The Beauty of the Cross

By Dale A. Jennings – 12/18/2018

There is a saying that I am sure all of you know quite well.  “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!”  And with the title of the devotion today you may be using that statement.  Look at this picture.  What do you see?

You may be saying, “I see pain, agony and death.”  But beauty?  Therein lays the beauty of the cross of Jesus Christ.  The pain, agony and death that you see was ours to bear.  But Jesus, the Son of God, took that upon himself so that we may have salvation and to live a life of righteousness.

1 Peter 2:24 – He (Jesus) himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.  By his wounds you have been healed.

See the beauty?  We will die to sin and live to righteousness.  Not live however we want but to live for him that bore the sin.  The beauty that is there for us to be obedient to the Lord. The most beautiful person in the entire world took on the ugliest part of all of us. Yes, in its pain, agony and death there lies the beauty.  The beauty that God loves us so much, that he butchered his own son to pay the wages of our sin that we should have paid.  

We live in and through that beauty.  In Galatians 6:14 the Apostle Paul writes – But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

The Apostle Paul also wrote to the Philippians these words: Philippians 3:7-8 – ⁷But whatever gain I had I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.  ⁸Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.  For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.

It is through the cross that we lose ourselves but gain everything.  The beauty in that we don’t have to find our identity in ourselves, the world, money, fame or pleasure. But we truly find our identity in the fact that we can know God.   We can know God in his omnipotence, omnipresence, omniscience, holiness, justice, wrath and love.  We can glory in and we can behold the beauty of God’s attributes as we look to the Cross. 

Jeremiah 9:23 says: Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches.  But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight, declares the Lord.

I leave you with these words from a wonderful hymn by Isaac Watts: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.

When I survey the wondrous cross, on which the Prince of Glory died. My richest gain I count but loss. And pour contempt on all my pride.

Will you step back today and survey that wondrous cross and see the beauty that transforms lives. 

In Christ Alone,

Dale

There May Be More To It Than You Think!

We learned yesterday, as we read the book of Acts and other letters, the Apostle Paul wrote about the appointing of Elders to lead a congregation of believers.  These men had to show quite a bit of character in their lives.  Paul gives Titus very specific criteria to be used as he seeks leaders for this Church in Crete.  

Titus 1:6-9 – ⁶If anyone is above approach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. ⁷For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above approach.  He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, ⁸but hospitable a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. ⁹He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

Most of these characteristics are self-explanatory.  But we see the seriousness of this place of leadership God designed for the body of Christ. As we read through these verses we see there are certain one’s that are derived from others.   This man has already shown himself to be one of integrity.  Within in the Church and without as we see in verse 6, ⁶If anyone is above approach, showing that no one can bring an accusation against him of blatant sin in his life.   

In verse 8 we see a key word, holy, and you may be saying there is no one like that.  True, but as far as can be seen this man is working through that and his desire to be like Christ is displayed through his life.  But isn’t that what God wants us all to strive for?  In Leviticus God told the nation of Israel to be Holy for their Lord God is Holy.  Peter reiterated that in 1 Peter 1:15.  In Paul’s letter to the Romans in Chapter 12:1, he wrote for us to be “Living Sacrifices, Holy and Acceptable before God.”  Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 to “Hunger and thirst after righteousness”.

We see in verse 6, a very important part of this man’s life to be considered as the family life is looked at.  In Timothy Chapter 3 verses 4 and 5 the Apostle Paul wrote it like this: ⁴He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, ⁵for if someone does not know how to manage his own household how will he care for God’s church?

You’ve heard from the pulpit of MPBC many times.  If a man does not lead in his own family how can he be expected to lead in the Church?  If the man does not get it right in his home how can we expect him to get it right to lead the Church? Two of the most precious things God instituted, the family and the Church, God emphasizes for the man to take care of his family.  Again, not everything is going to be perfect here.  But the man is striving to love his wife as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25).  He is bringing his children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).  The congregation that he is leading must understand and make sure they give him the time do so and the leader must take that time too.

In 1 Timothy the Apostle Paul wrote, “If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.” But in verse 7 of Titus the man understands something in that desire.  ⁷For an overseer, as God’s steward. This desire is totally from God and what he is being drawn to is all about God.   If he is looking for power or fame or wealth then it will go drastically wrong and he will lead many astray.  Let’s finish what Ephesians 5:25 says, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” 

The weight of that speaks volumes to this office of Elder.  One of the most important ways to do that is indicated in verse 9.  ⁹He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. Though it may seem more prevalent today than ever we know that every whim of doctrine has been espoused in the Church and without.  I love the way Paul describes the Scriptures.  He describes it as “the trustworthy word”.  Sound doctrine being taught will equip the saints for the work of the ministry for the building up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12). Because as we will learn in the next verses that many will contradict and many will try to pervert the Scripture.  But this must be taken seriously because of what is written in Hebrews 13:17 – Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will give an account.  Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be no advantage to you.

These verses have described a lot. But, the weight of this goes beyond just a list of be checked off.  It is more than you think. It goes to a God given desire that must be fulfilled by teaching, training, loving, watching over and protecting the Church of whom Jesus is coming back for. By the way it could be Soon!!!  Are you fulfilling your role in the body of Christ? 

Dale

Follow Jesus

John 21:20-23

The previous verses showed us Jesus restoring Peter to service and telling him exactly what he was to do. 

But not only that, he also shared that it was not going to be easy.  It is made very clear to Peter in verse 18, and described to us in verse 19, that ultimately his devotion to Jesus will cost him his life.  Three and half years ago Peter heard these words and he hears them again, “Follow me.”

²⁰Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who had been reclining at table close to him and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” ²¹When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?”

After Jesus said to Peter to follow him we see Peter immediately doing so.  Does that sound familiar?  If you go back and read in Matthew 4, Mark 1, Luke 4 and John 1 of the disciples first calling to follow Jesus we see the same thing.  Immediate obedience.  By Peter rising up and walking with Jesus he showed his willingness to pay the price.  That same call is summoning us to the same thing.  Yes, Peter messed up big time and probably each of us has also.  But there is forgiveness waiting if we will repent and surrender that sin or that fear to God and allow him to restore us.  Look at what Peter became.  Do you think Satan tried to bring up that past?  Peter had to let go of the past and look at what God did with him in the future. 

Let go of the past and let God transform you into the servant he wants you to be for his glory.  That is not going to look the same in each of our lives.  As Peter and Jesus start walking along the shoreline, Peter looks over his shoulder and asks Jesus about John.  Jesus has just described what was going to be required of Peter. 

You may say, “How do you know it is John?” First, John never refers to himself by name.  Second, by process of elimination.  Peter is doing the questioning and the one following is described in the same way as earlier at the Passover and at the Cross.  Peter’s question may have been out of concern for John and the other disciples but it is met with somewhat of a rebuke.

²²Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” ²³So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die, yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?” ²³So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die, yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?”

Jesus had just restored Peter and personally called him to a specific task.  Jesus had just said, “Follow me!” and Peter did so.  But again it wasn’t long before Peter took his eyes off Jesus. Remember from verse 20?  It said Peter turned and looked at John. Now Peter’s inquiry may have been out of concern and we are to love our brothers and sisters in Christ and have love and concern for them.  We definitely should have a desire for everyone to fulfil God’s call in their life and to live it to its fullest for the glory of God.

But we personally have been called to serve God in a specific way.  If we get focused on other people so much and look at what they are doing it can cause problems.  Pride could set in.  You are a leader and everyone seems to turn to you and you think no one can do it like you and boy these people really love me. Jealousy could set in.  Maybe someone seems to be more in the spotlight.  Maybe because of certain talents people have a competition sets in to see who is better, instead of allowing God to use your talents collectively for the Lord.  And boy does that create a mess.  Maybe you think you don’t have anything to offer and discouragement could set in. 

May I remind you today that if you are a true follower of Jesus Christ he has a task for you.  You are a part of the body of Christ and the whole body needs to be doing what it is supposed to be doing for the body to be healthy.  Read Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians Chapter 12:12-31.

2 Corinthians Chapter 5 verse 20 says, Therefore we are ambassadors of Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

That’s a good place to start!  Follow Jesus!!!!

Dale

Are you Changed? Part 2

Colossians 3:12-17

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.  Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other, as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.  And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.  And which indeed you were called in one body.  And be thankful.  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.  And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

In the previous post we talked about the change that takes place if we are true "Followers of Jesus Christ".   If we truly have had that "Godly Sorrow" that comes from the convicting power of the Holy Spirit to come upon us.   Then through that "Godly Sorrow" we are led to repentance of our sins and asking God to save us.   Believing and trusting fully in Jesus Christ as our Lord.   If that has truly happened there is a lifestyle that we die to.   The Apostle Paul clearly states in verses 5 through 11 that there are sinful desires that must be "Put to Death".    This can be accomplished as we allow the power of the Holy Spirit to work within us.   In Romans Chapter 8 verses 10 and 11 we can read:

But, if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.  If the Spirit of him (God) who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Wow!  We have the same spirit within us that raised Jesus from the dead!  Amazing to think about isn't it?   But we so many times walk around defeated and we are so easily entangled with sins that we should have put to death long ago.    We read in verses 5 through 11 the sins that we are to "Put to Death" or to put off.   But just as we are to put these sins off we are to put something on that helps us combat the temptations that Satan continuously comes after us with.   The following is an example of the change that occurs if we truly are saved and allowing the power of the Spirit of God to work in our lives. 

First, Paul tells us in verse 12 our position in Jesus Christ.  We are one of God's.  We reference Romans Chapter 8 again starting with verse 14 and going through verse 17:

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.  For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba Father!"  The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.  And if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

As God's beloved children we are to put on Holiness.   We are not to allow anything to impede that holiness that should be exhibited with in our lives.    We demonstrate this holiness through having a compassionate heart, kindness, humility, meekness and patience.  Do those traits sound familiar?  In Galatians chapter 5 verses 22 and 23 it states that the "Fruit of the Spirit" are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control; against such things there is no law. 

True salvation exhibits a new life.  Our thoughts, our desires and our actions are totally different.  Jesus tells us in Matthew Chapter 7 that we will know not only "Followers of Christ" but people who confess to be "Followers of Christ" by the fruit they bear.  Let's do some fruit inspecting.   Is your or my life demonstrating the fruits that were mentioned above and in these verses we are looking at? 

In verse 13 Paul makes a great statement we all should take heed of.   Remember Paul is writing to Christians here and for him to make this statement in verse 13 there must be some conflict going on.  Paul states along with the characteristics we should have in verse 12 that we also should "be bearing with one another".    We should be patient with one another, we should be forgiving towards one another because of what the Lord has forgiven us for.  

Evidently the same situations that occur today occurred back then.   Sometimes when I witness to someone this is a topic that comes up.   There is so much fighting between so called Christians why would I want any part of that.   God wants unity amongst his people.   Read Ephesians Chapter 4 and see the desire for unity.   Read Jesus' priestly prayer recorded in the Gospel of John Chapter 17 as Jesus cries out to God the Father in desiring that all his followers become one as Jesus and the Father are one. 

Jesus teaches us in Mark Chapter 3:25 that even though he is being accused of being possessed by the devil and casting out demons by satan, Jesus states a house divided cannot stand.   This would hold true to the Christian Church too.    What brings this unity to fruition?  One word "Love".   In verse 14 above everything else put on LOVE!   This binds all other things together. and brings in perfect harmony.   This does not mean we forsake principle but we do all things with Love at the forefront. 

How does this come about?  Well, let's look at verses 15 to 17. 

1.  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.  It is not about us or our desires or our wants.  It is all about Jesus.   We take our life and exchange it for his allowing him to have rule over our hearts.  This means to allow him to lead, allow him to move us in his direction for the best of the Kingdom.
2. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom.  Get in the Bible!  Read it, Study it and submerse yourself in it.  It is the way of life.  God gave us his precious Word to reveal his character to us but also to show us what it looks like in glorifying him through our life.
3. Worship and be Thankful.  Praise God for who he is.  Worship him in song, voice and lifestyle.   Be thankful in that he saved you from the pits of Hell.  God poured the punishment for our sin upon his own son on the cross of Calvary. 
4. Serve.  Be a servant.  In 2 Corinthians we read that God has given us the ministry of reconciliation.  Therefore we are ministers of reconciliation and ambassadors of Jesus Christ as if God is making his appeal through us.   Through our speech and our deeds God should be glorifed that others will come to know Jesus Christ as Lord.

2 Corinthians Chapter 5:17  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away, behold, the new has come.

In Christ Alone,
Dale A. Jennings

Are you changed?

Colossians 3:5 - 11

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you:  sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire and covetousness which is idolatry.  On account of these the wrath of God is coming.  In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.  But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander and obscene talk from your mouth.  Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which being renewed in knowledge after the image of the Creator.  Here, there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free, but Christ is all and in all.

As we review  verse 1 through 4 we see in those verses Paul is stating that there is a change that is within us if we have truly repented of our sins and have completely put our trust in Jesus as Lord.  In Corinthians Chapter 5 verse 17 it states.  "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation.  The old has passed away, behold, the new has come".

In these next few verses Paul gives us a picture of what we are to have died to and what things are to be put behind us.    These verses cover the heart of man.   In Jeremiah Chapter 17:9  it tells us "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked, who can understand it?  We look around the World today and we see that these sins permiate our society everywhere.    But does Paul say look around and see what everyone else is doing?  No!  The Bible says in verse 5 that we are to "Put to death what is earthly in us".  

Sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire and covetousness!  These are things that Paul states that "In these things you too once walked, when we were living in them".    So instead of looking at everyone else let's look in the mirror.  Are these sins part of our life.   Do we continue to live the lifestyle of these laid out before us?  These sins in verse 5 deal with purity in our lives. 

In the World today we are so "sex saturated" in all forms of entertainment.   TV, Movies, Books and Music!   When the sin of sexual immorality is brought out it means all sexual sin.   We are going through the battle of the definition of marriage trying to be redefined.   But in the Garden of Eden God saw that is was not good for Man to be alone.  So he brought unto Adam a wife in Eve created from a rib from his body.    And God said "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife and they shall become one flesh".   So the standard has been set.  God has Holy ordained the union between a man and a woman.  

But before we start pointing fingers.  Hetersexual sin is just as sinful as Homosexual sin.   Any type of sexual immorality outside of the bonds of marriage is SIN!   What are you watching on TV or looking at on your computer?   How are you reacting to anyone of the opposite sex?   In Matthew Chapter 6 verse 28 Jesus says "But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart". 

Look what else Paul touches on.  Anger, Malice, slander and obscene talk!   What we must see is that there is a standard set of what is right and wrong, of what is sin.  We don't base things off of what we want to be right and wrong to meet our selfish desires.  Paul even goes a step further and calls them evil desires.    We base all off God's standard of what is Holy and what is Sin. 

In Verse 6 it says that "on account of these (sins) the wrath of God is coming".   God is a God of Holiness, Righteousness, Love and Mercy.  But he is also a God of justice.   Because of this Holiness there has to be wrath against evil.   But God is not looking down upon us from Heaven just waiting to punish us.   His desire is that all be saved and that all walk in righteousness (2 Peter 3:9).  These verses also show us that in his love and mercy he has provided us a way for forgiveness and that is through Jesus Christ his son. 

These sins listed in this Chapter were put upon Jesus when he was on the Cross of Calvary.  2 Corinthians verse 21 states "For our sake he (God) made him (Jesus) to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him (Jesus) we might become the righteousness of God".   In verse 10 it states that if we repent of our sins and turn away from, put them off, die to them and put on the new self we are renewed in the knowledge of the image of the Creator.    It is through the convicting power of the Holy Spirit that we see how deviant sin is.  How evil these things are that are mentioned in this Chapter.   But, also we see how glorious and how wonderful and how merciful and how just God is and that brings us to the point of true repentance before God.

In Christ we are all one.  There are no races, no nationalities and no one more important than the other.    But it is the duty of all to be Holy, to bring glory to God the Father, because we are one in Jesus Christ.  For it is only though his death, burial and resurrection are we reconciled to God.

In Christ Alone,

Dale A. Jennings

Where is your Focus?

Colossians 3:1 - 4

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.  For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Let's face it our World is just saturated in self-indulgence.  Always thinking of the now.  Always thinking of our own desires.  What can I get and how fast can I get it.   What is sad is that most "Christians" are caught up in this same self-satisfaction mentality.   What is it that can bring me the most happiness?  What is it that will bring me the most satisfaction?  Is it more money?  More prestige?  More "Stuff"?  Could it be that your children are the best at a certain sport or the best dancer?    I guess in there place all that is well and good.   But in those things what is sacrificed?

The Apostle Paul, being led by the Holy Spirit, is admonishing the "Christians" at Colossae.   He is challenging them as it says in Verse 1 of Chapter 3 that "If you have been raised with Christ".   Meaning if you are confessing to be a "Christian", if you are confessing to be a "Follower of Jesus", that if you have truly repented of your sins and have put your trust in Jesus as Lord of you life, then that should be evident in your mindset of where your priorities are. 

The things of this World is in exact opposite of the things of God!   Paul points out that if we are truly saved then we will seek the things of God where our Lord Jesus Christ is right now.   God showed his acceptance of Jesus' sacrifice for his just wrath upon man's sin by raising Jesus from the dead.   Jesus then ascended into Heaven where he is now seated at the right hand of God the Father (Hebrews Chapter 8).

Verse 2 says to "Set our Minds" on things that are above.   What thoughts come to you when you think of the term "To Set"?  I think of setting plants in the ground and you plant them in a way that the roots will grow and will become nourished.   I think of concrete after it has been poured that it has to "set up" to become firm and stable.   We set our minds on things above so we become rooted and firm in our faith and rooted in truth which comes from Jesus Christ who is "The Way, The Truth and The Life.    What can also be said here is that we are to set our minds on what is Eternal that comes from God and not what is Temporary that comes from this World.  

Jesus' words are recorded in the Gospel of John Chapter 6 verse 33 "To seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteouseness and all these things will be added unto you"!   What will be added unto us?  Stuff? All our Wants?  No!  The things we need in this life and the most important thing and that is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.

Jesus died for the sins of mankind and God raised him from the dead.   So if we have truly trusted Jesus as Lord then we have died to the selfish desires of this life.   In the book of Galatians the Apostle Paul wrote "For I am crucified with Christ.  It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.  And the life I know live in the flesh I live by Faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me! 

Our lives become focused on Jesus and every aspect of our life is to glorify God and this is because of the hope we have that one day we will be with Jesus forever in Heaven.  Where is our Focus?  What are we living for?  Or better said, Who are we living for?

In Christ,
Dale A. Jennings

Are You Weary?

Have you ever found yourself just plain tired?  I find myself that way today.   I can't really contribute it to one thing or another but I am just tired.   When I get like this I sometimes have to just sit back and talk to the Lord.   As I contemplated on this feeling of tiredness I am attracted to the portion of scripture that many people know and rely on of the words recorded of Jesus in Matthew Chapter 11 verses 28 through 30.

Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart and ye shall find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

WOW!  Jesus is saying come rest in me.  I will take you and comfort you and give you strength.  Does this mean he takes all the tiredness and problems away?  No!  But as a follower of Jesus Christ we have a place of shelter and place of solace to go to.  We are molded and grow into more mature Christians during life's struggles.

We have to rely more than ever on the "Grace" that is all sufficient for us (2 Corinthians 12:9).   In our weariness we can become discouraged and Satan can come on the attack when we are discouraged.   Once again we can combat that with scripture where the Apostle Paul penned these words from his letter to the Romans Chapter 8:37 "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us".

Stand strong in the Lord!

In Christ,
Dale A.Jennings