Category Archives: Lenten Season

Lenten Season

Lessons Learned at the Cross

Leave a comment

Lessons Learned at the Cross

Willingness to learn

There was book that was popular many years ago entitled, “All I Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.”  It contained simple nuggets of wisdom that were garnered from watching how children interacted with each other and the world.

It’s been said that life is a giant classroom in which we can experience many valuable lessons.  What really determines our success in learning is our willingness to learn.

As the close of Lenten season approaches, I have learned three valuable lessons in observing Christ’s journey to and ultimate sacrifice on the Cross.  I share these with you on your journey to living victoriously in Christ Jesus .

Lesson #1

 I must Die to Live.  Believers will have difficulty living victoriously until we are willing to die to ourselves and surrender to the Lord.  In His final days with His disciples, Jesus used an example from farming to illustrate this point.

I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.  The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. (John 12:24-26)

Lesson #2

I must Lose to Win.  Believers cannot live in the fullness of God apart from the “filling” of the Holy Spirit.  “Filling” means relinquishing control to the Holy Spirit.  Paul shared this belief in his letter to the church in Philippi.

But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.  What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ. (Philippians 3:7, 8) 

Lesson #3

 I must Surrender for Victory.  Believers who surrender to the King of Kings acknowledge God as the Sovereign of the universe.  We are part of God’s kingdom and we must willingly abdicate to His rule over our lives.  Habakkuk, the prophet, understood this relationship when he prayed this prayer. 

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines , though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. (Habakkuk 3:17-19)

What now?

Lenten and Easter seasons are a time for us to not only celebrate the victory of Jesus over the Cross (Is. 49:1-7) but also to prepare for  our next steps after Easter.  It is a perfect time for reflection and redirection.

What are the things God is asking you to lose, surrender and/or die to in order to live victoriously in the fullness of God?  We need only a child-like trust in the Savior of the World, Jesus Christ, to learn all we need to know about “what really matters.”

Lenten Season

Freedom In Christ: What does the Cross Mean…

1 Comment

For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.  1 Corinthians 1:17-18 1:13 (NKJ)

Our Lenten 2018 devotional writings have explored “The Journey of the Cross”.   The intent of this series was to help us as believers understand and emulate the sacrifice and obedient behavior Christ demonstrated on His journey “to” the Cross.  We have done this through both reading and personal response—reflective Bible reading and prayer, journaling, and practicing acts of contemplation (solitude and reflection).  It is now time to evaluate if we have been successful in our attempt as we end our series with this question, “What does the Cross mean to you?”

What does the Cross mean to you?  Is it an object on which Christ was crucified? Or is it a piece of jewelry that you wear? Our view of the Cross is critical in that it establishes the basis of our Christian belief and personal walk of faith.  In the routine of daily living, we often forget Christ’s work of grace on the Cross.  Unfortunately, most believers are only superficially drawn to the Cross giving attention to it only during the sacrament of communion or at Easter.  It is critical that we clearly define the Cross’ significance so that we might re-engage its purpose and power in our life.

Christian doctrine is founded on “the Cross.”  Our belief about sin and salvation begin and end at the Cross (Rom. 3:23; 6:23).  Our identity as children and heirs of God (1 John 3:2; Rom. 8:17) are established by our knowledge of what Christ accomplished on the Cross.

To Jesus Christ, the Cross signified lordship and commitment to Him.  He told those who would follow Him that unless they were willing to bear His cross, they could not be His disciple (Luke 14:27). Christ has not altered His requirement for discipleship in the twenty-first century. The Cross demands commitment.

To Paul and other New Testament writers, the Cross represented the Good New (Gospel) of Jesus Christ.  This gospel was to be clearly articulated to those identified in the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20)—Jesus Christ died for sin, He rose from the dead, and “whosoever believeth in Him” shall have everlasting life.  The gospel message remains the same in the twenty-first century.  The Cross is salvation.     

To Christians, the Cross recounts God’s extraordinary act of love.  “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).  George Matherson penned in his hymn these words:

O Love that will not let me go,

I rest my weary soul in thee;

I give thee back the life I owe,

That in thine ocean depths its flow

May richer, fuller be.

God’s plan of salvation did not come as an “after thought” but was formed in eternity (Eph. 1:4-7).  Before the Fall, God set in motion His plan of salvation to return beloved man to Himself.  The Cross reveals the very heart of God (2 Cor. 4:6).

The Cross strengthens Christian’s confidence in the power of God.  Jesus was the decided Victor on Resurrection Sunday.  God disarmed and shamed Satan by His victory at the Cross.  Believers therefore reverence the Cross, not as a material object seen in isolation, but as the instrument of Christ’s triumph (Col. 2:13-15).  The Cross witnesses God’s goodness and greatness.  

Return to the Cross and Christ’s life-transforming love.  Return to the Cross and re-discover power that will never pass away.

Jesus keep me near the cross

There’s a precious fountain

Free to all a healing stream

Flows from Calvary’s mountain

In the Cross,

In the Cross,

Be my glory ever,

‘Til my raptured soul shall find

Rest beyond the river.

Have a blessed Easter.  Hallelujah, He is Risen!

RESPOND:

This week we will complete our “Journey of the Cross” by sharing our answers to last week’s response activity.  You were to choose the one (1) contemplative discipline you felt most comfortable in practicing. As you journal, answer these four (4) reflective questions:

  1. Did you experience God in this discipline? If not, then why not.
  2. What did you learn about God? The Father, the Son, and/or the Holy Ghost specifically.
  3. What did you learn about yourself? Your fears, your faith, your purpose.
  4. How will your life change as a result of experiencing God?

We have created a special group on Facebook for our WordBytes Community to post your responses.  Input “WordBytes Community” into your “search window” and then post your response then share what you have learned on your “Journey of the Cross”.  Thanks for being part of our family.    

Lenten Season

Freedom in Christ: Let Go the EGO

Leave a comment

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”  Philippians 1:6 (NKJ)

“For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:13

 

As Resurrection Sunday rapidly approaches, we focus on the final area of our Lenten season “Journey of the Cross” with understanding our “Freedom in Christ.”  Probably the most difficult part of this teaching will be our willingness to “let go.”  Letting go requires releasing those things that cause us to be independent of God and operate outside the will of God.  Letting go necessitates that we pray often, wait expectantly, and trust unequivocally.   When we “let go and let God”, the results are always more than we can accomplish in our own power (1 Cor. 2:9).  Much of the difficulty in “letting go,” often times, lie in our inability to “let go of our ego.”

Ego, in this case, is not an exaggerated sense of self-importance but the use of “fleshly” knowledge and “human” effort to accomplish God’s purpose. This is often the case with believers who endeavor to live righteous and holy lives in their own power.  Some people attempt to do this by “works”—they visit the sick, feed the hungry, and do all the things they think will please the Lord.  Others become “masters of the spiritual disciplines”—they read their Bible every day, fast and pray, and tithe their ten percent.  Regardless of their approach, they often “miss the mark” as they use their fleshly methods to create spiritual outcomes.  This was true of Paul, as he attempted to live holy by operating out of his flesh (Rom. 7:15-21).

Interestingly the pronoun “I”, in the passage above, in Greek is translated “ego.”  Paul’s failure was not due to lack of works or poor self-discipline; nor was it the result of a poor attitude or “stinking thinking.”   There were two culprits responsible for his struggle.  The first was his ego—Paul attempted to handle sin in his own strength.  His best efforts only resulted in frustration.  The second perpetrator was “indwelling sin”—the unwanted tenacity of sin left in Paul’s unregenerate flesh (Gal.5:17).  What was the best solution for Paul’s dilemma?   “Let go the ego!”  Paul’s struggle ended when he let go and turned to the power within, God the Spirit (Rom. 7:24-25).

As believers, we will be frequently faced with the struggle of sin.  While Christ has delivered us from the penalty of sin (justification) and the power of sin (sanctification), we are yet awaiting to be fully delivered from the presence of sin (glorification).  Sin’s presence will be experienced as long as we live in this fallen world and reside in unregenerate flesh.  How then are we to live victoriously?  Let go the ego and let God!

RESPOND:

This week’s response activity will focus on your experience with Christian contemplation. Christian contemplation are those activities that “create emotional and spiritual space” for intimacy with God.  The intent of contemplation is “fixing our eye on God”–His Word, His way, or His works. It has been my prayer that in practicing these disciplines of contemplation, you have begun to deepen your experience with God.

During our “Journey of the Cross” we have practiced several types of contemplation–reflective Bible reading, reflective prayer, journaling, solitude, and reflections. This week your assignment is to journal about the one (1) contemplative discipline you felt most comfortable in practicing. As you journal, answer these four (4) reflective questions:

  1. Did you experience God in this discipline? If not, then why not.
  2. What did you learn about God? The Father, the Son, and/or the Holy Ghost specifically.
  3. What did you learn about yourself? Your fears, your faith, your purpose.
  4. How will your life change as a result of experiencing God?

Take time responding to these questions-reflection and meditation is part of the transforming work of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 12:2; Phil. 4:8). There are no right or wrong answers. Next week, we will provide an opportunity for you to share your experiences on your “Journey of the Cross.”  

Lenten Season

Humbling Ourselves: Practicing Forgiveness

Leave a comment

“… bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”   Col. 3:13 (KJV)

This week as I scanned my mail, I observed an email celebrating the Lenten season.  When I looked to see who had sent it, I noticed its source was a past associate, with whom, I had become very “disenchanted.” Translation? They had committed an action that I felt was unkind and I had not yet found it in my heart to forgiven them.  With this personal story as a backdrop, I’d like to focus this week’s Lenten season study on practicing forgiveness.

In the Lord’s Prayer, receiving forgiveness from God is joined to forgiveness of others.  (Matt. 6:12; Luke 11:4) Jesus used several parables to illustrate the need to pursue forgiveness.  In the parable of the unmerciful servant, He makes the point that human beings are obligated to forgive because God has forgiven them. (Matt. 18:23-35) In the parable of the prodigal son, Jesus contrasts the “forgiving” heart of the father in the story with the “unforgiving” older son.  It is a study in the stubborn refusal to forgive that is characterized by hardness, a demand for revenge, and arrogant refusal to celebrate.  The older son’s self-justified indignation and smugness “over being right” was causing just as much pain and separation between himself and his father as was caused by his younger brother. Unforgiveness often causes as much pain as the original offence.  (Sound familiar?) Let’s go back to my email.

I opened the email (which I usually delete) and oh my, was I blessed by what I received.  It was as follows:

The only authentic fasting is fasting that includes a spiritual attack against our own sin.  If there is an unresolved pocket of sin in our life, God is going to come to us and say, “The fast I choose is for that sin to be starved to death.”  From A Hunger for God by John Piper

My heart was “doubly convicted”—my “unresolved pocket of sin” had been exposed AND my fasting this Lenten season needed to be more authentic.  God did speak to me and say, “Eileen, the fast I choose for you is that you starve to death the sin of unforgiveness.”   The refusal to forgive indicates a rebellious, stubborn heart that has “not drunk deeply of the water of grace and mercy at the well of God’s forgiveness” (Luke 7:47).  Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you (Eph. 4:32).

Unforgiveness has been described as poison to the person who holds it in their heart.  Some people carry unforgiveness around like a banner of entitlement—“I’ve been wronged and it’s my right not to forgive!”  While forgiveness is not easy, God has provided His Spirit within us to show us how we can be freed from the death grip of unforgiveness.  Ask Him to set you free.  

 

RESPOND:

This week you will have an opportunity to learn more about and practice solitude.  Read the short article, What the Bible says about Solitude as part of your “Journey of THE CROSS”.

Then practice solitude by inviting the Holy Spirit to help you with an unforgiveness you may be holding in your heart.  Give yourself completely to God to help you knowing that “God loves you just as you are but also loves you too much to let you stay as you are”.

Lenten Season

Humble Ourselves: The Power of Confession

Leave a comment

“Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin.   For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me.”  Psalm 51:2-3 (NKJ)

Completing the first part of our Lenten Journey of the Cross, we will now leave our exploration of “Experiencing God” and move to the challenging area of learning to “Humble Ourselves”.  Paul tells us that we are to have a “mind like Christ”, our model for humility, who though He was God, humbled himself and became obedient even unto death (Phil. 2:5-8).  We will look at three (3) areas on this leg of the journey—confession, forgiveness, and obedience.  We begin today with the power of confession.

Confession, these days, is pretty “unusual” behavior. Even the guiltiest of criminals, caught with their proverbial hand in the cookie jar, will stand before the judge and declare themselves, “not guilty.” It has been said that, “confession is good for the soul” but you wouldn’t guess it by the world’s response. Just read the newspaper this week and you’ll find example after example of individuals and institutions, who in the wake of unfailing evidence claim innocence.  One of the opportunities of Lenten season is to examine our hearts and let the light of God’s truth shine into areas in need of His cleansing.  Therein lie the power of confession.

The 51st Psalm is God’s lesson on confession. It was authored by King David after he was confronted by Nathan the prophet for his adulterous affair with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah. The whole incident was not unlike the stories we read in the gossip tabloid or see in the latest “made for television” sequel.  King David, however, gives us a better approach to confession.

First, King David quickly accepted responsibility for his behavior and pleaded guilty to all charges. He immediately called upon God for forgiveness. He offers no excuses but appealed to God to “blot out, wash and cleanse him” from his “transgressions, iniquity, and sin.”

“For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. (vv. 3-4)

Next, King David recounted God’s expectation of him, as a man and as the leader of Israel. Though King David had perpetrated this crime against Uriah, he answered to a Higher Judge, the omniscient God, who see, hears, and knows all things. There are no “hidden sins” in His presence.

“Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.” (vv. 4-6)

Finally, King David was concerned about his broken relationship with God. He had the unique opportunity of walking closely with the Lord most of his life beginning as a young shepherd boy in the hills of Bethlehem. He longed to be restored to that relationship.

“Create in me a pure heart, 0 God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” (vv.10-12)

It is important that we learn to quickly confess our sins. Unconfessed sin results in guilt and shame, spiritual strongholds in our lives, and even worst, a broken relationship with God. There is power in confession. That power comes from the One who is “faithful to forgive us our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). 

RESPONSE:

This week you will have an opportunity to practice journaling as part of your Lenten Season, “Journey of THE CROSS”. 

 Read Psalms 51:1-12.  Then ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any unconfessed sin you may hold in your spirit.  Then ask Him to give you the courage to confess that sin, knowing that God is “faithful and just to forgive you.”  Remembering David’s approach to confession, now create in your journal a “psalm of repentance”. 

 

Lenten Season

Experiencing God: Great Expectations

Leave a comment

“So it came to pass in the morning, that behold, it was Leah. And he said to Laban, ‘What is this you have done to me? Was it not for Rachel that I served you? Why then have you deceived me?’ “

Genesis 29:25 (NKJ)

In his classic book, Great Expectations, Charles Dickens introduces vivid characters who struggle for survival, discover love, encounter failure, work hard and finally achieve success. Dickens’ book has earned the title of “classic” because it accurately depicts the human expectation of happiness within their prescribed lifetime. But great expectations must be tempered with the knowledge that it is God who has the final say with regard to man’s plans and purpose. In God’s providence, He “divinely superintends” all things to His predetermined end. This was the lesson for Jacob as he sought fulfillment of the “promise of a seed” (Gen. 28:14).

Jacob had great expectations as he approached Laban for the hand of Rachel, who was “beautiful of form and appearance” (Gen. 29:17). He anticipated that this marriage was the vehicle that God had chosen for fulfillment of that which was promised to him at Bethel. Instead, he woke the morning after his wedding married to the eldest daughter, Leah, “with the delicate eyes.” The deception by Laban would result in the delay of his great expectation with an immediate view of seven additional years of laboring for his uncle.

Leah had great expectations in her marriage to Jacob. Although she knew he didn’t love her at the time of their marriage, she hoped, with the birthing of four (4) sons, her husband would love her (v. 32). But it was not to be the case.  However “when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, He opened her womb” (v. 31).   The refusal by Jacob to love Leah would result in the denial of her great expectation with an immediate view of rejection and heartache.

Jacob would eventually marry Rachel but the promised seed would not come from their union. The LORD chose the despised mother and exalted her to be the first mother of the nation of Israel. The kingly tribe of Judah and the priestly tribe of Levi would trace back to Leah.   In reading the Scriptures, God was always providentially engaged in the fulfillment of Israel’s destiny. Israel’s purpose could only be achieved through God’s benevolence and divine control that resulted in its care, provision, and protection; in all cases, the intentions of God took precedence and His purposes were always accomplished (Isa. 48:17).

Every aspect of human life is included in God’s providential orderings. Just as God divinely superintended (and still does) His plan for Israel, He is concerned and involved in the lives of individual believers. We may wonder why our great expectations have been delayed or even denied. Our immediate view, like that of Jacob and Leah, may be “short-sighted” and not take into consideration the larger plan of God. It is during these times that we must set aside our fears and doubts and connect to the Spirit within us. It is in dialogue with Him that we realize that God’s purpose is far better than anything we can humanly devise (1 Cor. 2:9). Why? As our Father-Creator, He knows the purpose for which He has created us (Ps. 139:13-14) and how to best accomplish that purpose (Jer. 10:23; 29:11).

What great expectation are you waiting for? Be not discouraged but only trust in God. We are continually in His view and are the object of His affection (Joel 2:21, 23, 26). Let us praise Him in the midst of our waiting like the Psalmist who wrote, “My soul wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him (Ps. 62:5).

 

TIME TO RESPOND

This week you will have an opportunity to practice reflective prayer as part of your Lenten Season, “Journey of THE CROSS”.

Is there some great expectation you are waiting for?  Have it been delayed or even denied?  As we experience God this season, we are confident that God will care for all your needs–even when it doesn’t seem like it.  Go to your “quiet place” and prepare your heart for this reflective prayer exercise.  Set aside about 8 minutes for this time.  You’re worth it and God’s waiting to meet you there.

Click here to begin
Choose the second slide, “Jehovah-Jireh”
then push the “Play” button.

Lenten Season

The Details of Redemption

Leave a comment

“He [God] has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”   Colossians 1: 13-14 (NKJ)

During my personal devotions this Lenten season, the scripture texts that resonate in my spirit deal with God’s work of redemption.  As believers, we are familiar with the concept of salvation, Jesus Christ’s substitutional death for our sins (Rom. 5: 8) but it is also important that we broaden our understanding to include “the details behind His death.”  This week, as part of our Lenten season studies, we will explore the “details of redemption.”

Redemption (apolutrosis) is the purchasing back of something that had been lost, by the payment of a ransom.

In the God’s plan of salvation, man was lost as a result of the entrance of sin into the world (Gen. 3).  Why was redemption required?  God’s holiness required that sin be “dealt with.”  Christ death provided “satisfaction of divine justice”—punishment for sin as well as a ransom from the curse and authority of the law.  How was redemption to be accomplished? “Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption” (Heb. 9:12).  Who would redeem us?  “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself (Jesus Christ) likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage”  (Heb. 2:14-15).

To further illustrate redemption, I offer this personal story.  I remember my parent’s “patient and tireless” love for me.  I especially remember their offer to assist me with my finances as I began my new career as an elementary teacher.  Like most young adults establishing themselves, I was indebted “to credit.”  My parents, after seeing me struggle would “pay off” my debt with my promise to limit my use of the credit card.  Well, a year later, I was back in debt.  My parents again, “made the offer to pay, I promised not to stray, but the debt would not stay away.”  This happened on many occasions, I’m embarrassed to say.   I finally had to decline their generous offer and learn to better manage my monies.  The point of this illustration is that my parents were willing to pay the debt to the creditors—my debt—a debt that they had no part in creating.

Likewise, God, our Heavenly Father, through His Son, has provided a way to eliminate our sin debt.  “Christ, who knew no sin, became sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor. 5:21).   The debt against us is not viewed as simply cancelled, but paid in full.  Christ’s blood is the “ransom” by which the deliverance of His people from the servitude of sin and from its penal consequences has been secured.   Why would God want to redeem man?  Because of His great love for us—we are His children and heirs to His kingdom.  He “patiently and tirelessly” loves us and desires that we would be free to realize all He has promised to and for us.  Just like my parents desired for me. 

Also read:  Meditating:  A Key to Hearing God?

SELAH:  Read and meditate on Romans 5:1-11.  Ask the Holy Spirit to show you specific areas of your life which Christ has redeem your life.  Then express prayer of gratitude for His gift of redemption.

Lenten Season

In Christ

Leave a comment

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”  Ephesian 2:10 (KJV)

In last weeks’ WordBytes, we examined God’s plan of salvation.  By taking part of weak flesh and blood, Christ was able to satisfy the righteous requirement of God, to destroy the devil, and to deliver us from the penalty of sin.   In exchange, we have moved from being “dead in our trespasses” to our new position of being “in Christ” (Eph. 2:1).   What exactly does it mean to be in Christ?

To be in Christ describes the believer’s identity with Christ and his position before God the Father.

The believer (in position) can now begin the process of being conformed (in practice) to the image of Christ—righteous and holy (Rom. 12:2).  To be in Christ isn’t the result of keeping the Law or by good works—it is a gift of God (Eph. 2:10).

Here are other annotations on being “in Christ” from some of my favorite Bible scholars.

  • If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation. (2 Cor. 5:17)

 “We, His making, were constituted, placed in a totally new state and order.   These are the men and women separated from sin to God and living the life of saving reliance in the union with His Son.”  H.C.G. Moule

  •  At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. (John 14:20)

“No matter what the geographic location of the saints, their real position in God’s sight is in Christ Jesus.  They have been put in a vital union and communion with Him so that they are identified with Him. Christians have their very life in Christ.”   John Wycliff

  • And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Rom. 8:17)

“‘In Christ’ God’s superabundant blessing is available to His children by faith in Christ so that what Christ has is theirs—including His righteousness, privilege, resources, position and power. “  John MacArthur

  • That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. (Eph. 1:12)

“This is the spiritual position of the believer; he is identified with Christ, he is in Christ, therefore is able to draw upon the wealth of Christ for his own daily living. These are believers who were saved because they put their faith in Christ.”   Warren Wiersbe

DNA is the unique string of characteristics that make us who we are—physically and mentally.  In Christ, we have been given a new spiritual DNA that will follow us into eternity.  Christ became like us so that we can become like Him.  Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday has resulted in our being in Christ.  “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus”.  (Rom. 8:1)

Also read:  Identity Crisis, Part 1 and Part 2

SELAH:   Meditate* on Ephesians 2:10 and then ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you what being in Christ means to you personally.

*Thinking of its meaning and application in our lives.

Lenten Season

Our Sinless Saviour

“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15 (KJV)

During Lenten season, many questions are put forth concerning Jesus, His purpose, and His role in God’s plan of salvation. One such question that seems to top the list is, “how does one reconcile Christ’s deity His humanity?” This is not a new question and has been argued by religious scholars since the advent of Christ. Even today I have heard ministers “infer” that Christ was not sinless. Perhaps they do this to help parishioners identify with their personal struggles to “live holy lives” (1 Pet. 1:15). Instead of being helpful, these misguided efforts, instead lead many believers astray.

It is true that Christ in His humanity experienced similar feelings and emotions we face daily. He wept (John 11:35; Luke 19:41). He expressed frustration and anger (Matt. 21:12-13; Matt. 12:34). He loved (John 11:5; Mark 10:21; 2 Thess. 2:16). He exhibited His greatest humanity in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:32-37). One could say Jesus was overwhelmed (Mark 14:34) yet He set His face steadfastly to the Cross, affirming His commitment to God’s divine purpose (John 12:27). So why is Christ’s sinless nature so important? How does Christ’s sinlessness fit in God’s plan of salvation? Most importantly, was Christ really sinless?

Why is Christ’s sinlessness so important? The Levitical system of sacrifices and offerings was established to outline how God was to be worshipped and how Old Covenant ritual was to be fulfilled. This system included sacrifices and offerings, which symbolized the worshiper’s desire to express faith in and love for God as well as their desire to be purged of sin (Leviticus1:1-7:38). When animal sacrifices were required they were to be free from deformity, defect, or disease (Lev. 1:3; 4:3). To satisfy God righteous requirement for sin (Heb. 9:22), Jesus acted as the perfect, sinless sacrifice (sent from God) to take away (not to cover) sin (Heb. 9:28).

Was Christ sinless? I leave you these Scriptures to commit to memory so that you have no doubt that Jesus is our Sinless Savior.

• Christ our High Priest. “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, YET WITHOUT SIN.” Hebrews 4:15

• Christ our Reconciler. “God made him WHO HAD NO SIN to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

• Christ our Redeemer. “And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and IN HIM THERE IS NO SIN.” 1 John 3:5

• Christ our Eternal Sacrifice. “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself WITHOUT SPOT to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” Hebrews 9:14

• Christ our Example. “(Christ) WHO DID NOT SIN: neither was guile found in His mouth.” (1 Peter 2:22)

Good to the Last Byte…
Jesus modeled for us what sinless living looks like. Does He expect the same from us? Perhaps He doesn’t expect “sinlessness” (I John 1:9), but He does desire that we be “sanctified and holy” (Eph. 5: 27). He does expect us to daily strive for the mark of the high calling of Jesus Christ (Phil. 3: 14). Christ’s work upon the Cross rendered sin “inoperative” in our lives, therefore, we are not to let sin have dominion over us (Rom. 6:14). As Christ died to sin, we too are dead to sin and now proclaim we are no longer under its control. (Read Romans 6:1-14).

Lenten Season

The Reality of God

“I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.” Psalm 16:8 (NKJ)

Dr. Henry Cloud in his book, The Secret Things of God, shares this thought on happiness: “A good life doesn’t depend on good circumstances.” Dr. Cloud’s statement finds agreement with the Apostle Paul who wrote to the church at Philippi, “I have learned to be satisfied regardless of my circumstances” (Phil. 4:11-13). His contentment was based on his knowledge and relationship with The Source of all circumstances. Those times when circumstances are “not good” provide believers the opportunity to hold firm to the reality of God. The psalmist captured this reality in the 16th Psalm as he writes of the faithfulness and assurance that can only be found in God.

I have set the LORD always before me. The focus of the psalmist is Jehovah God—the Existing One—who is the source of his confidence. Jehovah has always been and will always be. As Alpha and Omega, God operates as Divine Integrity—true and faithful. “To set” (shavah) means “to put”. Oh that we would stop in the midst of our challenges and put our focus on God. We need not fear the paths that are set before us. God’s paths are those experiences He sovereignly allowed in our lives—success or sickness, excess or lack, solitude or inclusion—they all flow from His hand of grace. God is our present realty.

Because He is at my right hand. The psalmist expresses His special relationship with Jehovah as he describes God positioned at his “right hand”. The “right hand” is the preferred one in patriarchal blessings (Gen. 48:17-20). Solemn oaths are made via the uplifted right hand (Is. 62:8). The right hand is used figuratively to emphasize God’s person and actions. God’s right hand is said to be filled with righteousness (Ps. 48:10) and might (Ps. 80:15-16). Like the psalmist, believers can find God positioned “at their right hand”, ready to provide help, strength, and security. God is our unfailing reality.

I shall not be moved. To be “moved” in this text means to totter or shake. It is used of the foundations of the earth (Ps. 82:5) and almost always negatively. “I shall not totter” (mowt), in contrast, is used of an intrepid unwavering person (Ps. 10:6). As we listen to the news or read the various publications on our IPhones, it is easy “to totter”. As we attempt to manage diminishing resources in the midst of escalating costs, we can be “shaken”. As we respond to physicians who “practice medicine”, we are “moved”. Christians are to be “non-totters”. We are to hold fast to the reality of God who “neither slumbers nor sleeps” (Ps. 121:4) and call to our remembrance His love for us as evidenced in His protection and provision for us (Ps. 16:5-6). God is our unmovable reality.

Are you experiencing the reality of God in your life? Lent is the perfect time to evaluate the maturity of our faith walk and reignite our zeal for Christ. What a perfect time to demonstrate and proclaim to an unbelieving world the reality of God. (Heb. 10:23).

Prayer: Eternal God, you are greater than any circumstance we may face. You are the Creator and Sustainer of our life, ever present and always acting on our behalf. Let us continually set You before us. You are our present, unfailing, and unmovable reality. In Your presence we can live confidently and with joy (Ps. 16:11).