will be located at 1,362 feet, the height of the former World Trade Center Tower Two. The glass parapet will be at 1,368 feet, the height of the former World Trade Center Tower One. The 186 foot tall square base of the Freedom Tower will be clad in glass prisms that will refract light into color and make the monolithic structure an eye-pleasing curiosity. And, last but not least, the spire at the top will point viewers towards the heavens. The design is officially known as “Memory Foundations” because it leaves room for several memorials in the 16 acre complex. Everything about the design of this new tower and its surroundings speaks of memorial.
Designs are fascinating. The architects that produce them have a specific purpose in mind. The same can be said about God’s plan and purpose for the family. He didn’t haphazardly throw some things together and hope everything came out right. Not on your life! The family is such an important and integral part of God’s creation that He designed a pattern for how each of its members should function. Being Father’s Day month, this article will consider what our loving Creator has in mind for those who are dads.
DAD, YOU CAN BLESS YOUR CHILDREN WITH THE GIFT OF TENDER AFFECTION.
“See, I will send the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children.” Malachi 4:5-6 [NIV]
Imagine, these verses are among the last few words anyone would hear from God for 400 years! And, of all the things He could have addressed, God chose the family unit as His closing topic. Through the prophet Malachi God predicted that a future day would come when a man with Elijah-like qualities would usher in the ministry of the Messiah. That day came when John the Baptist was born, even as the angel of the Lord’s words to Zechariah confirmed (Luke 1:11-17). God began the New Testament record by picking up right where He’d left off in the Old Testament. Amazing! What is of interest to us in this article is the kind of heart attitude that fathers could have toward their children once the age of grace was ushered in. It would be a heart attitude of love. When someone’s heart is turned toward another, it’s an indication that they have tender, affectionate feelings for them. Such an attitudinal shift implies that the fathers during Malachi’s day may not have been known for the fondness they possessed for their kids. If news reports of the alarming rise in child abuse are any indicator, we may be living in a similar day. We need not look very far to find a father whose heart was tender toward his offspring. God said of Abraham, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and sacrifice him on one of the mountains I will tell you about” (Gen. 22:2). Dads, you’ll never know just how much of a blessing it will be for you and your kids as you turn your heart away from selfish pursuits and towards your children.
DAD, YOU CAN EDUCATE YOUR CHILDREN VIA THE TOOL OF TIMELY INSTRUCTION.
“Impress these commandments upon your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deut. 6:7 [NIV]
Once again teachers are in the news. Ever wonder why our society places such a strong emphasis on the education of our children? Did you know that God has the same priority in this regard? Wherever you find parents and children mentioned together in Scripture, it’s almost always within the context of educating them.
By educating them, we’re not talking about the three R’s here. Thankfully, that base is usually covered by whatever formal educational option you’ve chosen for your kids. We’re referring to something altogether different. You see, the primary responsibility for spiritual instruction falls squarely on the shoulders of parents in general and fathers in particular (Eph. 6:4). While we can be thankful for the spiritual reinforcement our kids get through Sunday School and Children’s Church lessons, nothing can replace parental instruction. This is because that “teachable moment” can take place anytime, anyplace, not merely in a classroom. Kids are famous for their natural and perpetual curiosity, as evidenced in that one profound (and sometimes annoying) question, “But why?” As a former child educator, I can assure you, the best teaching takes place “on the fly”. Whether it’s inside your home or among the great outdoors, your kids will most remember the things you share with them in those informal moments. Dad, if you’re wise, you’ll capitalize on those teachable moments when your child’s spiritual curiosity is peaked and they’re searching for the deeper meaning behind the things they see and hear.
DAD, YOU CAN INFLUENCE YOUR CHILDREN WITH WORDS OF PERSONAL AFFIRMATION.
“You are my son, and I love you. I am very pleased with you.” Luke 3:21-22 [Everyday Bible]
Just WHO was it who SAID those words? Well, it was God the Father. He chose the occasion of Jesus’ baptism to publicly affirm His approval and love for His Son. Research has shown beyond a shadow of a doubt the power of a parent’s words to influence the identity, self-esteem and destiny of a child. A study was made of one race of people known for their consistency in placing their sons and daughters in the highly accomplished professions of law, medicine and engineering. Among many findings, one important factor that distinguished these parents from their contemporaries was that they constantly told their children they were going to grow up to do great things. This type of “self-fulfilling prophecy” actually works. Parental affirmation of the child’s intrinsic worth and potential for greatness rubs-off on them until they truly believe it. Conversely, when inmates were interviewed at penitentiaries, it was learned that their fathers and mothers frequently pronounced a curse upon them, telling them they were no good, and would never amount to anything. Unfortunately, most of them believed this and lived it out in their adult lives. The raw power of positive personal affirmation can never be underestimated (Pro.18:21). Dads, (and Moms), be careful to speak words of approval and affirmation when your kids display ability and skill in an area. Consistent, genuine affirmation may well be the key to their developing a positive self-image that will enable them to identify their gifts and perform the work which God has planned for them.
DAD, YOU CAN SHAPE YOUR CHILDREN WITH THE TOOL OF CONSTRUCTIVE CORRECTION.
“Fathers, don’t exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.” Eph. 6:4 [Message]
None of us comes into this world unscathed by the fall. We’re all born with a handicap known as sin (Psa. 51:5). God understands this and we need to remember it too when we deal with our kids (Psalms 103:13-14). Disobedience should not surprise us, for our kids have a natural, inborn bent in this direction. According to renowned child psychologist Dr. James C. Dobson, a parent’s job is to shape the child’s will without breaking their spirit. That can be a mighty challenging job at times, no doubt. But, as we rely on God’s wisdom and grace, He’ll show us the best timing, methods, and procedures to implement when correcting our kids. If that correction is to be successful it must be constructive in nature, not destructive. Constructive correction explains to the child why their behavior isn’t acceptable before administering the board of education to the seat of learning (Pro.22:15). Contrary to pop child psychology, withholding discipline from a child is actually a form of child abuse, not love (Pro.13:24). Fair, loving discipline prepares a child for the real world where self-centered and anti-social behaviors have very real and highly undesirable consequences.
DAD, YOU CAN PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN WITH WISE DIRECTION.
“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching (Proverbs 1:8). My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commandments in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.” (Proverbs 3:1-2) [NIV]
Many voices, both secular and Christian, are telling us they’ve found the secret to prosperity and longevity. According to Solomon’s dad, both are the reward of following godly parental advice. Life is filled with many decisions, both great and small. God’s Word says that parents are an indispensable guidance resource for their children, whether those children are youthful or fully grown. I’ve found this Scripture to be true in my life.
I believe it is so because our parents know us better than anyone else does. They watched our personalities develop as we grew up. They closely observed us as we decided which things we liked and those things we didn’t like. Parents know their kid’s tendencies in even the smallest of areas. That being said, it’s the better part of wisdom to consult one’s parents when making decisions that have far reaching consequences. On the parental side, there needs to be a readiness and willingness to hear out the child’s concerns, then weigh the options and give advice which is in the child’s best interests. Jumping in with premature advice doesn’t serve the child, but really listening to their heart when they open up to us does. They will appreciate your respect, and might even follow your advice! May God bless each and every dad reading this, and a Happy Father’s Day to you all!
P.S.: On September 30 the movie producers who did “Facing the Giants” and “Fireproof” are releasing another Christian blockbuster titled “Courageous” (http://www.courageousthemovie.com/videos-trailer). It’s a must see for every father on the planet!
John R. Petrilli
It’s a date we will never forget … 9/11/01. While the impact of the events of that day are still being felt, the American people have responded, once more, with courage, nobility, honor and grace. As we speak, men and machines are at work at Ground Zero constructing the new Freedom Tower. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2018. Designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, the Tower will stand 84stories and have a base measuring 200 feet by 200 feet. The design of the building is such that each facet has some kind of symbolic value. For instance, the base is the same size as that of the original twin towers. The observation deck will be located at 1,362 feet, the height of the former World Trade Center Tower Two. The glass parapet will be at 1,368 feet, the height of the former World Trade Center Tower One. The 186 foot tall square base of the Freedom Tower will be clad in glass prisms that will refract light into color and make the monolithic structure an eye-pleasing curiosity. And, last but not least, the spire at the top will point viewers towards the heavens. The design is officially known as “Memory Foundations” because it leaves room for several memorials in the 16 acre complex. Everything about the design of this new tower and its surroundings speaks of memorial.
Designs are fascinating. The architects that produce them have a specific purpose in mind. The same can be said about God’s plan and purpose for the family. He didn’t haphazardly throw some things together and hope everything came out right. Not on your life! The family is such an important and integral part of God’s creation that He designed a pattern for how each of its members should function. Being Father’s Day month, this article will consider what our loving Creator has in mind for those who are dads.
DAD, YOU CAN BLESS YOUR CHILDREN WITH THE GIFT OF TENDER AFFECTION.
“See, I will send the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children.” Malachi 4:5-6 [NIV]
Imagine, these verses are among the last few words anyone would hear from God for 400 years! And, of all the things He could have addressed, God chose the family unit as His closing topic. Through the prophet Malachi God predicted that a future day would come when a man with Elijah-like qualities would usher in the ministry of the Messiah. That day came when John the Baptist was born, even as the angel of the Lord’s words to Zechariah confirmed (Luke 1:11-17). God began the New Testament record by picking up right where He’d left off in the Old Testament. Amazing! What is of interest to us in this article is the kind of heart attitude that fathers could have toward their children once the age of grace was ushered in. It would be a heart attitude of love. When someone’s heart is turned toward another, it’s an indication that they have tender, affectionate feelings for them. Such an attitudinal shift implies that the fathers during Malachi’s day may not have been known for the fondness they possessed for their kids. If news reports of the alarming rise in child abuse are any indicator, we may be living in a similar day. We need not look very far to find a father whose heart was tender toward his offspring. God said of Abraham, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and sacrifice him on one of the mountains I will tell you about” (Gen. 22:2). Dads, you’ll never know just how much of a blessing it will be for you and your kids as you turn your heart away from selfish pursuits and towards your children.
DAD, YOU CAN EDUCATE YOUR CHILDREN VIA THE TOOL OF TIMELY INSTRUCTION.
“Impress these commandments upon your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deut. 6:7 [NIV]
Once again teachers are in the news. Ever wonder why our society places such a strong emphasis on the education of our children? Did you know that God has the same priority in this regard? Wherever you find parents and children mentioned together in Scripture, it’s almost always within the context of educating them.
By educating them, we’re not talking about the three R’s here. Thankfully, that base is usually covered by whatever formal educational option you’ve chosen for your kids. We’re referring to something altogether different. You see, the primary responsibility for spiritual instruction falls squarely on the shoulders of parents in general and fathers in particular (Eph. 6:4). While we can be thankful for the spiritual reinforcement our kids get through Sunday School and Children’s Church lessons, nothing can replace parental instruction. This is because that “teachable moment” can take place anytime, anyplace, not merely in a classroom. Kids are famous for their natural and perpetual curiosity, as evidenced in that one profound (and sometimes annoying) question, “But why?” As a former child educator, I can assure you, the best teaching takes place “on the fly”. Whether it’s inside your home or among the great outdoors, your kids will most remember the things you share with them in those informal moments. Dad, if you’re wise, you’ll capitalize on those teachable moments when your child’s spiritual curiosity is peaked and they’re searching for the deeper meaning behind the things they see and hear.
DAD, YOU CAN INFLUENCE YOUR CHILDREN WITH WORDS OF PERSONAL AFFIRMATION.
“You are my son, and I love you. I am very pleased with you.” Luke 3:21-22 [Everyday Bible]
Just WHO was it who SAID those words? Well, it was God the Father. He chose the occasion of Jesus’ baptism to publicly affirm His approval and love for His Son. Research has shown beyond a shadow of a doubt the power of a parent’s words to influence the identity, self-esteem and destiny of a child. A study was made of one race of people known for their consistency in placing their sons and daughters in the highly accomplished professions of law, medicine and engineering. Among many findings, one important factor that distinguished these parents from their contemporaries was that they constantly told their children they were going to grow up to do great things. This type of “self-fulfilling prophecy” actually works. Parental affirmation of the child’s intrinsic worth and potential for greatness rubs-off on them until they truly believe it. Conversely, when inmates were interviewed at penitentiaries, it was learned that their fathers and mothers frequently pronounced a curse upon them, telling them they were no good, and would never amount to anything. Unfortunately, most of them believed this and lived it out in their adult lives. The raw power of positive personal affirmation can never be underestimated (Pro.18:21). Dads, (and Moms), be careful to speak words of approval and affirmation when your kids display ability and skill in an area. Consistent, genuine affirmation may well be the key to their developing a positive self-image that will enable them to identify their gifts and perform the work which God has planned for them.
DAD, YOU CAN SHAPE YOUR CHILDREN WITH THE TOOL OF CONSTRUCTIVE CORRECTION.
“Fathers, don’t exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.” Eph. 6:4 [Message]
None of us comes into this world unscathed by the fall. We’re all born with a handicap known as sin (Psa. 51:5). God understands this and we need to remember it too when we deal with our kids (Psalms 103:13-14). Disobedience should not surprise us, for our kids have a natural, inborn bent in this direction. According to renowned child psychologist Dr. James C. Dobson, a parent’s job is to shape the child’s will without breaking their spirit. That can be a mighty challenging job at times, no doubt. But, as we rely on God’s wisdom and grace, He’ll show us the best timing, methods, and procedures to implement when correcting our kids. If that correction is to be successful it must be constructive in nature, not destructive. Constructive correction explains to the child why their behavior isn’t acceptable before administering the board of education to the seat of learning (Pro.22:15). Contrary to pop child psychology, withholding discipline from a child is actually a form of child abuse, not love (Pro.13:24). Fair, loving discipline prepares a child for the real world where self-centered and anti-social behaviors have very real and highly undesirable consequences.
DAD, YOU CAN PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN WITH WISE DIRECTION.
“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching (Proverbs 1:8). My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commandments in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.” (Proverbs 3:1-2) [NIV]
Many voices, both secular and Christian, are telling us they’ve found the secret to prosperity and longevity. According to Solomon’s dad, both are the reward of following godly parental advice. Life is filled with many decisions, both great and small. God’s Word says that parents are an indispensable guidance resource for their children, whether those children are youthful or fully grown. I’ve found this Scripture to be true in my life.
I believe it is so because our parents know us better than anyone else does. They watched our personalities develop as we grew up. They closely observed us as we decided which things we liked and those things we didn’t like. Parents know their kid’s tendencies in even the smallest of areas. That being said, it’s the better part of wisdom to consult one’s parents when making decisions that have far reaching consequences. On the parental side, there needs to be a readiness and willingness to hear out the child’s concerns, then weigh the options and give advice which is in the child’s best interests. Jumping in with premature advice doesn’t serve the child, but really listening to their heart when they open up to us does. They will appreciate your respect, and might even follow your advice! May God bless each and every dad reading this, and a Happy Father’s Day to you all!
P.S.: On September 30 the movie producers who did “Facing the Giants” and “Fireproof” are releasing another Christian blockbuster titled “Courageous” (http://www.courageousthemovie.com/videos-trailer). It’s a must see for every father on the planet!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
What Is Jesus Doing Today?
What Is Jesus Doing Today?
John R. Petrilli
With Easter season 2011 now in the books, have you ever wondered what Jesus is up to today? We know He rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. That He took His seat on God’s right hand. But is that it? Does the Bible give us any indication as to what He might be doing up there right now? Thankfully it does! Here’s the “rest of the story”.
TODAY JESUS IS PREPARING A FABULOUS HEAVENLY HOME FOR US!
“In My Father’s house there are many rooms. I am going there to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2
One of the great joys of springtime is the return of songbirds. Consider these fascinating details about the bowerbirds of Australia. Male bowerbirds go all out to attract a mate. In fact, they build special homes just for this purpose. Some species make rings up to five feet wide in which to sing and dance to lure a female. Other species build nests six feet high that resemble a pyramid. Bowerbirds decorate their nests with colored berries, insect wings, flowers, and small shells. They carpet the floors of their homes with leaves or ferns, or set up curtains of vines or other hanging plants. Some even paint the walls by mixing their saliva with naturally-found pigments, using bark or leaves as paintbrushes. This picture provides a wonderful illustration of a spiritual reality. Jesus Christ, right this moment, is busy building a fabulous hew home in heaven for His Bride, the Church.
In our modern culture it’s highly unlikely that a bride and groom would reside in the home of the groom’s father. But in Jesus’ day this was actually the norm. I remember hearing singer Damaris Carbaugh share her anticipation of getting her heavenly suite, and how it will be exactly how she herself would have made it. She’ll see all her favorite colors, décor, and designs. Damaris even assured her audience that we will be able to identify her apartment by the lively Latino music wafting out of her window. What is Jesus doing today?
Well, for one thing, He’s preparing an awesome crib for each of us to enjoy for all eternity!
TODAY JESUS CONTINUES SERVING US AS OUR HEAVENLY GREAT HIGH PRIEST!
Due to skyrocketing legal fees, more and more corporations and individuals are choosing to settle their disputes through arbitration rather than court. The arbitration process uses a mediator to negotiate a settlement that is binding on both parties. A good mediator knows and understands both sides as well as the issue causing the
problem. In the Old Testament the primary function of the High Priest was to act as a mediator between God and humanity. The book of Hebrews presents Jesus Christ as THE UNIQUE AND FINAL Great High Priest.
In this role, Jesus Christ ministers to us today in at least three important ways.
Christ Resources Us to Overcome Temptation.
“We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet without sin. Let us then approach the Throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:15-16). In chapter one of Hebrews we’re told that after ascending to Heaven, Jesus took His seat at the right hand of God’s Throne. In chapter two of Hebrews Jesus is pictured as a very human individual Who’s experienced the same kind of trials and temptations we do. Now in chapter four of Hebrews we find Christ serving as our mediator as a sympathetic yet omnipotent Great High Priest. As such, He’s not only able to identify with our struggles, but also ready, willing and able to supply us with all the grace and strength we need to overcome sin and trials the same way He did.
Christ is Praying for Our Spiritual Welfare.
“Earlier there were a lot of priests, for they died and had to be replaced. But Jesus’ priesthood is permanent. He’s there from now to eternity to save everyone who comes to God through Him, always on the job to speak up for them” (Heb. 7:23-25). As we journey through this fallen world we encounter the world, the flesh, and the devil. Such formidable foes demand that we receive supernatural assistance, and that is secured for us as Jesus intercedes on our behalf. Two incidents in the N.T. give us an idea of what He’s praying about for us. The first is found in Luke 22:32 where Jesus informs Peter that He was praying for his spiritual recovery and preservation long before Peter actually denied Him. The other occasion is located in John 17 where Jesus prays for the protection, spiritual growth, and multiplication of His disciples. Together, these two incidents show us that our Lord is personally involved with our ongoing daily needs, and is praying for our spiritual success.
As Our Great High Priest, Christ Is Legally Representing Us Before the Father.
Christ Represents Us Before the Father.
“If anyone does sin, we have Jesus Christ to help us. He defends us before God” (1 John 2:1). TV series like Law & Order” and CSI have consistently topped the ratings charts for years now. Each episode involves the tracking-down and prosecution of someone guilty of a serious crime. According to the Bible, every person on earth is a criminal who is guilty of violating the law of God. As such we need someone who will represent our case before God. The apostle John tells us that Jesus Christ is presently serving as our heavenly attorney. Unlike some lawyers, Christ never tries to hide our guilt or make excuses for us. Instead, He stands before the Father and secures our clemency on the basis of His shed blood for our sins. “If an animal’s blood and other rituals of purification were effective in cleaning up certain matters of our religion and behavior, think how much more the blood of Christ cleans up our whole lives, inside and out. Because Jesus already paid the death penalty our sins deserved, He can approach the bench in God’s courtroom and confidently enter a plea of “NOT GUILTY!” for us. And the great thing is that the Father readily accepts that plea and declares us innocent!
TODAY JESUS IS SUPERINTENDING THE CHURCH WORLDWIDE!
“On the Lord’s day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet. I turned to see the voice, and when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone like a Son of
Man … in His right hand he held seven stars ... the seven stars you saw in My right hand are the pastors of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.” (Rev.1:18-19)
It was a Sunday worship service the apostle John would never forget. During imprisonment on the island of Patmos, John experienced a firsthand encounter with Christ in His risen, ascended, glorified state. Completely overwhelmed, Jesus places His hand on John and reassures him that there was nothing at all to fear. Christ then identifies the objects John saw in the vision to be representations of seven churches and their corresponding pastors that then existed in what is now Turkey. In chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation we see Christ inspecting, assessing, and addressing the various spiritual concerns of each of these seven congregations. Many scholars believe these congregations also represent typical spiritual conditions of local churches at any given time in Church history.
While Christ is no longer bodily present on earth, He in no way has vacated His position as Head of the Church. We may not be able to physically see Him in our local churches, but He’s there personally. As the leadership and membership allow Him access, He’s ready to help every believing assembly become all that it can for Him. By holding each star in the palm of His hand, we catch a glimpse of the intimate relationship He’s to have with the lead pastor of each local body of believers. There is also a sense of pastoral accountability communicated here as well. Hebrews 13:17 reminds us that our pastors will be held personally responsible for our spiritual progress, and encourages us to cooperate with our earthly shepherd’s efforts to bring us on to maturity. Along with that great weight of responsibility comes a special crown of glory that will some future day be officially bestowed upon the faithful pastor by the Chief Pastor, Jesus Christ Himself (1 Peter 5:4).
So what IS Jesus doing today? He’s Busy Preparing a Honeymoon Suite for His Bride. He’s Busy Performing His Duties as Our Great High Priest. And He’s Busy Leading & Building His Church! He’s so busy for us! Question is, how busy are we for Him?
John R. Petrilli
With Easter season 2011 now in the books, have you ever wondered what Jesus is up to today? We know He rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. That He took His seat on God’s right hand. But is that it? Does the Bible give us any indication as to what He might be doing up there right now? Thankfully it does! Here’s the “rest of the story”.
TODAY JESUS IS PREPARING A FABULOUS HEAVENLY HOME FOR US!
“In My Father’s house there are many rooms. I am going there to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2
One of the great joys of springtime is the return of songbirds. Consider these fascinating details about the bowerbirds of Australia. Male bowerbirds go all out to attract a mate. In fact, they build special homes just for this purpose. Some species make rings up to five feet wide in which to sing and dance to lure a female. Other species build nests six feet high that resemble a pyramid. Bowerbirds decorate their nests with colored berries, insect wings, flowers, and small shells. They carpet the floors of their homes with leaves or ferns, or set up curtains of vines or other hanging plants. Some even paint the walls by mixing their saliva with naturally-found pigments, using bark or leaves as paintbrushes. This picture provides a wonderful illustration of a spiritual reality. Jesus Christ, right this moment, is busy building a fabulous hew home in heaven for His Bride, the Church.
In our modern culture it’s highly unlikely that a bride and groom would reside in the home of the groom’s father. But in Jesus’ day this was actually the norm. I remember hearing singer Damaris Carbaugh share her anticipation of getting her heavenly suite, and how it will be exactly how she herself would have made it. She’ll see all her favorite colors, décor, and designs. Damaris even assured her audience that we will be able to identify her apartment by the lively Latino music wafting out of her window. What is Jesus doing today?
Well, for one thing, He’s preparing an awesome crib for each of us to enjoy for all eternity!
TODAY JESUS CONTINUES SERVING US AS OUR HEAVENLY GREAT HIGH PRIEST!
Due to skyrocketing legal fees, more and more corporations and individuals are choosing to settle their disputes through arbitration rather than court. The arbitration process uses a mediator to negotiate a settlement that is binding on both parties. A good mediator knows and understands both sides as well as the issue causing the
problem. In the Old Testament the primary function of the High Priest was to act as a mediator between God and humanity. The book of Hebrews presents Jesus Christ as THE UNIQUE AND FINAL Great High Priest.
In this role, Jesus Christ ministers to us today in at least three important ways.
Christ Resources Us to Overcome Temptation.
“We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet without sin. Let us then approach the Throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:15-16). In chapter one of Hebrews we’re told that after ascending to Heaven, Jesus took His seat at the right hand of God’s Throne. In chapter two of Hebrews Jesus is pictured as a very human individual Who’s experienced the same kind of trials and temptations we do. Now in chapter four of Hebrews we find Christ serving as our mediator as a sympathetic yet omnipotent Great High Priest. As such, He’s not only able to identify with our struggles, but also ready, willing and able to supply us with all the grace and strength we need to overcome sin and trials the same way He did.
Christ is Praying for Our Spiritual Welfare.
“Earlier there were a lot of priests, for they died and had to be replaced. But Jesus’ priesthood is permanent. He’s there from now to eternity to save everyone who comes to God through Him, always on the job to speak up for them” (Heb. 7:23-25). As we journey through this fallen world we encounter the world, the flesh, and the devil. Such formidable foes demand that we receive supernatural assistance, and that is secured for us as Jesus intercedes on our behalf. Two incidents in the N.T. give us an idea of what He’s praying about for us. The first is found in Luke 22:32 where Jesus informs Peter that He was praying for his spiritual recovery and preservation long before Peter actually denied Him. The other occasion is located in John 17 where Jesus prays for the protection, spiritual growth, and multiplication of His disciples. Together, these two incidents show us that our Lord is personally involved with our ongoing daily needs, and is praying for our spiritual success.
As Our Great High Priest, Christ Is Legally Representing Us Before the Father.
Christ Represents Us Before the Father.
“If anyone does sin, we have Jesus Christ to help us. He defends us before God” (1 John 2:1). TV series like Law & Order” and CSI have consistently topped the ratings charts for years now. Each episode involves the tracking-down and prosecution of someone guilty of a serious crime. According to the Bible, every person on earth is a criminal who is guilty of violating the law of God. As such we need someone who will represent our case before God. The apostle John tells us that Jesus Christ is presently serving as our heavenly attorney. Unlike some lawyers, Christ never tries to hide our guilt or make excuses for us. Instead, He stands before the Father and secures our clemency on the basis of His shed blood for our sins. “If an animal’s blood and other rituals of purification were effective in cleaning up certain matters of our religion and behavior, think how much more the blood of Christ cleans up our whole lives, inside and out. Because Jesus already paid the death penalty our sins deserved, He can approach the bench in God’s courtroom and confidently enter a plea of “NOT GUILTY!” for us. And the great thing is that the Father readily accepts that plea and declares us innocent!
TODAY JESUS IS SUPERINTENDING THE CHURCH WORLDWIDE!
“On the Lord’s day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet. I turned to see the voice, and when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone like a Son of
Man … in His right hand he held seven stars ... the seven stars you saw in My right hand are the pastors of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.” (Rev.1:18-19)
It was a Sunday worship service the apostle John would never forget. During imprisonment on the island of Patmos, John experienced a firsthand encounter with Christ in His risen, ascended, glorified state. Completely overwhelmed, Jesus places His hand on John and reassures him that there was nothing at all to fear. Christ then identifies the objects John saw in the vision to be representations of seven churches and their corresponding pastors that then existed in what is now Turkey. In chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation we see Christ inspecting, assessing, and addressing the various spiritual concerns of each of these seven congregations. Many scholars believe these congregations also represent typical spiritual conditions of local churches at any given time in Church history.
While Christ is no longer bodily present on earth, He in no way has vacated His position as Head of the Church. We may not be able to physically see Him in our local churches, but He’s there personally. As the leadership and membership allow Him access, He’s ready to help every believing assembly become all that it can for Him. By holding each star in the palm of His hand, we catch a glimpse of the intimate relationship He’s to have with the lead pastor of each local body of believers. There is also a sense of pastoral accountability communicated here as well. Hebrews 13:17 reminds us that our pastors will be held personally responsible for our spiritual progress, and encourages us to cooperate with our earthly shepherd’s efforts to bring us on to maturity. Along with that great weight of responsibility comes a special crown of glory that will some future day be officially bestowed upon the faithful pastor by the Chief Pastor, Jesus Christ Himself (1 Peter 5:4).
So what IS Jesus doing today? He’s Busy Preparing a Honeymoon Suite for His Bride. He’s Busy Performing His Duties as Our Great High Priest. And He’s Busy Leading & Building His Church! He’s so busy for us! Question is, how busy are we for Him?
Thursday, April 7, 2011
I Did It GOD’S Way!
I Did It GOD’S Way!
John R. Petrilli
Life is dynamic in that we get to choose how we will live it. Culture, tradition and personal values have a huge impact on the type of lifestyle we choose. So how are you living your life? Are you satisfied with your choice of lifestyle? Here’s some food for thought.
MANY TRY TO DO LIFE THEIR WAY!
Pop music fans will quickly recognize the lyrics from Frank Sinatra’s hit song, “My Way”. The lyrics of "My Way" tell the story of a man who’s nearing the end of his life. He’s peacock proud of how he dealt with all the ups and downs of his life through raw self-reliance.
“I’ve lived a life that’s full, I’ve traveled each and every highway,
But more, more than this,
I DID IT MY WAY!
I planned each charted course, each careful step along the byway,
And more, much more than this,
I DID IT MY WAY!
To think I did all that, and may I say – not in a shy way,
No, no not me,
I DID IT MY WAY!
The record shows I took the blows, and
DID IT MY WAY!”
Modern culture vigorously espouses the idea that we can be our own person, a moral free agent who’s accountable to no one but ourselves. That we can live life OUR OWN WAY, on our own terms. While such a philosophy makes for good-sounding lyrics, it runs into big trouble when trying to apply it to our relationship with God. In my spiritual journey I had to learn this lesson the hard way.
I TRIED TO DO LIFE MY WAY!
In my early twenties I started searching for truth in various belief systems like Hinduism, Buddhism, Transcendental Meditation and philosophy. Then I began feeling irresistibly drawn to the Person of Jesus Christ as I read the Gospel of John. I wanted Jesus to be my Savior, but thought that faith couldn’t possibly be enough. I felt I had to DO certain things in addition to my faith to get right and stay right with God. So when I read in the Bible where Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell everything he had and give to the poor - I DID by emptying-out my wardrobe. When I read the directive to visit those shut up from society - I DID by becoming a friendly visitor at Van Duyn Nursing Home. When I read about feeding the hungry - I DID by volunteering at a soup kitchen that fed street people. Now all of these are fine things to be involved in. The problem was that I was banking my salvation on them.
In spite of scores of hours spent in time and energy volunteering to help others, I still didn’t have any peace in my heart. That was because I was doing it ‘my way’. I was trying to please God on my own terms, thinking these acts of benevolence would somehow curry His favor and merit His salvation. Boy was I wrong!
I CHOSE TO DO LIFE GOD’S WAY!
All this came to a head as I faced a decision on whether or not to return to school to complete my final year at Onondaga Community College. As I presented numerous ‘my way’ alternatives to the Lord, I heard nothing - dead silence. I really didn’t want to go back to college. But when, as a last option, I asked Him if O.C.C. was where He wanted me, He confirmed that with an exclamation point. During that prayer time He showed me that He never wanted my good works … He wanted ME! This was a revolutionary revelation. It changed my whole picture of how God related to me. It turned out, after all, that faith WAS enough. Jesus says so in His own words. One day a group of people wanted to know what good work they could do to be right with God. Here’s how the conversation went.
PEOPLE: “What exactly does God want us to DO?”
JESUS: “God wants you to HAVE FAITH in the One He has sent.” (John 6:28-29)
These well-meaning folks mistakenly believed that their good works would somehow earn their salvation. This ‘My Way’ approach to salvation has been around since Cain tried to substitute God’s required blood offering with a grain offering he’d produced with his own hands. For centuries people the world over have been taking a ‘My Way’ approach in their attempts to get right with God. With these beliefs it’s all about DOING something to please or appease God. Some people “DO” by praying face-to-the-ground three times a day. Others “DO” by giving alms and trying to live “good” lives. Still others “DO” by honoring a personal code of ethics they will curry favor with God. But Jesus said, “The work of God is this: that you BELIEVE in the One whom He has sent.”
Here’s a spiritual formula to remember:
SALVATION = by GRACE, through FAITH + NOTHING.
Note the “ + NOTHING ” part. There’s absolutely NOTHING we can ADD to saving faith. Any system that does so is promoting a false gospel. Faith always was and always will be ENOUGH for our salvation. Paul makes this crystal clear: “For it is by grace you have been saved through FAITH – and this is NOT from yourselves, it is the gift of God – NOT BY WORKS, so that no one can boast” (Eph. 2:8-9). The verse that follows reveals the proper role that good works play AFTER a person is saved. “For are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph. 2:10). We’re not saved BY good works, but we’re saved FOR good works.
The apostle James agrees, explaining the role good works play in DEMONSTRATING the genuineness of saving faith. He teaches us that genuine faith WILL RESULT in good works, a changed lifestyle. A faith that doesn’t produce any changes in a person’s life is a dead and useless “faith” (Jam. 2:14-26). This kind of so-called “faith” doesn’t save anyone. James illustrates saving faith by citing Abraham’s offering-up of Isaac and Rahab’s protection of the Hebrew spies as examples of how true faith is lived out in actions (“works”) that reveal its authenticity. In both cases, the pre-existing, invisible faith that existed in their hearts was made visible by their subsequent actions, thereby demonstrating the reality of the faith which they possessed. This is how a genuine Christian “shows” (or reveals) his faith by his works (“I will show you my faith by what I do.” Jam. 2:18).
JOIN THE MILLIONS WHO CHOOSE TO DO LIFE GOD’S WAY!
Once we get past our “McDonald’s Theology” of salvation that says, “Have it YOUR way”, we’ll be well on our way to discovering the greatest secret of all time. Salvation is a FREE GIFT! We don’t have to do a single thing to earn it (“God’s GIFT is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Romans 6:23b)! In fact, nothing we could ever “DO” could earn it because Jesus has already DONE everything necessary for our salvation on the cross. God accepted Jesus “good work” on the cross as sufficient for our salvation. When we try to add our good works to the cross, we insult God by saying Jesus death wasn’t enough to take away our sins. But when we come to the end of our own self-efforts, and simply believe and accept what God’s done for us, we’re saved … period! “The work of God is this: that you BELIEVE in the One whom He has sent.”
To this the author of Hebrews agrees: “My righteous one will live by FAITH.” (Heb 10:38); “Without FAITH it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God.” (Heb. 11:6) The apostle Paul agrees: “The just will live by FAITH.” (Gal. 3:11) The apostle John agrees: “This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our FAITH. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who BELIEVES that Jesus is the Son of God.” (1 John 5:4-5) Even the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk agrees: “The righteous will live by his FAITH.” (Hab. 2:4)
If you’ve been spinning your wheels trying to get right with God by doing it YOUR WAY, its time to switch vehicles. Give up those futile efforts and just let God be God. Let Him save you. It’s just THAT simple! Then go on by translating your saving faith into a living faith each day: “Christ died for all of us. He died so we would no longer live for ourselves, but for the One Who died and was raised to life for us.” (2 Cor. 5:15, CEV)
Here’s the lyrics of the new song I sing:
“I Did It God’s Way!”
“Before meeting Him, I’d traveled many a highway,
I took many a wrong path,
Trying so hard to find my own way,
But, in the end,
I did it GOD’S WAY!”
John R. Petrilli
Life is dynamic in that we get to choose how we will live it. Culture, tradition and personal values have a huge impact on the type of lifestyle we choose. So how are you living your life? Are you satisfied with your choice of lifestyle? Here’s some food for thought.
MANY TRY TO DO LIFE THEIR WAY!
Pop music fans will quickly recognize the lyrics from Frank Sinatra’s hit song, “My Way”. The lyrics of "My Way" tell the story of a man who’s nearing the end of his life. He’s peacock proud of how he dealt with all the ups and downs of his life through raw self-reliance.
“I’ve lived a life that’s full, I’ve traveled each and every highway,
But more, more than this,
I DID IT MY WAY!
I planned each charted course, each careful step along the byway,
And more, much more than this,
I DID IT MY WAY!
To think I did all that, and may I say – not in a shy way,
No, no not me,
I DID IT MY WAY!
The record shows I took the blows, and
DID IT MY WAY!”
Modern culture vigorously espouses the idea that we can be our own person, a moral free agent who’s accountable to no one but ourselves. That we can live life OUR OWN WAY, on our own terms. While such a philosophy makes for good-sounding lyrics, it runs into big trouble when trying to apply it to our relationship with God. In my spiritual journey I had to learn this lesson the hard way.
I TRIED TO DO LIFE MY WAY!
In my early twenties I started searching for truth in various belief systems like Hinduism, Buddhism, Transcendental Meditation and philosophy. Then I began feeling irresistibly drawn to the Person of Jesus Christ as I read the Gospel of John. I wanted Jesus to be my Savior, but thought that faith couldn’t possibly be enough. I felt I had to DO certain things in addition to my faith to get right and stay right with God. So when I read in the Bible where Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell everything he had and give to the poor - I DID by emptying-out my wardrobe. When I read the directive to visit those shut up from society - I DID by becoming a friendly visitor at Van Duyn Nursing Home. When I read about feeding the hungry - I DID by volunteering at a soup kitchen that fed street people. Now all of these are fine things to be involved in. The problem was that I was banking my salvation on them.
In spite of scores of hours spent in time and energy volunteering to help others, I still didn’t have any peace in my heart. That was because I was doing it ‘my way’. I was trying to please God on my own terms, thinking these acts of benevolence would somehow curry His favor and merit His salvation. Boy was I wrong!
I CHOSE TO DO LIFE GOD’S WAY!
All this came to a head as I faced a decision on whether or not to return to school to complete my final year at Onondaga Community College. As I presented numerous ‘my way’ alternatives to the Lord, I heard nothing - dead silence. I really didn’t want to go back to college. But when, as a last option, I asked Him if O.C.C. was where He wanted me, He confirmed that with an exclamation point. During that prayer time He showed me that He never wanted my good works … He wanted ME! This was a revolutionary revelation. It changed my whole picture of how God related to me. It turned out, after all, that faith WAS enough. Jesus says so in His own words. One day a group of people wanted to know what good work they could do to be right with God. Here’s how the conversation went.
PEOPLE: “What exactly does God want us to DO?”
JESUS: “God wants you to HAVE FAITH in the One He has sent.” (John 6:28-29)
These well-meaning folks mistakenly believed that their good works would somehow earn their salvation. This ‘My Way’ approach to salvation has been around since Cain tried to substitute God’s required blood offering with a grain offering he’d produced with his own hands. For centuries people the world over have been taking a ‘My Way’ approach in their attempts to get right with God. With these beliefs it’s all about DOING something to please or appease God. Some people “DO” by praying face-to-the-ground three times a day. Others “DO” by giving alms and trying to live “good” lives. Still others “DO” by honoring a personal code of ethics they will curry favor with God. But Jesus said, “The work of God is this: that you BELIEVE in the One whom He has sent.”
Here’s a spiritual formula to remember:
SALVATION = by GRACE, through FAITH + NOTHING.
Note the “ + NOTHING ” part. There’s absolutely NOTHING we can ADD to saving faith. Any system that does so is promoting a false gospel. Faith always was and always will be ENOUGH for our salvation. Paul makes this crystal clear: “For it is by grace you have been saved through FAITH – and this is NOT from yourselves, it is the gift of God – NOT BY WORKS, so that no one can boast” (Eph. 2:8-9). The verse that follows reveals the proper role that good works play AFTER a person is saved. “For are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph. 2:10). We’re not saved BY good works, but we’re saved FOR good works.
The apostle James agrees, explaining the role good works play in DEMONSTRATING the genuineness of saving faith. He teaches us that genuine faith WILL RESULT in good works, a changed lifestyle. A faith that doesn’t produce any changes in a person’s life is a dead and useless “faith” (Jam. 2:14-26). This kind of so-called “faith” doesn’t save anyone. James illustrates saving faith by citing Abraham’s offering-up of Isaac and Rahab’s protection of the Hebrew spies as examples of how true faith is lived out in actions (“works”) that reveal its authenticity. In both cases, the pre-existing, invisible faith that existed in their hearts was made visible by their subsequent actions, thereby demonstrating the reality of the faith which they possessed. This is how a genuine Christian “shows” (or reveals) his faith by his works (“I will show you my faith by what I do.” Jam. 2:18).
JOIN THE MILLIONS WHO CHOOSE TO DO LIFE GOD’S WAY!
Once we get past our “McDonald’s Theology” of salvation that says, “Have it YOUR way”, we’ll be well on our way to discovering the greatest secret of all time. Salvation is a FREE GIFT! We don’t have to do a single thing to earn it (“God’s GIFT is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Romans 6:23b)! In fact, nothing we could ever “DO” could earn it because Jesus has already DONE everything necessary for our salvation on the cross. God accepted Jesus “good work” on the cross as sufficient for our salvation. When we try to add our good works to the cross, we insult God by saying Jesus death wasn’t enough to take away our sins. But when we come to the end of our own self-efforts, and simply believe and accept what God’s done for us, we’re saved … period! “The work of God is this: that you BELIEVE in the One whom He has sent.”
To this the author of Hebrews agrees: “My righteous one will live by FAITH.” (Heb 10:38); “Without FAITH it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God.” (Heb. 11:6) The apostle Paul agrees: “The just will live by FAITH.” (Gal. 3:11) The apostle John agrees: “This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our FAITH. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who BELIEVES that Jesus is the Son of God.” (1 John 5:4-5) Even the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk agrees: “The righteous will live by his FAITH.” (Hab. 2:4)
If you’ve been spinning your wheels trying to get right with God by doing it YOUR WAY, its time to switch vehicles. Give up those futile efforts and just let God be God. Let Him save you. It’s just THAT simple! Then go on by translating your saving faith into a living faith each day: “Christ died for all of us. He died so we would no longer live for ourselves, but for the One Who died and was raised to life for us.” (2 Cor. 5:15, CEV)
Here’s the lyrics of the new song I sing:
“I Did It God’s Way!”
“Before meeting Him, I’d traveled many a highway,
I took many a wrong path,
Trying so hard to find my own way,
But, in the end,
I did it GOD’S WAY!”
Let the Walls Come Down!
Let the Walls Come Down!
John Petrilli
Erected immediately after World War II, the Berlin Wall stood as a symbol of the ultimate dividing line of distrust between ideologies and nations. It tore apart families, friends, and even churches within the same denomination. All that changed the day U.S. President Ronald Reagan issued this challenge to the Soviet Union at a public address given at the Berlin Wall: “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” In 1989 that wall came down, and life returned to normal for the people of Berlin. It was a day of huge celebration for everyone, especially those whose lives had been turned upside-down by the imposing structure.
Just imagine the kind of celebration that would break out around the world if the Church tore down the walls which have divided it for centuries. While God’s Word clearly directs us to separate from heretical teaching and practice (1 Cor. 11:18-19; 2 Cor. 6:17-18), it also calls believers to avoid unnecessary and unwarranted divisions among themselves (1 Cor. 1:10; Rom. 16:17). We are free to hold to our doctrinal distinctives, but never to allow them to drive a wedge between ourselves and our fellow believers in Christ. Christ’s High Priestly Prayer reveals how a diverse Church can and should walk in unity and love.
CHRISTIANS WITH DIFFERING VIEWPOINTS ARE UNITED BECAUSE WE BELONG TO THE SAME SAVIOUR. John 17: 1-3
In essence, fellowship (Greek word is “koinonia”) for Christians consists of sharing our common relationship to Jesus Christ. John 17 contains the most detailed and extensive recorded prayer of Jesus. In it He reveals His heart’s desire for the Church, and, boiled down to one word, it’s UNITY. This prayer opens with the subject of eternal life, stating that to have a relationship with Him is to possess eternal life. If two believers have nothing else in common other than their trust in Christ as Savior, they’re still family and can enjoy fellowship together. The apostle John says it this way: “We proclaim to you the eternal life which has appeared to us … we proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the father, and with His Son, Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1: 2-3)
When We Major On the Majors, We Promote the Unity of the Body of Christ (Eph. 4:3-6).
A statement by Augustine, one of the great Church Fathers, has helped me keep perspective here. “In the essentials, Unity; In the non-essentials, Liberty; In all things, Charity.”
So what are the essentials? Glad you asked! Paul outlines them for us in Eph 4: “Make every effort to maintain the Unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is ONE BODY, and ONE SPIRIT, just as you were called to ONE HOPE when you were called. ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, ONE BAPTISM; ONE GOD and Father of us all.” These are the “majors” we need to major on when fellowshipping across church and denominational lines. We should never succumb to doctrinal compromise in these fundamental areas. But we should likewise not go beyond them in determining who we will fellowship or serve with.
When We Major On the Minors, We Thwart God’s Design For Unity. One day the disciples displayed an exclusive, sectarian attitude by requesting permission from Jesus to stop a man who was exorcising demons who didn’t belong to the twelve (Luke 9:49-50). He told the disciples not to stop the guy, affirming that whoever didn’t oppose their message and mission was actually working alongside them! Jesus response was a rebuke to their attitude, and serves the same purpose for those of us today who would look down our noses at ministries or individuals who don’t believe everything exactly the way we do.
When We Focus on the Cross of Jesus Christ, We Preserve the Unity of the Body. (1 Cor.1:10-13, 17). Division in the church is nothing new. It reared its ugly head early on. In 1 Cor. 3 we see the Corinthian believers dividing over which leader to follow. You might call these three camps the first three “denominations”. There were the “Paul-ites” who liked Paul; the “Apollo-ites” who preferred Apollos’ teaching style; and the ultra-spiritual “Christ-ites”, who were too far advanced for a simple man to lead them. Paul confronts this divisive attitude head on, and points them back to the Cross. It was the Cross of Jesus Christ that saved them and kept them, not Paul or Apollos or anyone else for that matter. We must guard against dividing over this doctrine, or that radio teacher, or this particular teaching. If it’s not an essential doctrine of the faith, it’s not a point over which to part company. When we exercise Scriptural discernment and spiritual discipline, God will give us the wisdom to see what’s really important and what’s not. And when we do find points of difference, it’s best to agree to disagree, then focus on that one key point of agreement, the Saving Cross of our L.J.C.
CHRISTIANS WITH DIFFERING VIEWPOINTS ARE UNITED BECAUSE WE BELIEVE THE SAME WORD OF GOD. John 17: 6-8, 17
Included in Jesus’ prayer is a reference to the relationship his first disciples had to His Word.
He states that they accepted His Word, trusted His Word, and were purified by His Word.
The acid test of genuine discipleship has always revolved around the relationship between the believer and God’s Word. Jesus placed the highest premium on this relationship when He stated that, “If you keep on obeying My word, then you are truly My disciples.” (John 8:31) Again, “Whoever does the will of God (as revealed in the Word of God), he is my brother and my sister.” (Mark 3:35) True members of God‘s Family are known by their love for and obedience to the Word of God. Even when we don’t happen to agree on every point of doctrine or practice, we can still enjoy fellowship based on our mutual respect for and adherence to the Word of God.
CHRISTIANS WITH DIFFERING VIEWPOINTS ARE UNITED BECAUSE WE SHARE THE SAME MISSION. John 17:8-28
A unified team wins championships. A unified company wins the competition for new business. A unified nation wins on the battlefield. And a unified Church wins the battle for souls. Jesus makes an unmistakable connection between the unity of His Church and the evangelization of the world. As His unified Body displays God’s irresistible love, people will be swept into the Kingdom. A unified front sends a clear and convincing message. A unified Church lends credibility to its claims that the gospel of Christ has the power to heal socially as well as spiritually. Knowing this, Jesus prays for the unity of the Church so that the consequential evangelization of the world will inevitably follow.
Just before ascending to Heaven, Christ left us explicit directions on what he wanted us to engage in. He told us to preach the Gospel to every person in every nation in every generation. Picture for a moment a single church or denomination attempting to accomplish this huge task. It’s easy to see how impossible that would be. But now, take all the Bible-believing ministries around the world, put them together, and we have a much more manageable task indeed! The point is this … no one group or church, or mission board, or denomination can get this job done. The Great Commission was given to the Church at large because it requires the contribution of ALL believers everywhere! In His prayer Jesus says that He has sent us, the Church, into the world to get a job done. No matter what fellowship we belong to, or what doctrinal persuasion we hold to, we have the same mission as every other believer: to share the gospel with as many people you can, in as many ways you can, in as many places you can. When it comes to Our Mission, we’re all on the same team.
CHRISTIANS WITH DIFFERING VIEWPOINTS ARE UNITED BECAUSE WE SHARE THE SAME DESTINY. John 17: 24-26
As Christ nears the conclusion of His prayer, He turns to the topic of heaven. Someone has quipped that there won’t be any Baptists or Pentecostals or [fill in the denomination blank] in Heaven. Only blood-bought children of God. While our interpretations of Biblical truth may be precious to us now, there’s coming a day when, as Paul puts it, we shall have perfect knowledge. We’ll discover that on some points we were right on, while on others we missed it
pretty badly. No one has a corner on the truth because we’re all imperfect and see things through a glass darkly. But someday our spiritual vision will be corrected so that it’s 20/20.
It seems the better part of wisdom to allow for disagreement on some points, and reserve final judgment to a time when we see things with perfect clarity.
Our Common Destiny is to Be With Jesus. In vs. 24a Jesus prays for the Church to be reunited with Him in Heaven. In John 14:2-3 Christ assures us that He’s preparing for that reunion day by building a celestial palace for us. No matter what we may disagree on or how strong that disagreement may be, we’re all going to end up in the same place. It’ll all come out right in the end, so why not begin enjoying the ride right now?
Our Common Destiny is to Worship the Glorified Christ. In vs. 24 b Jesus mentions His desire to have us behold His glory. If you love to praise and worship the Lord now, you’re going to just love heaven. It’s a place of perpetual praise. Upon arriving there we’ll discover that the worship team is a congregation of conglomeration, including folks of every color, nationality, and language. This sounds like a very tall order for Heaven’s choir director, but because they’re all redeemed, they’re able to blend together into the most incredible worship music the universe has ever known. The apostle John previews this event for us in chapter 5 of his Revelation: “And they sang a new song: You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slain and have redeemed us to God by Your blood from every TRIBE and LANGUAGE, and PEOPLE, and NATION!” There it is again at the close of God’s Word, perfect unity in the midst of incredible diversity.
In reading this article perhaps the Lord has spoken to you about a wall you’ve allowed to stand between yourself and another Christian or group. We all have them to one degree or another. But the Gospel is all about removing walls, not erecting them. For the sake of God’s kingdom, ask Him to help you tear down that wall. It’s time to let the walls come down!
John Petrilli
Erected immediately after World War II, the Berlin Wall stood as a symbol of the ultimate dividing line of distrust between ideologies and nations. It tore apart families, friends, and even churches within the same denomination. All that changed the day U.S. President Ronald Reagan issued this challenge to the Soviet Union at a public address given at the Berlin Wall: “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” In 1989 that wall came down, and life returned to normal for the people of Berlin. It was a day of huge celebration for everyone, especially those whose lives had been turned upside-down by the imposing structure.
Just imagine the kind of celebration that would break out around the world if the Church tore down the walls which have divided it for centuries. While God’s Word clearly directs us to separate from heretical teaching and practice (1 Cor. 11:18-19; 2 Cor. 6:17-18), it also calls believers to avoid unnecessary and unwarranted divisions among themselves (1 Cor. 1:10; Rom. 16:17). We are free to hold to our doctrinal distinctives, but never to allow them to drive a wedge between ourselves and our fellow believers in Christ. Christ’s High Priestly Prayer reveals how a diverse Church can and should walk in unity and love.
CHRISTIANS WITH DIFFERING VIEWPOINTS ARE UNITED BECAUSE WE BELONG TO THE SAME SAVIOUR. John 17: 1-3
In essence, fellowship (Greek word is “koinonia”) for Christians consists of sharing our common relationship to Jesus Christ. John 17 contains the most detailed and extensive recorded prayer of Jesus. In it He reveals His heart’s desire for the Church, and, boiled down to one word, it’s UNITY. This prayer opens with the subject of eternal life, stating that to have a relationship with Him is to possess eternal life. If two believers have nothing else in common other than their trust in Christ as Savior, they’re still family and can enjoy fellowship together. The apostle John says it this way: “We proclaim to you the eternal life which has appeared to us … we proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the father, and with His Son, Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1: 2-3)
When We Major On the Majors, We Promote the Unity of the Body of Christ (Eph. 4:3-6).
A statement by Augustine, one of the great Church Fathers, has helped me keep perspective here. “In the essentials, Unity; In the non-essentials, Liberty; In all things, Charity.”
So what are the essentials? Glad you asked! Paul outlines them for us in Eph 4: “Make every effort to maintain the Unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is ONE BODY, and ONE SPIRIT, just as you were called to ONE HOPE when you were called. ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, ONE BAPTISM; ONE GOD and Father of us all.” These are the “majors” we need to major on when fellowshipping across church and denominational lines. We should never succumb to doctrinal compromise in these fundamental areas. But we should likewise not go beyond them in determining who we will fellowship or serve with.
When We Major On the Minors, We Thwart God’s Design For Unity. One day the disciples displayed an exclusive, sectarian attitude by requesting permission from Jesus to stop a man who was exorcising demons who didn’t belong to the twelve (Luke 9:49-50). He told the disciples not to stop the guy, affirming that whoever didn’t oppose their message and mission was actually working alongside them! Jesus response was a rebuke to their attitude, and serves the same purpose for those of us today who would look down our noses at ministries or individuals who don’t believe everything exactly the way we do.
When We Focus on the Cross of Jesus Christ, We Preserve the Unity of the Body. (1 Cor.1:10-13, 17). Division in the church is nothing new. It reared its ugly head early on. In 1 Cor. 3 we see the Corinthian believers dividing over which leader to follow. You might call these three camps the first three “denominations”. There were the “Paul-ites” who liked Paul; the “Apollo-ites” who preferred Apollos’ teaching style; and the ultra-spiritual “Christ-ites”, who were too far advanced for a simple man to lead them. Paul confronts this divisive attitude head on, and points them back to the Cross. It was the Cross of Jesus Christ that saved them and kept them, not Paul or Apollos or anyone else for that matter. We must guard against dividing over this doctrine, or that radio teacher, or this particular teaching. If it’s not an essential doctrine of the faith, it’s not a point over which to part company. When we exercise Scriptural discernment and spiritual discipline, God will give us the wisdom to see what’s really important and what’s not. And when we do find points of difference, it’s best to agree to disagree, then focus on that one key point of agreement, the Saving Cross of our L.J.C.
CHRISTIANS WITH DIFFERING VIEWPOINTS ARE UNITED BECAUSE WE BELIEVE THE SAME WORD OF GOD. John 17: 6-8, 17
Included in Jesus’ prayer is a reference to the relationship his first disciples had to His Word.
He states that they accepted His Word, trusted His Word, and were purified by His Word.
The acid test of genuine discipleship has always revolved around the relationship between the believer and God’s Word. Jesus placed the highest premium on this relationship when He stated that, “If you keep on obeying My word, then you are truly My disciples.” (John 8:31) Again, “Whoever does the will of God (as revealed in the Word of God), he is my brother and my sister.” (Mark 3:35) True members of God‘s Family are known by their love for and obedience to the Word of God. Even when we don’t happen to agree on every point of doctrine or practice, we can still enjoy fellowship based on our mutual respect for and adherence to the Word of God.
CHRISTIANS WITH DIFFERING VIEWPOINTS ARE UNITED BECAUSE WE SHARE THE SAME MISSION. John 17:8-28
A unified team wins championships. A unified company wins the competition for new business. A unified nation wins on the battlefield. And a unified Church wins the battle for souls. Jesus makes an unmistakable connection between the unity of His Church and the evangelization of the world. As His unified Body displays God’s irresistible love, people will be swept into the Kingdom. A unified front sends a clear and convincing message. A unified Church lends credibility to its claims that the gospel of Christ has the power to heal socially as well as spiritually. Knowing this, Jesus prays for the unity of the Church so that the consequential evangelization of the world will inevitably follow.
Just before ascending to Heaven, Christ left us explicit directions on what he wanted us to engage in. He told us to preach the Gospel to every person in every nation in every generation. Picture for a moment a single church or denomination attempting to accomplish this huge task. It’s easy to see how impossible that would be. But now, take all the Bible-believing ministries around the world, put them together, and we have a much more manageable task indeed! The point is this … no one group or church, or mission board, or denomination can get this job done. The Great Commission was given to the Church at large because it requires the contribution of ALL believers everywhere! In His prayer Jesus says that He has sent us, the Church, into the world to get a job done. No matter what fellowship we belong to, or what doctrinal persuasion we hold to, we have the same mission as every other believer: to share the gospel with as many people you can, in as many ways you can, in as many places you can. When it comes to Our Mission, we’re all on the same team.
CHRISTIANS WITH DIFFERING VIEWPOINTS ARE UNITED BECAUSE WE SHARE THE SAME DESTINY. John 17: 24-26
As Christ nears the conclusion of His prayer, He turns to the topic of heaven. Someone has quipped that there won’t be any Baptists or Pentecostals or [fill in the denomination blank] in Heaven. Only blood-bought children of God. While our interpretations of Biblical truth may be precious to us now, there’s coming a day when, as Paul puts it, we shall have perfect knowledge. We’ll discover that on some points we were right on, while on others we missed it
pretty badly. No one has a corner on the truth because we’re all imperfect and see things through a glass darkly. But someday our spiritual vision will be corrected so that it’s 20/20.
It seems the better part of wisdom to allow for disagreement on some points, and reserve final judgment to a time when we see things with perfect clarity.
Our Common Destiny is to Be With Jesus. In vs. 24a Jesus prays for the Church to be reunited with Him in Heaven. In John 14:2-3 Christ assures us that He’s preparing for that reunion day by building a celestial palace for us. No matter what we may disagree on or how strong that disagreement may be, we’re all going to end up in the same place. It’ll all come out right in the end, so why not begin enjoying the ride right now?
Our Common Destiny is to Worship the Glorified Christ. In vs. 24 b Jesus mentions His desire to have us behold His glory. If you love to praise and worship the Lord now, you’re going to just love heaven. It’s a place of perpetual praise. Upon arriving there we’ll discover that the worship team is a congregation of conglomeration, including folks of every color, nationality, and language. This sounds like a very tall order for Heaven’s choir director, but because they’re all redeemed, they’re able to blend together into the most incredible worship music the universe has ever known. The apostle John previews this event for us in chapter 5 of his Revelation: “And they sang a new song: You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slain and have redeemed us to God by Your blood from every TRIBE and LANGUAGE, and PEOPLE, and NATION!” There it is again at the close of God’s Word, perfect unity in the midst of incredible diversity.
In reading this article perhaps the Lord has spoken to you about a wall you’ve allowed to stand between yourself and another Christian or group. We all have them to one degree or another. But the Gospel is all about removing walls, not erecting them. For the sake of God’s kingdom, ask Him to help you tear down that wall. It’s time to let the walls come down!
The Cross – Jesus’ Date with Destiny
The Cross – Jesus’ Date with Destiny
John R. Petrilli
Where we’d be without our calendars? Whether the wall or the cellphone version, we rely on our calendars to remind us of important dates and appointments. Important dates merit a sticker with a picture on it to get our attention and insure we don’t miss that particular appointment. It may surprise you to know that Jesus’ death on the cross was by no means happenstance. It was something God had appointed to happen long, long ago. Redemption’s story culminated the day Jesus kept His divine appointment, climbing Calvary’s hill and surrendering His life on the cross.
JESUS’ DATE WITH DESTINY SURFACED EARLY IN HIS LIFE.
Everyone loves to hear the wonderful news that a newborn has arrived. Exciting as that is, it pales in comparison to the kind of announcement given concerning Jesus’ birth. His birth announcement included a future date with the Cross (Luke 2:11). Within Days of His Birth, Jesus’ Redemptive Destiny was Made Known to His Parents (Luke 2:34-35). A senior saint named Simeon shared some highly significant information about Jesus’ future. After blessing both parents and child, Simeon predicts that Jesus’ life and redemptive work would trigger profound responses that would determine people’s eternal destiny. His rejection and ultimate execution at the cross would pierce the tortured heart of his grieving mother. Unusual words to say at a baby dedication.
One of the Magi’s Gifts Pointed Directly to the Cross (Matt. 2:11). I recently had the joy of attending the birthday celebration for my brother’s first grandson who just turned one year old. Logan’s great grandfather painted an exact replica of a baby picture he’d found on a birthday card. He framed the exquisite painting and gave it along with the matching birthday card. Certain gifts in the ancient world carried special meaning as well. Myrrh was a very expensive product that was used in embalming the dead. Perhaps this unusual birthday gift served the purpose of predicting Jesus’ upcoming sacrificial death and burial.
JESUS POSSESSED A GROWING AWARENESS OF HIS DATE WITH DESTINY.
Imagine if a sixth-grader demonstrated the ability to intelligently interact with a group of men holding doctorates. That’s the scene recorded by Luke (Luke 2:49). Barely having reached puberty, Jesus steals away from his parents to mix it up with the sharpest minds of His day at the Temple. The Q&A session he participated in with these accomplished scholars caused onlookers to marvel. They couldn’t believe the grasp this kid had of all things spiritual. Apparently that Q&A turned into an extended three-day seminar on theology. After seventy-two hours of frantic searching, his mom and dad finally found their lost son sitting at the feet of the day’s wisest men. When asked by Mary and Joseph why He’d left their side, He responded with words that must have made them wonder. “Didn’t you know I had to be in My Father’s house?” While Jesus was born a normal human being, instances like this clearly indicate His progressive awareness of the redemptive mission His Father had planned for Him.
JESUS OPENLY SHARED HIS DATE WITH DESTINY WITH CERTITUDE.
Politicians frequently rely heavily on the polls when making major decisions and choosing campaign themes. While Jesus was not concerned with His popularity or “electability”, He did use a question about public opinion to uncover what His disciples thought about His true identity. Did they see Him as just another political figure, or was His role as Messiah dawning on them? Having received a correct assessment from Peter, Jesus goes on to predict His approaching official rejection, public execution and subsequent resurrection from the grave (Luke 9:18-22). At this point in time the disciples were unable to digest His words. They left the topic unaddressed (Luke 9:44). At the very outset of His ministry, Christ made it abundantly clear that His future included execution (John 3:13-14). All along the way He repeatedly attempted to prepare His followers for His appointment with the Cross. Again, near the middle of His ministry He communicated that His death was part of God’s perfect plan for Him (Luke 18:31-34). But, once more, the disciples didn’t get it.
JESUS FACED HIS DATE WITH DESTINY HEROICLY.
Whether it’s Civil War battles or the Normandy Invasion, when I watch the video clips of men marching into battle I marvel at their courage. How does someone advance head on into enemy fire? Where does such fortitude come from?
While soldiers march forth into the face of death, Jesus’ march to the cross was far more courageous. For He knew He would face, not only the excruciating physical pain of crucifixion, but also the unfathomable weight of the punishment for every sin ever committed! Yet He rises up and marches resolutely for Jerusalem. Jesus pursued His Calvary destiny with unflinching determination and courageous resolve (Luke 9:51).
Christ also approached the Cross with full confidence in His victorious outcome (Heb. 12:2). While the gospel writers provide the salient details concerning the cross, we are equally indebted to the authors of the New Testament letters for additional information on Good Friday. The writer to the Hebrews has provided us with a divine commentary on Jesus pathway to the cross. Writing to Jewish converts to Christianity who were flagging in their zeal and even abandoning the faith, the author points them to Christ’s endurance. In the face of the fiercest opposition Jesus persevered. Even the cross wasn’t enough to deter Him from following the Father’s will. Seeing the joys of heaven ahead, He scorned the shame of public execution, and successfully rose above it to His royal throne.
Count Zinzendorf led the great Moravian missionary movement in the 1700’s. He described his evangelistic goal in the following terms: “To win for the Lamb that was slain the reward of His suffering”. To be sure, Jesus suffered greatly, but in no way was it in vain. His death on the cross paid the penalty for all our sins, thus making it possible for any of us to embrace salvation by repentance and faith. Jesus faced the challenge of the Cross knowing the eternal benefits it would secure for people. “He will see the result of the suffering of His soul and be satisfied.” (Isa. 53:11).
Which brings us to this Easter Season 2011. You’ve likely heard the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. What will you do with this? Don’t allow this season to pass by without making its purpose a reality in your life … your salvation. Please, please, please, act on what you’ve heard. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved! Happy Easter!
John R. Petrilli
Where we’d be without our calendars? Whether the wall or the cellphone version, we rely on our calendars to remind us of important dates and appointments. Important dates merit a sticker with a picture on it to get our attention and insure we don’t miss that particular appointment. It may surprise you to know that Jesus’ death on the cross was by no means happenstance. It was something God had appointed to happen long, long ago. Redemption’s story culminated the day Jesus kept His divine appointment, climbing Calvary’s hill and surrendering His life on the cross.
JESUS’ DATE WITH DESTINY SURFACED EARLY IN HIS LIFE.
Everyone loves to hear the wonderful news that a newborn has arrived. Exciting as that is, it pales in comparison to the kind of announcement given concerning Jesus’ birth. His birth announcement included a future date with the Cross (Luke 2:11). Within Days of His Birth, Jesus’ Redemptive Destiny was Made Known to His Parents (Luke 2:34-35). A senior saint named Simeon shared some highly significant information about Jesus’ future. After blessing both parents and child, Simeon predicts that Jesus’ life and redemptive work would trigger profound responses that would determine people’s eternal destiny. His rejection and ultimate execution at the cross would pierce the tortured heart of his grieving mother. Unusual words to say at a baby dedication.
One of the Magi’s Gifts Pointed Directly to the Cross (Matt. 2:11). I recently had the joy of attending the birthday celebration for my brother’s first grandson who just turned one year old. Logan’s great grandfather painted an exact replica of a baby picture he’d found on a birthday card. He framed the exquisite painting and gave it along with the matching birthday card. Certain gifts in the ancient world carried special meaning as well. Myrrh was a very expensive product that was used in embalming the dead. Perhaps this unusual birthday gift served the purpose of predicting Jesus’ upcoming sacrificial death and burial.
JESUS POSSESSED A GROWING AWARENESS OF HIS DATE WITH DESTINY.
Imagine if a sixth-grader demonstrated the ability to intelligently interact with a group of men holding doctorates. That’s the scene recorded by Luke (Luke 2:49). Barely having reached puberty, Jesus steals away from his parents to mix it up with the sharpest minds of His day at the Temple. The Q&A session he participated in with these accomplished scholars caused onlookers to marvel. They couldn’t believe the grasp this kid had of all things spiritual. Apparently that Q&A turned into an extended three-day seminar on theology. After seventy-two hours of frantic searching, his mom and dad finally found their lost son sitting at the feet of the day’s wisest men. When asked by Mary and Joseph why He’d left their side, He responded with words that must have made them wonder. “Didn’t you know I had to be in My Father’s house?” While Jesus was born a normal human being, instances like this clearly indicate His progressive awareness of the redemptive mission His Father had planned for Him.
JESUS OPENLY SHARED HIS DATE WITH DESTINY WITH CERTITUDE.
Politicians frequently rely heavily on the polls when making major decisions and choosing campaign themes. While Jesus was not concerned with His popularity or “electability”, He did use a question about public opinion to uncover what His disciples thought about His true identity. Did they see Him as just another political figure, or was His role as Messiah dawning on them? Having received a correct assessment from Peter, Jesus goes on to predict His approaching official rejection, public execution and subsequent resurrection from the grave (Luke 9:18-22). At this point in time the disciples were unable to digest His words. They left the topic unaddressed (Luke 9:44). At the very outset of His ministry, Christ made it abundantly clear that His future included execution (John 3:13-14). All along the way He repeatedly attempted to prepare His followers for His appointment with the Cross. Again, near the middle of His ministry He communicated that His death was part of God’s perfect plan for Him (Luke 18:31-34). But, once more, the disciples didn’t get it.
JESUS FACED HIS DATE WITH DESTINY HEROICLY.
Whether it’s Civil War battles or the Normandy Invasion, when I watch the video clips of men marching into battle I marvel at their courage. How does someone advance head on into enemy fire? Where does such fortitude come from?
While soldiers march forth into the face of death, Jesus’ march to the cross was far more courageous. For He knew He would face, not only the excruciating physical pain of crucifixion, but also the unfathomable weight of the punishment for every sin ever committed! Yet He rises up and marches resolutely for Jerusalem. Jesus pursued His Calvary destiny with unflinching determination and courageous resolve (Luke 9:51).
Christ also approached the Cross with full confidence in His victorious outcome (Heb. 12:2). While the gospel writers provide the salient details concerning the cross, we are equally indebted to the authors of the New Testament letters for additional information on Good Friday. The writer to the Hebrews has provided us with a divine commentary on Jesus pathway to the cross. Writing to Jewish converts to Christianity who were flagging in their zeal and even abandoning the faith, the author points them to Christ’s endurance. In the face of the fiercest opposition Jesus persevered. Even the cross wasn’t enough to deter Him from following the Father’s will. Seeing the joys of heaven ahead, He scorned the shame of public execution, and successfully rose above it to His royal throne.
Count Zinzendorf led the great Moravian missionary movement in the 1700’s. He described his evangelistic goal in the following terms: “To win for the Lamb that was slain the reward of His suffering”. To be sure, Jesus suffered greatly, but in no way was it in vain. His death on the cross paid the penalty for all our sins, thus making it possible for any of us to embrace salvation by repentance and faith. Jesus faced the challenge of the Cross knowing the eternal benefits it would secure for people. “He will see the result of the suffering of His soul and be satisfied.” (Isa. 53:11).
Which brings us to this Easter Season 2011. You’ve likely heard the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. What will you do with this? Don’t allow this season to pass by without making its purpose a reality in your life … your salvation. Please, please, please, act on what you’ve heard. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved! Happy Easter!
It’s Finished!
It’s Finished!
John R. Petrilli
What do you do in your spare time? I enjoy building model cars. Recently I became aware that I was quickly running out of shelf space to display my growing collection. I decided to design and construct my own see-through, dust-proof display case. The project consumed 40 hours of labor and $240 in materials, but was worth it all as I stood before the beautiful piece of furniture. I was so excited I phoned some friends to announce that the job was finally completed. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of finishing a job.
Roughly two-thousand years ago another job was finished. This job was way bigger than a household project or hobby endeavor. As a man hung on a cross He declared with a mighty shout, “IT IS FINISHED”! What did he finish? And why? This article will answer these questions, and perhaps provide fresh insight into what actually transpired on the day we call “Good Friday”.
THE FINISHED WORK OF THE CROSS WAS THE DRIVING FORCE IN JESUS’ LIFE.
“Jesus said, ‘The food that keeps me going is that I do the will of the One who sent me, FINISHING the work He started.’ ” John 4:34
A more unlikely encounter between two people couldn’t be imagined. A devout Jewish rabbi striking up a conversation with an irreligious, immoral woman. Yet there they sat, talking about everything from well water to eternal life. As these two finished their discussion the disciples came back from their trip to the local market. They offered Jesus some food, but He declined. He hungered for something else as He looked out across the fields. Bread staves off the physical appetite, but would never satisfy His spiritual appetite to see needy people find salvation. Although harvest season was still four months down the road, the harvest season for Samaritan souls was right then. He couldn’t be worried about food when lost people all around Him needed to hear the gospel. The drive to finish the Father’s work dominated Christ’s life. He later explained that He never stopped laboring because His Father, likewise, was always at work (John 5:17). What’s the driving force in your life this Easter season?
THE FINISHED WORK OF THE CROSS WAS THE EXCLAMATION POINT ON A LIFE OF PERFECT OBEDIENCE.
“Father, the time has come. Give glory to your Son so that the Son can give glory to you. I FINISHED the work you gave me to do.” John 17:1, 4
As a former employer once reminded me, “The only perfect individual died 2,000 years ago”. Perfection is something many pursue but few ever actually achieve. We award medals and honors to individuals who reach the zenith of their professions. They’re about as close to perfection as a human get. But, no matter how close to flawless we get, we all fall far short when it comes to moral perfection. Man may come up with a geometrically “perfect” diamond, but he can never claim the same for his personal ethics. We all fall short here.
What if someone morally perfect did show up? Would we recognize them? What would they look like? While some may find it impossible to believe, one such person did show up. This person successfully obeyed every moral law ever instituted by God. He never missed! He never lied about anything, never cheated anyone, and never stole anything. He never even considered doing anything wrong. His moral perfection was possible because he possessed a unique sinless nature. Unlike us, who were born with a natural bent toward sin, this man had no such bent. Doing the right thing came naturally for him, even though that obedience caused intense suffering. “Although He was a son, Jesus learned obedience from what He suffered.” (Heb. 5:8).
When the time came to wrap up his term of service here on earth He prayed a beautiful prayer. That prayer reveals that He had not only glorified God in His life, but, most eminently, would glorify God in His death on the cross. His sacrificial death on the cross emphatically concluded an entire life of flawless obedience to God.
While we’ll never achieve perfect obedience to God, it’s certainly worthwhile this Easter season to consider how we can improve our “O.Q.” (Obedience Quotient).
THE FINISHED WORK OF THE CROSS ACCOMPLISHED CHRIST’S TOTAL VICTORY OVER SIN AND DEATH.
“Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty’. The soldiers soaked a sponge in a jar of vinegar. Then they put the sponge on a branch of hyssop plant and lifted it to Jesus’ mouth. Jesus tasted the vinegar. Then He said, ‘It is FINISHED!’ He bowed His head and died.” John 19:30
The old adage, “Things aren’t always what they appear to be” was never truer than on Good Friday. To the onlooker at the foot of the cross it was a total wash for Jesus and His followers. He was dead - clinically dead, as the blood and water flowing from His spear-pierced side conclusively proved. It was all over.
Or was it? The Greek word for ‘finished’ here is a loaded term. It means not merely ‘to terminate a thing’, but ‘to carry out a thing to the full’. That’s how thoroughly the death of Jesus took care of our sin. What happened on that cross looked like a total defeat, but it was actually the means by which Christ gained our total victory! As A.T. Robertson puts it, “A cry of victory in the (very) hour of defeat.” Things that day on Calvary were by no means what they appeared to be. The death Jesus died was the very means by which our sins were paid for. His death made it possible for us to go free!
I like the depiction used in Mel Gibson’s film, “The Passion of the Christ”. As Jesus dies, a drop of blood falls down from His head and splashes onto the ground. Then a hellish scene shows Satan wildly screaming as he celebrates what he thought was his defeat of God’s Son. Nothing was further from the truth. Three days later things would be looking a whole lot different. Turns out, while the cross temporarily bruised the Savior. it delivered a fatal blow to the devil. This Easter season please don’t make the mistake of seeing Jesus as a “dead man who did good”. Instead, see Him for who He really is … the crucified, risen, living Savior!
THE FINISHED WORK OF THE CROSS COMPLETED GOD’S REDEMPTION STORY.
“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets. Now in these last days He has spoken to us through His Son. The Son made people clean from their sins. Then He sat down at the right side of God, the Great One in heaven.” Hebrews 1:1-3
The cross was by no means an afterthought in the mind of God. He foreshadowed its pivotal role in redemption as soon as man had fallen (Gen. 3:15), and reiterates this at history’s close, stating that the cross was planned before time began (Rev. 13:8). The writer to the Hebrews explains how God systematically unfolded His plan of salvation year after year, generation after generation, century after century, millennia after millennia. Jesus substitutionary death for our sins is the whole theme of the Bible. He can be seen in most every book of the Bible, if not by direct reference, then by clear inference. The pair of disciples who encountered the resurrected Christ on their way to Emmaus were blown away as He revealed how passage after passage of Scripture consistently and comprehensively pointed to His death and resurrection (Luke 24:24-27).
Jesus IS redemption’s story. Now that he’d come and fulfilled all that was foretold of Him, the Hebrews (and us) need no further message from God. Why not let Him begin writing your redemption story for the first time as your personal Savior? Or a new chapter each day as you follow Him as Lord?
THE FINISHED WORK OF THE CROSS PERMANENTLY CANCELLED-OUT A MOUNTING DEBT WE COULD NEVER REPAY.
“Every day the priests stand and do their religious service. Again and again they offer the same sacrifices. But those sacrifices can never take away sins. But Christ offered one sacrifice for sins, and it is good FOREVER. Then He sat down at the right hand of God. With one sacrifice He made perfect FOREVER those who are being made holy. Hebrews 10:11-14
Our nation is experiencing unprecedented problems in the area of unsecured debt. Government agencies, corporations and individuals are struggling to pay back monies borrowed. Imagine if someone came along and erased all that debt with one payment? People would literally dance in the streets! While such a solution does not appear on the immediate horizon, there’s a much more serious debt problem that does have such a solution. God has set some moral standards for us. Each time we break one of those standards, we’re indebted to God. The Bible calls such violations “sin”. What’s more, we break God’s beneficial rules because we have an inborn disposition that naturally chooses the wrong way. The Bible calls this our “sin nature”. Being perfectly just, God has to punish each and every sin. And the payment for each and every sin is death. Spiritual death, permanent separation from God.
The great news of the gospel is that our personal sin debt has been cancelled at the cross. There Jesus chose to assume all the debt our sins incurred. All of it, for all time. But we must cash in by simply accepting God’s forgiveness of our debt. By turning from sin and receiving Christ into our lives, we become debt free! “We owed a debt because we broke God’s laws. That debt listed all the rules we failed to follow. But God forgave us that debt. He took away that debt and nailed it to the cross” (Col. 2:13-14). Now that’s what I call debt-free living! At Easter the cross shouts out, “Get out of debt!” Are you there yet?
THE FINISHED WORK OF THE CROSS MARKED THE FINISH LINE IN JESUS’ RACE OF FAITH.
“Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and FINISHED this race we’re in. Study how He did it. Because He never lost sight of where He was headed – that exhilarating FINISH in and with God – He could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now He’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.” Hebrews 12:2,
“Winners never quit, and quitters never win.” We’ve all heard it a million times, yet it’s so very true. My first semester at Bible college exposed me to the fiercest series of trials ever. When the semester ended and I returned home for Christmas vacation I vividly recall the words of a generous supporter who’d help pay my schooling expenses. “It’s always good to finish what we’ve started.” I never looked back and with God’s help, graduated with academic honors.
Perseverance marked the life of Jesus, and it’s just what we need most when the going gets really tough. If you’re growing discouraged by the hardships of the Christian life, now’s a good time to recall the kind of stuff Jesus went through all His life. Hounded by devil, demons and every kind of human enemy, our Lord stuck to His guns. I wonder if His words, “It is finished!”, also expressed a sigh of relief. The cross towards which He’d set His face like a flint marked the end of His courageous race (Isa. 50:7; Luke 9:51). It was the finish line He longed to cross. And cross it He did! By recalling how Jesus finished His race we can draw encouragement and strength to begin (or continue) running our own race of faith. Happy Easter!
John R. Petrilli
What do you do in your spare time? I enjoy building model cars. Recently I became aware that I was quickly running out of shelf space to display my growing collection. I decided to design and construct my own see-through, dust-proof display case. The project consumed 40 hours of labor and $240 in materials, but was worth it all as I stood before the beautiful piece of furniture. I was so excited I phoned some friends to announce that the job was finally completed. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of finishing a job.
Roughly two-thousand years ago another job was finished. This job was way bigger than a household project or hobby endeavor. As a man hung on a cross He declared with a mighty shout, “IT IS FINISHED”! What did he finish? And why? This article will answer these questions, and perhaps provide fresh insight into what actually transpired on the day we call “Good Friday”.
THE FINISHED WORK OF THE CROSS WAS THE DRIVING FORCE IN JESUS’ LIFE.
“Jesus said, ‘The food that keeps me going is that I do the will of the One who sent me, FINISHING the work He started.’ ” John 4:34
A more unlikely encounter between two people couldn’t be imagined. A devout Jewish rabbi striking up a conversation with an irreligious, immoral woman. Yet there they sat, talking about everything from well water to eternal life. As these two finished their discussion the disciples came back from their trip to the local market. They offered Jesus some food, but He declined. He hungered for something else as He looked out across the fields. Bread staves off the physical appetite, but would never satisfy His spiritual appetite to see needy people find salvation. Although harvest season was still four months down the road, the harvest season for Samaritan souls was right then. He couldn’t be worried about food when lost people all around Him needed to hear the gospel. The drive to finish the Father’s work dominated Christ’s life. He later explained that He never stopped laboring because His Father, likewise, was always at work (John 5:17). What’s the driving force in your life this Easter season?
THE FINISHED WORK OF THE CROSS WAS THE EXCLAMATION POINT ON A LIFE OF PERFECT OBEDIENCE.
“Father, the time has come. Give glory to your Son so that the Son can give glory to you. I FINISHED the work you gave me to do.” John 17:1, 4
As a former employer once reminded me, “The only perfect individual died 2,000 years ago”. Perfection is something many pursue but few ever actually achieve. We award medals and honors to individuals who reach the zenith of their professions. They’re about as close to perfection as a human get. But, no matter how close to flawless we get, we all fall far short when it comes to moral perfection. Man may come up with a geometrically “perfect” diamond, but he can never claim the same for his personal ethics. We all fall short here.
What if someone morally perfect did show up? Would we recognize them? What would they look like? While some may find it impossible to believe, one such person did show up. This person successfully obeyed every moral law ever instituted by God. He never missed! He never lied about anything, never cheated anyone, and never stole anything. He never even considered doing anything wrong. His moral perfection was possible because he possessed a unique sinless nature. Unlike us, who were born with a natural bent toward sin, this man had no such bent. Doing the right thing came naturally for him, even though that obedience caused intense suffering. “Although He was a son, Jesus learned obedience from what He suffered.” (Heb. 5:8).
When the time came to wrap up his term of service here on earth He prayed a beautiful prayer. That prayer reveals that He had not only glorified God in His life, but, most eminently, would glorify God in His death on the cross. His sacrificial death on the cross emphatically concluded an entire life of flawless obedience to God.
While we’ll never achieve perfect obedience to God, it’s certainly worthwhile this Easter season to consider how we can improve our “O.Q.” (Obedience Quotient).
THE FINISHED WORK OF THE CROSS ACCOMPLISHED CHRIST’S TOTAL VICTORY OVER SIN AND DEATH.
“Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty’. The soldiers soaked a sponge in a jar of vinegar. Then they put the sponge on a branch of hyssop plant and lifted it to Jesus’ mouth. Jesus tasted the vinegar. Then He said, ‘It is FINISHED!’ He bowed His head and died.” John 19:30
The old adage, “Things aren’t always what they appear to be” was never truer than on Good Friday. To the onlooker at the foot of the cross it was a total wash for Jesus and His followers. He was dead - clinically dead, as the blood and water flowing from His spear-pierced side conclusively proved. It was all over.
Or was it? The Greek word for ‘finished’ here is a loaded term. It means not merely ‘to terminate a thing’, but ‘to carry out a thing to the full’. That’s how thoroughly the death of Jesus took care of our sin. What happened on that cross looked like a total defeat, but it was actually the means by which Christ gained our total victory! As A.T. Robertson puts it, “A cry of victory in the (very) hour of defeat.” Things that day on Calvary were by no means what they appeared to be. The death Jesus died was the very means by which our sins were paid for. His death made it possible for us to go free!
I like the depiction used in Mel Gibson’s film, “The Passion of the Christ”. As Jesus dies, a drop of blood falls down from His head and splashes onto the ground. Then a hellish scene shows Satan wildly screaming as he celebrates what he thought was his defeat of God’s Son. Nothing was further from the truth. Three days later things would be looking a whole lot different. Turns out, while the cross temporarily bruised the Savior. it delivered a fatal blow to the devil. This Easter season please don’t make the mistake of seeing Jesus as a “dead man who did good”. Instead, see Him for who He really is … the crucified, risen, living Savior!
THE FINISHED WORK OF THE CROSS COMPLETED GOD’S REDEMPTION STORY.
“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets. Now in these last days He has spoken to us through His Son. The Son made people clean from their sins. Then He sat down at the right side of God, the Great One in heaven.” Hebrews 1:1-3
The cross was by no means an afterthought in the mind of God. He foreshadowed its pivotal role in redemption as soon as man had fallen (Gen. 3:15), and reiterates this at history’s close, stating that the cross was planned before time began (Rev. 13:8). The writer to the Hebrews explains how God systematically unfolded His plan of salvation year after year, generation after generation, century after century, millennia after millennia. Jesus substitutionary death for our sins is the whole theme of the Bible. He can be seen in most every book of the Bible, if not by direct reference, then by clear inference. The pair of disciples who encountered the resurrected Christ on their way to Emmaus were blown away as He revealed how passage after passage of Scripture consistently and comprehensively pointed to His death and resurrection (Luke 24:24-27).
Jesus IS redemption’s story. Now that he’d come and fulfilled all that was foretold of Him, the Hebrews (and us) need no further message from God. Why not let Him begin writing your redemption story for the first time as your personal Savior? Or a new chapter each day as you follow Him as Lord?
THE FINISHED WORK OF THE CROSS PERMANENTLY CANCELLED-OUT A MOUNTING DEBT WE COULD NEVER REPAY.
“Every day the priests stand and do their religious service. Again and again they offer the same sacrifices. But those sacrifices can never take away sins. But Christ offered one sacrifice for sins, and it is good FOREVER. Then He sat down at the right hand of God. With one sacrifice He made perfect FOREVER those who are being made holy. Hebrews 10:11-14
Our nation is experiencing unprecedented problems in the area of unsecured debt. Government agencies, corporations and individuals are struggling to pay back monies borrowed. Imagine if someone came along and erased all that debt with one payment? People would literally dance in the streets! While such a solution does not appear on the immediate horizon, there’s a much more serious debt problem that does have such a solution. God has set some moral standards for us. Each time we break one of those standards, we’re indebted to God. The Bible calls such violations “sin”. What’s more, we break God’s beneficial rules because we have an inborn disposition that naturally chooses the wrong way. The Bible calls this our “sin nature”. Being perfectly just, God has to punish each and every sin. And the payment for each and every sin is death. Spiritual death, permanent separation from God.
The great news of the gospel is that our personal sin debt has been cancelled at the cross. There Jesus chose to assume all the debt our sins incurred. All of it, for all time. But we must cash in by simply accepting God’s forgiveness of our debt. By turning from sin and receiving Christ into our lives, we become debt free! “We owed a debt because we broke God’s laws. That debt listed all the rules we failed to follow. But God forgave us that debt. He took away that debt and nailed it to the cross” (Col. 2:13-14). Now that’s what I call debt-free living! At Easter the cross shouts out, “Get out of debt!” Are you there yet?
THE FINISHED WORK OF THE CROSS MARKED THE FINISH LINE IN JESUS’ RACE OF FAITH.
“Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and FINISHED this race we’re in. Study how He did it. Because He never lost sight of where He was headed – that exhilarating FINISH in and with God – He could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now He’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.” Hebrews 12:2,
“Winners never quit, and quitters never win.” We’ve all heard it a million times, yet it’s so very true. My first semester at Bible college exposed me to the fiercest series of trials ever. When the semester ended and I returned home for Christmas vacation I vividly recall the words of a generous supporter who’d help pay my schooling expenses. “It’s always good to finish what we’ve started.” I never looked back and with God’s help, graduated with academic honors.
Perseverance marked the life of Jesus, and it’s just what we need most when the going gets really tough. If you’re growing discouraged by the hardships of the Christian life, now’s a good time to recall the kind of stuff Jesus went through all His life. Hounded by devil, demons and every kind of human enemy, our Lord stuck to His guns. I wonder if His words, “It is finished!”, also expressed a sigh of relief. The cross towards which He’d set His face like a flint marked the end of His courageous race (Isa. 50:7; Luke 9:51). It was the finish line He longed to cross. And cross it He did! By recalling how Jesus finished His race we can draw encouragement and strength to begin (or continue) running our own race of faith. Happy Easter!
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