Tag Archives: spiritual endurance

How’s your joy capacity?

July 5, 2022 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Joy and strength

Upon returning from exile, Nehemiah told the builders of the new wall of Jerusalem that “the joy of the Lord would be their strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) The type of joy Nehemiah was alluding to was only possible from our Almighty God Who would sustain them through the direst of circumstances.

What sustains you? In the midst of all our challenges as a nation, in our communities, and in our families, how are you holding up? How is your joy capacity? Is the joy of the Lord still our strength today? Yes! The principle of joy still resonates even in the 21st century (James 1:2-3; Phil. 4:4).

What exactly is joy?

Joy is defined by Webster as a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. This definition, however, fails to explain the importance of joy in building resiliency, or our ability to “bounce back” from the challenges of life. It is joy that increases our emotional capacity to handle the difficulties we face while we live in this fallen world.

Joy nuggets

Although we may feel like we have little or no joy left, we must be diligent to “refill” our joy tanks. I’d like to share just a few “joy nuggets” nuggets so you too can increase your JQ–joy quotient.

We increase our joy when we are in relationship. I’m not talking about sexual relationship (although that is important) but I mean when we are in fellowship with others. God said it is not “good for man to be alone.” In response, God created woman to be in relationship with Him. (Gen. 2:18) God Himself was in relationship with the first married couple.

In relationship, joy comes from knowing that the person you are with is happy to see and be with you. Relationship was key to Christ as we observe His relationship with His disciples and His close circle which included Peter, James, and John

We increase joy when we are in community. Social restraints and changing technology have made archaic the idea of a physical community. Remember Mrs. Branch who taught the girls how to play the piano? Or Mr. Johnson’s “show and tell” sessions about his adventures in the Army. Or Mrs. Mott’s homemade cider and gingerbread at Halloween.

Community offered familiarity, authenticity, and validation. Joy was found in acceptance and genuine interest in the individual. Join a community that can offer these benefits. Remember the television sitcom, “Cheers”. At Cheers “everybody knows your name and their all so glad you came. We want to go where everybody knows your name!”

We increase joy when we reflect on moments of appreciation. Think about a person that you appreciate and a time you felt especially grateful to be with that person.

Describe the emotion you felt when you were with them. Describe what your body felt like when that person was present. Doing this exercise regularly will raise your joy level.

Let your joy flow

Although joy might appear to be a fleeting emotion, it really requires that we be intentional in our pursuit of it.

My joy begins first with God, my most important relationship. It is in time of prayer, reading His Word, and fellowship through worship that I feel my greatest joy. With Him, I feel safe, calm, and connected. I feel joy.

Next, I find great joy with family and friends. It is in sharing meals, recounting stories, and in creating new memories that I find joy. These times together help me put into perspective what is important and “joyful.” I share joy.

How is your joy capacity?

Spiritual Endurance

Reclaiming Our Life through God’s Presence

September 21, 2021 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Who’s in control?

On a scale of one to five, how do you feel? With one, being “totally overwhelmed” and five, being “confidently optimistic”? Do you feel like your life is slowly slipping away?

Well join the club! Many of us feel that the life we had planned is being delayed or demolished as a result of the pandemic, the economy, and the social/political gridlock we find ourselves in. Disruptions, interruptions, and conflicts seem to be intensifying rather than diminishing.

The Mental Health Association researched the impact of living in our “new normal”. Here is a brief sampling of some of their findings:

- The number of people looking for help with anxiety and depression has skyrocketed. From January to September 2020, 315,220 people took the anxiety screen, a 93 percent increase over the 2019 total number of anxiety screens. 534,784 people took the depression screen, a 62 percent increase over the 2019 total number of depression screens.

- Young people are struggling most with their mental health. The proportion of youth ages 11-17 who accessed screening was 9 percent higher than the average in 2019. Not only are the number of youth searching for help with their mental health increasing, but throughout the COVID-19 pandemic youth ages 11-17 have been more likely than any other age group to score for moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety and depression.

These statistics are alarming to say the least. However, they help us quantify the emotional toll and brokenness our nation must now address.

Striving to Cope

While we are striving to cope with what’s happening around us physically, we must recognize the impact to our mental health and well-being. As our world shifts, there is a way to not only cope and survive but also reclaim our life (Joel 2:25). We can begin to combat the mental trauma and stress we face by strengthening our spiritual resiliency.

Resiliency is the ability of an object to “rebound or spring back” to its original shape after being stretched or compressed. Spiritual resiliency, however, is more. It is about not only bouncing back but also gaining greater strength and capacity than originally possessed.

As believers, we understand that it is God in us (1 John 4:4) that provides us the ability to not only bounce back, but to come back even stronger than before (2 Cor. 4:16-18). God is greater than anything we may face today or tomorrow.

Life lived in God’s Presence

To build spiritual resiliency, we must put ourselves in the presence of God. The psalmist understood this when he confidently penned Psalm 139:7-10 (NLT).

I can never escape from your spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the place of the dead, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.

God’s presence offers extraordinary benefit and impact for believers for today and beyond.

First, knowing God is everywhere offers us great comfort. If we have learned one thing from this pandemic it is that we must watch for potential risks and dangers that may threaten us physically, financially, and socially. To know that we are never out of the presence of God should settle the faint-hearted. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear.” (Ps. 46:1-2).

Secondarily, believers living in the presence of God possess great confidence knowing that He is ever-present. In these critical times, recognizing that the “only wise God” (Rom. 16:27) is there to guide and direct our steps, comforts our hearts, and eases our stress (Phil. 4:6-7). Our faith is strengthened because of who God is. In, out, or through the storm, we know we are not alone.

Finally, living in God’s presence provides us great clarity as to how we are to live during these tumultuous times (Titus 2:11-13). This acknowledgment requires that we live obediently according to His Word and under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Yes, even amid this pandemic! (Rom. 12:2; 1 Pet. 1:13-16; 1 John 2:16-17)

The Believer’s reality

Our worldview is based on the reality that we live in the presence of, under the authority of, and to the honor and glory of God. We know that God is the Creator and Sustainer of life. He has kept us in the past, is keeping us now, and will keep us in the future. (Ps. 3:5; Heb. 1:3)

In the presence of God we will find not only what we need to survive today but also prepare us for tomorrow. By acknowledging the presence of God, we can regain our life. We can move through the challenges we face mentally resilient, emotionally strong, and spiritually fit.

Will our lives ever be the same? Probably not. But our lives can be lived confidently and with hope (Ps. 42:5) because we know we are continually in God’s presence. Wherever we are, God is there with us. Therefore, we can move forward and begin to reclaim our lives. (Jer. 29:11)

Spiritual Endurance

Recapturing Our Thoughts

September 14, 2021 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

A penny for your thoughts

Where is your mind leading you? Most biblical teachers and preachers will agree that the battle for our faith begins with the mind. It is here that Satan, the world, and our flesh continually attempt to exercise their influence and control.

In 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, the Apostle Paul advises believers in Corinth to bring into obedience and compliance every thought that is not in agreement with God’s plan and purpose for their life.

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

The J.B. Phillips New Testament paraphrase says it this way:

The truth is that, although of course we lead normal human lives, the battle we are fighting is on the spiritual level. The very weapons we use are not those of human warfare but powerful in God’s warfare for the destruction of the enemy’s strongholds. Our battle is to bring down every deceptive fantasy and every imposing defence that men erect against the true knowledge of God. We even fight to capture every thought until it acknowledges the authority of Christ.

Why is Paul’s teaching relevant today?

As we live in this 21^st century, postmodern world, our Christian faith is being challenged daily. In its place are worldviews that discount or exclude the truth of the gospel.

This is especially true in “these days” when we’re living with uncertainty in every area of our life. Is there a better option for those who are desperately seeking answers for living in these tumultuous times? People are seeking security and hope for the issues they face. That can only be found in Jesus (John 14:6).

Believe it or not, we are a “modern day Paul”, who need to be bold in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. “We are not merely human agents but God-appointed ministers.”

What’s capturing our thoughts?

Satan invades our thoughts by planting seeds of doubt which left unchallenged or unchecked, will lead to disbelief and ultimately, disobedience. Remember Eve? “Did God really say that you couldn’t eat that apple?” What began as doubt soon became disbelief. The result was disobedience, shame, and regret. Sound familiar?

The world pervades our thoughts by convincing us to conform to its lifestyles and beliefs. Paul warned the church at Rome not to be conformed to the world but transformed by the renewing of their mind (Romans 12:2). The world’s beliefs are characterized by the lust of the eyes— “I want what I see”; the lust of the flesh— “I live how I feel”; and the pride of life—“I value only what’s important to me” (1 John 2:16). The result is vanity and emptiness.

Our flesh persuades us by appealing to our physical and emotional desires. Our flesh tempts us with words of deception— “If it feels good, do it.” “You only go this way once, live life to the fullest.” “You deserve whatever you want.” Eve “saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate” (Genesis 3:6). Her flesh deceived her. The result was the introduction of spiritual and physical death, expulsion from Paradise, and alienation from God.

Recapturing our thoughts

Bringing every thought captive to the obedience of God requires that we:

- Accept our identity in Christ. We are no longer obligated to follow the dictates of Satan, the world, and our flesh. We have been set free by the blood of Christ and are no longer slaves to unrighteousness (Romans 6:12-14).

- Believe the truth of God. It is the truth of God that exposes the darkness of sin and its influence in our lives. It is knowledge of this truth, in Him, that keeps Satan, the world, and our flesh at bay. You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32).

- Commit to the lordship of Christ. Our obedience is not based on fear of punishment when we sin. Our obedience is our gift to the Lord. We give it in gratitude for His gift of eternal life to us (John 3:16). We love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).

Let us daily use the powerful weapons God has provided for us to bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. These weapons are not human but mighty in God. God’s weapons are dunatos (doo-nat-os). They are both powerful and capable.

Spiritual Endurance

Time for a Reset

September 8, 2021 ITWMinistries 1 Comment

Reboot, restart, reset

When our computer refuses to follow the manual commands we’re inputting, what is the first thing the Geeks tell us to do? Reboot the system! After ten unsuccessful attempts to change screens on our phone, in frustration, we shut it down and restart it. Our new high-definition entertainment center sends us confusing error messages. Our online trouble-shooter tells us to reset our television by accessing the system menu.

Reboot, restart, reset. They all have the same meaning and intent. By returning to the beginning, we will be able to continue with our desired outcome: finish a project, make a phone call, or watch the Kansas City Chiefs.

This can also be true with our lives. When things go “haywire”, do we do something different? When what we’ve done in the past, no longer works, do we continue banging our heads against the same wall and complain of the pain? What are our options? Do we reset?

A national reset

As a nation, we are entering new territory as we learn to live and lead amid pandemics and their variants. Difficult issues that existed pre-COVID, are demanding our immediate attention. These include homelessness, mental health, and social inequities, just to name a few. Natural disasters highlight the reality of global warming.

Our nation’s economic, political, and social beliefs have us alienated from each other. Families and friends are divided over what should unite us—the safety of our nation and love for our families. Unfortunately, we are leaving a legacy of anger, polarization, and division for future generations.

Musical icon, James Taylor, shares the danger of this national trend through his recording of a song from the 1949 musical, South Pacific. It is entitled, “You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught”.

You’ve got to be taught.

To hate and fear,

You’ve got to be taught.

From year to year,

It’s got to be drummed.

In your dear little ear.

You’ve got to be carefully taught.

What can we do to impact these forces we now face in our life as a nation? We need to reset!

Our faith reset

Whatever impacts our nation, impacts us personally. That is why our faith is so critical during this time in our history.

I truly believe that we, as believers, were created for “such a time” as we are experiencing (Esther 4:14). God created us from the foundations of the world to represent Him during these challenging times (2 Tim. 1:9).

It’s often been said that “we are not saved to sit but to serve.” I’d like to add to that saying that we are also “saved to battle” for the Kingdom of God and the souls of men (2 Cor. 10:3-5: Ep. 6:10-12). Our weaponry includes God’s Word and prayer (Ep. 6:17-18).

As believers, I also contend, that we have everything we need to “live victoriously”. At In the Word Ministries we define victorious living as emotional confidence and spiritual contentment found in living in the reality and purpose of God. Our confidence is built on the nature of God (who He is); our contentment is “fruit” from the indwelling of His Holy Spirit (Gal. 5: 22-23).

Most importantly, it is key that we remember who we are in Christ and that we are God’s children. (Rom. 8:16)

Faith RESET Instructions

If you’re receiving “error messages” through feelings of despair, dissatisfaction, and hopelessness, it’s time to reset. I offer the following faith RESET instructions for your immediate use. Feel free to add your own scriptures and share them with us. I placed it in an acrostic so that you can remember it with a special scripture to fortify your position 😉

Remember God’s “past” faithfulness to you.

This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:21-23)

Engage by using your spiritual gifts.

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (1 Peter 4:10)

Spend “intentional” time in reading God’s Word and in “purposeful” prayer.

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)

Expect God to act.

The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.” (Psalm 91:14, NLT)

Trust in the Lord.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Please share these RESET instructions with friends and family, especially when they feel “some kinda of way.”

Spiritual Endurance

God Speaks through Circumstances

July 20, 2021 ITWMinistries 1 Comment

Under our circumstances

In our culture, it is not unusual for people to greet one another with the inquiry, “How are you?” In response, a multitude of replies are available. However, my favorite is, “I’m doing fairly well under the circumstances.”

This is my opportunity to respond, “Why are you under your circumstances and what are you doing to get back on top?” Circumstances are conditions or facts that affect a situation. These can be either positive or negative. They define a state in which an individual, group, or even a nation may find itself.

As we daily face “tumultuous” circumstances—pandemics, social strive, economic uncertainty—it is important to remember that God sees. Even in our worst of circumstances, God is present (Ps. 139:7-10). God sees, God cares, and God speaks.

Circumstances for all times

There are many biblical examples that illustrate how God used circumstances to speak to His people. Circumstances dictated that Moses would be set adrift in the Nile. It was there that he would be found by the king’s daughter and adopted into the royal household by the ruling Pharaoh (Exod. 2:1-10).

God later spoke to Moses after his “40-year circumstance” of working for his father-in-law Jethro the priest of Midian (Exod. 3:1). God then re-directed him to deliver His people Israel, who were dealing with their circumstance of bondage.

In the book of Acts, God speaks to the early church by using the political and social circumstances around them. Jesus had clearly articulated the scope of the church’s ministry: “and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

While it was within their “comfort zone” to stay in Jerusalem, God spoke through the circumstance of persecution to move the gospel to a larger audience. Throughout the Bible we find God speaking to people through special favor (1 Sam. 1:20), through personal loss (Ruth 1:3-5), or through miraculous deliverance (Acts 23:30-31). God spoke to them through their circumstances.

Circumstances today

God still speaks today through circumstances. He will use conditions and situations from our everyday life to place us in a position to hear His voice.

Does God create circumstances to make us do His will? No, God has created us as freewill agents and desires that we choose to live within His divine plan. But God will allow circumstances to flow into our life to accomplish His glory and our good (Rom. 8:24).

Conforming circumstances

God permits circumstances in our lives that will mature us and grow our faith (1 Pet. 1:5-7). What may appear at first to be a “stumbling block” may, in actuality, turn out to be “steppingstones”.

God also speaks through closed doors as well as opened doors, this includes delayed prayers. While the Apostle Paul wanted to share the gospel in Asia, he repeatedly found the way blocked by the Holy Spirit (Acts 16:6-10).

What our passage suggests to me is that God may close one door of ministry in order to open a better one. Paul was thinking locally—Asia and Bithynia. God was thinking more globally—cross the Aegean Sea into modern-day Europe. Divine redirection demands that we trust divine omniscience: we would have made the same choice if we knew what God knew. Through God’s providential redirection, Paul was able to plant churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and Corinth. What a great open door![1]

As we proceed in this Christian walk, we must remember that the intent of our life is to glorify God and to accomplish His purpose on earth (2 Cor. 5:15). That is why it is important to be intentional in prayer and reading God’s Word especially during difficult and challenging times, regardless of the circumstance (Phil. 4:6-13).

As we develop our personal relationship with God, we will understand that He loves us and can be trusted with every aspect of our life. Sometimes our circumstances will take us out of our comfort zone, but we can be assured we are not in them alone (1 John 4:4).

Next time you feel “under your circumstances”, ask God what He is saying to you.

[1] “Live with a Mission”, Timothy Berrey with the Gospel Fellowship Association.

Spiritual Endurance

Certainty in an Uncertain World: Epilogue

March 2, 2021 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

We close this series by reviewing what we have learned and by identifying next steps that will bring us greater certainty in an uncertain world.

What have we learned?

#1 We do not like uncertainty. “It is like a type of pain, something to be avoided. Certainty on the other hand feels rewarding, and we tend to steer toward it, even when it might be better for us to remain uncertain.” Uncertainty makes us uneasy. We feel it is something we need to control (Prov. 3:5-6).

#2 Uncertainty is as sure as death and taxes. The sources of uncertainty will not go away. Such is the result of living in a fallen world. Uncertainty is a “sure thing” that we must learn to manage (Eccl. 9:11).

#3 God is the only reliable source of certainty. He provides us with divine certainty. He alone has both the desire and the capability to address whatever may come our way. And God never changes and is forever faithful (Lam. 3:22-23). Because of God’s character, we can place our confidence and trust in Him.

Equipped with this information, how do we incorporate these realities into our lives? How do we build spiritual muscle to contend with the uncertainties of life?

“Holdfast to your faith.”

Hebrews 11:1 gives us a point of reference to begin addressing uncertainty in our lives. Our writer states in the opening verse: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” This statement comes after an appeal to the readers of this letter to “hold fast.” (Heb. 10:19-39)

It is here that the author begins to cite individuals in biblical history who earned a place in the Faith Hall of Fame. While the object of what they hoped for was temporal, it was their faith that helped them to holdfast. For our discussion, I will focus on one member of this notable group, Abraham. Let’s examine how Abraham’s faith helped him deal with uncertainty.

“He hoped against hope.”

Paul used Abraham as an example for the church at Romans. In chapter 4, the apostle continues to teach the point that it is faith—belief in Jesus Christ—that individuals receive salvation. It is in the closing verses (Rom. 4:16-25), that the Apostle Paul, like the writer of Hebrews, testifies to the faith of Abraham.

Paul magnifies the strength of Abraham’s faith in several expressions used in this text.

“Who against hope believed in hope.” Upon hearing God’s promises, Abraham had to “bring into captivity every thought” (2 Cor. 10:5) he had concerning ‘what was possible’ with God. Every rational explanation of how parenthood and leadership of a nation was possible (human hope) had to become “subservient” to the supernatural reality of God (divine hope). Such hope is reliant on understanding the power and sovereignty of God (Rom. 4:17).

“He considered not his own body.” When Abraham did consider his own body, he birthed Ishmael with Sarah’s Egyptian handmaid, Hagar (Gen. 16). That was not God’s plan. It was God’s plan for Abraham and Sarah to birth a child when both their bodies were considered “dead”. Once Abraham accepted God’s plan, he “didn’t focus on his own impotence and say, ‘It’s hopeless. This hundred-year-old body could never father a child. Nor did he survey Sarah’s decades of infertility and give up’ “(Rom. 4:19, The Message). Sometimes God does things “His way” so we understand HE IS GOD and we are not. Translation: God is sovereign.

“He staggered not…”

“He staggered not at the promise of God.” Some translations use the word, waver instead of staggered to describe the resolve of Abraham’s faith. To stagger means to be at variance with oneself, to hesitate, or doubt (James 1:6). Such was not the case with Abraham. To the contrary, his acceptance of God’s promise resulted in the strengthening of his faith. Some translations also share that this strengthening of Abraham’s faith resulted “in bringing God glory” (CSB) or that Abraham’s faith grew stronger “as he gave glory to God” (NRS). When we trust God, not doubting, we are strengthened, and He is glorified.

“Being fully persuaded.” The literal reading of this phrase is “being fully assured.” Abraham was convinced that God was able and willing to make good on all His promises. Such faith can be described as “God-centric”, in that, the accomplishment of the promises to Abraham were totally dependent on God. In this case, the promises of God would depend on God’s ability to perform them—not man’s capability. Abraham’s role, like ours today is to exercise our faith and believe God.

The impact of unbelief

Unbelief can cripple our faith. It can cause us to make bad choices and interrupt God’s purpose for our lives. Remember Abraham and Hagar? One commentator wrote this about unbelief: “Unbelief dishonors God by making Him a liar (1 John 5:10). Faith honors God by setting to its seal that He is true.”[1]

Our unbelief is often caused by viewing a problem or situation from our ability to resolve it. Unbelief is “shortsighted” seeing only our own capacity or ability to resolve. We seldom factor in God until our plans go awry. Many biblical failures occurred because of unbelief. Remember the Garden of Eden?

The old elders of the church were often questioned about their faith in God. They never attended theological institutions nor studied with great scholars of the Bible. They would humbly respond, “I just know what I know!” Translation: They believed without a doubt who God was and they believed that God would do ALL that He promised. For these elders to “know” was synonymous with their “belief”.

Conclusion

As we look around and see our world in a state of uncertainty, it is easy to become anxious and fearful. It is difficult to understand what is happening around us. Pandemics, civil unrest, financial insecurity. Uncertainty has become commonplace with little hope of eliminating it. Who are we to believe? Who do we trust for the right answers?

There is a solution for times of uncertainty in our life. We can begin by embracing the divine certainty of God, His promises, and our position in Christ Jesus. However, these certainties can only be realized through our intentional response of faith.

It is important that we as believers move past simply “intellectualizing” our faith. We must “internalized” it. Our faith in God must become “second nature” to us as we deal with our fears and our challenges. Not pie in the sky but total reliance on the goodness and greatness of God. This requires that we walk closely with Lord and practice His presence.

Let us rely on the power and sovereignty of God. Don’t focus on your own impotency. When we trust God, our faith is strengthened, and He is glorified. Let us not stagger. Let us be “fully persuaded” knowing God is in charge and the Source for all our needs. God is our certainty for uncertain times. God is our hope and our peace—our exceeding great reward (Gen. 15:1).

Closing Prayer

Father God, help us to trust You in all we face in these days of uncertainty. Make our faith real and active. Let us not walk by sight but by faith. We praise You and glorify Your holy name. We stagger not at Your promises knowing You are more than able. And not only are You able, but You are willing. We ask these things in Your darling Son’s name, our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. AMEN

[1] Matthew Henry Commentary, Romans 4

Spiritual Endurance

Can we handle the truth in 2021?

January 19, 2021 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

What is truth? What does it look like amid a health pandemic, economic uncertainty, and civil strife? Does truth look different when placed in the context of the current worldview? And how does it stack up against the biblical view we, as believers of Christ are to follow?

When Jesus was brought to Pilate for judgment, the curious ruler asked Jesus, “So you are a king?”

Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate asked him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, “I find no case against him. (John 18:37-38)

The truth question in 2021

Pilate’s response to the question of truth is often repeated today. With the introduction of relativism, we too may be asking the same question. We demand fewer rules and more personal freedom. The answer to the truth question is dependent on who or what has the greatest influence on our life—man or God.

The prophets warned that a time would come when the matter of truth would cause great division among men. Lack of truth ultimately leads to deception, pride, and injustice (Is. 5:20-23). So here we stand, in 2021, a divided nation, fighting over, “what is truth?”

With that thought in mind, I’d like to recast an earlier WordBytes entitled, “Can you handle the truth?” I have changed the title to better fit the social context in which we now find ourselves. While there are many proposed definitions of the truth there can only be one. Time to answer the question, “Can we handle the truth in 2021?”

Can we handle the truth?

Especially when that truth is measured against the authority of Scripture and the lordship of Jesus Christ? We face a major challenge to walk in biblical truth while living in a postmodern world. Especially as we enter this second decade of the 21st century.

With all the political rhetoric and social bantering, we need truth. Behind the news bytes and sound bits, there is an intention movement to redefine “what truth is and what it isn’t”.

But can we really handle truth? What will we do when we receive it? Will we bury it? Ignore it? Or kill the person who brings it? That’s exactly what the Jews did to Jesus.

This inclination to “repackage” the truth is nothing new. It comes directly from the father of lies, Satan (John 8:44). We must be careful how we define truth, or we too may fall prey to the subtly of deception. “Did God really say you must not eat any of the fruit in the garden?” (Gen. 3:1, NLT)

Does truth have a limited “shelf life”?

In decades past, people could depend on the media to communicate the “truth” regarding specific issues of the day. Newspapers, magazine publications and newscasters were committed to operate at the highest ethical standards.

In addition, we could depend upon our local leaders—civic or religious—to offer us truth. But over time that has changed.

Unfortunately, both media and individuals now offer opinions based on their personal agendas or corporate bias. Truth is now shaped by social media and image consultants—by the number of “likes”, “retweets” and “followers” one can amass. This leaves us “in search for truth”.

Truth and Realty

What is truth? Truth is defined by Webster as that which agrees with reality. Our reality and meaning are grounded in God. That reality began in the Garden of Eden. Created in God’s image, our purpose and destiny are tied to our identity in Him through Christ (Col. 3:3).

This reality was sidetracked by sin and replaced with Satan’s counterfeit that placed self on the throne where only Christ was to be seated and exalted. Because of Jesus’ atoning work on the Cross, our sins were forgiven, and we are now reconciled back to God (2 Cor. 5:18, 19).

When we affirm our faith, we acknowledge that we have died to our old sin nature (Gal. 5:24) and walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:4). We no longer follow the worldview—its influence was negated by the Blood. Our meaning and reality is now realigned with God (2 Cor. 5:15). “For in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28a).

Connecting with Truth

More than ever before, we must connect with the only True Source of Truth, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior (John 14:6). God’s Word and the Spirit of Truth stand ready to silence the lies, myths and fables we might hear (2 Tim. 4:3-4). It is God’s truth that will guide our behaviors and our responses in this fallen world.

God is the only source of truth for our lives. Can we handle the truth? Do we dare to speak truth when the world doesn’t want to hear? In 2021, let us through the Holy Spirit have the courage and commitment to be Truth followers!

Spiritual Maturity

God is still speaking

November 18, 2020 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

E.F. Hutton was one of the most respected financial firms in the United States during the latter part of the 20th century. It was known for being cutting edge and innovative including it’s iconic marketing campaigns. The slogan “when E.F. Hutton talks, people listen,” became a cultural touchstone. It is even more important for believers that when God speaks, we listen!

The writer of Hebrews opens their letter with the clear declaration that although God spoke to man in the past through His prophets, He was changing His method of communications. God was doing a new thing. God would now speak through His Son, Jesus Christ.

This new way was the gospel message of Jesus Christ. Jesus offered a more excellent, effectual, and eternal way of providing salvation to mankind. In the progression of Hebrews, the writer proves that Jesus is superior to angels, a High Priest superior to Melchizedek, and the Mediator of a superior covenant (The New Covenant).

Warnings along the way

The warnings through Hebrews 10 attempted to address the spiritual erosion of the believers in receipt of this letter. Their behaviors constituted real dangers that could seriously damage their ability to serve and remain faithful to Christianity. They included negligence, unbelief, spiritual immaturity, and drawing back.

Their actions, once viewed as exemplary, were now approaching indifference. This resulted in several reminders to the readers concerning their ministry responsibilities in outreach (Heb. 13:1-2, 16), teaching (Heb. 5:11-13), and worship (Heb. 10:25).

Are we experiencing warnings along our Christian walk? Have we become lax in our commitment to our spiritual giftedness? Are we sloppy in our worship and praise? Are we negligent in our service to the Lord, regardless of how small or large it might be? Has our witness become “silent” for fear of rejection or reprisals? Are we indifferent to the needs of our community and fellow man?

A Call to Faithfulness and Endurance

In Hebrews 11 the writer exhorts their readers to faithfulness and endurance. They connect with their audience by sharing the experience of the heroes of Old Testament history.

The writer first spends time sharing the importance of faith. Its value and worth can be summarized in that faith is:(1) based on confident convictions, (2) certainty about unseen hopes and realities, and (3) is honorable, in that the saints were commended for it. (Heb. 11:1-2)

Since the readers are presented with “so great a cloud of witnesses” who demonstrated faith and endurance, they can also be expected to do the same (Heb. 12:1).

The final warning

The author concludes the basic argument of this epistle (the excellency of Jesus Christ) with a final admonition and warning (Heb. 12:25-29). The warning points to the danger of refusing God.

This final warning cautions against apostasy or behaviors which may lead in that direction. This was discussed in earlier warnings to the readers who were in danger of “falling away” (Heb. 6:4-8) and “drawing back” (Heb. 26-39). Although they had initially accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ, they were still in danger of “turning away” (apostrepha) from or rejecting God’s new way of relating to His people.

We are receiving a kingdom

The author, knowing the tendency of their readers to spiritual weakness, uses Old Testament examples and contrasts to warn their readers to “see to it that they do not refuse Him who speaks” (v. 25). The warning is this. If the Israelites did not escape God’s wrath as He spoke on earth, how much worse the punishment would be as God speaks from heaven? (Heb. 12:25)

God sent His Son Jesus to speak for Him (Heb. 1:2). More importantly, Jesus would provide a “more excellent way” to God through His substitutional death and sacrifice. The power of sin would finally be broken. Jewish sacrifices and offerings were temporary. They could never offer the promises and privileges of the Gospel. Jesus offered the power of heaven and the permanence of eternity in Mt. Zion (Heb. 12:26-27).

The writer closes this warning with a message of hope. The message is this–believers were “receiving a kingdom which could not be shaken” (Heb. 12:28). The verb receiving is in present tense meaning the action is a “fact of reality occurring in actual time”, historically and remaining even into the present. This meant believers were part of God’s kingdom that would never change and were partakers of His generous grace (Heb. 3:14).

Within this new community “believers are to serve God with reverence and godly fear” (CSB, awe). A believer who departs from God’s magnificent privileges invites God’s retribution (Heb. 12:29; Heb. 10:29).

The Message of Hebrew for the 21st Century

The warnings contained in Hebrews are also appropriate for believers today. Especially if we desire to remain faithful to the gospel and hope to persevere during this period of history when our faith is constantly under fire.

There are many factors which threaten our ability to “hold fast” our profession of faith (Heb. 10:23). Many are “heart-issues”.

- The hardened heart. Our refusal to accept the teaching and guidance of God’s Word. “Today, when you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” (Heb. 3:15)

- The darkened heart. Our continuance in sinful behavior although delivered by Jesus Christ. “If we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sin.” (Heb. 10:26)

- The misguided heart. Our lack of wisdom and truth needed to discern right from wrong. “Take care, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” (Heb. 3:12-13)

- The divided heart. Our lack of faithfulness resulting in the choice of the world over God. “Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings; for it is well that the heart be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited their adherents.” (Heb. 13:9)

Be not discouraged by the admonitions of Hebrews. Its writer has also included many promises for believers that desire Christ and choose to serve in the kingdom of God. These promises are built on the excellency of Jesus Christ–the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8). They are the “more excellent way” (Heb. 5:9; 6:19; 7:19; 7:22; 8:1-2,10). God is still speaking. Are we listening?

Spiritual Maturity

Making the Right Choice

November 11, 2020 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

The warnings included in the letter of Hebrews were written to believers who were being tempted to return to the Jewish religion and traditions. In their actions, they were not only choosing Judaism but in their choosing they were also rejecting the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Such is the case in all decisions we make. When we say “yes” to one thing we simultaneously are saying “no” to its alternatives. In addition, with each decision there are consequences. Good or bad. Right or wrong. Regardless, there are consequences.

Such is the case with this fourth warning. The choice to return to Judaism contained dangerous consequences which the author attempts to convey in this fourth exhortation.

Danger! Danger!

The writer of Hebrews has been diligent to warn of the dangerous behaviors being exhibited by the readers of this letter. Behaviors that are leading to spiritual erosion. They include neglect, unbelief, and spiritual immaturity.

Hebrews 10:26-39 contains the fourth warning to the readers of this critical epistle. This exhortation deals specifically with the “danger of drawing back”.

The writer continues this serious discussion which first began in Hebrews 6:4-8 with the danger of “falling away” (from Christianity).[1] This verb is found only here in the New Testament. The writer is picturing people who have been numbered among the followers of Christ but now leave that company.

Dangerous behaviors and consequences

The behaviors and consequences of “falling away” and “drawing back” are a real and present danger to believers. We are to take these warnings seriously. They highlight our need to remain steadfast and faithful (Heb. 10:38).

Behaviors and consequences (are)

Hebrews 6:4-8

“Falling away”

Hebrews 10:26-39

“Drawing back”

Intentional

“with knowledge”

“Those who have were once enlightened, who tasted…who shared” (vv. 4 and 5)

“If we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of truth” (v. 26)

“Recall the former days…after you were enlightened” (v. 32)

Irreversible

“unable to restore”

“It is impossible to renew to repentance” (v. 4)

“no longer remains a sacrifice for sins” (v. 26)

Irreverent

“of God’s grace and Jesus’ sacrifice”

“They are recrucifying the Son of God and holding Him up in contempt” (v. 6)

“a certain fearful expectation of judgment and fiery indignation” (v. 27)

“Trampled the Son of God…the blood counted a common thing…insulted the Spirit of grace.” (v.29)

Apostasy by any other name

The writer’s admonition begins with calling out the willful sin of the readers (Heb. 10:26). Our sins are often the result of our deliberate choice to impose our desire over God’s leadership (James 1:13-15).

This warning deals with the sin of apostasy, an intentional falling away, or defection. Apostates are those who move toward Christ, hear and understand his gospel, and are on the verge of saving belief, but then rebel and turn away. This warning against apostasy is one of the most serious warnings in all of scripture.[2]

The fourth warning is contained in the final verses of this chapter (Hebrews 10:38-39).

Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.

“The just shall live by faith” is a quotation from Habakkuk 2:1-4. Who are the “just”? The just (RSV, my righteous one) in this passage is the person God accepts as righteous who will live by faith. In this verse, the writer is drawing attention to the fact that faith and drawing back are opposed to each other.

To “draw back” means to withdraw self or to shrink from declaring. It is clear that God is not pleased with the one who draws back (Heb. 10:38). It is important for believers to go forward in the path of faith. To draw back offers the worst consequence–perdition which in some translations is interpreted to mean destruction. The best choice is to persevere in our faith and be saved.

21st Century Danger

We continually make choices. Some are simple. Others may be more complex. As we make our choices, we, as believers, must also be mindful of potential consequences. This is especially true of those that affect our spirit man and our walk of faith. Are we making decisions that cause us to “draw back”? How are we to respond?

We are to remember when we first came to faith and the gratitude we exhibited in the gift of salvation (Heb. 10:32). We boldly witnessed the goodness and greatness of God. We eagerly served and engaged in God’s work (Heb. 10:33).

It is important to know “that we have a better and an enduring possession in heaven” (Heb. 10:34). We should include in our daily routine the reading of Scripture that reminds us of our eternal rewards and destination (Eph. 1:13-14).

Let us refuse to “cast away our confidence” (Heb. 10:35). To “cast away” conveys the thought of a reckless rejection of what is valuable. Only Jesus Christ holds the pearl of great price (Matt. 13:45-46).

Through Jesus, we have received all spiritual blessings (Ep. 1:3) and great and precious promises (2 Pet. 1:4). These enable us to endure struggles, reproaches, and tribulations (Heb. 10:32-33). Because of this, believers can boldly proclaim, “We do not draw back to prediction but are of those who believe to the saving of the soul”. (v. 39)

[1] Such cannot be brought back to repentance. Notice that he does not say cannot be forgiven or cannot be restored to salvation or the like. It is repentance that is in mind, and the writer says that it is impossible for these people to repent. This might mean that the repentance that involves leaving a whole way of life to embrace the Christian way is unique. It cannot be repeated. There is no putting the clock back.

[2] The MacArthur Study Bible

Spiritual Maturity

A Call to Maturity

November 4, 2020 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Last week we introduced spiritual maturity as a process, a pathway, or a goal. Regardless of the means of achieving spiritual maturity, the result is to be a believer whose faith is founded on the Gospel and who is committed to ongoing growth (transformation).

Faith and growth work together to develop spiritual maturity in the believer which is critical in moving God’s kingdom forward. Therein lies the urgency for a call to maturity by the writer of Hebrews.

Dull of hearing

It has been said that to make progress on a bike, you must keep moving forward. There is no reversal nor standing still. This is a good analogy in describing the dilemma the author of Hebrews faced.

Although these believers had been trained in the “elementary truths of God’s Word” (NIV, Heb. 5:12), they were not moving forward “on to maturity” (Heb. 6:1). They had become “dull of hearing” (Heb. 5:11).

Hearing is difficult, not only for this audience but also for any audience. Interestingly, the verb “to hear” (akouo) provides the root for the verb that means “to obey” (hypakouo) (Heb. 5:9; 13:17). There could be any number of reasons why this group had become “dull of hearing”.

Distractions, fear of persecution, or loss in confidence of their leaders. The writer of this letter does not say. However, we do know the outcome.

The readers had apparently pulled back from their bold witness to outsiders and from exhorting and encouraging one another. Through lack of use, faculties grow dull and the members regress to a former condition of immaturity.[1]

The writer’s dilemma

In Hebrews 5:11-6:3, the writer contrasts immaturity with maturity. They use familiar “educational language” of that day to describe the believers’ lack of progress. The Apostle Paul uses similar language in 1 Cor. 3:1-3. “Milk” and “solid food” were common terms for referring to levels of educational development. Here “milk” is an image of the “elementary truths of the God’s Word” (v. 12), while “solid food” is the “word of righteousness” (v. 13) which is the believer’s capacity to distinguish between good and evil (v.14).

The writer’s dilemma is this. Although these believers have previously received adequate teaching for their ministry work and purpose (Heb. 6:1-2), their failure to grow spiritually hindered them from understanding more complex teachings about Jesus Christ. Specifically, Jesus’ excellency as High Priest. A more excellent priesthood than the order of Melchizedek (Heb. 5:9; 6:20).

Immaturity leads to failure

The exhortations found in Hebrews are appropriate for us today. Distractions and lack of spiritual discipline keep us stuck in the same position as when we first came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Statistics support the fact that believers today spend little to no time on spiritual formation. It should not be surprising that these behaviors have resulted in believers who are “unskilled in the word” (v. 13) and churches who feel ill equipped to lead new generations to Christ.

Our failure to be spiritually mature results in our inability to accomplish God’s purpose for our life and for His Kingdom. These include:

The ability to persevere. Lack of maturity impairs our ability to remain faithful to God’s purpose for our life. We are created specifically for God’s “good work” (Eph. 2:10). This is true whether we work in ministry or in the secular world. Our “stick-to-it-ness” is critical as we live in a world hostile to Jesus.

The ability to discern. When we become “sluggish” and “dull of hearing”, we risk becoming disobedient. In a postmodern world, it is difficult to distinguish between what is right and what is wrong (Is. 5:20-24; 2 Tim. 3:1, 3b, 5). Unable to discern, we become targets for Satan’s deception. “To think between vice and virtue is a line clear and unmistakable is to embrace an illusion.”[2]

The ability to witness. We have a clear mandate from Jesus to witness to a dying world (Matt. 28:19-20). It would be impossible for believers to look around our world and not acknowledge that “the fields are ripe and ready for harvest” (John 4:35). An informed and bold witness is needed as much in the 21st century as it was in the 1st: “Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). We are in a battle for the souls of men.

Go on to maturity

When we became Christians, we received everything we needed for life and godliness through the knowledge of God who called us to glory and virtue (2 Pet. 1:3). It is our responsibility to build upon the basics of that faith and move forward to maturity.

The Apostle Peter directs us to make every effort (with all diligence) to supplement our faith with virtue, knowledge, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love.” (2 Pet. 1:4-8)

Being effective and fruitful in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus is the essence of spiritual maturity. God is our resource, and all growth comes by grace through Him, but we are responsible to “go on to maturity” (Heb. 6:1).

[1] Letter to the Hebrews, Fred B. Craddock

[2] Ibid.