Coram Deo https://www.resurrectionmn.org Mon, 18 Mar 2024 22:54:34 -0500 http://churchplantmedia.com/ Greet One Another https://www.resurrectionmn.org/blog/post/greet-one-another https://www.resurrectionmn.org/blog/post/greet-one-another#comments Tue, 28 Nov 2023 15:00:00 -0600 https://www.resurrectionmn.org/blog/post/greet-one-another Some form of the phrase, “greet one another”, is used in ten of the twenty-one New Testament epistles (“greet all the saints”, “greet the friends”, etc.). It is an admonition that we would do well to heed as we consider our own part in the life of the church.

Initiate a Welcome

In his book Side By Side, Ed Welch says, “A reasonable application of Scripture is to greet one person we don’t know or don’t know very well every time we gather with others in the body of Christ.” (p.76) If we just wanted to be literal about it, we could make that case from the multiple times we are encouraged to do so as referenced above. But we also know intuitively how important a greeting is – and not just from the person standing at the door handing out bulletins.

When I have visited churches, especially small churches, the music and the sermon are important, but the question I ask when I leave is, “Did anyone say hi to me?” I’m not expecting to meet my new best friend, but did anyone care that I was there? It is surprising how often the answer has been no. I certainly want good worship and good doctrine, but God created us for relationships, first with himself, and also with others. We should find both in the church and that starts with a greeting.

Some might say that they are not good at greeting. Introverts by nature, they are uncomfortable initiating a greeting; they don’t know what to say and would prefer to leave the greeting to the extroverts. Being an introvert myself I get that. Fellow introverts, take courage! This is something that can be learned, and honestly, the bar is not that high. “Hello, my name is Richard. Thanks for coming today. How did you hear about us? Have a good week.” It’s really that simple. This may be a step of faith for you. Take it.

Be quick to listen (James 1:19)

Greeting visitors is something that every person in the church should consider a personal responsibility. It’s okay if that initial conversation is superficial. In most cases, it will be, and some of our relationships will not go much deeper than a friendly greeting. If we want to get beyond the superficial (and yes, we do), another skill we need to develop is listening. 

It is easy (and good) to have your list of questions to ask but it won’t take long to exhaust that list. Then what? To go beyond the niceties of where a person is from and how they heard about us requires that you listen in those conversations to what is important to the other person. Do they talk about family? Are they in a transition? Is there something they are hoping for? Those kinds of comments from a person may be invitations to more significant conversations.

When listening for things that are important, keep some things in mind:

  • Take your time. Invite conversation but don’t force it. People will share more when they are ready.
  • Don’t give advice unless someone asks for it. Sometimes we want to encourage people by helping them solve a problem. Don’t do it. Encourage them by listening.
  • Don’t trump their story with yours. It can be good to share common experiences but be careful not to make yourself and your experience the focus of the conversation.

Encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Every person who walks into our church would like to leave encouraged. That is true for the person who has been here from the beginning to the person visiting for the first time. There are a variety of ways this can happen including music, prayer, and preaching, but for most of us it is going to happen (or not) in relationships.

Let’s encourage one another, and especially our visitors, by initiating a greeting and by listening well. Some of those visitors will return and some will not. Let’s make sure they all know we cared that they came.

]]>
Some form of the phrase, “greet one another”, is used in ten of the twenty-one New Testament epistles (“greet all the saints”, “greet the friends”, etc.). It is an admonition that we would do well to heed as we consider our own part in the life of the church.

Initiate a Welcome

In his book Side By Side, Ed Welch says, “A reasonable application of Scripture is to greet one person we don’t know or don’t know very well every time we gather with others in the body of Christ.” (p.76) If we just wanted to be literal about it, we could make that case from the multiple times we are encouraged to do so as referenced above. But we also know intuitively how important a greeting is – and not just from the person standing at the door handing out bulletins.

When I have visited churches, especially small churches, the music and the sermon are important, but the question I ask when I leave is, “Did anyone say hi to me?” I’m not expecting to meet my new best friend, but did anyone care that I was there? It is surprising how often the answer has been no. I certainly want good worship and good doctrine, but God created us for relationships, first with himself, and also with others. We should find both in the church and that starts with a greeting.

Some might say that they are not good at greeting. Introverts by nature, they are uncomfortable initiating a greeting; they don’t know what to say and would prefer to leave the greeting to the extroverts. Being an introvert myself I get that. Fellow introverts, take courage! This is something that can be learned, and honestly, the bar is not that high. “Hello, my name is Richard. Thanks for coming today. How did you hear about us? Have a good week.” It’s really that simple. This may be a step of faith for you. Take it.

Be quick to listen (James 1:19)

Greeting visitors is something that every person in the church should consider a personal responsibility. It’s okay if that initial conversation is superficial. In most cases, it will be, and some of our relationships will not go much deeper than a friendly greeting. If we want to get beyond the superficial (and yes, we do), another skill we need to develop is listening. 

It is easy (and good) to have your list of questions to ask but it won’t take long to exhaust that list. Then what? To go beyond the niceties of where a person is from and how they heard about us requires that you listen in those conversations to what is important to the other person. Do they talk about family? Are they in a transition? Is there something they are hoping for? Those kinds of comments from a person may be invitations to more significant conversations.

When listening for things that are important, keep some things in mind:

  • Take your time. Invite conversation but don’t force it. People will share more when they are ready.
  • Don’t give advice unless someone asks for it. Sometimes we want to encourage people by helping them solve a problem. Don’t do it. Encourage them by listening.
  • Don’t trump their story with yours. It can be good to share common experiences but be careful not to make yourself and your experience the focus of the conversation.

Encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Every person who walks into our church would like to leave encouraged. That is true for the person who has been here from the beginning to the person visiting for the first time. There are a variety of ways this can happen including music, prayer, and preaching, but for most of us it is going to happen (or not) in relationships.

Let’s encourage one another, and especially our visitors, by initiating a greeting and by listening well. Some of those visitors will return and some will not. Let’s make sure they all know we cared that they came.

]]>
Gratitude in Luke's Gospel https://www.resurrectionmn.org/blog/post/gratitude-in-lukes-gospel https://www.resurrectionmn.org/blog/post/gratitude-in-lukes-gospel#comments Wed, 22 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0600 https://www.resurrectionmn.org/blog/post/gratitude-in-lukes-gospel Gratitude in Luke's Gospel

To orient us to a Christian expression of gratitude this Thanksgiving, I want to draw your attention to the terminology for thankful(ness) and giving thanks in Luke’s Gospel. These terms appear five times (in four texts). There are three situations in which thanksgiving terminology appears in Luke’s Gospel: 1) when someone gives thanks to Jesus, 2) when Jesus teaches about giving thanks, and 3) when Jesus himself gives thanks.

1. Giving Thanks to Jesus

The first situation is one in which someone gives thanks to Jesus. Shockingly, there is only one instance in which someone is explicitly recorded as giving thanks to Jesus. Jesus did so much for others during his life that we might expect descriptions of people giving thanks to permeate the Gospel narratives. But that is simply not the case. What is more shocking is that in the one instance that someone is recorded as giving thanks to Jesus, he is contrasted with nine others Jesus healed. These did not glorify God or show gratitude.

The scene takes place in Luke 17. Jesus heals ten lepers, and only one returns. And the one who returns isn’t even one of God’s covenantal people. Jesus is shocked: “Were not ten cleansed?” he asked. “Where are the other nine? Didn’t any return to give glory to God except this foreigner?” (Luke 17:17-18). Then, to the surprise of everyone in earshot, Jesus commends this foreigner—a Samaritan—with the declaration, “Your faith has saved you.” Here, gratitude is linked to salvation through faith. In other words, saving faith is the kind of faith that expresses itself as gratitude. So, are you “saved”? Do you have saving faith? Don’t be like the nine lepers. Be like the one who returned, giving glory to God and offering thanks to Jesus. Express your saving faith in the form of gratitude to Jesus.

2. Jesus’ Teaching about Giving Thanks

The second situation in which thanksgiving terminology appears in Luke’s Gospel is in Jesus's teaching. There are only two such accounts.

First, Jesus tells a parable about a Pharisee and a tax collector in Luke 18:9-14. Jesus offers this parable “to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and looked down on everyone else” (Luke 18:9). They had a certain kind of trust or faith, but already it is clear that they do not have the saving faith of the Samaritan ex-leper. Jesus describes the Pharisee—whom these self-righteous individuals would have related to most closely—in this way: “The Pharisee was standing and praying like this about himself: ‘God, I think you that I’m not like the other people–greedy, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of everything I get” (Luke 18:11-12). In contrast, the tax collector appeals to God for mercy through self-abasement, recognizing his sinfulness. Jesus adjudicates between the two, rending a startling verdict: the tax collector went home justified or righteousified rather than the Pharisee—the one who thought he was righteous. Once again, saving faith and gratitude are correlated.

At a minimum, this situation should remind us that even as we express gratitude to God, we could be in danger of offering thanks as a guise for our self-righteousness. Selfish expressions of thanks involve boasting in ourselves rather than boasting in God. Perhaps this warning will keep us from using opportunities to express gratitude with family and friends this Thanksgiving in self-serving ways. Maybe you have a family tradition of going around the table sharing things you are thankful for over the past year. We’ve all heard, and perhaps offered, the kind of thankfulnesses that are self-exalting and that passive-aggressively look down on everyone else. Let’s be on our guard against offering thanks in the manner of the Pharisee and, in so doing, go back to our homes with the verdict that he received.

Second, Jesus teaches explicitly about thankfulness by addressing God’s relationship to the ungrateful. Given everything we have read about so far, we have good reason to think God has no patience for the ungrateful. And that is true—the ungrateful should have no confidence before God (cf. Rom 1:21). Yet, at the same time, Jesus teaches in Luke 6:35 that God is “gracious to the ungrateful and evil.” We have already seen God’s graciousness demonstrated by Jesus’ healing of the ungrateful lepers, but now Jesus makes the teaching explicit. This teaching should encourage us that God is gracious even to those of us who are insufficiently grateful. Of course, his grace should move us toward expressions of gratitude rather than making us comfortable in our ingratitude.

However, the larger context of Luke 6 provides further instruction. Jesus’ comment about God’s graciousness to the ungrateful follows his command to love enemies, do what is good, and expect nothing in return (Luke 6:33-35). Many of us are inclined to do good to those who will give us something in return—or who will at least have the decency to express gratitude to us in return. But Jesus calls us to love those who do not give us something in return—he calls us to a non-quid quo pro kind of love. More than that, he calls us to love even those who do not have the decency to show us gratitude. Why? Because we are to be children of the Most High. We are to be like our merciful Father, who is gracious with the ungrateful. The biblical picture of giving thanks requires expressing gratitude for what we have received. But a genuinely thankful person must also love sacrificially, giving up the self for the good of others—even to those who are certain to be ungrateful for the sacrifice.

3. Jesus Giving Thanks

The other Gospel accounts record Jesus giving thanks before meals—ordinary or miraculous. John’s Gospel also records Jesus thanking God after he raised Lazarus from the dead. But in Luke’s Gospel account, there is only one instance of Jesus giving thanks. You might already have the scene in mind.

It is the Last Supper, as Jesus institutes the meal that we call variously the Lord’s Supper, the Last Supper, Communion, or the Eucharist—a word that comes from the Greek verb eucharisteō (εὐχαριστέω), meaning to give thanks. Jesus took the bread, “gave thanks, broke it, gave it to them, and said, ‘This is my body, which is given for you’” (Luke 22:19).

We are so familiar with these lines that we may have lost the confusion that may have accompanied its first utterance. Giving thanks before a meal we understand. But giving thanks for the bread that will memorialize Jesus’ traumatic suffering and sacrificial death? That should give us pause—and it should inform our theology of giving thanks. I’m not sure how Jesus or his disciples processed this moment, but surely the infusion of thanksgiving into a moment that ritualizes the death of our Savior caused deep reflection on Jesus’s willingness to sacrifice, the nature of love, and the enduring quality of gratitude in the face of the valley of the shadow of death.

You see, giving thanks is not restricted to the enjoyable and gratuitous aspects of life—instances where we experience excess, decadence, and delight. Instead, giving thanks ought to characterize Christians in all circumstances, even those that entail deep suffering and calls to sacrificial giving. We give thanks not only when we receive but also when we have the opportunity to give up ourselves for the good of others—when we experience loss and hardship, when we face trials of various kinds, and even when we face death.

Conclusion

We would all do well to reflect further on gratitude and thanksgiving in the biblical texts. But for now, let’s remember happy circumstances are not a precondition for gratitude. Rather, in imitation of Christ, we ought to give thanks in all things. More than that, in response to God's gracious, saving work in Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit, this Thanksgiving, we should be the most grateful of all people—expressing that gratitude in our words to God and in our service to others.

]]>
Gratitude in Luke's Gospel

To orient us to a Christian expression of gratitude this Thanksgiving, I want to draw your attention to the terminology for thankful(ness) and giving thanks in Luke’s Gospel. These terms appear five times (in four texts). There are three situations in which thanksgiving terminology appears in Luke’s Gospel: 1) when someone gives thanks to Jesus, 2) when Jesus teaches about giving thanks, and 3) when Jesus himself gives thanks.

1. Giving Thanks to Jesus

The first situation is one in which someone gives thanks to Jesus. Shockingly, there is only one instance in which someone is explicitly recorded as giving thanks to Jesus. Jesus did so much for others during his life that we might expect descriptions of people giving thanks to permeate the Gospel narratives. But that is simply not the case. What is more shocking is that in the one instance that someone is recorded as giving thanks to Jesus, he is contrasted with nine others Jesus healed. These did not glorify God or show gratitude.

The scene takes place in Luke 17. Jesus heals ten lepers, and only one returns. And the one who returns isn’t even one of God’s covenantal people. Jesus is shocked: “Were not ten cleansed?” he asked. “Where are the other nine? Didn’t any return to give glory to God except this foreigner?” (Luke 17:17-18). Then, to the surprise of everyone in earshot, Jesus commends this foreigner—a Samaritan—with the declaration, “Your faith has saved you.” Here, gratitude is linked to salvation through faith. In other words, saving faith is the kind of faith that expresses itself as gratitude. So, are you “saved”? Do you have saving faith? Don’t be like the nine lepers. Be like the one who returned, giving glory to God and offering thanks to Jesus. Express your saving faith in the form of gratitude to Jesus.

2. Jesus’ Teaching about Giving Thanks

The second situation in which thanksgiving terminology appears in Luke’s Gospel is in Jesus's teaching. There are only two such accounts.

First, Jesus tells a parable about a Pharisee and a tax collector in Luke 18:9-14. Jesus offers this parable “to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and looked down on everyone else” (Luke 18:9). They had a certain kind of trust or faith, but already it is clear that they do not have the saving faith of the Samaritan ex-leper. Jesus describes the Pharisee—whom these self-righteous individuals would have related to most closely—in this way: “The Pharisee was standing and praying like this about himself: ‘God, I think you that I’m not like the other people–greedy, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of everything I get” (Luke 18:11-12). In contrast, the tax collector appeals to God for mercy through self-abasement, recognizing his sinfulness. Jesus adjudicates between the two, rending a startling verdict: the tax collector went home justified or righteousified rather than the Pharisee—the one who thought he was righteous. Once again, saving faith and gratitude are correlated.

At a minimum, this situation should remind us that even as we express gratitude to God, we could be in danger of offering thanks as a guise for our self-righteousness. Selfish expressions of thanks involve boasting in ourselves rather than boasting in God. Perhaps this warning will keep us from using opportunities to express gratitude with family and friends this Thanksgiving in self-serving ways. Maybe you have a family tradition of going around the table sharing things you are thankful for over the past year. We’ve all heard, and perhaps offered, the kind of thankfulnesses that are self-exalting and that passive-aggressively look down on everyone else. Let’s be on our guard against offering thanks in the manner of the Pharisee and, in so doing, go back to our homes with the verdict that he received.

Second, Jesus teaches explicitly about thankfulness by addressing God’s relationship to the ungrateful. Given everything we have read about so far, we have good reason to think God has no patience for the ungrateful. And that is true—the ungrateful should have no confidence before God (cf. Rom 1:21). Yet, at the same time, Jesus teaches in Luke 6:35 that God is “gracious to the ungrateful and evil.” We have already seen God’s graciousness demonstrated by Jesus’ healing of the ungrateful lepers, but now Jesus makes the teaching explicit. This teaching should encourage us that God is gracious even to those of us who are insufficiently grateful. Of course, his grace should move us toward expressions of gratitude rather than making us comfortable in our ingratitude.

However, the larger context of Luke 6 provides further instruction. Jesus’ comment about God’s graciousness to the ungrateful follows his command to love enemies, do what is good, and expect nothing in return (Luke 6:33-35). Many of us are inclined to do good to those who will give us something in return—or who will at least have the decency to express gratitude to us in return. But Jesus calls us to love those who do not give us something in return—he calls us to a non-quid quo pro kind of love. More than that, he calls us to love even those who do not have the decency to show us gratitude. Why? Because we are to be children of the Most High. We are to be like our merciful Father, who is gracious with the ungrateful. The biblical picture of giving thanks requires expressing gratitude for what we have received. But a genuinely thankful person must also love sacrificially, giving up the self for the good of others—even to those who are certain to be ungrateful for the sacrifice.

3. Jesus Giving Thanks

The other Gospel accounts record Jesus giving thanks before meals—ordinary or miraculous. John’s Gospel also records Jesus thanking God after he raised Lazarus from the dead. But in Luke’s Gospel account, there is only one instance of Jesus giving thanks. You might already have the scene in mind.

It is the Last Supper, as Jesus institutes the meal that we call variously the Lord’s Supper, the Last Supper, Communion, or the Eucharist—a word that comes from the Greek verb eucharisteō (εὐχαριστέω), meaning to give thanks. Jesus took the bread, “gave thanks, broke it, gave it to them, and said, ‘This is my body, which is given for you’” (Luke 22:19).

We are so familiar with these lines that we may have lost the confusion that may have accompanied its first utterance. Giving thanks before a meal we understand. But giving thanks for the bread that will memorialize Jesus’ traumatic suffering and sacrificial death? That should give us pause—and it should inform our theology of giving thanks. I’m not sure how Jesus or his disciples processed this moment, but surely the infusion of thanksgiving into a moment that ritualizes the death of our Savior caused deep reflection on Jesus’s willingness to sacrifice, the nature of love, and the enduring quality of gratitude in the face of the valley of the shadow of death.

You see, giving thanks is not restricted to the enjoyable and gratuitous aspects of life—instances where we experience excess, decadence, and delight. Instead, giving thanks ought to characterize Christians in all circumstances, even those that entail deep suffering and calls to sacrificial giving. We give thanks not only when we receive but also when we have the opportunity to give up ourselves for the good of others—when we experience loss and hardship, when we face trials of various kinds, and even when we face death.

Conclusion

We would all do well to reflect further on gratitude and thanksgiving in the biblical texts. But for now, let’s remember happy circumstances are not a precondition for gratitude. Rather, in imitation of Christ, we ought to give thanks in all things. More than that, in response to God's gracious, saving work in Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit, this Thanksgiving, we should be the most grateful of all people—expressing that gratitude in our words to God and in our service to others.

]]>
Scripture Memory Meditation | Romans 6:4-5 https://www.resurrectionmn.org/blog/post/scripture-memory-meditation---romans-56 https://www.resurrectionmn.org/blog/post/scripture-memory-meditation---romans-56#comments Tue, 25 Jul 2023 17:00:00 -0500 https://www.resurrectionmn.org/blog/post/scripture-memory-meditation---romans-56 Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in the likeness of his death, we will certainly also be in the likeness of his resurrection. Romans 6:4-5 (CSB)

 

“Based on your profession of faith and obedience to God’s command, I now baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Buried in the likeness of his death, raised to walk in newness of life.” These words were recited over me as my pastor baptized me at the age of 13. What was a reality for me spiritually now became a reality for me physically as I was not only baptized into Christ but also baptized into my local church.

It’s easy to focus on this passage from an individual standpoint, but in the span of two verses (in Romans 6:4-5), the word “we” is used 4 times. 

  • We were buried
  • We walk in newness of life
  • We are united with him in his death
  • We will certainly be resurrected. 

So, what is this reality that has been done to us? We have been united to Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection. 

What happened to us symbolically through water, happened literally and painfully to Christ on Calvary road leading to the cross. But as we raise from the waters, Christ was actually raised to life bodily. This means something for us in the present and in the future. In the present, this means that we are called to a new identity and a new lifestyle. In Christ’s death, we die to our old identity. We are no longer slaves to sin. We are free from any obligation, addiction, and necessity to sin because sin has no reign on us. And in his resurrection, we take on a new identity. We have a new life, a new master, and a new fellowship with God and one another. In the future, this means that when we die, we will not stay dead but be raised to life to be with Christ and his people in the new heaven and the new earth for all eternity. 

Much more could be said about these verses, but remember the “we” today. Who in your life needs to be reminded of this? We need to be encouraged to put sin to death daily. We need people to model for us in the present of what it looks to live in newness of life. We need to feel the warm embrace of Christ as he invites us into a relationship with him and with each other. And we all need to be reminded of the hope of Christ's resurrection, which will one day be our resurrection.

So, may the Lord bless us and keep us

May the Lord make his face to shine upon us and be gracious to us.

May he lift his countenance upon us all and give us peace, amen.

]]>
Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in the likeness of his death, we will certainly also be in the likeness of his resurrection. Romans 6:4-5 (CSB)

 

“Based on your profession of faith and obedience to God’s command, I now baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Buried in the likeness of his death, raised to walk in newness of life.” These words were recited over me as my pastor baptized me at the age of 13. What was a reality for me spiritually now became a reality for me physically as I was not only baptized into Christ but also baptized into my local church.

It’s easy to focus on this passage from an individual standpoint, but in the span of two verses (in Romans 6:4-5), the word “we” is used 4 times. 

  • We were buried
  • We walk in newness of life
  • We are united with him in his death
  • We will certainly be resurrected. 

So, what is this reality that has been done to us? We have been united to Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection. 

What happened to us symbolically through water, happened literally and painfully to Christ on Calvary road leading to the cross. But as we raise from the waters, Christ was actually raised to life bodily. This means something for us in the present and in the future. In the present, this means that we are called to a new identity and a new lifestyle. In Christ’s death, we die to our old identity. We are no longer slaves to sin. We are free from any obligation, addiction, and necessity to sin because sin has no reign on us. And in his resurrection, we take on a new identity. We have a new life, a new master, and a new fellowship with God and one another. In the future, this means that when we die, we will not stay dead but be raised to life to be with Christ and his people in the new heaven and the new earth for all eternity. 

Much more could be said about these verses, but remember the “we” today. Who in your life needs to be reminded of this? We need to be encouraged to put sin to death daily. We need people to model for us in the present of what it looks to live in newness of life. We need to feel the warm embrace of Christ as he invites us into a relationship with him and with each other. And we all need to be reminded of the hope of Christ's resurrection, which will one day be our resurrection.

So, may the Lord bless us and keep us

May the Lord make his face to shine upon us and be gracious to us.

May he lift his countenance upon us all and give us peace, amen.

]]>
Scripture Memory Meditation | Romans 5:6 https://www.resurrectionmn.org/blog/post/scripture-memory-meditation---romans-53-4 https://www.resurrectionmn.org/blog/post/scripture-memory-meditation---romans-53-4#comments Tue, 30 May 2023 14:00:00 -0500 https://www.resurrectionmn.org/blog/post/scripture-memory-meditation---romans-53-4 For while we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:6 (CSB)

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you felt completely and utterly powerless? It could be when a loved one suffered a severe injury, or when a relationship didn't work out as planned. It could also be when tragedy struck, and you lost a significant portion of your possessions or when a family member or friend passed away suddenly without warning.

At some point in our lives, we will all experience these overwhelming feelings of helplessness. These feelings serve as a reminder of the true condition of humanity as a whole. Ultimately, we are all entirely and absolutely helpless on our own.

The Bible recognizes this reality and doesn't shy away from expressing the human predicament. As stated in Romans 5:6, we are all described as helpless.

In this context, Romans describes the helplessness of humanity due to our sin and rebellion against God. By choosing to go our own way, we bring upon ourselves death and the righteous judgment of God for our unrighteousness.

Thankfully, the verse doesn't end there. Instead of abandoning us to eternal death and destruction, God, in His mercy and grace, devised a rescue plan for humanity. At precisely the right time, God the Father sent His Son, Jesus, to die for the ungodly.

This is God's perfect rescue plan.

Jesus would live a perfect life that we could never attain. He would exemplify God's perfect righteousness and holiness. He would embody everything that humanity was meant to be. And then, He would willingly sacrifice Himself in our place.

Jesus would accomplish everything that we could not.

While we were helpless in keeping God's law perfectly, Jesus would perfectly keep it.
While we were helpless in succumbing to the temptations and lies of the Devil, Jesus would resist flawlessly in the wilderness.
While we were helpless in achieving righteousness on our own, Jesus would win it for us.

So, whenever we feel helpless, let us embrace these feelings and turn to Christ, who is our ultimate source of help.

]]>
For while we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:6 (CSB)

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you felt completely and utterly powerless? It could be when a loved one suffered a severe injury, or when a relationship didn't work out as planned. It could also be when tragedy struck, and you lost a significant portion of your possessions or when a family member or friend passed away suddenly without warning.

At some point in our lives, we will all experience these overwhelming feelings of helplessness. These feelings serve as a reminder of the true condition of humanity as a whole. Ultimately, we are all entirely and absolutely helpless on our own.

The Bible recognizes this reality and doesn't shy away from expressing the human predicament. As stated in Romans 5:6, we are all described as helpless.

In this context, Romans describes the helplessness of humanity due to our sin and rebellion against God. By choosing to go our own way, we bring upon ourselves death and the righteous judgment of God for our unrighteousness.

Thankfully, the verse doesn't end there. Instead of abandoning us to eternal death and destruction, God, in His mercy and grace, devised a rescue plan for humanity. At precisely the right time, God the Father sent His Son, Jesus, to die for the ungodly.

This is God's perfect rescue plan.

Jesus would live a perfect life that we could never attain. He would exemplify God's perfect righteousness and holiness. He would embody everything that humanity was meant to be. And then, He would willingly sacrifice Himself in our place.

Jesus would accomplish everything that we could not.

While we were helpless in keeping God's law perfectly, Jesus would perfectly keep it.
While we were helpless in succumbing to the temptations and lies of the Devil, Jesus would resist flawlessly in the wilderness.
While we were helpless in achieving righteousness on our own, Jesus would win it for us.

So, whenever we feel helpless, let us embrace these feelings and turn to Christ, who is our ultimate source of help.

]]>
Scripture Memory Meditation | Romans 5:3-4 https://www.resurrectionmn.org/blog/post/scripture-memory-meditation---romans-43 https://www.resurrectionmn.org/blog/post/scripture-memory-meditation---romans-43#comments Mon, 22 May 2023 12:00:00 -0500 https://www.resurrectionmn.org/blog/post/scripture-memory-meditation---romans-43 And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. Romans 5:3-4 (CSB)

 

The Christian’s hope isn’t just in the future, it is present with us in sufferings and persecutions that in the world’s observations, would not be considered uplifting in any aspect.  Afflictions cause many to speak against God, but for those who are followers of Christ, afflictions are a means to grow in endurance and patience.  In Coffman's commentaries, he writes that “All of the misfortunes, sorrows, calamities, and bitter disappointments of Life are not meaningless tragedy to the Christian but are luminous through their connection with the ultimate goals of faith in Christ”.

The persecutions, losses, physical pains, and tragedies we face, help us to spiritually grow so we can better serve God and provide an empathetic sense of direction for others as we follow the path God has set before us.  Persecutions and afflictions build up our patience and endurance which in turn strengthens our character and encourages our hope. “Therefore we do not give up.  Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day.  For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory” 2 Corinthians 4:16-17.

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And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. Romans 5:3-4 (CSB)

 

The Christian’s hope isn’t just in the future, it is present with us in sufferings and persecutions that in the world’s observations, would not be considered uplifting in any aspect.  Afflictions cause many to speak against God, but for those who are followers of Christ, afflictions are a means to grow in endurance and patience.  In Coffman's commentaries, he writes that “All of the misfortunes, sorrows, calamities, and bitter disappointments of Life are not meaningless tragedy to the Christian but are luminous through their connection with the ultimate goals of faith in Christ”.

The persecutions, losses, physical pains, and tragedies we face, help us to spiritually grow so we can better serve God and provide an empathetic sense of direction for others as we follow the path God has set before us.  Persecutions and afflictions build up our patience and endurance which in turn strengthens our character and encourages our hope. “Therefore we do not give up.  Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day.  For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory” 2 Corinthians 4:16-17.

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Scripture Memory Meditation | Romans 4:3 https://www.resurrectionmn.org/blog/post/scripture-memory-meditation---romans-_2 https://www.resurrectionmn.org/blog/post/scripture-memory-meditation---romans-_2#comments Fri, 07 Apr 2023 21:00:00 -0500 https://www.resurrectionmn.org/blog/post/scripture-memory-meditation---romans-_2 For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness.
Romans 4:3 (CSB)

This holy week, as we ponder upon the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, this is a fitting text to be meditating on. Paul is making the case that we are all under sin (Rom 3:9-10), and our only deliverance from it is by putting our faith in Jesus Christ. Justification by faith apart from works is the heart of Paul’s argument is this passage. The Jews considered Abraham as one whose obedience to God surpassed many. Paul is using the example of Abraham to clarify that even his works do not justify him before God.

Paul is alluding to Genesis 15:6. God had dealings with Abram, later called Abraham, over a period of forty years. During this time, Abraham was called to leave his homeland and journey to a country unknown to him. Initially God made promises to Abram (Gen. 12) that were later enshrined in a covenant (Gen 15, 17) and confirmed finally by an oath (Gen 22) (Gentry & Wellum, 2015). These promises are concerning progeny, land, and blessing. He shall be the father of many nations (Gen. 17:5, Rom 4:17)

Abraham might have perceived this promise as having many biological descendants, dwelling in a certain land, and becoming a nation. But God was referring to a near promise of Abraham’s physical descendants in the land of Canaan, and a far promise of Abraham’s spiritual descendants dwelling in God’s kingdom. There will be a need for Abraham’s tent to be enlarged (Isa. 54-2) because his child (Israel) will act as an instrument of blessing and will bring the nations into the family. All those who share Abraham’s faith shall be of his family, in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed (Gen 12:3).

When God made this covenant with Abraham, he called him to walk before him and be blameless (Gen 17:2). However, God promised to keep both sides of the covenant. In any case Abraham or his descendants fail to walk in God’s ways, God is willing to pay the price. It is no surprise that Abraham and his descendants failed like Adam and Noah. And at that moment, Almighty God pronounced the death sentence on his Son Jesus (Laan, 1996).

The righteousness that is being credited or accounted to Abraham is not of his own. Paul is implying that one who believes is joined to Christ, whose righteousness is imputed upon that person. The righteousness on the basis of which God declares a person to be right before him is not that person’s own righteousness, but that of Christ himself (Moo, 2018).

Simply put, the Abrahamic covenant is fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Lk.1-54-55, 69-75). There is a Kingdom that is already here but not yet. This kingdom is brought forth in the new covenant. The new covenant is ratified by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Isa 53). All those whose souls are thirsty may come, and eat and drink, and be satisfied (Isa. 55:1-5, Matt. 11:28). This is a gift of grace that may not attained by any works or good deeds but may only be attained by believing in the death and resurrection of Christ (John 3:16).

This resurrection week, look not to fleeting joys but to be joined to the one who fully satisfies, whose perfect kingdom will have no end and be full of immeasurable riches of grace. There will be ever-increasing happiness in the hearts of the redeemed, as God displays more and more of His infinite and inexhaustible greatness and glory for the enjoyment of His people (Desiringgod.org, n.d.).  

Bibliography

Desiringgod.org. (n.d.). The Desiring God Affirmation of Faith. Retrieved from desiringgod.org: https://www.desiringgod.org/affirmation-of-faith#0.1_14

Gentry, P. J., & Wellum, S. J. (2015). God's Kingdom through God's Covenants. Illinois: Crossway.

Laan, R. V. (1996). Echoes of His Presence: Stories of the Messiah from the People of His Day. Colorado Springs : Focus on the family.

Moo, D. J. (2018). The Letter to the Romans. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

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For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness.
Romans 4:3 (CSB)

This holy week, as we ponder upon the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, this is a fitting text to be meditating on. Paul is making the case that we are all under sin (Rom 3:9-10), and our only deliverance from it is by putting our faith in Jesus Christ. Justification by faith apart from works is the heart of Paul’s argument is this passage. The Jews considered Abraham as one whose obedience to God surpassed many. Paul is using the example of Abraham to clarify that even his works do not justify him before God.

Paul is alluding to Genesis 15:6. God had dealings with Abram, later called Abraham, over a period of forty years. During this time, Abraham was called to leave his homeland and journey to a country unknown to him. Initially God made promises to Abram (Gen. 12) that were later enshrined in a covenant (Gen 15, 17) and confirmed finally by an oath (Gen 22) (Gentry & Wellum, 2015). These promises are concerning progeny, land, and blessing. He shall be the father of many nations (Gen. 17:5, Rom 4:17)

Abraham might have perceived this promise as having many biological descendants, dwelling in a certain land, and becoming a nation. But God was referring to a near promise of Abraham’s physical descendants in the land of Canaan, and a far promise of Abraham’s spiritual descendants dwelling in God’s kingdom. There will be a need for Abraham’s tent to be enlarged (Isa. 54-2) because his child (Israel) will act as an instrument of blessing and will bring the nations into the family. All those who share Abraham’s faith shall be of his family, in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed (Gen 12:3).

When God made this covenant with Abraham, he called him to walk before him and be blameless (Gen 17:2). However, God promised to keep both sides of the covenant. In any case Abraham or his descendants fail to walk in God’s ways, God is willing to pay the price. It is no surprise that Abraham and his descendants failed like Adam and Noah. And at that moment, Almighty God pronounced the death sentence on his Son Jesus (Laan, 1996).

The righteousness that is being credited or accounted to Abraham is not of his own. Paul is implying that one who believes is joined to Christ, whose righteousness is imputed upon that person. The righteousness on the basis of which God declares a person to be right before him is not that person’s own righteousness, but that of Christ himself (Moo, 2018).

Simply put, the Abrahamic covenant is fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Lk.1-54-55, 69-75). There is a Kingdom that is already here but not yet. This kingdom is brought forth in the new covenant. The new covenant is ratified by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Isa 53). All those whose souls are thirsty may come, and eat and drink, and be satisfied (Isa. 55:1-5, Matt. 11:28). This is a gift of grace that may not attained by any works or good deeds but may only be attained by believing in the death and resurrection of Christ (John 3:16).

This resurrection week, look not to fleeting joys but to be joined to the one who fully satisfies, whose perfect kingdom will have no end and be full of immeasurable riches of grace. There will be ever-increasing happiness in the hearts of the redeemed, as God displays more and more of His infinite and inexhaustible greatness and glory for the enjoyment of His people (Desiringgod.org, n.d.).  

Bibliography

Desiringgod.org. (n.d.). The Desiring God Affirmation of Faith. Retrieved from desiringgod.org: https://www.desiringgod.org/affirmation-of-faith#0.1_14

Gentry, P. J., & Wellum, S. J. (2015). God's Kingdom through God's Covenants. Illinois: Crossway.

Laan, R. V. (1996). Echoes of His Presence: Stories of the Messiah from the People of His Day. Colorado Springs : Focus on the family.

Moo, D. J. (2018). The Letter to the Romans. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

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Scripture Memory Meditation | Romans 3:26 https://www.resurrectionmn.org/blog/post/scripture-memory-meditation---romans-310-12 https://www.resurrectionmn.org/blog/post/scripture-memory-meditation---romans-310-12#comments Wed, 29 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0500 https://www.resurrectionmn.org/blog/post/scripture-memory-meditation---romans-310-12 God presented him to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so that he would be righteous and declare righteous the one who has faith in Jesus.
Romans 3:26 (CSB)

What did God accomplish by revealing his righteousness apart from the law that he gave to his people? As we know, no person is made righteous by the law, for no fallen person is able to obey it perfectly and instead is deserving of God’s judgment (3:19-20). Neither Jews under the Law of God, nor Gentiles, who see the good character of God in creation, have succeeded in obtaining righteousness because all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (3:23).

Paul helps his readers understand that God’s righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ gives all sinners a way to be right with God. Whether inside or outside of the covenant of the law, all are justified freely by his [God’s] grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (3:24). To be justified is to be proven righteous or declared righteous. How can God justify sinners? Through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ through his blood (3:25). Every sinner who believes in Christ is declared righteous through faith and not by somehow impossibly doing what is morally good.

God has demonstrated his righteousness outside of the law in two key ways. First, he showed that he is just when he passed over sin before the atonement, because he provided Christ as the redeemer for all who believe (3:25). Second, God has showed his righteousness in the present as he declares all who trust in Jesus are justified (3:26). God is undeniably just and the justifier of all who put their faith in Christ.

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God presented him to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so that he would be righteous and declare righteous the one who has faith in Jesus.
Romans 3:26 (CSB)

What did God accomplish by revealing his righteousness apart from the law that he gave to his people? As we know, no person is made righteous by the law, for no fallen person is able to obey it perfectly and instead is deserving of God’s judgment (3:19-20). Neither Jews under the Law of God, nor Gentiles, who see the good character of God in creation, have succeeded in obtaining righteousness because all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (3:23).

Paul helps his readers understand that God’s righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ gives all sinners a way to be right with God. Whether inside or outside of the covenant of the law, all are justified freely by his [God’s] grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (3:24). To be justified is to be proven righteous or declared righteous. How can God justify sinners? Through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ through his blood (3:25). Every sinner who believes in Christ is declared righteous through faith and not by somehow impossibly doing what is morally good.

God has demonstrated his righteousness outside of the law in two key ways. First, he showed that he is just when he passed over sin before the atonement, because he provided Christ as the redeemer for all who believe (3:25). Second, God has showed his righteousness in the present as he declares all who trust in Jesus are justified (3:26). God is undeniably just and the justifier of all who put their faith in Christ.

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Marriage Seminar Discussion Guide https://www.resurrectionmn.org/blog/post/marriage-seminar-discussion-guide https://www.resurrectionmn.org/blog/post/marriage-seminar-discussion-guide#comments Sat, 11 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0600 https://www.resurrectionmn.org/blog/post/marriage-seminar-discussion-guide Schedule
9:00     Welcome & Icebreaker
9:15     Session 1 | Roots of a Good Marriage
9:45     Couples Discussion #1
10:05   Session 2 | The Biggest Problem
10:35   Couples Discussion #2 
11:00   Session 3 | The DNA of Sin
11:30   Guided Discussion and Q&A

Discussion Guide
You can download the PDF Discussion Guide for the Marriage Seminar HERE.

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Schedule
9:00     Welcome & Icebreaker
9:15     Session 1 | Roots of a Good Marriage
9:45     Couples Discussion #1
10:05   Session 2 | The Biggest Problem
10:35   Couples Discussion #2 
11:00   Session 3 | The DNA of Sin
11:30   Guided Discussion and Q&A

Discussion Guide
You can download the PDF Discussion Guide for the Marriage Seminar HERE.

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Scripture Memory Meditation | Romans 3:10-12 https://www.resurrectionmn.org/blog/post/scripture-memory-meditation---romans-228-29 https://www.resurrectionmn.org/blog/post/scripture-memory-meditation---romans-228-29#comments Tue, 21 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -0600 https://www.resurrectionmn.org/blog/post/scripture-memory-meditation---romans-228-29 As it is written: There is no one righteous, not even one. There is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away; all alike have become worthless. There is no one who does what is good, not even one. Romans 3:10-12 (CSB)

Skillfully at this juncture in his letter, Paul quotes Psalm 14:1-3 (and other passages beyond these verses) to sum up the depravity of human hearts. Whether in the Gentile realm of conscience or under the Mosaic Law, all are under sin (Rom 3:9).

Thus, humanity is shown to be equally wretched, so that every mouth may be shut and the whole world become subject to God’s judgment (v. 19). Our Creator does not uncover our wickedness to cruelly shame us, but to give us the truth--there is no hope that we can ever redeem ourselves.

No amount of law keeping can save us from the unrighteous state of our hearts. Together we have rebelled and lived sinfully instead of seeking God. Even under the law, no one does what is good. We all are justly condemned.

However, God has given us a way to be made righteous through faith in his son. Jesus Christ is our atoning sacrifice by his shed blood (v. 25). All are in need of salvation and through faith are freely justified through his grace in Christ.

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As it is written: There is no one righteous, not even one. There is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away; all alike have become worthless. There is no one who does what is good, not even one. Romans 3:10-12 (CSB)

Skillfully at this juncture in his letter, Paul quotes Psalm 14:1-3 (and other passages beyond these verses) to sum up the depravity of human hearts. Whether in the Gentile realm of conscience or under the Mosaic Law, all are under sin (Rom 3:9).

Thus, humanity is shown to be equally wretched, so that every mouth may be shut and the whole world become subject to God’s judgment (v. 19). Our Creator does not uncover our wickedness to cruelly shame us, but to give us the truth--there is no hope that we can ever redeem ourselves.

No amount of law keeping can save us from the unrighteous state of our hearts. Together we have rebelled and lived sinfully instead of seeking God. Even under the law, no one does what is good. We all are justly condemned.

However, God has given us a way to be made righteous through faith in his son. Jesus Christ is our atoning sacrifice by his shed blood (v. 25). All are in need of salvation and through faith are freely justified through his grace in Christ.

]]>
Scripture Memory Meditation | Romans 2:28-29 https://www.resurrectionmn.org/blog/post/scripture-memory-meditation---romans-21_2 https://www.resurrectionmn.org/blog/post/scripture-memory-meditation---romans-21_2#comments Sat, 18 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0600 https://www.resurrectionmn.org/blog/post/scripture-memory-meditation---romans-21_2 For a person is not a Jew who is one outwardly, and true circumcision is not something visible in the flesh.  On the contrary, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart—by the Spirit, not the letter. That person’s praise is not from people but from God. Romans 2:28-29 (CSB)

 

The Jews took pride in their special privilege of their possession of the law and the ritual of circumcision. They believed that these blessings made them superior to others (Matt. 3:9). Physical circumcision was a sign of Israel’s covenant with God; circumcision of the heart, on the other hand, indicates Israel’s being set apart to love God fully (Deut. 30:6-7).

In saying that a person is a Jew inwardly, Paul is expounding God’s purpose for man from the beginning of creation. A person belongs to God by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Circumcision of the heart is the sanctifying work of the Spirit, granting us a new will to resist sin and love God.

God is our perfect judge; our approval is from him. Often, we take pride in outward appearances of Christianity. In following a set of rules from day to day, we hope to seek the approval of man. But God sees right through the depths of our hearts. Draw to him in repentance who graciously forgives and restores. God’s desire for us is to live full lives, for our hearts and our minds to be so saturated by God’s word, that by the power of the Holy Spirit we may love God fully. Desire what God desires and be a light in this broken world.

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For a person is not a Jew who is one outwardly, and true circumcision is not something visible in the flesh.  On the contrary, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart—by the Spirit, not the letter. That person’s praise is not from people but from God. Romans 2:28-29 (CSB)

 

The Jews took pride in their special privilege of their possession of the law and the ritual of circumcision. They believed that these blessings made them superior to others (Matt. 3:9). Physical circumcision was a sign of Israel’s covenant with God; circumcision of the heart, on the other hand, indicates Israel’s being set apart to love God fully (Deut. 30:6-7).

In saying that a person is a Jew inwardly, Paul is expounding God’s purpose for man from the beginning of creation. A person belongs to God by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Circumcision of the heart is the sanctifying work of the Spirit, granting us a new will to resist sin and love God.

God is our perfect judge; our approval is from him. Often, we take pride in outward appearances of Christianity. In following a set of rules from day to day, we hope to seek the approval of man. But God sees right through the depths of our hearts. Draw to him in repentance who graciously forgives and restores. God’s desire for us is to live full lives, for our hearts and our minds to be so saturated by God’s word, that by the power of the Holy Spirit we may love God fully. Desire what God desires and be a light in this broken world.

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