Defining a Christian

How do you define a Christian? Is it based upon one's good behavior or is it based upon something greater?

This week I have been reading J. Gresham Machen's classic, "Christianity and Liberalism" in which he speaks of Paul's tolerance. In Philippians 1:18 Paul writes, "What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice." Paul is saying, "I know these guys are envious and preaching out of rivalry. I know these teachers are trying to afflict me in my imprisonment. I realize these are not nice people. But I rejoice because Jesus is being proclaimed." Paul is very gracious here!

However, when we turn to Galatians, Paul's attitude is very different. In Galatians 1:8 we read, "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed." Here Paul says, "Yea, I know these men are very moral people but they are teaching that one is saved by Christ plus good works - such thinking is terribly wrong and such people should be cursed." Wow! Where is Paul's gracious attitude now?

Add to this, Paul's affirming words to the immoral Corinthians: "to the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. . ." (1 Cor. 1:2). This church was guilty of disunity, immorality, drunkenness and more and yet Paul does not question their faith like he questions the faith of the Galatians.

Why? I believe the answer is simple. We are identified as believers not by what we have done but by what Christ has accomplished for us. Upon that Old Rugged Cross our old nature has been put to death. At Gethsemane the wrath of God was poured out upon Christ rather than me. On that first Good Friday the blood of Jesus washed away my sins. I am a Christian because I have placed my confidence in the person and work of Jesus Christ!

Now this does not give me license to behave like the Corinthian believers or the preachers described in Philippians. In fact, this work of Christ should and will transform me. But now and forever, I will be identified as a child of God, not because of my morality but rather due to the gracious and wondrous act of Jesus Christ.

To God be the glory great things He has done!

Boldness in our God

I have been walking our people through the wonderful book of Acts. This past Sunday we dealt with Acts 17. Here we see the apostle Paul leaving Philippi and going to Thessalonica, Berea and Athens. In light of Acts 17, I found it quite interesting to read 1 Thessalonians 2:2. Paul wrote, "But although we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict." When Paul leaves Athens he then journeys to Corinth (Acts 18), which he speaks of later in 1 Corinthians 2:3, "And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling . . ."

My impression of Paul has been that he was a man of great courage and very little emotion. However, the more I read the New Testament, the more I realize that Paul was a very 'normal' individual. Paul does not enjoy conflict, Paul trembles after difficulties, Paul admits he is weak, and yes Paul even succumbs to fear. Yet, this same Paul is so bold and he faithfully proclaims the Gospel of God! Why? Because he has boldness in our God!

Paul's view of God is so real, so accurate, so big that despite his fears and despite his horrific circumstances he will boldly proclaim the truth. He knows that this God is with him!

May the Lord raise up a generation of leaders who finds "boldness in our God."

God's Wonders in Yellowstone

A few pics from our family vacation put to the music of "Glorious and Mighty"

Cletus, Take the Reel

Tragedy and Uncertainty

This morning my eyes were drawn to reports on www.canada.com/where the death toll for the quake near Chengdu, China could reach 50,000 people. Add these tragic deaths to the rising death toll in Myanmar and our world has experienced horrendous tragedy in mere days.

Last night I came across the cover story in World (www.worldmag.com/articles/13975) regarding the rising cost of feeding the world's population. "According to the World Bank, global food prices have increased by 83 percent in the last three years." For us, in North America, it means less spending money on the luxuries in life. For those in the Third World it could mean their daily ration cup of grain is now only 2/3 full.

As I observe the devastation through the lens of our media, my heart and mind are drawn to several Scriptures: First, our hearts should ache and our lives should reach out to feed and clothe those less fortunate. In doing so to the "least of these" we do so as unto Christ (Matthew 25:34-40). Second, my anxieties of uncertain days are eased when I recall Christ's words to "look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap . . . yet (our) heavenly Father feeds them (Matthew 6:25-34). Third, I am reminded of Christ's words to his disciples in Luke 13. Were those who suffered or died in Myanmar or China worse sinners than those of us who have been spared such tragedy? According to Christ, the answer is an emphatic NO! And may we not neglect His warning which follows, "unless (we) repent, (we) will all likewise perish."

May the Lord open doors for us to share food and water and speak about a God who is a gracious and sovereign provider and who has lovingly sent his Son to save us from our sins.

The God Who Is

"There is a god we want and the God who is, and the two are not the same."

- Pat Morley

God's Wrath Turned Away!

This morning my soul jumped for joy as I read again the wondrous text from Isaiah 12.

"I will give thanks to you, O Lord,
for though you were angry with me,
your anger turned away,
that you might comfort me.
Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the Lord God is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation."

These words of promise to the Jewish nation remind me of Paul's words to the Church -

"Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More that that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation" (Romans 5:9-11)

Oh may I never grow weary of this wonderful news - may my lips not cease in giving God thanks for such a wonderful salvation!