It’s Check-up Time

Every person is wise to pause periodically and evaluate their spiritual life. It can enable one to see on which course they are and make certain it is the proper course. Doing so can result in peace of mind and confidence it is the right course. If it is not, it gives a marvelous opportunity to correct course. To do so a guide is needed and there is no better one than the Bible. Therein the tuning fork of life, Jesus Christ, is clearly revealed. 

The Apostle John in introducing Him used the Greek term “Logos” which is translated “Word.” To find the meaning of a word see how it was used at the time of use. Shortly before John’s writing the philosopher Philo used logos meaning all that is known or knowable about God. That is Jesus. You want to know more about God, study Jesus’ life and teaching. 

Jesus is further defined and described as “our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). That is who He is. Now consider what He has done.

God “has called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus….” (I Peter 5: 10)

The expression “called” translates the word “kaleo.” It does not merely carry the idea of an invitation. Rather, it conveys the concept of a summons.

God has not merely invited us to join Him in His “eternal glory,” heaven, He has summonsed us to come to heaven.

A summons issued by a court means on the date noted herein and time stated cease and desist whatever you are doing and comply with the order prescribed herein.

God’s call to come spend eternity with Him is equally strong. It means that is what He wants you to do in order to join Him in His eternal glory.

For a person not to go to heaven means he or she has disobeyed God’s will.

To ensure every person has this opportunity “God said, “I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh.” (Acts 2:17) Also, “God has called everyone …” (I Cor. 7:17) Likewise, “If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know…” (John 7:17)

At a point in the life of every person they are made God-conscious by the Holy Spirit. That is, they become aware there is a loving God.

At that point the person sends up one of two signals. One, I don’t want to know Him, I want to make my own God. The other signal is I want to know the one true God. At that point the person is not saved. However, God has obligated Himself to get a messenger and the message to that person wherever. They then either receive or reject Jesus as Savior. 

Now, consider your personal relationship with the Word. Are you confident you have by faith committed your life to Jesus? If so, are you living with Him, through the Bible, governing your beliefs and conduct. Check up and check in.

Christ Still Asks: “Do You Love Me?” 4/20/97

John 21: 1 – 17
Page 1590 Come Alive Bible

JESUS CHRIST often endures our embarrassing abuse, denial, and betrayal only to come back compassionately to restore us to an even more meaningful love relationship with Him.

On the eve of His crucifixion His disciples showed no staying power when pressure was applied by the accusing Romans who came to arrest Him in Gethsemane. They became instant mutineers. They betrayed, denied, and abandoned Him. They were a disgrace to their declared devotion as they fled for their lives.

Before we become too condemning we would do well to review our own record. When was the last time you passed the test of stick-a-bility? Has there been a social setting when Christ’s modern day accusers were so in control of the moment that you, feeling the heat, betrayed Him? Have you been caught in a circumstance where you were the minority and rather than lose social or business acceptability you forsook Him? Has there been a time recently when you found it easier to be Politically Correct than Biblically right.

The disciples who deserted had made impressive prior commitments to Him. Only hours before, Peter said, “‘Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny you!’ And so said all the disciples” (Matthew 26: 35).

What a commitment! What a shallow commitment!

Commitment is essential in order to achieve anything. However, behind public commitment must be the personal resolve to fulfill the intent.

Commitment is the capacity to carry out the intent of a decision long after the emotion that inspired it has faded.

I have seen many make life-changing commitments. Some have made dramatic commitments resulting in radical lifestyle changes. I am inspired each week to look into a sea of faces of those who dare to be different – people of commitment.

I appeal to you not to refuse to make a wholehearted commitment to Christ because some do not live up to their commitments. Many do.

Others fail miserably and are motivated by their failure to renewed resolute commitment that changes them into becoming inflexibly faithful.

Let’s review the aftermath of the disciples’ disgraceful debacle in Gethsemane.

Peter, the bold spokesman for the group in the upper room, left Jerusalem after the crucifixion and went back home to Galilee. Critics of the big fisherman say he gave up and quit. I am persuaded that was not true. The resurrected Christ told the women to whom He appeared to go tell the disciples that He was going before them into Galilee.

Where had Peter fished all of his life? Galilee! When Peter said, “I’m going fishing” what he was saying was, “I am going where Jesus said He would be.” Let’s pick up the drama at that stage. The account is full of illustrative and figurative details. Observe them with me and learn from them.

I. A FRUSTRATING FISHING TRIP
Fishing can be fulfilling or frustrating. The mother of two young children said to the 12 year old son, “Take your little sister down to the pond fishing.” Reluctantly, but obediently he did only to return a short time later with his little five year old sister. “Why didn’t you stay longer?” asked his mom, “did your little sister make too much noise?” “No,” he said, “there was no need to stay after she ate the bait.”

It helps to get the mood and mentality of the moment in order to understand the event. The disciples had fished all night without catching anything. An unsuccessful fisherman is not a happy camper. There is only one thing more frustrating to a devoted fisherman than not catching anything and that is being embarrassed by being asked if you caught anything. Here they were, casting their nets and mumbling about their miserable state when someone on shore shouts a question: “Have you caught anything?”

Doubtless with a bit of colorful negativism the response was, “Nothing.”

Then the shore side stranger gives them instructions of what to do. “Cast your net on the right side of the ship…” (John 21:6). Some must have thought, “Wise guy. If you know so much about where they are, why aren’t you out here catching them?”

Doubtless there was a moment of deja vu. Where had they heard that before? Right here on the same sea at a happier moment Christ had given them the same instruction and it worked. Again they tried it and caught so many fish in their net they could hardly pull it in and were fearful it would break, it was so full.

Then it dawned on Peter who that was on the shore. Though it was impossible by human standards, it was Christ. The resurrected Lord was actually there with them.

Peter was the first to recognize him. Strange as it may seem to us, they were, in accordance with the custom of the day, fishing nude. Peter threw his cloak around himself and jumped in and started to swim toward Christ. Imagine the exhilaration of the moment. Christ who died was now alive. Peter’s mind began to hyperventilate.

“This is the Christ I saw feed the five thousand on these shores. This is my Lord who walked on these waters. This is the Jesus who healed along the banks of these waters. Here He, this very one, stilled the storm with only a verbal command. This is the Christ — the Christ — the Christ I denied three times.” At this point his approach to Christ must have slowed.

Finally, Peter and the other disciples, who had in Gethsemane formed a post graduate class in failure, gathered on the shore with Christ. Then there was – – –

II. A FRIENDLY FIRESIDE TREAT
Now let’s begin to observe various parts of the interchange and see their significance.

Jesus said, “unto them, come and dine” (Vs. 12). The expression “unto them” is dative of advantage, meaning it was to their advantage to do as invited. Whatever Christ asks us to do is always to our advantage.

In the Greek text, “come” is a participle of exhortation. It was the strongest word of instruction He could use.

It is plural and thus the invitation was to all the disciples.

The appeal to “dine” is in the imperative mood, noting it as a command.

It is aorist tense, inferring it was to have future results.

The active voice stresses that each must do it for himself.

These same principles are inherent in all of Christ’s invitations to us.

In the AKJ verse 12 reads, “And none of the disciples durst ask Him, who are you?” “Durst” is old English for “dared.” They knew it was Christ.

There is significant symbolism in the menu.

Christ had a fire built (Vs. 9). Biblically, fire always spoke of judgment. Jesus pictorially walked to the fire, typifying the fact He, too, was their, our, judgment on Calvary.

Ultimate destiny is something most think about often and dismiss immediately under the guise there is plenty of time to deal with that later. Tomorrow! Today, it the Holy Spirits word.

We can deal with Christ now as our Advocate, that is the One who before the eternal tribunal will determine our destiny. Or we can reject Him and stand before Him in that moment as our Adversary.

“He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:31).

If you want proof of Christ serving as the Judge of destiny the celebrated resurrection is that proof.

I had conversation with a Universalists recently. That is a person who believes people are given a second chance after death to be saved. He spoke warmly of God’s prevailing grace that has no end. I marvel over and rejoice in God’s grace. However, Universalism denies God’s justice which is as much a part of His nature as grace.

From a Biblical standpoint our eternal destiny is defined by God’s grace in time only for “…it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

Bread was provided by Christ. Bread had always symbolized basic provisions. Christ “gave” it to them. This is emblematic of His provisions for us. His provisions make us operative.

Fish were also provided. Fish were a longstanding symbol of productivity.

Judgment always comes first. The fire was foremost.

Next, He provides provisions that enable us to act. He makes our productivity possible.

III. A FIRST-RATE FRIEND’S TESTIMONY
Sitting there, the eyes of Jesus and Peter must have given darting glances to one another. It is hard to face our disgraces. Finally, their vision met and locked on and Jesus spoke, “Simon, son of Jonas, do you love Me more than these?” (Vs. 15). “These?” “These” what? Speculation varies as to what the reference might have been. Perhaps it was a reference to – – –

POSSESSIONS
Nearby, Peter’s fishing fleet rocked idly on the sea. They represented considerable wealth. A gesture toward them might have accompanied the question.

Never has the Christian community had greater cause to ponder this question. Our blessings are abundant. It is OK to have material possessions. Wealth is enabled by God. The question relates to priorities. Do we love Him more than the things He gives us?

Though we are citizens of a progressive society, we must not forget that paganism is often progressive. There are certain basic perils of progressive paganism: MATERIALISM, SCIENTISM, SENSUALISM, SOCIALISM, AGNOSTICISM, AND PANTHEISM.

PEOPLE
Christ’s question might have related to loving Him more than other people love Him. Peter had boasted earlier of loving Christ more than the others. At Christ’s arrest they had deserted Him.

Do you love Him more than that?

There is a slight twist to this that needs application. The question might have referred to loving Him more than we love other people. Often, approving of Jesus means being disapproved by other people. Ouch, that hurts.

Many Christians live with the attitude: “I came, I saw, I concurred.” Capitulation is not a becoming characteristic of Christianity.

If loving Jesus gets you into hot water, be like the tea kettle — when up to its neck in hot water, it sings. Praise Him.

Now in consideration of the climax of this brief beach encounter, remember Peter had denied Christ three times.

John, the inspired penman who wrote this book, actually finished his account at the end of chapter 20. Then the Holy Spirit moved him to add this post script of chapter 21 to help us see the validity of a return and renewal of relationship with Christ as dramatized by Peter.

Jesus used the name “Simon.” It was his name before Jesus dubbed him “Peter,” the Rock. It indicated a stage of unbelief. It was a reference to Peter’s departure from fellowship.

Two words are used for “love” in this interchange. They have completely different meanings.

AGAPAO, is the Greek word for selfless love being issued from a pure motive. The prototype is God’s love for us.

PHILEO, is the word for brotherly love, fellowship.

To understand this interchange let’s use the Greek words. Got them? Agapao means selfless love. Phileo, means fellowship.

Jesus first asked Peter: “Do you agapao Me?” (Vs. 15). That is, “Do you keep on loving Me with a Divine type love?”

Peter responded, “Yes, I phileo You.” Meaning, “Yes, I am back in fellowship.”

Peter didn’t directly answer Christ question: “Do you have selfless love for Me?” Peter’s response was, “I have brotherly love for You.”

As though Peter had not heard correctly, Christ repeated the question. Peter’s response is the same.

Then Christ used Peter’s term for love and asked, “Do you phileo Me?’ That is, “Are you really back in fellowship?”

Peter’s use of the term “Lord” was the key. It implies submission and commitment.

In response to the three answers of Peter, Christ charged Him each time.

First Christ said, “feed my lambs.” This was an exhortation to minister to immature new converts.

The next two times Christ said “sheep.” Peter was to minister to mature and immature believers.

In His second response Christ actually said, “shepherd My sheep.”

The first and then the final time Christ said, “feed My sheep.” Food for His flock is the first and last need.

Shepherding (guarding) is the central action.

The third inquiry prompted Peter to say, “Lord, you know all things.” This is true. Why then did Christ question Him? To afford Him an opportunity to publicly profess His faith.

That is our reason for public invitations.

After this and other encounters with the resurrected Christ these cowering disciples became changed people. At the peril of their lives they went out and changed the world. Their transformed lives is one of the best proofs of the resurrection. People would not risk their lives to defend a lie or for that matter a disgraced dead man. He was alive and that gave their lives purpose. It does the same for people today.

He is Immanuel, God with us — daily. He still asks, “Do you love me?” What is your answer?

Get Along

A sprite little high school chaplain on her cheerleading squad was to share with the team as the season began. When asked what she was going to tell them she replied, “I am going to tell them to get along.” That is a message worthy of proclamation from the pulpit of the largest church. “Get along.” Learn to master conflicts and defuse disputes. 

        “Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.”  (Matthew 5: 9)

The following acknowledges there are some people and some situations when a person absolutely refuses to have an amicable attitude when a dispute arises. Conduct for response is also shared. “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.” (Romans 12: 18, 19) 

When unable to get along with someone don’t try to avenge yourself. That is the Lord’s department. “Give place wrath,” God’s wrath. Stand aside yourself as a mere spectator, and let the wrath of God have free course to accomplish itself as He shall think best. Vengeance is His to exercise. Trying to usurp His right only further complicates the issue.

Find ways to compensate and sublimate for differences like the wife of a rural minister I heard of. One day the pastor had misplaced something at home and was conducting an all out search for it. He pulled from beneath the bed a shoe box containing two eggs and $2,000. He asked what the meaning of it was.

His wife explained. “Every time you preached a not-so-good sermon I put an egg in the box.”

He was pleased. Ten years of marriage and only two eggs he thought. Then his curiosity got the best of him and he asked, “What’s the meaning of the $2,000 in the box. Oh, said she, “Every time I get a dozen eggs I sell them and put the money in the box.”

Most disputes are not over issues about what we disagree, but as a result of our opinion of the person with whom we disagree.

A wee little man burst into the local gathering place and demanded, “OK, who painted my dog green?” A big dude about 6’5″, weighing around 275 pounds stood up and said, “I did! Why do you want to know?” Cowering away the little fellow said, “I just wanted you to know the first coat is dry.” Such diplomacy is worthy of the UN and deserving of our emulation.

Aspire to be a minister of reconciliation who overcomes evil with good.

As a child of God share His passion for peace and reconciliation.

Do you like a challenge? There is a worthy one.

Truth or Consequences

This Post consists of quotes related to consequence. If you get tired of reading, don’t stop without reading the last three. May they be a blessing.

“You are free to make whatever choice you want, but you are not free of the consequences of your choice.”

“There is no ‘reset’ button on life. You can’t take anything back, and you can’t undo anything. All of your actions have consequences. And the things you say today will have a lasting impact on the rest of your life. You have to understand that, and you have to be aware of it while making decisions.

“Men of thoughtless action are always surprised by the consequences.”

“Every action we make has a consequence, sometimes it is best to consider the consequence before we take action.”

“There is only one basic human right: the right to do as you please, without causing others harm. With it comes our only basic human duty: the duty to accept the consequences of our actions.” 

“The consequences of our actions are always so complicated, so diverse, that predicting the future is a very difficult business indeed.”

“We make choices. No one else can live our lives for us. And we must confront and accept the consequences of our actions.”

“Our actions are our own; their consequences belong to Heaven.”

“Intentions do not insulate us from the consequences of our actions.”

“There are eternal consequences resulting from all our thoughts, words and actions, of which we take far too little account.”

“So long as we are brave enough to accept the consequences of our actions, no one can take away our freedom of choice.”

“I have learned that the consequences of our past actions are always interesting; I have learned to view the present with a forward-looking eye.”

“Our actions are in our own hands, but the consequences of them are not. Remember that, my dear, and think twice before you do anything.”

“Consequences are part of one’s life. You can’t run away from them, but simply face them.”

“Every painful consequence of sin is a part of the punishment meted out for sin.”

“Temptation can be tormenting, but remember: The torment of temptation to sin is nothing to compare with the torment of the consequences of sin. Remorse and regret cannot compensate for sin …. though sin can be forgiven immediately, the consequences can last a lifetime.”

“Sin is the willful transgression of divine law. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the gift of God to His children to correct and overcome the consequences of sin. The gift of the Atonement of Jesus Christ provides us at all times and at all places with the blessings of repentance and forgiveness.”

Saints as Sinners

What happens when a Christian sins, and they do? There are many factors involved. Consider this scenario including several factors.

The person involved is a prominent Christian leader and the fact of the sin is well documented, it’s a fact. All sins are wrong, but some are more egregious than others. The sin involved is such. The parties are identified. The perpetrator is not simply regretful he got caught, but is genuinely remorseful, contrite, and repentant. Such is acknowledged by him before God and the public. What then?

The person is forgiven by God. Consider, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1: 9)

Upon such response as noted above God is faithful and just to forgive sin. Sin as used in the text is a reference to the act of initial salvation. In the life of a believer the sin transpires and repentant confession is offered. In the text “unrighteousness” is a reference to the sins of a believer, that is one who earlier received forgiveness for sin resulting in salvation.

God is faithful and just to forgive the Christian of unrighteousness. The fact He is faithful to do it means He will do it every time. The fact He is just in doing it means He has devised the proper just reason for doing so. That justification is the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.

Assuming the act is completed and the person forgiven, what then? That person is spiritually cleansed. Therefore, the person is spiritually restored to fellowship with God.

Should they therefore be restored to their former leadership role? No, sin has consequences even for the one restored.

King David sinned and was genuinely repentant and restored in his relationship with the Lord. However, the consequence is he was not permitted to build the temple. 

Moses sinned by disobeying God at Meribah. God instructed him to speak to the rock. He disobeyed and struck the rock instead. He repented and was restored in his relationship with God. However, the consequence was he was not permitted to enter the Land of Promise.

Both were restored in their relationship with God, but not fully in their relationship with their roles. Sin has a consequence. 

A criminal can repent of sin and be forgiven. That does not mean they are acquitted of their crime. Sin has consequences.

A Christian leader who genuinely repents of sin can be restored in their relationship with God, but not restored to their former role of leadership.