Tag: CPCDanville The GOAT

The GOAT #13: A Solid Foundation

Looking at the realtor’s glossy advertisement, the house seemed to be brimming with potential. It sat on a quiet, tree lined street and was close to good schools. The floorplan was versatile, and the large backyard had a panoramic view. But it was the price that initially drew us in. The numbers on the brochure were far lower than any we’d seen in the area. It seemed too good to be true.

Touring the property with a realtor, my husband and I soon discovered the reason for the low price: the house had a cracked foundation. A large gash in the concrete slab was widening incrementally over time. The garage was shifting in the opposite direction from the house and would eventually pull away from it altogether. Assuring us that it was an “easy fix,” the realtor claimed the money we were saving with the low price would more than cover the repair job. 

With a bit more research, we learned that contractors hadn’t been able to determine the extent of the problem. They didn’t know if the house would have to be lifted so the deteriorating foundation could be replaced, or if the crack could simply be shored up. This meant estimates of the cost and the time it would take to fix it were rough guesses at best. 

The more we thought about it, the less enthused we became. Buying a home on a faulty foundation just seemed like a bad idea. Wary of all the unknowns, we decided to pass on the opportunity and to keep looking. At that point, we learned that when something seems “too good to be true,” it probably is.

I’ve thought a lot about that house and what a metaphor it’s been for my adult life. With each decision my husband and I have made, our goal has been to build a solid foundation in both the physical and spiritual worlds. That’s why Jesus’ closing warning in the Sermon on the Mount resonates with me so much:

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” (Matthew 7:24-27, NIV)

Jesus urges us to put what we’ve been learning from Matthew 5-7 into practice. Through this series we’ve explored the upside-down economy of the Kingdom of God. The Beatitudes show us the value of meekness, gentleness, and humility. We see Jesus raise the bar on our righteousness, telling us to impact our surroundings with the salt and light of the Gospel. He urges us to have righteousness that surpasses the Pharisees by confronting the hatred and lust in our hearts. Jesus also raises the bar on the grounds for divorce and reminds us of the sacredness of marriage. He then launches into some challenging teaching on keeping our word, not retaliating, loving our enemies, and being generous in secret.  He reminds us our true treasure is in heaven and admonishes us not to worry, but to trust God’s provision. Jesus also instructs us to examine our own faults and not to judge others, to seek the Lord boldly in prayer, and to stay on the narrow road and bear good fruit. He packs this sermon with challenging but powerful truth. His purpose isn’t to disseminate information, but to spark life transformation. Which part of His teaching convicted you? Will you let His words change how you live today?

Putting Jesus’ teaching into practice isn’t easy, but it is the best way to live. Be encouraged knowing He is also the one who says: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30, NIV) Author and pastor John Mark Comer explains, “Jesus’s invitation is to take up his yoke—to travel through life at his side, learning from him how to shoulder the weight of life with ease. To step out of the burnout society to a life of soul rest.”1 Comer continues later by quoting another source: “Jesus means that obedience to his Sermon on the Mount [his yoke] will develop in us a balance and a ‘way’ of carrying life that will give more rest than the way we have been living.’”2

Does this resonate with you as you consider how chaotic and overwhelming the world feels right now? In the midst of the tumult, rest assured that building our lives with Jesus as the foundation is the only lasting solution for experiencing peace and hope.

As we close our series on the Sermon on the Mount, consider the succinct and direct words of Jesus’ brother, James: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” (James 1:22-25, NIV)

My prayer is that you’ll persevere in learning and living the ways of Jesus. I look forward to continuing the journey with you as I kick off the next series based on my new study Extraordinary Prayer.

“Build My Life” seems like a fitting song to drive home Jesus’ final teaching in the Greatest Sermon of All Time. Click here and listen to this version by Pat Barrett. Make it your prayer today.

1. John Mark Comer, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, Waterbrook Press, 2019, 80.

2. Frederick Dale Bruner, Matthew: A Commentary, Volume 1:The Christbook, Matthew 1-12 (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2004), 538 (as quoted in Comer’s book, 87)

Post inspired by Caleb Bonifay’s sermon “The GOAT 13, Sermon on the Mount, Two Houses” at CPC Danville. Click here to watch.

The GOAT Week 13: True Christianity

We’re closing in on our final two posts for the Greatest Sermon of All Time. This week we’ll explore Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:13-23 that uses three contrasting pairs to illustrate signs of true Christianity.

The Wide and Narrow Roads

Jesus starts by comparing two paths in life. He says: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”  (Matthew 7:13-14, NIV)

Using the analogy of two roads for our lives, Jesus describes the first as the broad road of destruction. This route is easy to find because we’re born on it and will die on it unless we choose to get off. The wide road is like an eight-lane freeway that’s packed with drivers who don’t know or want a different route. This road is deceptive; it seems and feels right because everyone is moving in the same direction, but it’s leading to a terrible destination. The book of Proverbs describes it this way: “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12, NIV).

Conversely, the narrow road requires difficult choices to deny ourselves and surrender our will to God. This road is harder but better because it leads to life. Here’s a harsh truth that is also good news: all roads lead to hell except the one that goes through Jesus. He says this clearly in John 10:9: “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.” He reiterates it in John 14:6: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Trusting Jesus as Savior and Lord of our lives means daily choosing to walk through the narrow gate. This path is open to anyone who decides to follow Him. It leads to an abundant, fulfilling life that’s unlike anything we can find on the wide road. Are you walking the narrow road?

True and False Prophets

In the next section, Jesus continues to address the essence of true Christianity:

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:15-20, NIV)

Using the analogy of fruit growing on vines or trees, Jesus illustrates that true Christianity produces a fruitful life. If we don’t see any evidence of Jesus in someone’s life, it may be that He’s not there. Conversely, true disciples display specific attributes: “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23, NLT)

When we consider the teachers we listen to, it’s important to evaluate the content of their messages and the fruit of their lives, not just the allure of attractive personalities or pretty words. Do the teachers you follow preach Jesus as the only way? Do they preach the Bible without mixing it with other philosophies? Are their lives consistent with the teachings of the Bible? Do they live full of grace and truth? Are the sermons, podcasts, books, and social media feeds you follow biblically sound?

Scripture provides several descriptions of false teachers, including this one written by Paul to encourage Timothy, a young pastor he was mentoring: “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” (2 Tim 4:2-4, NIV) 

The teachers we follow shape our thoughts about God and His Word. They should be challenging us and sharpening our faith, not just telling us what feels good or flows with current trends in our culture. It’s vital that we’re reading the Bible on our own and not just letting teachers we like interpret it for us. How are the people you follow influencing your faith?

True and False Disciples

In His next comparison, Jesus addresses false disciples:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:21-23, NIV)

In this section, Jesus emphasizes that true Christianity is based on the gospel, not on good works. The will of the Father is that all people would know Him (John 3:16-17). There’s a myth some people believe that we’ll stand at the gates of heaven and present Jesus with a list of our good works in hopes of gaining entry. This is not rooted in truth. False disciples believe good works earn God’s favor. True disciples know they are accepted by God only through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Regardless of our “good” or “bad” behavior, the Bible tells us: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:23-24 NIV) Are you trying to “do” for God to earn His favor, or do you believe the gospel and rest in His grace?

Jesus’ words in these passages are direct and may feel jarring, but they are rooted in love. He raises the bar on how we’re called to live, but He walks beside us  and helps us every step of the way.

Celebrate the greatest preacher of all time by listening to “My Jesus” by Anne Wilson. Click here to watch her music video.

This post is based on Tyler Scott’s sermon “The GOAT Part 12” at CPC Danville. Click here to watch.

The GOAT Part 11: Ask, Seek, Knock

Heading into our eleventh week of THE GOAT, the Greatest Sermon of All Time, Jesus tells us to persist in pursuing God with bold prayers: 

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:7-11, NIV)

I love that Jesus invites us to pray boldly and persistently, but if I’m honest, waiting for God to act can get tiring. And sometimes the Lord’s answers look different than I expect or come more slowly than I want. Can you relate?

Author and Bible teacher Priscilla Shirer explains, “Whether God moves is a question of His sovereignty, not His ability.  What He does is His business.  Believing that He can is our business.”1 Praying expectantly is hard work when we try to do it on our own strength.  Below are a six keys I’ve learned over the years that will help you persevere:

1. Keep Your Eyes on God Instead of the Answer You Seek: It’s natural to fixate on the outcome we want. However, praising the Lord shouldn’t be dependent on our circumstances–He deserves our worship regardless. Focusing on all Jesus has done for you brings peace that isn’t dependent upon your situation or a particular answer you’re seeking.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  (Hebrews 12:1-3, NIV)

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. (Isaiah 26:3-4, NIV)

2. Maintain an Eternal Perspective: Sometimes we forget this world is not our permanent home. That’s why it’s helpful to take a step back and see your situation from a broader perspective when you’re feeling discouraged. As followers of Jesus, we’re just passing through here on our way to being with God forever. Take a look at the content of your prayers and ask yourself “In the light of eternity, how much does this really matter?” The answer to this question may change the focus of your requests.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, NIV)

3. Remember that God Does Things His Way, Not Ours: It’s easy to focus so much on the outcome we want that we miss the ways God is already at work in our lives. Instead of praying for Him to perform according to our expectations, let’s remember God is sovereign and give Him room to work in the way He sees best. 

 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.“  (Isaiah 55:8-9, NIV)

4. Focus on Gratitude: When we’re praying about a specific situation, we tend to forget all the things God has done or is doing in our lives.  It builds our faith and trust in the Lord to thank Him for what He’s already done. We can even thank God for how He is working behind the scenes while we wait.  In all circumstances, there is something for which we can thank God.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6, NIV)

5. Pray for Strength and Confidence as You Wait: It’s ok to be honest in prayer and admit that we’re struggling or weary. Instead of giving up, ask the Lord to restore your strength, confidence, and hope in Him. Beyond this, we can pray He’ll show us what He wants us to learn while we wait. 

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. (Psalm 27:13-14, NIV)

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me,and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-4, NIV)

6. Let Others Encourage You: It’s easier to wait when we have company. Ask a trusted friend to pray with you. Inviting others to join us in prayer keeps us from getting bitter and helps us to stay hopeful.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:23-25, NIV)

See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. (Hebrews 3:12-14, NIV)

Which one of these keys would benefit you most right now? Is there someone else you know that could be encouraged by this post? How about sharing it? And if you’re looking for a place to get plugged in, I’ll be studying my new book Extraordinary Prayer with women at CPC Danville this fall. I’d love to see you there. Click here for more information.

Need some encouragement as you wait? Let Lauren Daigle’s song “Trust in You” help you regain your focus. Click here to watch.

1. Faithful, Abundant, True Bible Study, by Kay Arthur, Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer & Lori Looney, Lifeway Press, 2010, (p.94). 

This post complements Tyler Scott’s sermon “The GOAT Part 11” at CPC Danville. Click here to view.

The GOAT Part 10: Judgement

Bobbing on the ocean’s surface, I listened as the surf instructor reminded me what to do. Standing waist-deep in the water, he shoved my board ahead of a swell and began shouting “Paddle! Paddle! Now stand up!” With one swift motion I pushed myself from my chest to my feet and found my balance as the board moved towards the shore. After years of wanting to learn, it was a thrill to surf in the warm waters of Kauai that day. The long board, low waves, and help from a knowledgeable teacher were key ingredients for success.

As much as I loved the experience, you won’t find me riding the waves in my home state of California anytime soon. There are many aspects of the sport that intimidate me, but the main one is that I’m not an “insider.” There is a whole culture and unwritten code of conduct in the world of surfing. A newbie who doesn’t know better is sure to get a tongue-lashing from locals who don’t appreciate a “kook” messing up their surf session. (Yes, surfers have their own brand of slang and terminology too.)

Of course, surf culture isn’t the only place where “outsiders” may be intimidated to dive in–many people who don’t attend church view it with the same hesitation. There are aspects of our faith that attract them, but much of Christian culture is such a turn-off that they aren’t willing to risk engaging in it.

I’ve had a unique opportunity to spend time weekly with a group of women who once considered themselves “newbies” to exploring faith. When we started meeting, some had church backgrounds but lacked biblical knowledge, while others were discovering the Christian faith for the first time. Regardless of their levels of experience, two things held them back from seeking answers to their spiritual questions before joining our group: hypocrisy and judgment. Most had at least one negative experience with a “churchy” person that had tainted their perspective of God and the Church as a whole.

These honest women have given me an “outsider’s” view into Christian sub-culture. For most of them, our group was the first time they felt safe to ask questions without fearing judgment or criticism. That is why Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount are so striking to me:

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:1-5, NIV)

Judging people labels and categorizes them, diminishing their value and dismissing them based on outward characteristics or actions. Many Christians are quick to let the sinful behaviors and attitudes of non-believers deter them from engaging in relationships. Most people tend to gravitate toward others who think and act like them and who agree with their views. This only compounds the problem. It’s so much easier to judge a person for things we see on the surface than to take time to develop a friendship and to discover what influences and worldviews have impacted their perspectives.

Judging people creates a barrier that prevents opportunities for deeper relationships. It intimidates others and often causes Christians to appear self-righteous. Judging others also puts us in a position of superiority that stands in opposition to humility. It causes us to hide our sins and weaknesses for the sake of pride, making us hypocrites in the process.

Jesus gave us the perfect model for engaging others with love. He took time to get to know people in all stations in life–even the worst sinners. His harshest words were directed not towards obvious “sinners” but toward the most self-righteous and superior people He encountered: the Pharisees.

The next time you’re tempted to make a quick judgment about someone, stop and think first. What factors might be contributing to their actions and attitudes? Examine your heart and ask God to help you see the person as He sees them. Make time to understand them before being so quick to dismiss them.

And to be clear, there is a place for using discernment to hold other believers accountable for their sins. James 5:19-20 explains, “My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” Helping another believer recognize his or her sin needs to be done in the context of a caring relationship. This isn’t judging someone–it’s loving them enough to point them away from the destructiveness of sin and back to God. How we handle non-believers is different. We shouldn’t introduce them to our faith by pointing out their sin: “What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside.” (1 Corinthians 5:12-13a, NIV)

Let’s strive to be more like my surf instructor– coming alongside people patiently and helping them to discover the tremendous joy found through a relationship with Jesus.  When we begin with love and encouragement, they may eventually trust us enough to let us address the areas in their lives that need transformation. And there won’t be any need to judge.

Let’s never forget that God gave us grace when we deserved judgment. May the song “Grace Wins” by Matthew West remind you of this foundational truth and motivate you to share His grace with others. Click here to watch.

This post complements the sermon series at CPC Danville. Click here to watch The GOAT Part 10.

The GOAT Part 9: Worry

A few years ago, my son started describing me as a “stressy” person. He’s always had a knack for making observations that are both funny and piercingly accurate. It’s true: I’m prone to worry and I like being in control. Ironically, I’ve written twenty-seven blogs about anxiety and fourteen about fear in the last several years. So, it’s not like I haven’t studied this topic in the Bible—I just have a hard time applying it to my daily life. Does anyone else relate?

As we continue our journey through Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, I was treading a familiar path when I came to this portion:

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 3If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:25-34, NIV)

This passage reassures and reminds us that we don’t need to worry because the Lord will meet all our needs. That said, it’s challenging to live like we believe it’s true. So, when I discovered a sermon by pastor John Mark Comer called “Becoming a Non-Anxious Presence,” I wanted to share his practical, biblical wisdom with you.

Comer examines five key practices that create a sense of peace within us that affects those around us. After reading all five, consider exploring them further by clicking the links on each topic.

1. Slowing: Jesus’ pace of life was unhurried. He allowed plenty of margin for interruptions and used them as opportunities to bless and minister to others. The frantic pace of our lives is a significant factor contributing to our high levels of anxiety today. If packing your schedule and rushing from one thing to the next is your normal way of functioning, this may be making you anxious and creating a ripple effect on those around you. To read more on this topic, check out this post on the benefits of slowing down: Frenzy is Not Your Friend 

2. Sabbath Rest: Jesus had a regular rhythm of retreating from people to pray and rest and then returning to connect and serve. Luke’s gospel tells us He often withdrew to lonely places to be rejuvenated spending time with His Father (Luke 5:16). Comer explains that how well we rest determines how well we work. Taking time to stop, reconnect with the Father, and re-charge our souls is crucial for keeping anxiety at bay. To learn more about the importance of Sabbath rest, check out my blog “Under-Sabbathed.” 

3. Koininia: This Greek word describes a relational bond between people who are kindred spirits. It’s fellowship and community centered around pursuing Jesus together. We need deep, honest, authentic friendships rooted in Christ. Making time regularly to study God’s Word, pray, serve, and share life with others is an important element for maintaining a sense of peace and well-being. To read more about the importance of koininia, check out my post “Knit Together.”

4. Contemplative Prayer: Resting in the Father’s love and relaxing into His goodness help us to realign with what really matters. Prayer is about experiencing the presence of God. Going beyond learning about Him or hearing others talk about Him, it connects us to Him personally. Time with the Lord also grounds us so we become less overwhelmed, less reactive, and more thoughtful when we jump back into the fray. We engage people and situations with a different perspective after spending time in prayer. Want to learn more? Check out my post “Why Prayer Matters.” 

5. Indifference/ Freedom: There’s little in this life we can truly control. (Sorry, I know that isn’t a fun reminder.)  When we yield to God and trust Him with our lives, we experience the freedom to stop trying to force people and events to meet our expectations. Following Jesus and seeking Him first allows us to discover joy and peace that aren’t dependent upon circumstances going according to plan. We become indifferent to the outcomes of situations not because we don’t care, but because we know God is sovereign and trustworthy. This doesn’t guarantee a perfect or easy life, but it reassures us of the Lord’s presence and reminds us that He works all things for good according to His purposes, not ours (John 16:33 and Romans 8:28). Want to learn more? Check out my post “Stopping the Spiral of Anxiety.” 

I wish I could say I’ve mastered the art of being a non-anxious presence, but I’m a work in progress. Two of the five practices come easily for me. The others are a challenge. What about you? Will you join me in asking the Lord to help you grow where you need it? We may never achieve it fully on this side of heaven, but every day is another chance to ask the Holy Spirit to help us move forward on the journey of corralling our anxious thoughts and trusting Jesus instead.

Comer points out that when fear and anxiety are running our lives, love is repressed. Not being anxious improves our sense of well-being and allows us to express God’s love and grace to others more freely. And isn’t that what our world desperately needs right now?

The key to beating worry is seeking God’s kingdom first. Let Lauren Daigle’s song “First” reinforce this powerful truth. Click here to watch.

Content for this post came from John Mark Comer’s sermon “Becoming a Non-Anxious Presence.” Click here to watch.

You may also want to check out John Mark Comer’s fantastic book: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry.

Post inspired by the GOAT sermon series at CPC Danville. www.cpcdanville.org.

The GOAT Part 8: Treasure

As we continue our series, the Greatest of All Time, Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount challenges us to consider what we treasure most in our lives. He warns us that even while our finances and earthly treasures are fleeting and unreliable, our wealth continually lures us away from devotion to God. In this section of the sermon, Jesus urges us to teach our hearts to treasure Him above all else:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:19-24, NIV)

It may seem obvious, but whatever we focus on dictates our actions. So, when we set our sights on earthly success and wealth, we will use our energy to fulfill those desires. Conversely, when we focus on God’s priorities, our actions will reflect different goals—and our reward in heaven will last forever. Treasure is anything we value above all else. According to Jesus, determining where our treasure is also determines where our heart is.1

When our priorities align with God’s, we see money as a tool, not a source of status or security. God entrusts us with financial resources that provide for our needs. But beyond meeting our own necessities, we also have opportunities to use our finances for His kingdom– whether that is supporting ministries, charities, or specific people. Usually, whatever motivates us to action is what we prize. When we are overly focused on our own pleasure, comfort, or security, we become self-centered and blind to the ways our material resources could be used for God’s greater purposes.

If you’re not accustomed to sharing your financial resources regularly, it can be challenging to know where to begin. Giving to your local church is a good place to start, especially if you’re benefitting from the resources it provides. Most churches also designate a portion of their budgets to support ministries doing impactful work locally and globally. Beyond donating to your church, you may consider investing in God’s kingdom by giving to ministries that focus on issues that matter to you. For example, when our boys were little, my husband and I started sponsoring two boys around their ages through Compassion International. The desire to see our own children thrive motivated us to support other kids with less resources so that they, too, could thrive. It’s been gratifying to see how the small amount we donate monthly has made a significant impact on their daily lives. Receiving their letters and pictures over the years has also created a bond between us.

Over time our hearts have also been drawn to other places where we feel passionate about investing earthly treasures for God’s kingdom purposes. It’s brought us great joy to devote a portion of our income to supporting ministries that are inspiring us personally and making an eternal difference in the world. Knowing our resources are being used to impact others for good fulfills us in a way that spending on ourselves never does. (Check out my list of ideas below for some inspiration.)

Paul reinforces Jesus’ teaching in his first letter to Timothy: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs…Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”  (1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19, NIV)

The only treasure that is 100% trustworthy is found in God’s kingdom. Our pursuit of Jesus enables us to align our priorities with His in ways that are both spiritual and practical. It opens doors for Him to use our time and finances for greater impact and lets us discover the value of lasting treasure found only in Him. And that is “life that is truly life.”

If trusting God with your finances is a struggle for you, pray and admit it to Him. Ask Him to help you, then take a step of faith and set aside a portion of your income to invest in God’s kingdom. Consider starting a separate generosity fund where you can stash money that is earmarked for giving. Then you’ll have funds available to share as God prompts you. This intentional act will show the Lord you trust Him, change your perspective on finances, and give Him new opportunities to work in your life.

Need some ideas on where to give? Consider these opportunities and be attentive to how the Spirit prompts you. (Click on the names of the ministries to visit their websites and get more info.)

Help end human trafficking and support its victims by donating to International Justice Mission.

Transform the trajectory of at-risk youth by donating to Today’s Youth Matter.

Provide food, medical care, and schooling for needy kids overseas by sponsoring a child at Compassion International.

Empower women with unplanned pregnancies to make confident and healthy life choices through giving to Next Step Pregnancy Decision and Support Services.

Provide quality schooling and mentoring for underprivileged kids by giving to San Francisco City Academy.

Provide food, medical care, and services for the needy by giving to San Francisco City Impact.

Introduce college students to Jesus by donating to Cru.

Educate struggling teens to make healthy life choices by giving to Teen Esteem.

Focusing on the treasure found in the Lord matters more than anything else. Click here to be reminded of this through Pat Barrett’s song “Better”.

1. Paragraph adapted from GotQuestions.org. Click here for full article.

This post complements Bill Haslim’s sermon at CPC Danville “The GOAT Part 8.” Click here to watch.

The GOAT Part 7: Hypocrisy

No one respects a hypocrite. For Christians, it’s hard to watch fellow believers put on a show of faith that turns out to be hollow and heartless. For non-Christians, it’s one of the biggest deterrents to following Jesus.

This week we come to a portion in the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus teaches on righteousness and shows the difference between performing for others and following the Lord authentically. He addresses three ways to practice righteousness and tells what they do and don’t include. As Jesus describes giving, praying, and fasting, His message is clear: don’t be a hypocrite. He’s not interested in people who put on masks like actors and pretend to be holy, He wants hearts that are truly devoted to following Him.

Giving: Jesus starts this section talking about giving: “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:1-4, NIV)

Jesus’ point here is that we should give without getting noticed. The purpose of sharing our resources with those in need isn’t to show how good or generous we are. It isn’t to get our name in a program or on a plaque, it’s to meet a felt need. 

Let’s pause to clarify something–giving to the needy is an expected part of living a righteous life. Scripture includes so many passages about the importance of giving, it’s hard to highlight just a few: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7, NIV)

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:14-17, NIV)

Are you giving your resources to ministries and organizations that care for and bless others? If so, are you doing it quietly or with fanfare? Do you only give when it benefits you–like getting a tax write off or recognition from others? Follow Jesus’ lead and let your secret giving show your sincere desire to love God, obey His commands, and pursue righteousness.

Praying: Jesus continues His teaching by instructing us to pray without performing: “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:5-8, NIV)

Praying to impress others with our spirituality does nothing to enhance our relationship with the Lord. Authentic prayer enables us to draw near to God and cultivate an intimate relationship with Him. The Lord knows what we need, but still invites us to spend time with Him and bring our requests to Him. Seeking Him in prayer demonstrates humility, shows our trust in Him, and strengthens our personal relationship with Him. 

Fasting: Jesus addresses the spiritual practice of fasting by telling His followers not to make a show out it: “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:16-18, NIV)

While many of us don’t fast regularly as a spiritual discipline, we can still have the tendency to make a show of other spiritual activities we do. Sometimes we want to make sure people know how much we’re serving or giving our time for the benefit of others. We slip our resumé of service and credentials into conversations hoping others will be impressed. Some of us act like martyrs, believing our contributions are indispensable and that everything would fall apart if we weren’t involved. Scripture tells us that God prepares good works in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10), so be sure to give God the credit for anything good He leads you to do.

And, if you’ve never tried fasting before, take it into consideration. Going without food for a period of time can be an incredible conduit to prayer. Hunger pains remind us of our need for God and lead us to draw near to Him. This is an especially powerful practice if you want to focus your prayers on a specific concern. You can learn more about fasting by clicking here.

In his classic devotional My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers advises: “At least once a week examine yourself before God to see if your life is measuring up to the standard He has for you. Paul was like a musician who gives no thought to audience approval, if he can only catch a look of approval from his Conductor…My worth to God in public is what I am in private. Is my master ambition to please Him and be acceptable to Him, or is it something less, no matter how noble?” Whether you’re giving, praying, or fasting, remember you are performing for an audience of One.

Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers Publications Association Ltd., March 17 entry.

This post is based on Tyler Scott’s sermon at CPC Danville “The GOAT Part 7.” Click here to watch.

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The GOAT Part 6: Revenge and Enemies

You don’t have to search very hard to find songs, books, movies, and shows based on the theme of revenge. Plot lines about characters retaliating for wrongs committed against them are plentiful. Just do a quick internet search and you’ll find a variety of titles to entertain you and tutor you in the art of revenge.  It’s human nature to want to get even, but it’s not biblical. Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount makes that clear:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” (Matthew 5:38-42, NIV)

Jesus counters our natural desire to retaliate. This new interpretation of an Old Testament command separates the responsibility of the government to punish evildoers justly from our personal responsibility to love our enemies. We’re not called to seek retribution for personal slights and are told to ignore personal insults (that’s the meaning of “turn the other cheek”). One commentary explains, “Christians must be willing to give more of their material goods, time, and labor than required, even if the demands upon us are unjust. We should loan to those who want to borrow, love our enemies, and pray for those who persecute us. Enforcing ‘an eye for an eye’ is the magistrate’s job; forgiving our enemies is ours.”1

The commentary continues: “Jesus’ limiting of the ‘eye for an eye’ principle doesn’t prohibit self-defense or the forceful protection of the innocent from harm. The actions of duly appointed agents of the government, such as police officers and the military, to protect citizens and preserve the peace are not in question. Jesus’ command to turn the other cheek applies to personal relationships, not judicial policy. The principle of ‘an eye for an eye’ is meant as a judicial policy, not as a rule for interpersonal relationships.”2

Turning the other cheek also doesn’t imply pacifism. It’s simply a command to refrain from retaliation for personal offenses. Jesus wasn’t setting government foreign policy, just calling His followers not to worry about defending their personal “rights” or avenging their honor.3

The next portion of Jesus’ teaching is equally challenging:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor: and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43-48, NIV)

When someone hurts us, our natural reaction is to protect ourselves and fight back, but Jesus calls us to a higher standard. He exemplified this by never retaliating when someone wronged Him, which happened many times. His own people rejected His message (John 1:11); religious leaders mocked and tried to trap Him (John 8:6); His family was ashamed of Him and tried to make Him stop preaching (Mark 3:21); His friends deserted Him when He needed them most (Mark 14:50); the city who had cried “Hosanna!” when He arrived on Palm Sunday shouted “Crucify Him!” a few days later (Mark 15:13). So, when Jesus said to pray for our enemies, He knew what He was talking about.

Jesus provided the perfect example when He was being nailed to a cross. In the middle of His agony, He cried out, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34, ESV). Jesus had compassion on the people who believed they were doing the right thing by killing Him. By pointing out that they didn’t know what they were doing, He showed us several important factors that reveal how to pray for our enemies:

1. Opening Spiritual Eyes: We can pray that God will open the eyes of their hearts that they will be enlightened about truth (Ephesians 1:18). When enemies set themselves against us, they lack understanding. They are reacting from the flesh instead of responding from the Spirit. We can pray that God will open the eyes of their hearts to see us and others through the lens of the Lord’s love and wisdom.

2. Repenting of Sin: As we struggle with our enemies, we can pray for their repentance. When we pray for our enemies to repent, we know our prayers are aligned with God’s will because He also desires their repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

3. Keeping a Soft Heart: When we pray for our enemies, we can ask that our hearts will remain soft. Perhaps the Lord wants to use us to accomplish His plan in the lives of our enemies. “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1, ESV). When we return anger for anger, wrong for wrong, we put ourselves on the same level as our enemies. But when we respond with kindness, gentleness, and mercy, the situation is often diffused. Nothing is more convicting than a gentle response to a hateful, rude action. It’s what turning the other cheek is all about. Satan desires discord, so he tries to stir up our fury and goads us to respond in kind. We should pray that God keeps our hearts soft toward those who offend us so that His goodness will be revealed to them through us.

4. Aligning with God’s Will: Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10, ESV). It is always right to ask that God’s will be done in any situation. We should pray that He’ll enable us to want what He wants. If He desires to bless our enemies, we want that, too. If He wants us to serve our enemies in some way, then that’s what we desire. Prayer is the aligning of our wills with God’s; when we pray for our enemies, we need to wrestle through our emotions until we truly want God’s best in their lives.

Praying for our enemies is not a natural response to their mistreatment of us. But remembering that we were once enemies of God ourselves, and that we are now His children should change our perspective. We can intercede for others who need the Lord’s help and guidance. Doing this keeps our own hearts free from bitterness (Hebrews 12:15). In praying for our enemies, we become more like Christ, and we keep ourselves aligned with God’s will, which is how we strive toward being perfect as He is perfect.4

Quotes and content of this post are a compilation of information from the following articles:

1. https://www.gotquestions.org/eye-for-an-eye.html

2. https://www.gotquestions.org/eye-for-an-eye.html

3. https://www.gotquestions.org/turn-other-cheek.html

4. https://www.gotquestions.org/pray-for-your-enemies.html

This post also complements the sermon by Ryan Suzuki at CPC Danville. Click here to watch.

The GOAT Part 5b: Yes & No

Reading Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount about saying “yes” and “no” has gotten me thinking about our commitment-phobic, over-scheduled culture. He says:

“Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:33-37, NIV)

Jesus’ teaching in this passage is not to deter us from saying the Pledge of Allegiance or taking an oath in court. His point is if you are a person of integrity, then your word is your bond. As followers of Jesus, any oath or vow we make should be considered redundant because we’ll keep our word anyway.

So, what’s the practical application for this in daily life? Here are a few ideas for you to consider:

-Give a definitive “yes” or “no” rather than leaving others hanging: Don’t let that invitation sitting in your inbox remain unanswered for weeks. Respond to the person who has asked you to consider a volunteer position. Don’t procrastinate on making a decision by not giving an answer.

-Avoid over-scheduling and over-committing: Saying “yes” when you can’t follow through on a commitment does more harm than being honest and saying “no.” Have you ever been at an event or in a group with someone who is over-committed, stressed out, or not really engaged in it with you? It doesn’t feel good, does it? Similarly, it’s unloving and unfair to others when we say “yes” to serving and then don’t keep our commitments or do them half-heartedly.

-Follow through: If you say you’re going to arrive somewhere or be home at a certain time, be on time. If you say you’re going to attend an event, make it a priority to be there.  This shows others you’re trustworthy and that you value and respect them.

-Be “All In”: Are you ever guilty of being physically present somewhere but not really relationally engaged with the people there? Don’t fall into the trap of trying to be multiple places at once. When your attention is divided and you’re distracted thinking about the other place you need or want to be, your “yes” isn’t whole-hearted. 

-Avoid having an automatic default answer: Some of us are “yes” people and some of us are “no” people. While there are valid reasons to accept or decline, sometimes we give the quick and easy response without really considering what we’ve been asked to do. Some of us say “no” to avoid leaving our comfort zones or having our routines disrupted. Others of us say “yes” to please people or to keep ourselves busy. Scripture tells us “we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10, NIV) This means we need to seek the Lord’s wisdom and prayerfully determine which specific things He’s calling us to do or not do rather than having an automatic answer for any request.

If you tend to be a “yes” person, a good practice before diving into something is to think about how your other commitments will be affected. If you have the time and desire to say “yes,” consider how it will impact people in your life too. Our families often bear the brunt of too many “yes” answers to others.

If you tend to be a “no” person, pause and consider what you might be missing by declining. Is there a new friendship or growth opportunity that could bless you by saying “yes”? Are you resisting God’s prompting to use a gift or skill you have that would benefit someone else? Is your “no” motivated by fear, apathy, or selfishness? Ask God to help you figure out the root issue before giving your answer.

If you tend to be a “maybe” person who is in the habit of being unresponsive or giving unclear answers to others, can I encourage you to consider their perspective? Do you think they’re feeling respected and valued by you? Are they sensing the love of Jesus flowing from you? Our actions usually speak more loudly than our words. This includes our failure to act by giving no response.

Next time an opportunity or invitation comes your way, pray first and evaluate whether you have the time and inclination to give it your all. Then, be confident in delivering a clear “yes” or “no” answer and be joyful in the decision you’ve made.

Resources:

If you’d like to grow in discerning when to say “yes” or “no,” you may be interested in:

What Happens When Women Say “Yes” to God by Lysa Terkeurst

The Best “Yes” by Lysa Terkeurst

Portions of this post were inspired by Tyler Scott’s sermon “The GOAT: Sermon on the Mount Part 5” at CPC Danville on July 4, 2021. Click here to watch.

The GOAT Part 3 “Law & Prophets”

Reading and understanding the Bible can be challenging at times. Am I right? It’s tempting to skip over parts we don’t understand or that seem irrelevant to us. But grappling with the harder parts of Scripture strengthens our knowledge of God and deepens our faith in Him. And in a world full of confusing messages and shifting moral codes, knowing the Bible keeps us grounded in eternal truth. 

As we continue our series based on the Sermon on the Mount, we come to one of those challenging teachings of Jesus that you might gloss over:

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”  (Matthew 5:17-20, NIV)

There’s lots to unpack there. Let’s start with the Law and the Prophets. What Jesus is talking about is the Hebrew Scriptures, which Christians call the Old Testament. He’s saying that He completed what was foreshadowed in those writings.

The Prophets

Jesus’ mention of the Prophets was a reference to the many books of prophecy in the Old Testament that include warnings, instructions, rebukes, and descriptions of future events for the Jewish people. If you look at the table of contents in your Bible, the books of Isaiah through Malachi encompass the Old Testament books of prophecy.

In His teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says He came to fulfill both the Law and the Prophets. First, let’s touch on an amazing truth: Jesus fulfilled hundreds of prophecies concerning Himself that had been written by the prophets in the Old Testament. For example, in Matthew’s Gospel “Jesus was the promised Messiah whose birth, ministry, death, and resurrection were prophesied in the Old Testament. Matthew makes his case by quoting more than sixty prophecies from the Old Testament, revealing how Jesus fulfilled each one.”1  There are far too many fulfilled prophecies to list here, but you can click on the link at the bottom of this post for an overview of some of the most significant ones.2

The Law

Next let’s look at the Law. If you glance at the table of contents in your Bible, Genesis through Deuteronomy encompass the books of the Law. This includes the Ten Commandments found in Exodus chapter 20 plus additional laws written to further clarify them. These books explain the early history of the Jews and incorporate: 1) civil laws explaining cultural responsibilities and moral obligations 2) moral laws dictating how people should live and behave in light of their fallen state 3) ceremonial laws for worshiping and making sacrifices to the Lord. 

Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the civil and moral laws in Scripture by living a perfect life; He fulfilled the ceremonial laws through His sacrificial death on the cross. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21, NIV)

To understand why Jesus’ fulfillment of these laws is so significant, we need to consider why God gave laws and sent prophets in the first place. When He created the first two humans and they chose to disobey Him in the Garden of Eden, they brought sin into the world. So, the laws the Lord created in the Old Testament didn’t save people from their sins but provided guardrails to keep their sins in check. Laws instructed them how to interact with the Lord and other people and set parameters to right wrongs and get people back on track when they disobeyed.  

The legacy of sin that began at creation has plagued every person since then, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23, NIV). We all face the same consequence for our sins: “For the wages of sin is death”(Romans 6:23a). We must remember above all else that God is holy, perfect, and sinless. Because He is also just, sin cannot go unpunished. All who sin await divine judgement and God’s wrath. However, because of the Father’s great love for us, all the sins of the world were placed upon Jesus. He endured the wrath of God and the punishment of hell because of the Lord’s divine hatred of sin. (See Proverbs 6:16-19 for any idea of what repulses the Lord.)

Remember what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount? Our righteousness must surpass the Pharisees and teachers of the law. He was setting an impossibly high bar that no one could reach. However, when those of us who have accepted Jesus stand before God at the end of time, He won’t judge us based on what we’ve done. We can present ourselves before the Lord robed in righteousness because we’ve been cleansed of sin by Jesus’ blood. 

Talking about judgement sounds strange and isn’t popular in today’s culture, but Scripture tells us that Jesus will return to earth at the end of time when “heaven and earth disappear” and all people will stand before Him to be judged. (Matthew 16:27 & 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10). It also tells us that people will scoff at this idea and mock us for believing it. “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:8-9, NIV)

God gave us life when we deserved death–this is what makes His grace so amazing.  He will judge us as righteous even though we deserve condemnation for our sins—this is what makes His love and mercy so profound. The best news is He doesn’t want to condemn anyone. He waits patiently to ensure all people have the opportunity to hear about His grace and to decide for themselves if they want to receive it.

So, how should we respond to these profound truths?

  • Take Jesus and the Bible seriously! Make it a priority to read and study it on your own and with others.
  • Apply what you’re learning! Let the Bible guide your values, decisions, words, thoughts, and actions.
  • When Scripture shows you where you fall short, confess your sin, receive the grace of Jesus, and continue to pursue righteousness.
  • Don’t neglect the whole gospel! Read and grapple with the hard parts. Gather with others to ask questions and find answers.
  • Share what you’re learning and lead others to repentance so that they can be saved from judgement and receive eternal life too.
  • Stay motivated and be encouraged by Jesus’ words: “whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

Meditate on the incredible truth of Jesus’ fulfillment of the Law and Prophets as you listen to “Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace)” by Hillsong:

1. Dr. David Jeremiah, Matthew: The Arrival of the King, Thomas Nelson, 2019, vi

2. “55 Old Testament Prophecies About Jesus.” https://www.jesusfilm.org/blog-and-stories/old-testament-prophecies.html

Portions of this post were inspired by:

Tyler Scott’s sermon at CPC Danville on 6/20/21. http://www.cpcdanville.org/ministries/worship-arts/media/the-goat–the-sermon-on-the-mount–part-3–message-on-demand/

https://www.gotquestions.org/abolish-fulfill-law.html

https://www.gotquestions.org/ceremonial-law.html

Jackie Hill Perry’s teaching on Jude 14-15 in the Session 4 video of Jude: Contending for the Faith in Today’s Culture, Lifeway Press, 2019.