A Difference Between Law and Love....

We follow Christ obediently because we desire to do so, not solely because we have to. Christian living is fundamentally different from living religiously. While some are satisfied with the leverage of a law, a requirement, a commandment to force compliance with biblical obligations, mature Christian love is informed by the Word and inspired by the Spirit of Grace. Typically, higher motivations mark Christians who truly live in grace and love unto the Lord Jesus. A fear of punishment is superseded by a passion for Christ!
Our obligations to the Law of Moses ended with placing our faith in the sacrificial and representative death of Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:13-14; Col. 2:14). His death terminated the commanding authority of the Law over Believers; thus, freeing us to enter a faith relationship with Christ upon His resurrection (Rom. 7:1-6). Paul, the apostle, emphasized this saying, “But now we are delivered from the law…that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter” (Rom. 7:6). The governing authority of the Law was broken through the death of Christ. It is our grand privilege to daily live in a new relationship to God through the resurrected Christ; we are free to serve in the newness of the Spirit, strength of grace, and energy of godly love.

This faith-relationship is designed to be fruitful, productive, exerting a positive influence, and issuing into righteous activities of eternal significance (Rom. 6:22; 7:4). Fruit is the natural product of a married couple; having a family is quite natural. Likewise for believers in Christ Jesus, our relationship with him should bear fruit. Such fruit bearing is supernatural. No longer enslaved to sinful practices and pursuits, but now serving and living in the beauty of real holiness. Christian vocation is a delightful outpouring of our entire being energized by the Spirit to honor God and help our fellowman. Thus, our lives are guided by a definite identity, catapulted by the highest motives, filled with substantial meaning, and infused with the grandest purpose.

We do not serve Jehovah God in human energy, according to the letter, inundated with horrors, consistent with the warp wisdom of our time, and out of a dreaded sense of obligation. We refuse to reduce our faith to slavishly subscribing and adhering to humanly engineered rules or cleverly devised schemes of religionists. Sadly for some, Christianity is nothing more than adhering to a list of dos and don'ts. Empty religion is an absolutely poor substitute for a relationship with the Most High God. While we do have strong conviction, possess clear perceptions of right and wrong, and are inclined to select the best over the good; we realize with certainty our Faith is not merely a list! No, the principles we live by must be anchored in Almighty God, Jesus Christ, the Spirit of grace, and the bedrock of God’s eternal Truth. We obey God because we love Him and yearn to please Him at the very core of our being. His Truth is written in our very souls (Jer. 31:33; Heb. 10:16, 17) by His indwelling Spirit! Life with God is far more than compliance with a religious list. 

In fact, we freely exert ourselves for God in ways we would not even dream of doing for any other. Because of God's active grace in our lives, we are motivated to do more, go farther, give more, sacrifice more often, endanger ourselves, dismiss our rights, stay longer, and even be taken for granted. Love and grace as our primary motives do not engender a lazy and apathetic response to our beloved Christ; no, real love and grace energizes us to do more! Such devotion is stimulated by agape-love and appreciation for Jehovah God who first loved us. Our Father sacrificed His only Son for our sins in order that we may also become children of God (John 3). Such sacrificial godlike love begets more of the same! What God has sown, He will reap in abundance; it is the Law of the Harvest!

As believers in Christ Jesus, we must understand the differences between law and love, guilt and grace, human energy and the Spirit's power, and obligation verses desire. Many believers attempt to function by a combination of law and love, but we must remember what Paul, the apostle said. In Romans 7:6, he said, “But now we are delivered from the law….” Through faith in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, Believers end their relationship to the Law of Moses and enter a faith-relationship of grace with Jesus Christ. We now have zero obligations to the Law of Moses. Christ satisfied the Law of Moses requirements in full; therefore, we are free. Not free to do whatever we want, but free to become ALL God intended and designed us to become in Christ our Lord (Eph. 2:5-10). Thus, we are free to become slaves to our new loving Master Jesus! How free we are when we are absolutely enslaved to His glorious Person and will from our heart of hearts! We serve with passion, power, and purpose when we are motivated by a holy love for our Lord. 

Though our obedience is imperfect, and our service is trifling compared to what our Lord actually deserves, yet we gladly invest ourselves out of love for Him. Oh, for the grace to become more in Him that we may accomplish more for His glory! This is the sincerest prayer of the truly devoted heart. God would have us filled with a potent desire to honor, glorify, praise, worship, serve, and sacrifice for Him. It is from the position of wanting and desiring to please Him and not merely from a sense of obligation. Certainly it is not primarily from a fear of punishment that we follow our Lord obediently, but we have been moved and inspired deep within by His Spirit of Grace. We do not serve in an effort to impress God with how capable we are in hopes of earning enlarged favor with Him; we allow His favor in our lives to advance us to our fullest potential in Christ because this glorifies Him. Beloved, we know that God first loved us, therefore we love Him in response. Not only because we have a command to love the Lord with all our being, but the truest desire of our entire being longs for God like no other. Our spiritual passion is for HIM! This is no doubt inspired by the Spirit of the living God applying the Word of God to our souls. God desires for His children to cherish relationship with Him, and when we do reverence, adoration, thanksgiving, devotion, obedience and service are the fruit. 

Think about it.... What wife would be happy with a husband who merely feels a legal obligation to her? What about actions stemming from a love for her? Why would God be pleased with Believers who primarily live for Him because they feel they have to? Why would God be satisfied with a relationship with His children of compliance with a few choice behavioral codes, religious-feeling rituals, empty meaningless ceremonies, and a few standards of moral conduct? Every time these type things are emphasized you will find religious pride, self-righteousness, harshness, shame, hypocrisy, frustration and a tendency towards petty sectarianism. These things militate against grace! In the meantime genuinely sharing life with God is lost. Christ came and died that we might have real life abundantly in the true and living God! Christ is the enduring expression of the love of God towards us, and Christ is to be our love response to God in return. Beloved, there really is a difference between mere religion and a relationship. I said there is a difference between law and love. 

My Soul, It is Another Exodus!

Quitting the Christian Faith has become disturbingly prevalent among American youths and young adults. It is something of a modern ‘exodus.’ “Seventy percent of Protestants age 18 to 30 drop out of church before age 23 and give multiple reasons for their departure” (Grossman, 2007). The reasons behind these developments are multifaceted and outright complex. Some view modern Christianity as un-Christian; concluding it is nothing like what the Bible portrays. Many youths struggle with scientific questions, ethical codes of behavior, other world religions, and of course, a ferocious craving to glut themselves with the world’s delicacies. David Kinnaman (2011), the president of Barna Group, described this “as their prodigious consumption of popular culture.” Other young people have been hurt or disappointed by church leaders; many view youth and young adult ministries as shallow (Kinnaman, 2011), out of touch with reality, superficial, and irrelevant. Some young adults are simply too busy to regularly attend church because of college pursuits and career ambitions (Reed & Kinnaman, 2012). They have abandoned Christianity by default, at least for a significant period of their lives. Still there are those who have little energy and patience for putting up with the narrow, judgmental, hypocritical, and bigoted attitudes that are typically associated with churches. As a result, multiplied thousands of young people abandon Christianity for nominalism, skepticism, or secularism every year.

Though many reasons have been given, there seems to be a common failure in each of these instances. My aim is not to over simplify these problems, or under appraise the frustrations our youth are facing. Never-the-less, there still seems to be a common mistake in each case. These frustrated young people lost sight of the Lord Jesus somewhere along their journeys. Perhaps they were too idealistic about Christianity to begin with! Undoubtedly, they are convinced they have legitimate grounds for walking away from Christianity. To be totally honest, some were never regenerated into a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ (John 3). Therefore, it is impossible for these to continue what has never really begun. Indeed, some were raised in homes and churches that did little to prepare them for the real challenges of faith in a scientific and secular society. Regardless of the stated reasons the vast majority of young people are walking away from Christianity by the thousands every year.

I am suggesting that they have been failed on two levels. First, mature Christians failed to communicate into these young souls the challenging nature of living by faith (Heb. 11). Secondly, these young folks failed to keep their eyes focused on the Author and Finisher (Heb. 12:2) of Christianity. A deep acceptance of the nature of the Christian Faith (Heb. 12:1), and persistent focus on our Model of faith, the Lord Jesus Christ, are essential to a faithful Christian experience. Other suggestions could be entertained, but these are at the heart of the issue. So, where should we begin? We begin by understanding the nature—essential complexity—of our race. Then having such understanding, we commit to running our marathon with corresponding endurance to the finish line.

The Christian life is a race that requires a significant degree of discipline and no small amount of endurance. This race can only be participated in or completed as one live by faith in Jesus Christ (Heb. 10:32-11:6). The Lord, with the utmost thoughtfulness, designed a race course for each child of God to complete. His plan takes into account His ultimate goal for each believer (Rom. 8:29). It is “set before us” (Heb. 12:1). Yes, the challenges, difficulties, obstacles, oppositions, persecutions, trials, and complications are all a part of the course Christ set each of us on. So are the privileges, opportunities, blessings, and victories. Whatever challenges we face are a part of the race He designed with our ultimate good in mind (Rom. 8:28; Eph. 2:10).

In addition, it is not a competition against other believers, but a challenge to remain on stride with God’s expressed and personalized plan for each runner. Knowing the Lord designed our race course heartens us to continue the race with “patience” (Heb. 12:1); that is, with undaunted persistence until we are finish. Our race course was not contrived by an insensitive detached tyrant, but caringly premeditated by a faithful, merciful, and empathetic Christ who has finished His own course. With discipline and endurance Christ completed His race, and so it shall be with us. Each of us must decide to run the race until we finish our course all the while keeping the faith (see 2Tim. 4:7, 8). Therefore, now is not the time for quitting, but it is the time for running our race at a steadfast pace enduring until Christ receives us unto Himself. 

Help for the Evangelist

Though the ministry of the Holy Spirit is often misunderstood and many strange ideas are wrongly associated with His activity, He remains indispensable to the work of evangelism. His direct administrations in evangelistic work are not luxuries, but absolute necessities for effectiveness and power. It is only when He convicts the unsaved that there can follow genuine conversions. Therefore, instead of trying to evangelize without Him to avoid being ‘branded,’ let us work in concert with Him according to truth for fruitful evangelism. Trust the Spirit of Grace to convict as we share Christ with others.  

Following the Cloud

Christians in the USA are experiencing more social discomfort in recent years. This is because our faith has been maliciously stigmatized, and our country’s plummeting and shifting values are spawning a hostile environment. The emergence of unjustified castigation of Christian beliefs and principles saturate the media. The rise of antagonistic Secularism is beginning to impose a palpable threat to religious freedom in our republic. Many American higher education institutions and professors have viciously attacked the Bible and fundamental Christian teachings. Some actually endeavor to destroy the faith of their unsuspecting students (Zacharias, 2009). For years the ACLU has sought to remove Christian symbols, values, statements, messages, and images from any public entity associated with federal or state governments (Sears, et al. 2005). The misguided sanctioning of violently aberrant behaviors through legislation that flagrantly disrespects God’s moral laws has created a hostile climate of intolerance towards any Christian rebuttals. Pinpointed denials of religious and political freedoms to Christians in order to promote pluralism are an existing problem. An intensifying antagonism towards our faith fearfully looms on the cultural horizons. Together these developments cast an ominous shadow upon future generations of American Christians. The way has been paved to force the compromise of our faith and values into oblivion; if we refuse to conform, we will face serious consequences. Is caving in and capitulating to a diluted brand of Christianity our only option? 

Thankfully, a helpful parallel to Hebrew believers of the first century (Hebrews 12) who experienced various forms of social and official persecutions can be juxtaposed with instructive benefit. MacDonald and Farstad (1995, p. 2202) connected these Jewish Christians’ opposition to the fact that they “had forsaken Judaism for Christ.” As a result, they were facing bitter religious and social hostility. There was a danger that their distresses might be misconstrued as indications of God’s displeasure with their decision. Furthermore, they could become disheartened—more vulnerable to temptations—and cave in under the withering societal pressures. To seize a modicum of relief, they may return to the O.T. Law, the temple, and the obsolete sacrificial system (MacDonald & Farstad, 1995). In effect, they were being forced to forsake Christ, or face the grave consequences of loyalty to him.

Without question, continuing with Christ is the emphasis of Hebrews twelve, and the mandate to ‘press on’ is presented in the metaphor of a marathon race. In order to run this race to the finish, one must focus on the goal and determine to endure until it is reached. As our fundamental strategy, we must persist through this hostile climate with single-minded concentration on Christ coupled with untiring endurance (Heb. 12:1-4). But what motivates Christians to continue while facing formidable oppositions? First it is by considering the examples and limitations of those who lived by faith to navigate hostile seas (11:1-12:1). Secondly, it is imperative that we imitate Christ who effectively traversed these specific challenges to finish his arduous course (12:2-3). Thirdly, we can successfully complete our race by assessing our struggles with clarity and accuracy—freeing our hearts of any emotional inflation that tends to obscure reality (12:4). Categorically, careful consideration must be given to running our race well while facing the rising discrimination against Christian conventions and institutions in America.  

Consider the Examples and Limitations of the Great Cloud of Witnesses

These “witnesses” (Heb. 12:1) are messengers and examples to modern Christians who are struggling to complete their courses. They bear testimony to the faithfulness of God and the effectiveness of living by faith (Heb. 11). Their examples motivate and inspire us to remain committed to Christ (Guthrie, 1998) through all challenges and phases of life. We demonstrate wisdom when we learn from them and continue our marathon race with the strongest resolve to follow Christ.

This “great cloud” of Old Testament “witnesses” wonderfully and adequately demonstrates the life of faith according to Hebrews chapter eleven (Heb. 12:1). They also illustrate the importance of obedience to God in spite of the circumstances or consequences. Their exploits are inspirational and their experiences provoke succeeding generations to believe God and act on His truth. Modern Christians should also remember how many of these Old Testament “witnesses” suffered greatly as they followed God’s prescribed path (11:36-39). Suffering for righteousness sake is a part of the faithful’s journey according to the Lord Jesus (Matt. 5:10-12). This realization punctuates the truth that current Christian distresses are not unique, and like the “witnesses” we must be loyal to the Lord until our journeys’ end. As American Christians environed by growing hostilities to free expressions of faith, we must decidedly persevere through these demanding challenges. The “great cloud of witnesses” does not illustrate quitting, but continuation by faith in God and His Word.

Historically, unflinching perseverance was demanded of those who traversed the faith journey. In spite of the fact that O.T. worthies enjoyed significantly inferior privileges and greater oppositions, they continued! How then can we Christians who have access to God (Heb. 4:16; 10:19-22), the greatest Prophet (1:1, 2), the great High Priest (3:1;4:14), a new and living way (10:20), a better tabernacle (9:11), a perfect Sacrifice (9:12; 10:12), a new testament (9:15), an eternal inheritance (9:15), and a complete faith (12:2) cave in to social and religious oppositions? Can we justify cowering away from a bold confession of the Lord Jesus Christ in a declining culture? Obviously, we must not. In spite of their gross limitations and rather obscure insights, the “great cloud of witnesses” is accredited by God as having “obtained a good report through faith” (Heb. 11:2, 39). Though they have not realized all that God promised, they still governed their lives according to those anticipated spiritual realities (11:13). Indeed, the “better things,” Christianity, are a present reality—they belong to us now (Heb. 11:40). It is forcefully incumbent upon us to recognize that our superior privileges demand greater responsibility! Yes, consider the biblical examples and limitations of past believers who lived by faith to circumnavigate unfriendly seas. There we will discover a potent stimulant for continuing loyalty to Christ amidst a culture plagued by a growing resentment for Him and His followers. Never-the-less, follow the cloud.

God's Gift of Autumn Grace

I love the natural colors of the fall season and stand in awe of the marvelous creative attributes of our glorious Savior and God, Jesus Christ. This reminds me of a wonderful “gift” God recently gave me. Struck with the awe-inspiring countryside of Germany, I paused at my study window, to drink in the audacious panorama of Malborn. In clear view are terraced hills and brief valleys unfolding into expansive fields peppered with fresh bales of golden hay. Immediately, I sense a pleasant whiff of burning oak and cedar wafting from my neighbors’ fireplaces. Beyond the yard, brilliant color variations of rich auburns, cinnamon-bronze, russet yellows, and orange hues christen the hillside trees. Clearly, the gorgeous German autumn has blushed! Like a spellbinding orator, she emerges to introduce the seasonal transition with fanfare. In the distant forests of these gentle rolling hills, I noticed four quaint villages nestled like mother birds in their nests. Cresting the horizon, churning windmills harvest the gentle breeze while reaching high into the temperate skies. All of this tranquil majesty is a refreshing retreat to me. Life is more than drop-dead deadlines, cranky computers, annoying cell phones and generally anxious days. Oh, how one deep drink of this God-given natural splendor relieves my tension-ridden soul!

Jesus Christ Claimed to be God

Really, who is Jesus of Nazareth? Did he actually claim to be God or is this idea merely an over embellished ancient church tradition? Did Jesus struggle with his identity, or was he transparently clear about himself? While some skeptics feverishly grapple with these questions, the biblical evidence reveals Jesus Christ indisputably claiming to be God through his words, actions, and reception of worship.

First and foremost, Jesus made more than a few irrefutable claims to be God. In fact, such claims thrusted him into the antagonisms of the Jewish leaders and religious authorities. For example, Christ said he had authority to forgive sins (Matt. 9:6), and that he shared the very unique and exclusive glory of God (John 17:5). He also unabashedly claimed “God was his Father, making himself equal with God” (John 5:18; 10:30 KJV). When placed under oath by the high priest during his trials, Jesus spontaneously divulged his identity as the Messiah and Son of the Most High God (Matt. 26:62-66). Then he clairvoyantly predicted his crucifixion and resurrection with brilliant accuracy! Without exception Christ was communicating what he knew to be true of himself in all these instances. One may argue with the legitimacy of Christ’s claims to be God, but it is undeniable he indeed portrayed himself as God.

In addition, Jesus’ verbal claims were amiably strengthened by his astounding miraculous deeds. It is imminently consistent for God to behave uniquely; he alone is adept in distinguishing exploits and prerogatives commensurate with divinity. For instance, Jesus habitually healed the sick, routinely gave or restored sight to the blind, completely cleansed lepers (Matthew 4:23-25), authoritatively exorcised demons, roundly controlled natural forces, and casually strolled on the tempestuous Sea of Galilee (Matthew 14:22-33). Though this is quite an impressive resume, it is but a sample of his numerous supernatural and well-documented wonders. Together they explicitly shout his deity. While it is true several human prophets of God performed miraculous deeds, none of them even remotely approached the magnitude, authority, and frequency with which Christ wielded divine power.  

Furthermore, Jesus not only claimed to be God and behaved like God, but he freely received the worship of his disciples; consider two examples. First, they worshipped him after he walked to them on the squally Sea of Galilee (Matthew 14:33). On this occasion they openly confessed Jesus as the unique Son of God. Secondly, they worshipped him openly after his glorious resurrection (Matthew 28:9, 17; Luke 24:52). Recall how skeptical Thomas confessed the resurrected Jesus as, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:26-31 KJV). This doubter was overwhelmed with the solid evidence presented to him. These worshipping disciples were not impulsive strangers all too eager to worship whoever made a claim to be God. Nor were they marked by too little insight to know what they were doing. No, these perceptive Jewish men were daily privy to Jesus’ incredible life, and they astutely analyzed him over the course of three years (1John 1:1-4). For two millennia people have adopted their conclusions regarding Christ’s natures and person. Today believers stand in solidarity with them; the man Jesus Christ is also God and worthy of unharnessed passionate  worship!

Transparently, the Bible tells us Jesus Christ incontestably claimed to be God through what he said, what he did, and the worship he received. The preponderance of evidence drives us to a twofold recourse: we must not only believe this truth, but also worship Jesus Christ as God. To be absolutely honest in our assessment of the biblical record, we must bow our heads in worship of His Majesty. Listen to and believe the Christ exalting declaration of heaven, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing” (Rev. 5:12 KJV). Join the heavenly throng and worship Christ Jesus declaring, “Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever” (Rev. 5:13 KJV). Follow the lead of the twenty-four elders who “fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever” (Rev. 5:14 KJV). Bow down in reverence before this Jesus Christ, the supreme Lord of glory, for He is imminently worthy of the most profound adoration of all creation. Just as he accepted the worship of believers down through the centuries, he still receives genuine worship today.