Looking Past Easter

Another Easter is upon us.

With it comes so many wonderful experiences.  Time with family.  Colorful fashion.  Picnics.  And, of course, the traditional egg hunt. 

For Christians it is a “calendar” day that marks the greatest event that has ever happened in human history.  Every other thing Jesus said and did including his death swings on the hinge of the resurrection event.  Why?  Because the truth of his resurrection validates all the other things.  Without the resurrection the other matters simply evaporate as good intentions. 

Scripture reminds us at several turns that remembering the resurrection is much more than a scheduled trip through scripture’s museum on a special day each spring.  It is an atmosphere we live and breathe every day.  His bodily resurrection is more than a romantic idea – a feel good for anybody who wants to acknowledge it as historical event.  It is “the” historical marker.  It is the precursor to the new age and, the declaration that the “end of the ages” is upon.  It completely alters any conversation about what it means to be human and to live in wisdom.   It sets before us God’s intentions for not only human beings but creation in general.   Jesus' resurrection represents a lot of things.  Here's a few to think about this Easter.

It is a powerful declaration of his Lordship.  He is the firstborn from the dead (Col. 1:15-17).  He is the first fruits of those who sleep (1 Corinthians 15:20-21).  After his ascension into heaven space, he took his seat at the right hand of power.  He is King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Timothy 6:15-16).  The resurrection elevates his word above all other “words.”  Paul said this is the One whom God has appointed to be the judge of the living and the dead (John 5:25-28; Acts 17:30-31). 

His resurrection offers immortality to those who believe on Him and accept his reign.  Immortality is commonly thought of as a human right.  The common assumption is that we are “born as immortals.”   Genesis 3 reminds us that man was created dependent on God for life.  The first humans ate from the tree of life.  Their sin and expulsion from the garden brought death…literally.  Jesus changes that!  Romans 8:10-11 says, “But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.”  Jesus brought “life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2 Timothy 1:10).  Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment” (John 5:25-29).  Immortality is a blessing given to those who have been born of the water and the spirit (John 3:3-5).  Jesus’ resurrection makes the singular defining statement about immortality.  It is available through Jesus, the firstborn from among the dead ones (Ephesians 1:19-21). 

His resurrection declares that a new age has begun.  When Jesus came forth from the tomb, he took the powers of evil captive (Colossians 2:13-15).  He said before his death that the ruler of this world would be thrown out (John 12:31).  He came that he might destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8).  They have been put on notice.  God is putting the world to rights through the ministry of the Son of God – his death and resurrection.  A new and better world is coming.  And it will not be one of harps, clouds and spirits floating around in eternal singing sessions.  Peter says we are anticipating “a new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13).  Jesus, the gospel, and his kingdom are the greatest adventure we can ever know! 

Easter is about a lot more than family traditions, egg hunts and a traditional church service.  A lot more. At the very least it is a reminder of what the Father began through His Son nearly 2000 years ago.  It continues to reach out to us every day as the leading headline in a broken world.  Jesus is Lord – immortality is possible – a new age pregnant with new adventures in new world is coming!   If we move it beyond the grip of domesticated thinking and romantic ideas it can awaken Christian communities to their calling to be signposts pointing people back to this most significant of human events and, of course, forward to the magnificent experience that is hope in Jesus Christ.   He was changed early one Sunday morning.  Everyone who has made him Lord of their life will be changed one day, too (Colossians 2:12; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. – Colossians 3:1-4

Father, this world can be so overwhelming.  We think in terms of what is right in front of us.  Time becomes something we treat as our own possession.  We plan our lives – even our death.  Sometimes we don’t think beyond the experiences and arrogance of this broken age.  Thank you for reminding us through the resurrection of Jesus that life has changed.  We can live in hope of eternal life because Jesus is the resurrection and the life.  May we live in the triumph of that conviction.  May we live out the power of the resurrection every day as those who have been raised from the dead now anticipating that day when we will be raised completely by the One who has gone on before us.  Amen.

Randy Daugherty

Stephenville, Texas 

Peace, Hope, Joy

The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance (Psalm 16:6).

            Peace of mind.  That’s what my mother said she wanted for Christmas when, as a child, I asked her that question innocently.  I remember it, and now I understand it.

            My day starts with reading, prayer and meditation, followed by a glance through the newspaper for an update on current events.  Occasionally a story will inspire, but most news is old news:  People continue to be mean to each other.  Innocents of all ages still get hurt and die.  Chaos still abounds all over the world.  One of my volunteer jobs at the Abilene Police Department is to archive 60+ years of newspaper clippings relating to law enforcement and peace-keeping in our city.  It’s a sobering task.  The stories, the faces, the pain and loss represent real people.  Without faith in an omnipotent God, I could easily feel overwhelmed with hopelessness.

            I read Psalm 16 this week and it was the timely reminder I needed.  It says, in essence, that without God we have nothing.  The un-godly are losers.  The godly-faithful on the other hand have a “secure lot in life” no matter what circumstances befall them.  They are blessed now and will always be blessed.  That’s God’s promise, and He keeps His promises.     

 The word “hope” in the New Testament means the confident expectation of an outcome.  Hope isn’t a wish, it’s a promise.   My brother died unexpectedly on Christmas Day 2013.  The painful circumstances of his death would be unbearable were it not for the hope I have – the promise God made to his faithful children to not “abandon us to the grave.”  And because of Christ’s resurrection from the dead, we’ll be filled with the joy of His presence and with “eternal pleasures” at His right hand (from Psalm 16:9-11). 

Heavenly Father, You refresh us with wellsprings of peace and hope that never run dry.  In the midst of chaos we thrive by Your power and grace.  We are grateful.  Amen.    

Sandra Milholland

Abilene, Texas

Scriptures to Live By

I was recently encouraged by a brother in Christ, who shared with me that he was allowing Colossians 3: 1-17 to guide his walk with the Lord. That intrigued me, so I looked up the scripture to see how these words can influence my daily walk and life. The scripture centers around putting on our “new self”.

Verse 1 says, “If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.  For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God”.

Some key words here are “set your mind”.  We have choices every morning. We naturally tend to focus on what is around us or things on earth.  God is asking us to set our mind or make a choice every day to seek the things that are above, the unseen things.

In verse 5 we are asked to put to death our “earthly” thinking and behavior: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

The words “put to death” are strong words in this verse. When something is dead, it is over. God is asking us to put to death these behaviors. This is not something to be taken lightly. In verse 6, God tells us that his wrath is directed at these unrighteous behaviors.

Verse 8 says, “But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.”

“You must” does not sound like a suggestion. Our creator does not possess these qualities.  Therefore, we shouldn’t either, since we are being renewed in His image. As we put these “earthly” things to death, we become more like the one who created us. 

Verse 14 says, “above all put on love”… God calls us “holy and beloved” in verse 12 and asks us to have “compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgive each other; as the Lord has forgiven you”.

The two words “above all” imply that we first put on love, and then the other desired, Godly characteristics will naturally follow.  The desired attributes are Christ-like.  You have given your life to him; follow his example.

Verses 15-16 provide some lofty expectations:

Let the word of Christ dwell in us richly

Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts

Have thankful hearts

Whatever we do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord

Teach and admonish one another with wisdom

I have read these verses over and over this week in an effort to give them the power to transform my daily thoughts to things above, not things of the earth. I encourage you to allow them to be scriptures to live by.

Righteous Father and Creator, Thank you for these words on the printed pages of my Bible that guide my daily walk. It is an amazing thing, that you give me guidance in how to become more like you. Thank you for choosing me and caring about me.  This gives me great joy. Fill me with your Spirit to live out the challenges of these scriptures. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Terry Smith
Stephenville,Texas

If You Get Romans, God Gets You

During the 1920’s to the 1940’s, a teacher at Abilene Christian College named R. C. Bell who taught and wrote on Paul’s epistle to the Romans made the title of this article well known.  He often said, “If you get Romans, God gets you.”

Of course, Bro. Bell meant that the message of Romans is so significant that ‘if one really grasps/understands/accepts it, then God will capture the heart of the one who gets it.  What is so important about Romans?  Why should we as  Christians make it our goal to know/comprehend its message?

BECAUSE:  The way/means to a right relationship with God is revealed by Paul in his epistle to the Romans.  When I was a boy growing up in the churches of Christ, I thought I understood the gospel/the way of salvation.  My conception of salvation was ‘if I obeyed God well enough, I would be saved.’  As a result of this conception of the way of salvation, I lived in fear of hell and guilt over my failure to obey well enough.  I lived with the constant anxiety of being lost, even though I was a Christian (as I understood Christianity).  I was a lot like Paul describes himself in Romans 7.  I desperately wanted to be righteous, but I did not have the will power to defeat sin.

Paul’s message in Romans (his good news) is that ‘righteousness’ in God’s sight has been made available to us by God Himself.  God makes it possible for us to be ‘not guilty’ before Him.  We can be righteous in God’s eyes because of what God has done for us.  SO WHAT HAS GOD DONE??

Romans 3:24-25 tells us that God (the author/initiator of our salvation) put forward Jesus His Son as a sacrifice of atonement for our sin.  He has redeemed us from our sins.  God did this because of His grace.  He did this freely because of His love. Therefore, we are justified before God by our faith.  I love the sound-alike definition of justified:  JUST IF I’D NEVER SINNED.  That is how God looks at me because of Jesus’ redeeming sacrifice.  He considers me ‘not guilty, sinless, righteous in His sight’.

How does this make me feel?  ETERNALLY GRATEFUL!!  How does this make me act?  IT MAKES ME WANT TO GIVE MY BODY AS A LIVING SACRIFICE TO GOD!!

Prayer:  Thank you, God, for opening my eyes to see the good news.  Thank you for making it possible to be righteous.  Help me to live a life worthy of your gift of salvation.   

Terry Brown

Abilene, Texas

  

Washing Feet

It was just before the Passover Feast.  Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father.  Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.  John 13:1

Jesus and the disciples gathered for an evening meal.  After the food had been served, Jesus got up and began to wash his disciples’ feet.  The men had trouble understanding Jesus’ motive for washing their feet.  “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Simon Peter said.  John’s account of the event (John 13:1-17) describes a practical demonstration of Jesus’ love for his disciples.

Washing dirt from a guest’s feet was a generally accepted practice, showing hospitality and respect.  I would imagine, however, that the actual task of washing feet was typically delegated to a servant.  The disciples obviously needed their feet washed, but none of the “chosen ones” stepped forward to serve.  Jesus sets the example (v.15).

The disciples have been following Jesus for many months.  Yet, they still have trouble with humility.  Pride and arrogance have kept the disciples from learning the true meaning of Jesus’ lessons.  Urgency has set in.  Jesus is soon to leave them and, therefore, he wants to seize the opportunity to emphasize the importance of “servant-mindedness”.  “Do as I have done for you,” Jesus said.

If you really love, you will look for ways to serve.  If you genuinely care, you will put your love into action in practical ways.  Interestingly, Jesus concludes by telling the disciples they will be blessed if they serve others (v.17).

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to follow your example by demonstrating love for others in practical ways.  Help me to be humble enough to accept the role of servant.  Thank you for blessing me.  In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

Carl Smith
Stephenville, Texas

Sons and Daughters of Encouragement

Hebrews 3:12-13

See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.  But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

“Encourage” defined:

1. to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence 

2. to stimulate by assistance, approval, etc.

3. to promote, advance, or foster

(Dictionary.com Unabridged)

Everyone hungers for encouragement, believers are no exception, each one needs encouragement. Christian encouragement builds strength for the battles against sin’s deceitful nature.  “One another” appears time and again, as New Testament references teach us to walk side by side, to bear one another’s burden.  Too much of the time, we choose independence.  Scripture urges Christians to encourage one another, let us ponder some of them:

Acts 11:22-23

News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.

Acts 15:32

Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers. 

Acts 16:40

After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.

Acts 18:27

When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed.

Acts 20:1-2

When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said goodbye and set out for Macedonia.  He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece, 

Romans 1:11-12  

I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—  that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith

2Corinthians13:11  

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

Ephesians 6:21-22                                   

Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing.  I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.

Colossians 4:7-9         

Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.  I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.  He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.

1 Thessalonians 3:1-3                                                                 

So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens.  We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials.

1 Thessalonians 3:7-8 

Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 5:11                                                                                                 

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:14                                                                                                       

And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 

2 Timothy 4:2                                                                                                       

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 

Looking back to Hebrews 3:12-13, Let us encourage one another in the present, not rely on yesterday’s words and deeds, and not procrastinate-“I’ll call, write, visit tomorrow”.  Someone is in need of encouragement today.  Who will bring it?  And let us also be thankful for each word/deed of encouragement aimed at us.

Thoughts of Job’s wife have lingered in my mind recently.  Over the years, I have harshly judged her.  Job’s friends came to him, once they received news of his devastating losses.  Maybe Ms. Job also had friends come to comfort and encourage her.  We are not told.  The thought of losing one child, let alone all born to her (10 children, in her case), my imagination cannot comprehend the depth her despair.  The losses don’t end there.  Loss of massive property and her husband’s health is severely stricken.  How can she begin to comfort her spouse?  She is credited with only one statement in the book of Job-speaking to her husband.  “Why do you hold onto your integrity?  Curse God and die.”  She turned away from God.  Yet, Job continued to refrain from blaming God.  He did not sin.  Would her story be different, if she, too, was lifted up by faithful friends?

Job’s wife may not fit into this discussion of encouragement, but her story continues to bring questions to mind.

Days on earth bring heartache and discouragement to everyone.  Christians are not spared the difficult days; on the contrary, their heartaches may be multiplied through persecution for the faith they hold.  God commands His children to support, strengthen and encourage one another.  Who will obey?  What brother or sister can I spur on today?

Father God,

You who give encouragement and endurance.  Thank You for the hope You provide through Your Word.  Thank You, for Your plan: Christians encouraging one another-strength for the battle.  Let us take up the assignment to encourage and lift one another up.  Give us eyes to see the need, give us words to speak life, give us hands and feet to serve.  May our words and our deeds be pleasing in Your sight, may they serve as an encouragement to all in our path.  Jesus’, love and compassion, show us how to encourage-may we be good students of His example and others in Scripture who walked as encouragers.

In His precious name, Amen

Mischelle Oliver, Stephenville

Outrage for Action

It’s easy for me to see and analyze the world’s problems.  I mean, they are all so obvious that it isn’t hard for me to see them and pick them apart.  

Yes, I am that guy.  I go to a retail store and I can pick apart the service or cleanliness or merchandising.  Twenty years in retail will do that to you.  I go to a restaurant and I can quickly analyze all the things they could do to serve me faster and better.  Eating too much will do that to you.  I can go to a car dealership, a movie, wherever, and I can quickly analyze the problems and come up with a list of solutions.  I simply know what I like and think everyone should cater to me.

 

I can do it with churches too.  And, best of all, I can do it with people.  Yes, I have the ability to look around, see everyone’s problems and have answers for how they could all live better lives.  As long as it doesn’t affect me of course.  Or worse, cause me to look in the mirror.

I wrote a post recently about “the church’s” outrage at government and how misplaced I think it can be at times (see it here Outrage for What?).  Here’s the thing with outrage.  It’s a good emotion when it leads me to do something about it.  You see, it’s when I take the outrage and do something about it that I gain credibility.  Complainers are not credible people.  Resolvers are credible people.  Sure, complainers can stand on their soapboxes that look like pulpits or blogs or books or podcasts or social media and get noticed yet their complaining rarely resolves anything.

The other day, I ran across a blog post from 2003 and the writer was “debunking the myth of Mother Teresa.”  He had reasons why she wasn’t really healing the sick or protecting the poor and he certainly blasted her for her Catholic faith.  He gave examples of things she said and wrote to cast her as a non-Protestant at best and a non-believer at worst.  As a bit of a radical in my faith tradition, I found myself agreeing with much of what she represented and taught although the author was castigating the same.  Other things he criticized I found to be…well…insignificant.  He did mention some of what he reported was said or written in 1984.  Oh my, if people went back 30 years on me to find out what I was up to they might bolt and chain the church doors to keep me out!  

For a moment, I was outraged at the blog author and sat in my chair questioning what efforts he was making first-hand with the poor and sick.  However, the longer I thought about it, the more I thought about my need to examine my outrage.  What have I done recently to help the poor?  How have I reached out lately to touch the sick?  

I pray my outrage will continue as long as it drives me to right wrongs, to help others and to see with the eyes of God so I can be his instrument of peace and hope on earth.

Grace and peace.

Jeff Jones

Decatur, Texas