Grace for the Race

These [Paul and Silas] have turned the world upside down have come here. (Acts 17:6 – NKJV)

It was the Jewish people of Thessalonica who witnessed the work of Paul and Silas and came to the conclusion that they “turned the world upside down.” They called Paul a fool and a madman, the same thing they said about the prophet Hosea (9:7). But these people were not looking at the work these people were doing with the eyes of faith. They were looking through the eyes of the flesh and from an earthly perspective, Paul and Silas were indeed turning the world upside down. But when viewed through the eyes of faith, when viewed from a heavenly and eternal perspective, what they were actually doing was turning the world right-side up.

Now the gospel makes no sense to the watching world. So, when we are living out its truths, the eyes of the flesh see it as turning the world upside down. But what is actually happening is we are getting things back in order, the order God ordained from the foundation of creation. You see in the gospel social barriers are broken down and hearts are set free to begin beating for the One who created all things good. Paul and Silas were returning God’s order to this world by saving souls and changing lives for Christ.

There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)

The gospel turns the corrupted systems of this world right-side up. Because the ground is level at the foot of the cross, every single person has dignity, value, and worth. No now is more valuable than anyone else. We are all one in Christ. None of us are needed, but all of us are wanted by Jesus to share His love light in a dark and desperate world. Can it be said about you what was said about Paul and Silas, “They turned the world upside down?” God wants to use you to expand the cause of His Kingdom in this world. He delights in giving you opportunities to point others to Him. When you do this, you will be fulfilling your divine destiny and you will be used by God to turn a sin-stained, upside-down world, right-side up. Let that truth set you free to live with freedom, joy, and faithfulness to Jesus, regardless of the cost or circumstance. 

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!

Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord. (Psalm 40:4)

We all want to live a blessed life. We pray for blessings. We thank God for blessings. But we need to be careful how we receive and respond to our blessings. When the children of Israel were freed from bondage in Egypt after four hundred years of slavery, they witnessed miracle after miracle and received blessing after blessing. Eventually their blessings began to dull their senses rather than drive their service. In essence their blessings turned into “sedatives rather of stimulants.”

They passed through the Red Sea on dry ground as the pursuing Egyptian army was swallowed up by the waters. They ate manna from heaven. They drank water from a rock. They were guided by a cloud by day and a cloud of fire by night. Yet, in spite of their many blessings, rather than being stimulated to service, they were like sedatives that caused them to whine, grumble, and complain against their leaders, Moses and Aaron, and God Himself. Here is what we need to remember about blessings. They are gifts from God in that moment, not guarantees in the future. If we are not careful, blessings can dim our eyes of faith and stay our helping hands. What we need to remember is whatever blessings we receive from the hand of God, we must receive them with gratitude and thanksgiving knowing that we have been blessed simply to be a blessing to others.

So, where in your life has God been blessing you lately? Have your blessings driven you to deeper devotion to and delight in your relationship with Jesus? Or have they been dulling your senses? Have your blessings turned into sedatives rather than stimulants? God has given each of us blessings multiplied – blessings of opportunities – blessings of resources – blessings of possibilities. As God blesses us, let us bless others and by this all people will know we are disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ.  

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!

But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” (Luke 15:2)     

There is much to be thankful for when considering our salvation. We who deserved it not, receive it by grace through faith and we receive it from the Holy, Perfect, and Undefiled, Son of the Most-High God. To be sure, that alone is too much to consider if we thought of nothing else for the rest of our lives. But there is something that strikes an even sweeter cord of Christ’s Cosmic Condescension . . . “This man welcomes sinners!” Think about “THIS MAN” for a few moments and I think you will agree.

• THIS MAN who is eternal God!
• THIS MAN who created all things!
• THIS MAN who sits at the right hand of the Father!
• THIS MAN before whom angels’ worship with veiled faces!
• THIS MAN who was and is and is to come!
• THIS MAN who is the Alpha and Omega!

The list is endless. Jesus is beyond human comprehension, yet our verse today seems to take us higher still, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Let’s take a look at the cosmic condescension of this truth.

#1. He Welcomes Sinners

What drove the Pharisees and religious leaders mad about Jesus was His willingness to mingle with sinners. The driving force in their lives was to remain “clean & undefiled” according to the Old Testament prescriptions in the Law regarding ritual cleansing – and the first step was to stay clear of contact with sinners. The problem was they perverted the Law by seeing themselves as “clean & undefiled” because of what they did, rather than seeing themselves as “unclean & defiled” because of who they were . . . sinners in need of a Savior.   

#2. And Eats With Them

 As bad as it was for Jesus to welcome sinners in the minds of the Pharisees and religious leaders, it was beyond their comprehension why he would eat with them. Eating was a very symbolic act in the ancient world. It meant fellowship and friendship. It was an obvious sign of relationship. They simply could not imagine why Jesus would perform such an intimate act with such sinful people.

What cosmic condescension from our Lord Jesus Christ. Not only did Jesus welcome sinners just like you and me, but He offered table fellowship as well. Jesus allowed His reputation to be ruined in the eyes of the “up and in” simply to save the “down and out!” That’s you and me and that’s also a call for you and me to refuse to stay clear of those who are in desperate need of Christ. 

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!

‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’ (Mark 16:7)                                                                                                                                                                       

We have all been involved in cancelled meetings, whether the meeting was cancelled on us or we cancelled the meeting for whatever reason. But there is One who never misses a meeting and His name is Jesus. 

Jesus told His disciples before His crucifixion that He would meet them in Galilee after His resurrection. When the women went to the tomb, they saw that the stone had been rolled away and looked inside. They saw an angel dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side of the tomb. They were alarmed, trembling and bewildered, as you might imagine. Then the angel told them Jesus had risen from the dead and went ahead of them into Galilee, where He said He would meet them after His resurrection. Even death itself could not keep Jesus from His intended meeting. Now we may stay away for any number of reasons. But make no mistake, the Master never misses a meeting!

Jesus has promised to meet you in a myriad of ways in your daily living. He has promised to meet you continually in prayer. The throne of grace is always accessible to those who will come. He has promised to meet you in His Word. The Bible is “living and active” and always available to meet you in your deepest place of need, whenever and wherever you are. He has promised to meet you in church. Corporate worship is one of God’s special meeting places where we meet with our Master. But these are not the only meeting places of our Master. 

We expect to meet our Master when we are on our knees in fervent prayer. We expect to meet our Master when we are meditating on and marinating in the Word of God. We expect to meet our Master when we come to His house to praise and worship His mighty name. But Jesus often meets us in places we would never expect. Perhaps it was a divine appointment in that checkout line in the grocery store . . . you know the one . . . the shortest line with the longest wait! Maybe it was at the sporting event or a social gathering when you bumped into someone you had not seen for years . . . and you were happy you had not seen them. Possibly it was at the doctor’s office when the news was not what you wanted to hear.         

Now notice the words in our verse today, “He is going ahead of you.” Jesus always goes ahead of you. Jesus is always first in fellowship with His family of faith and that includes you. His strength goes ahead of you. His love goes ahead of you. His grace goes ahead of you. His mercy goes ahead of you because your Master never missed a meeting . . . JUST AS HE TOLD YOU. Perhaps it is time for you to look more closely for your Master in your meetings. 

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!

Jesus said, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”  (Matthew 4:19)

The Bible teaches us that there is indeed a proper place for argument with the Almighty in the life of the disciple of Christ. Let’s take a look and may you be encouraged to continue fighting the good fight of faith as you begin yet another week of walking with your Lord.

Some of the great saints in sacred Scripture can be found arguing with God if you will . . . and God allowed it for His glory and their good. 

Consider Gideon. When God called him to lead the Israelites in battle against the mighty Midianite Army, Gideon argued with God. First, he argued from weakness as a clan and then from smallness in his father’s house. Next, Gideon argued for a sign to be sure it was the Lord who was speaking to him. Gideon set out a fleece of wool on the dry threshing floor and said if there was dew on the fleece alone, he would believe it was God who was sending him. When that happened, Gideon argued once again, asking this time for the fleece to be dry and dew on the ground all around it. Once again, God accommodates to Gideon’s arguing. Now fully convinced, God shrinks his army down from 32.000 men to only 300 and Gideon leads the Israelites in victory against Midian. Now please note this all-important biblical truth:

Almighty argument is allowed only to convince us . . . never to convince God!

Consider Moses at the burning bush when God confronted Him to go back to Egypt to deliver the Israelites from Pharaoh’s bondage. Moses had absolutely no interest in going back to Egypt, which he had fled 40 years earlier after he killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave.  First, Moses argues from his inadequacy to answer God’s call (just like Gideon). After God accommodates that argument, Moses anticipates a question from God’s people and argues from unbelief – saying the Israelites would never believe God sent him as their deliverer. After God accommodated that argument, Moses went on to argue from his inability to speak “eloquently.” After God accommodated that argument, notice what happens next:

But Moses said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.” Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses. Exodus 3:13-14

Argument with the Almighty is allowed . . . but there is indeed a limit. God allows our argument only to the point of clearly confirming our call. Once confirmed by God, we then must answer the call . . . not argue any longer against it. Like Gideon and Moses, it is natural to argue with the Almighty against His call. Do you know why? Because God never calls us to anything that does not require God’s strength to get it done. And there lies the rub. We fear having to trust and depend solely upon God, just like Gideon and Moses. But that is the only way God works with His people. God always calls us to do what we could never do on our own and in our own strength so that we, and all those around us, will know that it was God and not us who was responsible for the victory. 

So, let me ask you this question: “Have you been arguing with God about something He has been calling you to do?” Perhaps it is time to walk by faith and not by sight and see what marvelous and mighty things God has called you to do for His glory and the expansion of His Kingdom. Oh, by the way, if you go to the passage for today’s verse, you will find these words – “IMMEDIATELY THEY FOLLOWED HIM!”    

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!

Today is the 508^th anniversary of the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, where Martin Luther published his Ninety-Five Theses (proposition for debate), and posted it on the front door of the church at Wittenburg – October 31, 1517. It was the goal of Luther, John Calvin, and the reformers to “reform” the Roman Catholic Church by reconnecting Christianity to the original message of our Lord Jesus Christ and His Gospel . . . summarized in the 5 “Solas” (Latin phrases or slogans) that emerged out of the Reformation:

1. Sola Scripture – Scripture alone
2. Sola Fide – Faith alone
3. Sola Gratia – Grace alone
4. Solus Christus – Christ alone
5. Soli Deo Gloria – To the glory of God alone

Now, 508 years later, Luther’s Legacy under the Lordship of Jesus Christ is large- between 800 million – 1.17 billion Protestants world-wide, which accounts for more than a third of the world’s professing Christians.   

Today I thought I would provide some current data from a new Pew Research Survey that clearly demonstrates how American Protestants are distancing themselves from the basic biblical beliefs that brought on the Reformation, or at the very least, misunderstand what those beliefs actually are.

Of all the American Protestants . . .

• 52% believe faith and works are needed to get into heaven
• 52% believe church teaching and traditions are also needed
• Only 46% believe faith alone in Jesus is required for salvation (sola fide)
• Only 46% believe that the Scriptures are sufficient for faith and practice

How far we have fallen in a little over 500 years. Over half of all professing Christians in America believe that faith in Jesus and their good works (church attendance, acts of mercy and service, giving, etc.) are necessary for eternal life. Jesus alone is not enough for salvation. And over half of all professing Christians in America believe the Bible and the teachings and traditions of man are necessary for living a Christian life that is pleasing and acceptable to God. So, how did the wheels come off the “Truth Track” that has brought us to this sad station? To be sure, there are many factors including our sinful nature, universalism, increasing desire for things below rather than above, and spiritual sluggishness. But I am convinced that the pulpit plays the greater role.

When we find it more important to preach messages from the pulpit that meet people at the level of “felt needs” rather than “true needs,” we have begun our return to the Dark Ages. The whole counsel of God is the “Light” that is needed in this dark and depraved world, not “gospel-lite” messages. When we fail to preach from our pulpits the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, we allow the lies of the world, the flesh, and the devil to seep in. It is no surprise to see survey results like these in a cultural “church” context that sees the average professing Christian attending church one time a month, abandoning any thoughts of Sunday School Bible studies which would add another hour at church, and little or no time for family devotion and personal Bible Study.

And what starts as an infection that is barely visible, winds up an insidious disease emptying out our churches. Why? Because motivational messages, inspirational insights, and secular stories will not hold up when the storm winds begin to blow and the waves of challenge come crashing down on you. Know this – there are only three stages in life on this side of the grave . . .

Stage #1. In a storm!

Stage #2. Heading out of a storm!

Stage #3. Heading back into a storm!

So, what is the way forward? As a pastor, I believe it is reclaiming the pulpit for its intended purpose – preaching the wisdom of the Word of God . . . not the wisdom of the world. When we preach messages that are designed to tickle ears, meet felt needs, and fill seats, we forsake souls and God will hold those in this privileged position accountable for their preaching. So, on the 508^th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, it is my prayer that every pulpit will proclaim the Scripture’s alone, preaching salvation by faith alone, through grace alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone.             

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!

Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. (Isaiah 1:18)

Picture a pencil with the attached eraser on the end. Perhaps the #2 pencil you had to bring to school for all of those standardized tests you had to take. Got it? Now picture this: you are the pencil, Jesus is the Eraser, and God is the hand that holds and writes. 

Now a pencil can do nothing on its own. Someone must pick it up in their hand and begin to write with it and that is exactly what God has been doing in your life since the day you placed your trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior. But even in the hand of God, at times, you will have a tendency to want to write some of your story yourself. When you do, mistakes will happen along the way. You will say some things you will wish you had not said.  You will do some things you will wish you had not done. You will think some things you will wish you had not thought.  And every time this happens, Jesus, your Eternal Eraser is right there to erase the mess as if it had never happened. 

Here are a few things to remember as you go through the unfolding story of your life. The part of you that will leave your mark on this world for the glory of the One who holds you in His hand is on the inside of you. Every time God writes with you, more of who you truly are inside will come out. And, of course, from time to time, the hand that writes with you will need to sharpen you along the way with difficulties, obstacles, problems, and challenges. Oh, I know that will be painful, but you will be a much more useful pencil because of God’s sharpening.    

One final point. Each time you are sharpened, something really neat happens. You will shrink a bit and become a little bit smaller. But that’s a good thing. Because as you decrease, those around you who are watching your story being written, will see more and more of the hand of God that is holding you and less and less of you. In other words, this is a picture of what John the Baptist said when he said, “I must decrease and He must increase” (John 3:30).    

So, how is your life story going? Who is doing the writing, you or God? Remember, the more God writes, the better your story becomes. But in those moments when you do a little writing on your own and mess things up, Jesus, your Eternal Eraser will be right there with you erasing the mess as if it had never happened.       

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!

Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:4)

Far too many in the church today are confused about the person God uses to expand the cause of His kingdom. Satan, the accuser, is in the business of convincing Christians that they are disqualified from serving God, by any means necessary. He will call our attention to our loose language, tainted thoughts, disgraceful deeds, and despicable desires. And when he has done his work, many believers believe they are no use to God. NONESENSE! 

God is looking for our SELFLESSNESS not our SINLESSNESS. God knows that even after our conversion to Christ, we are still sinners by nature and by habit. To be sure, we are new creations in Christ, having been brought into the life-long process of growing up into Christ.  The same grace that saves us also sanctifies us. But sin will shadow our steps all the way into glory. What God is looking for is those who will be selfless even in their sinfulness. And we all can point to countless stories in sacred Scripture to show this truth. Here are just two of them.     

But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written. Exodus 32:32

For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people. Romans 9:3

In his sold-out selflessness, Moses was ready and willing that God would blot him out of the book of life for the sake of his people Israel.  In his sold-out selflessness, the apostle Paul was ready and willing that God would curse him for the sake of his people Israel. Together, the selflessness of both Moses and Paul is as shocking as it is supernatural. This could never be done in the flesh. Only in God’s strength could these two giants of the faith be willing to give completely of themselves for the good of others. Both men knew that God was not looking for their sinlessness, but rather, their selflessness. And that is exactly what God is looking for from you!

So, regardless of where this finds you today, regardless of your past record of falling short of God’s will in your life, are you ready and willing that God would use you for His glory and the good of others? Remember, selflessness can only be done in God’s strength. By nature, even in our new nature, we are still way too sinful and self-absorbed. But when we shift our focus away from the self and put it on our Savior, selflessness grows in our lives and we begin being the blessing in the lives of others God has called us to be. Remember, SELFLESSNESS not SINLESSNESS is what God is looking for from you.   

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!

Gad, a troop shall tramp upon him, but he shall triumph at last. (Genesis 49:19 – NKJV)

Perhaps you are familiar with the phrase, “It ain’t over till the fat lady sings.” The meaning is rooted in the understanding that nothing is irreversible until the final act is played out. The origin is a bit unclear, but comes to us from two areas of endeavor – Musical Theatre and Sports. Today, I want to encourage you not with the singing of the lady, but the speaking of our Lord, rooted in our verse.

As fallen broken people in a fallen broken world, the experience of Gad is the experience of all of us. How often our adversaries have the upper hand. Countless waves of challenge threaten to drive us into the sand bars of life. How many fiery furnaces have we experienced, only to be left in the ashes of defeat. The dark night of the soul has been often our experience. Like Good Friday, to the watching world, it looks like we are defeated. But, beloved, all that has been proven at this point is the first part of our verse today. We, like Gad, have been tramped upon and would be left in utter despair, if not for the second part. 

It ain’t over till our faithful Lord speaks.

The promise is clear for the child of God . . . he shall triumph at last. The poet who said, “All’s well that ends well” spoke the most amazing and comforting biblical truth. For the believer, no battle – no conflict – no challenge – is to be judged by its beginning, for he shall triumph at the last. Remember this, everything you are going through – you are going through it. God is conforming you into the image and likeness of His beloved Son. He is using every life experience to this end and has given you the promise that all things are working toward your eternal good. 

I pray today that a calm confidence would embrace you regardless of where this finds you.  Remember, God did not bring you this far just to leave you here. He who began this good work in you has promised to complete it . . . at last.  Victory is assured. Oh, one final word about last – as Bunyan said, “Last means forever, for nothing can come after the last!” Let that truth set you free not just today, but every day as you make your way to the Celestial City. 

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)

Let me caution you to make a careful reading of today’s title. I don’t want you to think the word profit was misspelled. It was not intended to be prophet – a man who speaks on behalf of God.  So, what did I mean by the word profit?  Let’s take a look.

Did you know that our Lord Jesus Christ entered into this world, took on human flesh, lived a perfect and sinless life, died a sacrificial death, rose from the dead on the third day, and ascended into heaven where He is now seated at the right hand of God the Father . . . and He did it all for profit – both His and ours.

In His free response to His Father’s will, Jesus came to pay the penalty of our sin that he might return an alienated people back into a right relationship with their fountainhead – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus came to slay the devilish dragon and thereby win back those who had been separated from Him by their sin. This was for His PROFIT!

But that’s not all. His profit is our PROFIT, for in Christ we have been blessed with “every spiritual blessing” (Ephesians 1:3).     

• Chosen
• Adopted
• Redemption
• Forgiveness
• Wisdom
• Sealing of Holy Spirit

The list of our profit given from our Prince is truly endless. We are now ambassadors of the Almighty, called into the ministry of reconciliation. We have available to us a peace the world knows nothing about, for it is a peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).  And if that was not enough profit, we are given the unimaginable honor of being the bride of Christ without the possibility of divorce. 

What a “win win” we have been given. Jesus wins us and we win Him. His profit is our profit.  Oh, and there is only one loss recorded on our eternal profit and loss statement – THE PENALTY OF OUR SIN. Let this truth encourage and motivate you to live for the glory of the One who made all of this possible. 

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!