LENT 2015
JOIN US IN OUR ONGOING JOURNEY OF GOSPEL TRANSFORMATION!
WE’VE SEEN SUCH GROWTH IN PAST LENTEN SEASONS
THAT WE CANNOT HELP BUT COME WITH ANTICIPATION AT WHAT GOD WILL DO.
FIRST, A COMMENT ABOUT “LENT.”
Beginning this Wednesday, and not counting Sundays, there are 40 days until Resurrection Sunday, paralleling the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness before His journey to the cross began.
Traditionally Christians, as they journey toward the cross, have “given something up” during Lent, but we must be careful here. In Abba’s Child Brennan Manning points out that we have a legalistic tendency to make secondary concerns primary. For example, the Pharisees focused on “not working” on the Sabbath, but that was secondary. The primary reason for the Sabbath was to press into God, and not working was a secondary reason to aid the primary reason. But the Pharisees reversed that and forgot the primary reason and were proud of their rule-keeping.
We have done the same for Lent. The purpose of Lent is to reflect on the death and resurrection of Christ and allow God to transform our lives. The reason Christians began to “give something up” (from preparing a meal to watching television) was to give themselves time to focus on Christ or to allow their hunger to make them hungry for God. But eventually the primary reason was lost and people were giving up things without knowing why and feeling proud they were doing so.
Here is what I would suggest — identify what you run to when you are sad, stressed, or bored and find a way to run instead to Jesus. In Idol Lies, Rebecca told of replacing her nightly eating/tv ritual with edifying books that dealt with intimacy with God. Rachael replaced her checking Facebook and coupon deal sites on the computer with God’s Word. For many of you, in order to do the Bible study on this blog, something will need to go or to wait so that you have the time to do it. Others of you may want to memorize, pray through the Word more, or read Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis, One Thousand Gifts by Ann VosKamp, Abba’s Child by Brennan Manning, or another classic. Ask God and begin where He impresses you to begin.
For Lent of 2015, we want to experience what Brennan Manning calls “the risenness of Christ.” Manning tells of a newspaper reporter interviewing G. K. Chesterton, asking him: “If the risen Christ suddenly appeared at this very moment and stood behind you, what would you do?”
“Chesterton looked the reporter squarely in the eye and said, “He is.”
What I believe Chesterton and Manning were proclaiming is that Christ’s resurrection should not just be seen as a historic reality, but a present power in our lives. I would like you to be alert to where you see Him and His reality in your study of the Word, in your life, and in your world. I’m going to keep asking you where you see Him. It may be through an answer to prayer, through seeing Him at work in a friend or in your own heart, through a passage becoming radioactive, or through circumstances you know where engineered by Him.
Let us press in together through the 40 Days of Lent by doing this study and allowing it to transform our hearts, dying to where we might want to resist, so that the power of Christ might be evident in our lives.
This week will be a review, for some began this journey 6 weeks ago, but we will catch everyone up. Also, on Ash Wednesday, this coming Wednesday, I’d like you to share your plan for pressing in and experiencing the risenness of Christ in your life, so be asking Him to show you.
Sunday Icebreaker:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
2. Share one way you observed the “risenness of Christ” in your life last week.
Monday: Review and Overview of Where We Are Headed (Read carefully and be prepared to comment)
THE GOSPEL CAN DELIVER US FROM NOT JUST THE PENALTY OF SIN,
BUT THE POWER OF SIN IN OUR DAILY LIVES.
TOO OFTEN, AS BELIEVERS, WE HAVE SEEN THE GOSPEL
AS ONLY THE ABC’S OF CHRISTIANITY, WHEN IT IS TRULY THE A TO Z.
WE THINK OF IT, AS J. D. GREAR PUT IT,
AS THE DIVING BOARD INTO THE POOL OF CHRISTIANITY
WHEN IT IS ACTUALLY THE WHOLE POOL!
One of the most important concepts to grasp is that the gospel of Christianity has the power to rescue us, whereas irreligion and religion do not. Irreligion, we understand, is like the rebellion of the Samaritan woman, moving from man to man, in hopes of rescue.
Religion is personified by the Pharisees who were caught up in rules and rituals but did not have intimacy with God. They too were trying to rescue themselves.
Though many would call Christianity a religion, the Bible doesn’t use that word except somewhat sarcastically when James addresses the hypocrisy of those who claim to be religious but are not controlling their tongues, taking care of widows and orphans, or staying unpolluted from the world. (James 1:26-27) You see pressing the will, as religion does, has little power, but the gospel has dynamite power, the power of the life of God in us. James puts it like this:
The “word of truth” could also be translated gospel. It is organic — life — the very life of the risen Christ in us. That’s why Paul said in Romans:
Salvation, we must realize is bigger than rescuing us from guilt, but also from the power of sin. And that’s what we are going to ponder and practice this Lent, all the way up to Resurrection Sunday, when we celebrate that risen LIFE!
3. Summarize:
A. What did J. D. Grear mean when he said “the gospel is the whole pool?”
B. There are three ways of life: Religion, Irreligion, and the Gospel. Explain each with an illustration.
C. Why does religion lack power? Why does the gospel have power?
D. What other comments do you have on the above?
Tuesday: “I AM ACCEPTED THEREFORE I OBEY”
Debbie is a life transformed by the power of the gospel. Though her story began before the foundation of the world, her husband Ron says, “This all started with pickle ball.” My friend Twila and I play pickle ball (sort of an indoor tennis that is less rigorous) and have been befriending people there. Debbie was one.
Debbie came to one of my retreats and approached me afterwards: “Why can’t I stop crying when you talk?”
I smiled. “I think God must be wooing you, Debbie.”
“I think He is!”
Then she came to our Bible study. I could see that she was as close to the light of new life as a baby in a birth canal. But like that baby, she was feeling pressure! As we studied the first chapter of John she said, “My head hurts. How could Jesus have been born at Christmas and yet have always existed?”
A few weeks later I invited Debbie and her husband Ron over for dinner. At one point, Ron, a big man who works with FEMA in disaster relief, leaned over the kitchen counter and pointed a finger at me:
“What you have been teaching my wife is not what I have heard in church all my life.”
“How is it different, Ron?”
“You told her that if she trusts in what Jesus did for her at the cross that she will be forgiven and go to heaven.”
“Yes, that’s true.”
“So she doesn’t have to be good?”
“Religion teaches us we need to be good to be accepted by God. But Christianity is different than the world religions. It says there is no way we can be good enough to gain favor with a holy God. Therefore Jesus paid the price for our sin at the cross.”
“That’s too easy.” Ron shook his head and gripped his hands together in frustration on the counter.
Moved with compassion, I covered his hands with mine. “Ron – that’s why they call the gospel amazing grace.”
One of the primary differences between religion and the gospel is this:
| Religion | The Gospel |
| I obey, therefore I’m accepted. | I’m accepted, therefore I obey. |
4. Perhaps the most famous verse in the Bible is John 3:16. What does it say and how does this express the amazing grace of the gospel?
Debbie and Ron were confused because they had had false teaching in their past. They began to search the Scriptures to see what it taught. This is so important, for just as there were false teachers in Jesus’ day, there are false teachers today. Jesus said to be careful of them, for they are blind leaders of the blind. “And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into the pit.” (Matthew 15:14) Usually these leaders think they are of God, but they are not. Today you’ll get a taste of a typical argument between Jesus and the Pharisees.
5. Read John 8:39-44
A. Why did the Pharisees think they were in?(39)
B. How does Jesus refute their claim in verses 40-41?
C. What is a crucial characteristic of children of God according to verse 42?
D. Why, according to verses 43 to 47, are the Pharisees resisting the truth? Find all you can.
ASH WEDNESDAY: MY IDENTITY IS AS A BELOVED CHILD OF GOD
6. What thoughts do you have on this Lent — on how you might begin to better press into Christ? (If you haven’t prayed about it, do so now, being still before Him. Some find it helpful to choose the same time and place each day to meet with Him. Some find it helpful to read an edifying book. Some find it helpful to give something up, and use that time or hunger to turn to Christ.) I suggest keeping it simple but following through.
Two other differences between religion and the gospel are:
| Religion | The Gospel |
| When I am criticized, I am furious | When I am criticized, I struggle, |
| or devastated, because it is critical | but it is not essential for me to |
| that I think of myself as a “good | think of myself as a “good person.” |
| person. Threats to that self-image | My identity is not built on my |
| must be destroyed at all costs. | record or my performance, but |
| on God’s love for me in Christ. | |
| Motivation is based on fear and Insecurity. | Motivation is based on grateful joy. |
7. In what ways can you see the above negative emotions in the Pharisees in John 8:39-47? Be specific.
8. How do you respond when you are criticized and why? What might this show you about where your identity?
Religion presses the will by “putting on morality.” C. S. Lewis said, in Mere Christianity:
“It is not like teaching a horse to jump better and better but like turning a horse into a winged creature.”
One day, before Debbie’s transformation began, she said, “I think if it happens for me, it will be gradual.”
“It might be,” I said. “Many cannot tell you exactly when they were found by Christ. It is as if they were driving from Nebraska to Colorado and they don’t know when they crossed the border, but there comes a time when they know they are not in Nebraska anymore. It may be like that, Debbie. Or it may be a dramatic moment. God knocked Paul off his horse.”
A few weeks later I got a text from Debbie:
3:00 P. M.
South of Egg Harbor.
I get it. I don’t have to do anything, do I?
Debbie told me later she had been driving and was so overwhelmed by His love that she had to pull the car to side of the road where she wept to grasp His love for her. The next time I saw her she said, “I don’t have a headache anymore!” She was out of the birth canal and into the light.
9. What comments do you have on Debbie’s story?
10. Read John 3:3 What does Jesus tell the Pharisee?
11. Though the phrase “born again” has been mocked and twisted to mean many things, what do you think Jesus was trying to communicate to this religious teacher?
12. How might this be different from the way Nicodemus might have thought a person changes?
THURSDAY: THE GOSPEL CHANGES US FROM THE INSIDE, FOR HIS LIFE IS IN US
When a baby is born, it is an event! But following the event is the process of that child becoming mature in body and spirit. So it is with the gospel. The gospel produces a new life, and that is an event, but it is followed by a maturing process. As C. S. Lewis says, “Those who put themselves in His hands will become perfect, as He is perfect – perfect in love, wisdom, joy, beauty, and immortality. The change will not be completed in this life, for death is an important part of the treatment. How far the change will have gone before death in any particular Christian is uncertain.”
Debbie’s husband texted me a few weeks after she received new life.
How do I know if I am a Christian or not?
That led to a discussion concerning believing the facts of the gospel, but then also seeing if there was fruit in Ron’s life. When those who had prayed a prayer of salvation asked the Puritans if they were now God’s children, the Puritans would say, “We’ll see.”
Christianity is organic, meaning that if it is real growth will happen, just as a branch connected to a living tree will bear fruit.
Indeed, we are seeing growth in both Debbie and Ron, fruit that indicates that indeed, the life of God is in them, and that inevitably produces joy, peace, and more.
I stopped by to see Debbie and Ron last week. Ron had Mere Christianity, the Bible, and a commentary on Luke by Michael Card open on the table. He said, “I have questions!” I see the power of God working in him because of his hunger.
I also see tremendous gratitude in Him. He is looking for ways to serve and thank God. One way, which certainly pleased me, was to build and hang a deer feeder for me in my yard, for he heard I wanted one. Last winter, which was so brutal, the deer were skin and bones by spring, and it broke my heart. Here is Ron, this week, in very cold weather, getting my deer feeder just right. I see the power AND love of God growing in Ron.
Then we prayed the deer would find it, which they did in a day! Seeing how hungry they are reminds me to ask God to make me hungry for Him. For indeed, the reason we do not spend time with Him is because we are not hungry for Him. So let us pray we will be hungry, that we will love Him more.
13. What stands out to you from the above and why?
14. Read John 15:5.
15. What does Jesus say here?
16. If you have put your trust in Christ, share an area where you see evidence of God working in you. How are you seeing His risenness in you?
Friday: 5 minute Tim Keller video answering, “What is the Gospel?”
Watch and share your comments and insights.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0g-s4Qhtyk
Saturday:
17. What is your take-a-way (what you will remember) from this introductory lesson and why?
320 comments
3. Summarize:
A. What did J. D. Grear mean when he said “the gospel is the whole pool?”
We tend to think Christianity is being saved from the penalty of sin like jumping off the diving board into the pool-now we are Christians and we are new-behold the old has gone the new has come…True, but we aren’t just diving in, being washed and then getting out drying off and moving on to obedience. We stay in the pool with Him as He washes over us daily empowering us to swim. So transformation is the whole pool.
B. There are three ways of life: Religion, Irreligion, and the Gospel. Explain each with an illustration.
Religion: If I do good, obey God and follow the rules then God will accept me. God will bend down to me when I perform to please Him.
Irreligion: God surely doesn’t love me-He is far off, aloof and I am too far gone and broken to be accepted by Him anyway so I must go after people and things to fulfill me regardless of the cost.
Gospel: He is with me-He is in me..He is standing right here. He is not aloof, He is not ignoring me until I straighten up. Yes I am broken, bend to religion and irreligion..I am a mess..I am sinful more than I can ever imagine for my heart is dark-so He came for me to rescue me. Yet I am loved more than I ever dared dream for He died for me. I can’t lose or earn His favor..He has lavished that on me and is in me-with me which melts me to desire to love him back through obeying Him.
C. Why does religion lack power? Why does the gospel have power?
Religion lacks power because it is our power or efforts to attain godliness. The Gospel has power because it is His power in us making us like Him.
D. What other comments do you have on the above?
I am blown away again by His Love and long suffering toward us-toward me. That I did nothing to have His Love-His Grace lavished over me. At the same time I am SO grateful for His Holy Spirit opening my eyes to my idols, to His Word in new fresh ways every day, to sermons, to this blog, to what other believers say and how He helps me through them. I need Him..I really am nothing without Him.
4. Perhaps the most famous verse in the Bible is John 3:16. What does it say, and how does this express the amazing grace of the gospel?
This verse says that God gave his one and only son, BECAUSE God so loved us. It does not say, because we were so good, so lovable, trying so hard that God just couldn’t help but reward us. And it says that whoever believes in Him (the Son) shall not perish, but have eternal life. I also like the “whoever”. No one is excluded from this offer – liars, thieves, self-righteous perfectionists; no matter what a person has done, he or she may believe and receive eternal life.
3. D. What other comments do you have on the above? Is it okay to make “other comments” when I haven’t written an answer to A, B, & C ?? 😉
I’ve thought about these questions and knew I could write the “right” answers. But somehow, those right answers just weren’t sitting right. The Gospel has power because HE IS THE GOSPEL. I can’t substitute Him for religion or for the power of sin by putting Him in a formula. Then, I’d be attempting to control Him in the same way I attempt to manage sin. It’s about Him, his grace, and responding to His grace — When I focused on religion (not) having power over sin vs the Gospel having power over sin, I still was focusing on “power over sin,” i.e., on SIN. HE IS freedom and life. My focus changes when I look at Him. When my eyes are on Him alone, most of the struggle ceases.
Oh, Renee. Sometimes you say just what I need to hear.
I am in a pathetic frame of mind this morning, so forgive my ramblings. Every time I do something wrong or feel criticized, I condemn myself and can’t let it go. I have the sin thing down pat, and repentance doesn’t even seem to be the issue, but I can’t seem to get to the freedom in Christ part, the joy part. I KNOW from experience that only happens when I have my eyes TOTALLY fixed on Christ. But screwing up my determination to do just that ALSO falls flat. I still trying to do it MYSELF and CANNOT on my own. I am in the pool of the gospel, but can’t seem to relax and let go so I can float. I find myself saying “What must I do to be saved?”, not in the sense of losing my salvation, but in the sense of being saved from myself, my masks, the insistent condemning voices in my head. Ach! Still processing …… “Who can save me from this body of death?”
Diane, Praying for you right now, that God’s love will overwhelm and relax you.
This is so descriptive (of me much of the time, too), “I am in the pool of the gospel, but can’t seem to relax and let go so I can float.”
I love you! Appreciate your honesty.
Thanks for the hug, Renee. I with you also KNOW the “right’ answers, but sometimes my emotions tell me lies that I believe and that must struggle HARD against. I thank God that my salvation and God’s love does not depend on MY emotions!
Diane, how I struggle with this also. When I realize that I have done or said the wrong thing, I am undone, sometimes to the point of “gut” reaction. It makes me physically sick. I RUN to the Lord at these times, remembering His love and how He has always rescued. He does it again and again. We are learning to trust. That is the ultimate response to love and it blesses the Lord. I read this last night as I finished Ruthless trust by Manning. “You will trust him to the degree that you know you are loved by him”. My prayer for you, and for all of us is that we will know that we know that we know His love for us.
Diane I too will be praying for you. What you describe sounds all to familiar to me. Praying the Lord will help you change that channel as it is a bad untrue story and help you refocus your eyes on Him and who you are in Him.
Diane–this is where He is breaking me too “I can’t seem to get to the freedom in Christ part, the joy part”–I feel Him coming from so many angles in my life right now, speaking to this lie, and I will pray for you too, that we may experience that true resting in how deeply loved we are–without that hissing voice that reminds us of our sin, but instead that we would rest in His Voice that clothes us and makes us righteous before Him. The truths I have known are starting to come alive and the more they do the more I realize how I have continued this “background” belief or religion…sorry, now I am rambling–but prayers for you my sister–keep clinging~
Elizabeth, Liz, it is such a God thing to have “kindred spirits” here in this place! Thanks for your words of support and prayers! Elizabeth, I could go on and on about all the angles from which God is pushing and prodding me in this issue in my life too. He is doing a work! But it is messy! May the power of freedom in Christ and the joy of knowing Him break through in all of our lives in a new way this Lent!
Diane, Anne, Liz–running out of replies to your good thoughts–Anne I love what you shared from Manning. Reminded me of an instance yesterday with my 8 yr old. They were off from school (and again today), I had been grumpy, frustrated–hit an all time high when I gave him a full can of shaving cream for “play” (fun but messy!)–SO, I lost my patience bad and asked his forgiveness. He said “oh, it’s OK mamma!”, gave me hug and then changed the subject. But I couldn’t let it go, I kept saying “no, really, I was ugly, I hate it when I’m like that–I am so sorry…”he looked at me and said “you gotta stop, it’s OVER!–Jesus forgives you too!” OH I have tears writing that because it is still so vivid. But it’s like his forgiveness was too “easy”–and that is what I do with Christ, I want it to feel harder–and yet, I know Christ’s is already mine. God cannot punish or hold against me the crimes that have already been paid for. All He sees is righteousness, is Beauty. His child. Tears again. That’s part of this journey too–more tears than normal, but not sad ones, it is like an awakening inside. Sorry, rambling once again ;0
Oh Elizabeth, how wonderful children are! Messy but wonderful. Thanks for sharing that. He is so right and oh how I want to be that way! I’m Really good at the messy part ☺️
Diane, you are often on my heart and in my prayers. I will pray for encouragement today. You bless me so much with your honesty and your deep love for our Lord. Grace and peace to you, dear friend.
Diane, I just wanted to say thank you for your words. Hit me right between the eyes as I do the same. Part of my struggle is that I feel like I am always messing up and I ask the Lord if I will ever “make it” cause I mess up so often. I then think of the things I need to do to fix it and do better. Your words opened up to me that when I start figuring out what I need to do then I am still looking at “I” not “Him”. I loved what Elizabeth’s 8 year old said…It’s over. I need to be more fixed on Him than me, in everything and quit beating myself up so much. Keep my focus on Him so I can float.
Diane, reading your post and all the thoughtful replies…okay, I’m jumping in, too! I can also relate (I think we all can?) to your struggles. I also struggle to get to the JOY. What you wrote reminded me of Psalm 51:12, where David, after repenting to the Lord, says, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation”. So he had lost his joy, too. It is not only sin that can steal our joy, but also the enemy whispering his lies; those condemning voices in our head. What we need is our confidence restored. I love the Manning quote Anne shared. In my Sunday school class, our leader has asked us to pray about a word from the Lord. We are to write it on a card, along with a verse or two that speaks to us about our word. I have been hesitant to do this because I want the Lord to give me my word, or words. Some have written things that they want to put off, like anger. Others have written words like hope. I am sensing more and more that my words are Confidence and Assurance (in Him). Being confident of His love for me will dispel the lies, the self-recrimination. I am praying for you, Diane…sorry you are in this hard place right now.
As to relaxing and floating, I have always thought of “His waves and billows washing over me” as something good and positive, as in Oh The Deep Deep Love of Jesus…just relaxing, floating, being surrounded in an ocean of His love.
Oh, Diane, how I can relate to your words.”Being in the pool of the gospel, but can’t seem to relax and let go so I can float.”
My problem also is that of self determination. If only I would relax and keep my eyes Totally fixed on Christ. I pray daily, my desire
is to honor Christ. Oh forgive my anxieties that are self-focused. Circumstances should not rule my life. I am grateful for his forgiveness, and you
are forgiven.
Renee, I appreciate what you brought out here in your post, that “the gospel” IS JESUS. He IS THE GOOD NEWS…it is something alive because He is alive.
4. Perhaps the most famous verse in the Bible is John 3:16. What does it say and how does this express the amazing grace of the gospel? Amazing love, initiated by Him — and He gave EVERYTHING. Reminds me of “And Can it Be…”
It’s difficult for me to describe the power of the Gospel in words. I’m praying that my life will demonstrate it.
I think that And Can It Be is Wesley’s best!
So agree. I never tire of nor get to the bottom of these lyrics. So rich and deep.
5. Read John 8:39-44
A. Why did the Pharisees think they were in?(39) they were born into it, descended from Abraham
B. How does Jesus refute their claim in verses 40-41? He said that Abraham listened to God, and if they really were from Abraham, they wouldn’t seek to kill him who was sharing what he heard from God
C. What is a crucial characteristic of children of God according to verse 42? loving Jesus
D. Why, according to verses 43 to 47, are the Pharisees resisting the truth? Find all you can.
-lack of understanding
-can’t bear to hear his word
-“You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires.” — a murderer & liar, no truth in him
– they don’t believe Jesus because they don’t believe the truth
– they don’t hear the word of God because they are not from God
I’m having a “duh” moment… Why am I surprised when those who are not of God lie and seek to destroy?? How can liars and murderers do otherwise??? It’s who they are, their nature.
Late start this week – was out of town visiting my brother and his blizzard in Pittsburgh! =) Welcome to the new people!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? “…identify what you run to when you are sad, stressed, or bored and find a way to run instead to Jesus.” I have always remembered Rebecca’s example (followed by Rachael) of finding something to replace the idol with. This has been my goal. And for me, if it is a tactile choice (holding a book to read, note cards with verses, my actual Bible (I tried the Bible on my phone and it didn’t do as well…), hugging my children, blessing someone with my hands, etc.) it is an easier choice. Because the battlefield of the mind is easily lost to a “just say ‘no'” strategy.
2. Share one way you observed the “risenness of Christ” in your life last week. One has been the chronological reading of the Bible. I confess that I have often shied away from the Old Testament because I get uneasy at some of the things there… And I really tend to see life literally and so that trips me up. I have only been learning in the last couple of years how to connect the dots of Christ through the Old and New Testaments. But as I read, and have questions, He is still there. Even though I come away from Leviticus not understanding and confused He was still there with me. His word is a drink of cool water to a parched soul regardless of how my mind feels after… obviously when He reveals understanding to us it is powerful, but sometimes I just have to rest in the fact that He is wise and good and I don’t know His full story, nor do I need to. He has told me my full story and that is hope.
Jill – I’m with you on the blessing of the chronological read through of the Scriptures! 🙂 Even Leviticus! A real gem that I have been reading this year as well is Nancy Guthrie’s “Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament”…..it is a one year reading plan that is PACKED with good theology! I’m learning so MUCH with each day’s reading. I think you would love it.
Really loving the chronological reading too. Can’t wait to get to mid April when we start going back and forth with 1 and 11 Samuel and Psalms! I think I would love that book, Jackie. I have bought a couple dozen books recently though and I must discipline myself to read what’s here before I add again!
Oh but Wanda, this one is so “easy”…..just one little page a day….! 🙂 Just teasing you….I know what it’s like to have books open all over the house! Maybe next year! Nancy’s book is certainly one to keep in mind for daily reading. You WOULD enjoy it. I shared it with my son Zack and he’s loving reading it each day – and like me, learning so much!
Thanks, Jackie! 🙂 The name is going on my list!!
Today is “Fat Tuesday” where people gorge on the things they plan to give up — what a sad twist of religion. Lord, guide us in this Lent, that we may find ways to press into You and experience Your transformation.
Mary e The Lord has been placing you on my heart to pray for you. . Just wanted you to know I am.
Thanks so much, Liz. I have been struggling recently with extreme drowsiness and fatigue so I’m experimenting with trying to stop my hot flash med (it’s an antidepressant they use for hot flashes for patients how can’t take hormonal meds) to see if getting off that might help but wow, I didn’t get to sleep till after 2am last night so not sure if I will be able to do it! I’m still following along with this and getting on a few times a week, just not participating as much openly. But…still doing the reading through the Bible chronologically in a year! I’m so happy about doing that! Anyway, again, that you for your prayers!
Mary Glad to hear from you:) I will pray about the extreme drowsiness and fatigue, and the adjustment of meds. I too am loving reading the Bible Chronologically. I will be ending what we started last year the end of March. It has been a blessing:)
3. Summarize:
A. What did J.D. Grear mean when he said “the gospel is the whole pool?” Because everything we do is effected by Christ/our understanding of Christ when we have accepted the gospel. He isn’t an all-access pass but rather a full-immersion in love which is bound to change you! When you think of walking – you do not walk the same on the sidewalk as you do in a pool, it effects everything we do and WHY we do it.
B. There are three ways of life: Religion, Irreligion, and the Gospel. Explain each with an illustration.
Religion: I must try to minimize (or deny) my sin so that I can make retribution for it (if it is too big, I lose hope and fail, going to hell). I try my hardest to stay away from sin and make great effort to “get to” God.
Irreligion: I deny that there is any sin, because man decides for himself what is good and right. I draw my own line that excludes those I deem ‘bad’ and includes those (especially myself) that I deem ‘good.’ I try my hardest to make the best of what is, with no hope for what might be. Or I try my hardest to maximize my own power in my life with my earthly goals in mind.
Gospel: I accept sin. I accept I am a sinner. There is not hope for me because retribution for this is not within my power. I accept God. I accept that He loves me, so much that He took on my burden and made retribution for me, taking my punishment. I am grateful not fearful. I stay away from sin, not out of effort, or straining to find God or heaven but because it is no longer who I am. Sin doesn’t taste good anymore… The Gospel has changed me, God has changed me. Now I do not strive away from sin but strive toward God, turning to Him realizing that the only power I have is to respond and even in that He has made my heart respond-able. I do not use God to get what I want, but rather God is what I want.
C. Why does religion lack power? Why does the gospel have power? Religion has no power because it based off of human efforts, humans have no power. Gospel has power because its foundation is in God and God is all-powerful. The Creator created it that way so it is.
D. What other comments do you have on the above? I have seen a danger crop up in my thinking sometimes – no longer do I think, “I have to be a good person” but rather “I have to be a changed person.” I know that the Good Lord has changed me and is working in my heart but when I see (or am confronted by someone on) sin in my life I suddenly think, “Ack! I must not be changed! I must keep being a changed person! I don’t want to lose the work God has done!” This actually has a small bit of truth in it – thinking on David Powlison’s quote in Idol Lies about when we are tempted with idols we realize “This isn’t me anymore, Christ has changed me.” Rather than “I can’t do that, its sin.” This is freeing. But the Devil twists it and adds to it to make me fearful that the word God has done (past tense, fact, no debate) was fake.
Jill, I was actually lying in bed last night before going to sleep, and then again when I awoke this morning, pondering this…am I really a changed person? I focus on my failures, and think I must not really be changed.
Susan, yes! We tend to focus on the failure. I heard something this past weekend that was helpful to me: Conviction is about a behavior, condemnation is about the whole person. Application in my thinking is that though I may have failures this does not define who I am, though that is what Satan tries to do – condemn my whole being as bad when I fail. But Christ took my condemnation so that can NOT be my identity any longer. Easy to type here mentally, harder to teach my heart of hearts to stop fussing…
Good difference on conviction and condemnation.
With condemnation, there’s nothing you can do — with conviction, because it is specific, you can repent.
7. I feel sorry for them really. Can you imagine being told your were special because of who your great.great.great…..grandfather was, if THAT was your identity. You know in yoyur heart that you are not perfect, that you can not uphold the law, and yet you have to put on a show for the world. they know that they are frauds, so can you imagine how afraid they were when someone came on the scene that KNEW them , that knew who they really were. the defensive wall came up really fast.
how like them I am. The person who knows me best is the person who can call me out when im in sin, and so its that person that I get defensive with. Paul sees right through me, if Im trying to manipulate him he knows it right away, when im using tv as an escape he knows it. So Often I fight back instead of humbly listening to what he sees. As the years go by I listen more and defend less but not always.
I think of the vs. “search me oh Lord and KNOW my heart, test me and see if there is any ugly stuff in me” (cyndi version) What a gift it is to be able to go to HIM knowing that you are flawed and to be OK with that. To say, here I am Lord, warts and all, I love you and I TRUST you with my ugly today. to be REAL with HIM that is what HE desires most I believe, that is a heart HE can begin to form into one like HIS own.
8. I kinda already got to this one. MY love language is edifying words, I LOVE to be told how great I am! ugly, i know, but we are being real here 🙂 When someone crictisises me for anything I get very hurt. I take it so personally. My Paul tells me that I need “thicker skin” He will tell me that he didnt like a meal that I made (not to be unkind but just expressing his tastes) and I will get very hurt by it. The more I love and respect the person the more defensive I am.
I know it sounds counterintuitive but the more Jesus uses me the less proud I become. I look at things that happen and I KNOW that was not me! there is no way that I could have orchestrated anything like what HE has. The more I watch HIM work the more able I am to sit back and enjoy the ride. I don’t have to control things anymore, because when HE is in control it works out so much better. This not only takes the pressure off of me but it gives HIM more freedom to work in my life and the lives of those around me. When I am over in the passenger seat fighting for control of the wheel it limits what HE can do with the car, All HIS energy is spent on fighting me 🙂
My prayer every day is “LORD here I am, use me, whatever your plan is for my day I will submit to that. if Im to be sick then I will rest, if I am to grocery shop and meal plan then I will do it with a smile, if you have people you want me to speak to, I will be your lips, If all I am to do is cook and clean then I will do that for you, if I am to befriend women who hardly speak English and worship a false god then I will do it with your love…..but it is YOUR plan, not mine, your energy, not mine, your love and not mine.”
Cyndi — just finished a post for a few weeks out on The Weight of Glory. Feel you are getting it, wanting to let go of your glory and give Him His.
3B. There are three ways of life: Religion, Irreligion, and the Gospel. Explain each with an illustration.
Religion is a formula for self-salvation really. It acknowledges God but does not rely on Him for salvation. The older brother in the parable of the Prodigal Son is a good example of this. It is not a bad thing to follow rules but what happens is the sinful heart is denied, covered over so that it is not healed. It needs a tough hard covering to keep it hidden. So the heart becomes hard and hidden from our own eyes. The hidden part is really key because we don’t see it but it drives our sin. This life is bound by heavy chains.
The irreligious life is comparatively free unless it is a person who is saved but in a state of rebellion. I guess really this person believes that self is god. Their conscience is their guide and often they can be really good, compassionate happy people but as with the religious, they are lost too. Neither has believed on Christ for redemption.
The gospel says we are sinners but offers cleansing and salvation. It peels away the tough layers over our hearts making us new. It is a blessed journey. The sin is so ugly and painful, but the glory of cleansing…there are no words. As far as the east is from the west. Paul is a great example of this. Changed from a murderer of God’s people to a man who loved the church so deeply.
C. Why does religion lack power? Why does the gospel have power?
In religion the Holy Spirit is not at work. There is no heart regeneration, only degeneration really. The gospel changes the heart through repentance and forgiveness. He is present in this heart and among these people.
4. Perhaps the most famous verse in the Bible is John 3:16. What does it say and how does this express the amazing grace of the gospel?
“God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him won’t perish but will have eternal life. (CEB)” Actually it was hard for me to type this version, because the old King James version I memorized as a child kept wanting to get in there. 🙂
Any way you slice it (whatever version), this verse is the gospel stated in the most precise and articulate way. It is the gospel in a nutshell! It does not say “whoever obeys all the rules and laws'” it says “everyone who believes in Him.” God gave his only Son because he loved all of us so much! Not only does His grace fogive us and redeem us, but it welcomes us into eternal life with Him.
5. Read John 8:39-44
A. Why did the Pharisees think they were in?(39)
Because they were descendants of Abraham. It was customary for patriarchs to make spiritual decisions for their “whole clan” in Biblical times. We even see this later when Paul baptized the jailer’s “whole household.” Not to make excuses for the Pharisees, but I can sort of understand how they came to that way of thinking. Jesus was wanting them to step out of their cultural mind-sets and their societal norms, and be a part of His kingdom. However, they were carrying a lot of baggage with them which totally held them back.
B. How does Jesus refute their claim in verses 40-41?
He said they didn’t even come up to the criterion of being Abraham’s children, because Abraham’s children would follow the way Abraham lived, but instead they were plotting to kill Jesus. He told them that they were, instead, following a different father (the devil).
C. What is a crucial characteristic of children of God according to verse 42?
Jesus said that If God is your Father, you will love me, because I came from God.
D. Why, according to verses 43 to 47, are the Pharisees resisting the truth? Find all you can.
— They can’t really hear His word.
— Their father is the devil, not God, not even Abraham.
— They listened to the devil, who is and has always been a liar. So when they hear Jesus speaking the truth, they hold it up to the devil’s lies, and assume Jesus is the one not telling the truth. They do not recognize Jesus for who he is!
— They don’t listen to Jesus because they are not God’s children as they claim to be.
B. There are three ways of life: Religion, Irreligion, and the Gospel. Explain each with an illustration.
C. Why does religion lack power? Why does the gospel have power?
I think I can answer all of the above, from the overflow of my reading in Tim Keller’s book, “Walking with God through Pain and Suffering” And here, I quote:
My thoughts: The Muslim spoke not only for the religious, but also for the irreligious. This is a common argument amongst disillusioned former Christian church goers as well as atheists and followers of other religions. Why does the gospel have power when religion does not? The Gospel has power because of thecross, because of the suffering of Jesus, because of His humility in laying aside His glory, because of the Godforsakeness He felt on the cross, because He became a wounded God who bore the sins of His Creation. Because He IS love. Because He is risen. Because He is a LIVING God.
Wanda, I appreciated the quote. The thing the Muslim was missing was love. God didn’t have to, He just did (a choice) out of love.
Wanda – I don’t want to go way far afield, but I couldn’t help but see “the cross” stand out in neon lights in your reply to the “thoughts” section. I simply could not help but reflect on the events of last weekend with ISIS. Even though ISIS goes after their fellow Muslims and everyone else, last weekend’s atrocities were done very clearly to mock “the cross”. As ISIS entitled the video “A Message Signed With Blood to the Nation of the Cross.”….and described the 21 as “the people of the cross”, and here’s what they had to say after the brutal beheadings: “oh people, recently you have seen us on the hills of Al-Shana and Dabiq’s plain, chopping off the heads that have been carrying the cross for a long time, and today, we are on the South of Rome, on the land is Islam, Libya, sending another message.”
I’m reminded of Dickson’s words that you shared (via Keller!) “What the Muslim denounces as blasphemy, the Christian holds precious: God has wounds.” Or, as Paul says in 1 Corinthians 1:23 “but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles.” Jews and Gentiles…..guess that covers us ALL!! And I have to wonder: will there even be some from ISIS who become “people of the cross”?? God’s grace is surely wide enough!! I remember Corrie Ten Boom meeting one of the cruel guards from her imprisonment……after he too had become a follower of Christ……wow. Sorry for going on this rabbit trail, but I couldn’t seem to contain myself!! 🙂 Your words just really stimulated my thinking Wanda! Thanks.
I agree, Jackie. I think you are correct in your analysis. ‘and were the world with devils filled all watching to devour us, Our souls to fear we need not yield, they cannot overpower us; Their dreaded prince no more can harm us as of yore; His rage we can endure, For lo, his doom is sure. A word shall overthrow them” (one translation of Martin Luther’s words in “Ein Feste Burg”) I have had a hard time even taking in the news. I was once a news junkie and I watch/read it very sparingly now. I’m trying not to give in to apathy but trying to stay focused and not give in to fear. I think Keller’s/Dickson’s words fit all religions; and the peace loving Muslim as well as the Jihadist. I also see those words echoing loudly from many disillusioned Christians who though they once went through the motions of Christianity, truly do not ‘get’ WHO God is and what the gospel is. As you well know, this is what so frequently breaks my heart. The more I learn of and experience the gospel, the more I long for my church going or former church going loved ones to REALLY see it.
I’m trying to follow this discussion because I have been so disturbed by the events of the last few months with these awful, brutal murders in the Middle East. I don’t think I understand what the flowery language of Keller, etal. is saying about the murderers. Yes, God can change someone’s heart for sure, but these people, in my opinion are pure evil. The jihadists are not willing to stop and listen to anyone, so I have to respectfully disagree about the words being fitting to them. To become people of the cross they must want to listen to someone, right? Even if it’s God who talks to them, they would have to be still for a second to hear Him. They are a direct extension of Satan; I don’t believe they would be willing to listen to anyone regarding the Word, like Corrie Ten Boom’s guard. They are bent to creating a one world “religion” that doesn’t include people like me. They think they know us, but they live in an ancient time with ancient ways. It seems hopeless to me, other than God wiping them as he did the people of earth during biblical times. I don’t think it’s right to sit back and watch people be murdered when I could do something to help. It’s awful, just like the Holocaust was. I keep thinking of the woman in the Iraqi government meeting pleading with the government to save them (they were stuck on that mountain after being forced there). She was crying and screaming that her people were being exterminated. It was horrible. Don’t we, as Christians, have an obligation to stand up and defend those who can’t defend themselves? Wouldn’t God want us to help our brothers? Doesn’t it say somewhere in scripture that we should? I’m sorry, but I can’t help but feel scared for all of us even though I feel strongly that God is in charge. I guess I don’t understand the point that was being made here….sorry, I am slow sometimes when it comes to analogies and such.
Wanda and Laura – I’m actually attempting to respond more to Laura’s questions here, but there was no place to “reply” specifically to you Laura! Wanda – suffice it to say, you offer yet more powerful thoughts and quotes here – thanks. And Laura – your questions are so good and valid. The answer to the questions you end with is yes, yes, yes! Of course we should do what we can however we can.
I have to first of all apologize for stirring things up and going a bit far afield with my random thoughts. I know that this is probably what Dee was concerned about, at least in part, all those months ago when she asked us to limit our responses to the “gold”. I think I failed to do that in this case!
Going back to the question Dee asked us (that Wanda referenced): Why does the gospel have power when religion does not? That is where my mind went to the cross. The quote that Wanda used from Keller’s book specifically speaks to the wounds of God – the cross. And the events of last weekend were aimed specifically at the “people of the cross”….
Yes, ISIS is pure evil. No question. As was the apostle Paul. We read in Acts 7:54-8:3 that he was present and giving approval to the stoning death of Stephen. And in Acts 9:1, he was still “breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord.” A stoning death would be gruesome for sure. If we had the stoning death of Stephen on a slick video as ISIS gives us, we would be equally horrified, I’m sure. Saul would NEVER look like someone on the path to being a faithful apostle! And yet…..when the Lord knocked him off his horse, he was transformed. Paul says in 1 Tim 1:15&16 “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example for those who were to believe in him for eternal life.” As a group, ISIS is as evil as anything we have ever seen……perhaps even more than the death camps of the Nazis…..but as individuals, NO ONE is beyond God’s salvation. But yes, we should come against ISIS with everything in our being.
Hoping that doesn’t further muddy the waters, and that’s all I’ll say on this!
Didn’t see these additional comments till now. My reason for quoting Keller (who quoted a pastor named John Dickson) was to emphasize that ALL other religions as well as the NON-religious (the irreligious) have used these questions to try to disprove the gospel. The questions raised by the Muslim man at Dickson’s Q and A could have been asked by anyone who doesn’t know our Redeemer. I have heard them asked many times, by people who were raised in evangelical churches. I felt the quote beautifully declared the power of the gospel. We as gospel transformed believers KNOW that as Isaiah 53 declares, ‘He was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities and the punishment for our peace, was upon Him. By His stripes we are healed.” We are healed of our sin and set free by a God who vulnerably became man. (tying together my favorite Christmas passage “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us’ and my favorite Lent/Easter passage-Isaiah 53) THIS is the gospel. And it is completely counter intuitive to what non believers and the religious (of any religion) follow. We as gospel believers know that those wounds were the basis for our redemption. That is all I was saying.
Thanks for clarification ladies, as I said, I am slow sometimes because I don’t know the bible as well as others do. I appreciate the Isaiah scripture; only familiar because of the song….in fact it’s nearly word for word, and as I read your post I sang the verse! Good points Jackie, about Paul! I still have trouble believing anything can stop these beasts….you girls are so good at making connections! Thank you!
Thanks, Laura. Your words encourage me. 🙂
4. Perhaps the most famous verse in the Bible is John 3:16. What does it say and how does this express the amazing grace of the gospel?
God gave His only Son. For me, for us! Amazing grace for sure!
5. Read John 8:39-44
A. Why did the Pharisees think they were in?(39)
They thought since they were part of Abrahams family they were “in.”
B. How does Jesus refute their claim in verses 40-41?
He says if they were of Abraham they would be doing his works and not be trying to kill him.
C. What is a crucial characteristic of children of God according to verse 42?
Love is a characteristic of God’s children. So hard sometimes when there is evil in the world killing those innocent people who disagree with them.
D. Why, according to verses 43 to 47, are the Pharisees resisting the truth? Find all you can.
They don’t understand him, they are not of God, they don’t want to hear him, their will is bent to another besides God, they listen to a liar – not the truth, they don’t believe him.
6. What thoughts do you have on this Lent — on how you might begin to better press into Christ?
I have been thinKing about this for a few days now and decided to dance with Christ each day even if it’s only for 15 minutes; time is precious and difficult to come by. I have a young friend who wants to dance this song (below), Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone. I will try to choreograph the piece during Lent for her.
http://youtu.be/Jbe7OruLk8I
I am always stirred when you speak of dancing, Laura. Perhaps we can see another video when it is done?! =)
I am still working on John 1:1-14; having trouble getting people to come with all the snow and such. However, I will send something along as we get something finished 🙂
Laura, what a special way to worship. Ditto with Jill’s request for us to see it when done. 🙂
Lovely. Giving Him glory through dance.
Laura, I love this. I too would love to see your choreographed piece once it is done.
4. Perhaps the most famous verse in the Bible is John 3:16. What does it say and how does this express the amazing grace of the gospel? God loved so He gave. If you believe you receive, period.
5. Read John 8:39-44.
A. Why did the Pharisees think they were in? (39) They were sons of Abraham and Abraham had the promise of God.
B. How does Jesus refute their claim in verses 40-41? Actions speak louder than lineage. Their actions and hearts reveal their true father (this must be referring back to being spiritually born again).
C. What is a crucial characteristic of children of God according to verse 42? “If God were your Father, you would love me…” Children of God love Jesus.
D. Why, according to verses 43 to 47, are the Pharisees resisting the truth? Find all you can. They cannot bear to hear Jesus’ word, they are sons of the devil, their will is his bidding, just as satan is a murderer they seek to murder, they want nothing to do with the truth but want what they want, they are bound by lies, whoever is of God hears the words of God… the reason they resist is that “they are not of God.”
6. What thoughts do you have on this Lent – on how you might begin to better press into Christ? I started reading Abba’s Child by Brennan Manning with my husband so that we may seek God together. There are a few things that I have let slide that I am wanting to “get back to” (and feel the Lord’s gentle reminder that they are important). Getting up even earlier to allow for more time with the Lord, reading psalms at mealtimes with my family, getting back to memorizing, and a few other projects. Just seeing my heart misses Christ as I have let business creep in and slowly shift my time. I am grateful for timing to call me back.
Like!
6. On Sunday morning, as soon as I read this question “how might I better press into Christ?” , I quietly had the sense of what one thing He was putting His finger on. I decided to let the idea marinate a bit throughout the week and prayerfully seek if there might be other things as well. But in the spirit of “keeping it simple”, I’m going with memorization of the Word. Specifically Isaiah chapter 53- actually beginning with Isaiah 52:13 and then going through Isaiah 53. This has long been one of my very favorite of the favorite Scripture passages and I cannot even imagine what 6 weeks of memorizing and studying it will result in….for this is our impossibly lovely Christ….”marred beyond human semblance…”bearing our iniquities. Though this task may be simple, it will surely require daily attendance and review to settle deep into the bones and sinew of my somewhat rattled heart.
Jackie, thank you for the thoughts on Scripture memory. “it will surely require daily attendance and review to settle deep into the bones and sinew of my somewhat rattled heart.” That daily attendance and review would require discipline but so worth it.
🙂
Wonderful plan, Jackie.
3. Summarize:
A. What did J. D. Grear mean when he said “the gospel is the whole pool?”
I actually got confused about this question so I am asking the good Lord to make it clear to me. There are obviously other ways to get into the pool and one is the diving board. Do I have to jump off the diving board or can I just walk into it? I thought about the first time I learned to float on my back in a pool. I have to let go of every tension in my body or I start panicking and then sinking. But when I relax, the pool keeps me buoyed up without me putting in effort. So like the gospel! It does not need any effort on my part except to trust the object of it, Jesus Christ. As Tim Keller puts it, the gospel is the primary not the secondary. Gospel equals Christianity.
Gospel=Christianity
B. There are three ways of life: Religion, Irreligion, and the Gospel. Explain each with an illustration.
Religion: Go to church every Sunday-that is what Christians do; Being good
Irreligion: Acquiring more knowledge to rescue me from the trials of this world
C. Why does religion lack power? Why does the gospel have power?
Religion lacks power because religious acts never satisfies my aching soul-they are like filthy rags. The gospel has power because everything of it hinges on the power of Jesus Christ at work in me. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I believe, Lord; help my unbelief.
D. What other comments do you have on the above?
“The gospel is organic, the life of the risen Christ in us.” Oh, how so often I operate like Jesus did not rise from the dead! Getting by on my own day by day and forgetting the victorious life Jesus has given me through His death.
5. Read John 8:39-44
A. Why did the Pharisees think they were in?(39)
They were children of Abraham
B. How does Jesus refute their claim in verses 40-41?
They do not act like Abraham would.
C. What is a crucial characteristic of children of God according to verse 42?
Welcoming and accepting of Jesus
D. Why, according to verses 43 to 47, are the Pharisees resisting the truth? Find all you can. They are following Satan, the father of lies; ears shut to the teaching of Jesus; they do not want the truth; they do not want to listen to the truth
(Sorry for so many posts…trying to catch up.)
7. In what ways can you see the above negative emotions in the Pharisees in John 8:39-47? Be specific.The Pharisees have built their identity and security of heaven on the laws of God (which then expanded into the law of men). To have someone challenge their “method” made them angry to the point of murder. They were desperate and being desperate usually reveals an idol. Whenever I read conversations between Pharisees and Jesus there always seems to be fear in the Pharisees, perhaps because their foundation is tenuous and they cannot cope with “changing” truth. It was too easy, just as Ron said. But the law taught punishment so their minds were conditioned that way, they did not understand the ultimate sacrifice for sins, they still had their eyes on the temporal day-to-day atonement. It was too good to be true.
8. How do you respond when you are criticized and why? What might this show you about where your identity is? I blush to think of how self-righteous I have been in my past… the last couple of years I have really felt my heart soften but I admit that it is still difficult to hear criticism, more because I am afraid someone will prove my changed heart a fake. This is a fear and a lie from the devil. The work is done, and I pray it continues, but you cannot disprove and changed heart. 6 months ago I started to see that I was still trying to be seen as “always right” with my children. My parenting has changed, I am much more vulnerable with them, and have even asked them to keep me accountable on one point that I am prone to with a verse! I know that my identity is in Christ, but some days I can see it shifting to what people think of God’s work in me – and then I have to rebuff myself and give glory to God alone!
I have seen a small shift in seeing criticims as more action oriented than self oriented. In other words I can recall a couple of instances when I was “criticized” but I really just saw it as a need to change the process which I did without really caring one way or the other. But when the criticism is from someone close on a deep heart issue without sympathy then I am just quiet… perhaps I should be more repentant?
Jill – “but when criticism is from someone close on a deep heart issue without sympathy then I am just quiet….perhaps I should be more repentant?” ouch. I don’t know Jill, but it seems to me that “quiet” can be a good start! As opposed to lashing out and being defensive. As our Joyce shared about some things in her life on the prayer page “baby steps”. I’m not inside your heart, but it could be that this is simply a wonderful part of Jesus’ process for your life! 🙂 ? As Peter says “And count the patience of our Lord as salvation….” (2 Peter 3:15). He is so patient with us…..before our salvation and after! I could truly seeing “being quiet” as part of the repentance process.
9-12. I love Debbies smile! what a wonderful friendship that leads to an introduction to our sweet Jesus. God chased her, both of them, I love that she was willing to slow down and be caught.
I think Nicodemus thought he could change himself, just do more and he could please God. just as a horse can never fly, a man without Jesus can never please never please God. HE wants to recreate us….not change us,
I am fascinated be George Washington Carver. He would get up at 4am every day and go for a walk with Jesus and ask HIM what it was in his creation he wanted him to discover that day. when it came to the peanut he made 100s of different things….not with the peanut as it was but by separating it into the different elements that it contained and mixing some of them together in different ways. by doing this he made rubber out of the peanut! He took it apart. often we need to be taken apart to become what God wants to create.
Why, then should we who believe in Christ be so surprised at what God can do with a willing man in a laboratory?” (Pg 68-69).
Why should we be surprised at what God can do with a willing man or woman in the classroom, the boardroom, and the halls of state, or any other sphere where God is leading us to make a difference?
two of my favorite quotes from Washington
Thank you, Cyndi! Why should we be surprised at what God can do with a willing man or woman in the classroom, the boardroom, and the halls of state, or any other sphere where God is leading us to make a difference?
This devotional today in “Utmost for His Highest” really stuck out to some of the past conversation we had this week for when we mess up we need to not sit in despair but know when we repent we are forgiven and then we need to move on. I had to share. Oh what a difference I know my life would be if I only let this really be applied to my everyday GRACE WALK
Taking the Initiative Against Despair
02
18
2015
February 18, 2015
Rise, let us be going. —Matthew 26:46
In the Garden of Gethsemane, the disciples went to sleep when they should have stayed awake, and once they realized what they had done it produced despair. The sense of having done something irreversible tends to make us despair. We say, “Well, it’s all over and ruined now; what’s the point in trying anymore.” If we think this kind of despair is an exception, we are mistaken. It is a very ordinary human experience. Whenever we realize we have not taken advantage of a magnificent opportunity, we are apt to sink into despair. But Jesus comes and lovingly says to us, in essence, “Sleep on now. That opportunity is lost forever and you can’t change that. But get up, and let’s go on to the next thing.” In other words, let the past sleep, but let it sleep in the sweet embrace of Christ, and let us go on into the invincible future with Him.
There will be experiences like this in each of our lives. We will have times of despair caused by real events in our lives, and we will be unable to lift ourselves out of them. The disciples, in this instance, had done a downright unthinkable thing— they had gone to sleep instead of watching with Jesus. But our Lord came to them taking the spiritual initiative against their despair and said, in effect, “Get up, and do the next thing.” If we are inspired by God, what is the next thing? It is to trust Him absolutely and to pray on the basis of His redemption.
Never let the sense of past failure defeat your next step.
Thanks for the devotion. Oh, my! What a loving Savior we have. “Get up and do the next thing.” I need not wallow in despair or self-pity or be paralyzed by the past or the downright unthinkable thing but look for, be sensitive to the next magnificent opportunity. Oh, Lord, let me not miss it! And yet, if I do, thanks for catching me and telling me to get up and the do the next thing.
Liz, this was beautiful and timely… thank you for sharing!
Liz,
Thank you for posting this devotion. Timely. Never let the sense of past failure defeat your next step.
Debbie’s story could be everybody’s story. Whether it is meeting Jesus for the first time, or learning to lean on Him daily, the result of the transformation is a process that must be walked by the individual. Every person must come to the place where they see what Jesus did on the cross for them, individually. It is overwhelming and comforting at the same time. And, those of us who are believers, must recognize that we come to new understandings of the power of the cross of Christ whenever the Holy Spirit chooses to convict us of where we are less than perfect. We, then, get to experience again the freshness of our relationship with Christ. These experiences are crucial to our own growth in Christ, but also crucial because it helps us share the power of the gospel in our daily lives. If the Holy Spirit chose not to convict us of shortcomings, then we would become stagnant in our relationship with Christ, and our spirit would not be “fragrant” to the seekers God brings across our paths.
I’m not sure if it’s just my iPhone, but the comparison in Wednesday’s section between Religion and Gospel got mized up. I can’t make sense of it.
As far as lent goes, I was raised in a church that practiced it and I never really understood how me giving up candy or chewing gum was supposed to help me or God. After I learned of the gospel and chose to receive Christ and follow Him, I still struggled with the idea of Lent. I want to be more intentional about the process by which I make daily decisions. I want a Godly sorrow for my choices that lead to sin. So, instead of giving up something, I want to add something. I want to add this question to my thought process: How does the decision I’m about to make right now honor or dishonor the sacrifice Christ made for me?
Any ideas how I can remind myself because I’ve said stuff like this before and still forget.
5. Read John 8:39-44
A. Why did the Pharisees think they were in? (39) – Because they were “Abraham’s children”, descendants of Abraham.
B. How does Jesus refute their claim in verses 40-41? – If you were really Abraham’s children, you would be like him in his faith. Abraham did not do the things you do; you are trying to kill me. You are like your own father.
C. What is a crucial characteristic of children of God according to verse 42? – Love. Love of God the Father, and love of His Son, Jesus.
D. Why, according to verses 43 to 47, are the Pharisees resisting the truth? Find all you can.
They are spiritually deaf. What Jesus is saying to them makes no sense. They belong to their father, the devil, and so are like him in their murderous intentions. Satan hates God; the Pharisees hated Jesus. They do not hold to the truth. They are influenced by the lies of the devil and blinded to the truth. Deep down, they knew that Jesus was not guilty of any sin, yet in their pride, they refused to admit it. They continued to believe that He was lying. They cannot hear nor understand the truth because they do not belong to God. Their minds are darkened.
6. What thoughts do you have on this Lent – on how you might begin to better press into Christ?
I want to keep up with our study here on the blog. Next, I really need to work on spending time away from the computer (doing the study) to be with Him. Perhaps reading the Bible (the chronological reading); I also would like to focus on a few of the old hymns, really pondering the words and memorizing them. I am thinking of starting with What Wondrous Love Is This. I have found for a long time that I do my Bible study but just having time (maybe without an agenda?) with Him has suffered. I just want to get back to talking to Him, and listening. I have decided to go through a CD and accompanying guide by Nancy Leigh DeMoss called How to Fall and Stay In Love With Jesus – A Study of the Song of Songs. I want to re-visit this book of the Bible to find my confidence and assurance of His love for me, and to grow in my love for Him. Now the big challenge is setting a time. One thing I like about our study here is if for some reason I can’t get here in the morning, I can come on in the evening or afternoon if I’m home. But it’s always a choice!
My daughter is at swim practice and I was tempted to head to the couch with my cup of tea and a catalog to browse through, but instead I came here. Other distractions will always call for my time and attention. I want to set my heart on desiring Him above anything else!
7. In what ways can you see the above negative emotions in the Pharisees in John 8:39-47? Be specific.
Verse 39: “Abraham is our father” – their identity was built on the fact that they were Abraham’s descendants, as if his record or performance rubbed-off on them
Verse 41: “We are not illegitimate children” they protested. “God is our Father”. When their identity is challenged, they get angry and protest because their image is threatened.
Verse 44: Jesus compares them to Satan, who was a murderer and a liar. Jesus was a threat to their self-image so they sought to destroy Him. Underneath it all must have been a current of fear; Jesus, in their minds, had come to shake up their world and free people from the burden of their rules. They had always been the pious keepers of salvation, judging who was fit or unfit.
6. What thoughts do you have on this Lent — on how you might begin to better press into Christ?
I just came home from the Ash Wednesday service at our church — I came home touched and inspired. I have been trying to keep myself “open” to suggestion this week about what special thing I would do for Lent. It occurs to me that the best way to press into Christ would be to memorize and absorb the actual words of Christ. I have decided to work on memorization of the Sermon on the Mount as found in Matthew 5, 6, & 7. Decades ago I began that task when I was much younger and I only got through chapters 5 & 6. I am going to begin by doing extensive brushing up on those two chapters, but this time I’m not going to quit until I get chapter 7 memorized as well. This may or may not all get done during Lent. If it isn’t done by the end of Lent, I will just keep pushing on until it is done. I’m not going to get all pressurized about it, as I think it is better to meditate on the meaning of those words while I am memorizing, so I am going to be willing to give it whatever it takes.
5. Read John 8:39-44
A. Why did the Pharisees think they were in?(39) They were ‘born in’. Abraham’s descendants.
B. How does Jesus refute their claim in verses 40-41? He tells them that they are not following Abraham as their father, but following their father, the devil, since they do not do the things that Abraham did. Their hearts are full of hate and they seek to murder Jesus.
C. What is a crucial characteristic of children of God according to verse 42? LOVE. Just what 1 John 4 says. ‘We love Him because He first loved us”. “And love is of God and anyone who loves is born of God and knows God”
D. Why, according to verses 43 to 47, are the Pharisees resisting the truth? Find all you can. It goes back to vs. 33 when after Jesus says that when you know the truth, you can be set free. They argue that they have no need to be set free because they have never been slaves. That is such a huge irony because they are totally enslaved. They are enslaved to all of their meticulous, made up rules but they are also enslaved to the hate in their hearts that is causing them to plot against Jesus. They don’t see their need for salvation. They can’t see the truth. Can’t see that Jesus speaks the truth, came from God and IS the truth. They can’t hear the truth. They belong to their father, the devil who didn’t hold to the truth. The devil is the antithesis of truth. He is a liar and a murderer from the beginning. The father of lies as lying is his native language. Since Jesus can’t be proven guilty of any sin, whatever He says is truthful. He can’t lie. Jesus tells the truth so it’s like a foreign language to them. They don’t get it. Don’t believe it. Can’t hear it. Can’t see it. If they belonged to God, they would hear Jesus’ words and know He spoke the truth. Jesus rebuke is very direct. There’s always a stark contrast between how loving and gracious he is toward those who know they are sinners and need Him and the harsh rebuke He gives to those who think they know God but see no need for Jesus. He is pointing out the futility of their religious ways because the rules and the religion are not bringing the Pharisees to God at all. They are rejecting the only way to God by not listening to Jesus.
7. In what ways can you see the above negative emotions in the Pharisees in John 8:39-47? Be specific.
I need to confess to some confusion here. I had some sideways thoughts in answering question 5, but I didn’t mention it. Now this comes up again: Were these actually Pharisees that Jesus was talking/debating with? It says in verse 31 that he was talking with Jews who believed in Him. I’ve always thought the Pharises did NOT believe in him. So, if left to my own devices, I would have thought that Jesus was talking with Jews who were not Pharisees. I would really appreciate clarification on this matter. I grant you that they sound like they have been endoctrinated by the Pharisees, but according to verse 31 they believed in Jesus.
Whoever they were 🙂 — they were defensive about their ancestry and their godly status. They also were extremely sensitive to criticism. They make comments like “Our ancestry isn’t in question!” Then when Jesus points out that their actions give them away, and that they are not acting like children of God, that is when they make the snearing remark, “We were right to say you are a Samaritan and have a demon, weren’t we?”
8. How do you respond when you are criticized and why? What might this show you about where your identity?
How do I respond? By being hurt and defensive. Sometimes I strike back at my criticizers (verbally not physically). If it is a time when I have my approval idol in check, I might have the confidence to just smile and turn the other cheek, but alas, that is a rarity. So, yes, if criticism hurts me, it is because I feel my identity is based on what others think of me.
Deanna – I had the same question on verse 31. If you back up all the way to v. 13 it says the Pharisees are speaking to Him. Some Pharisees did come to believe in Him throughout His ministry (Nicodemus being one). So perhaps He was speaking to Pharisees that believed but was calling them out on their heart idols or their misunderstanding of what He was saying?
6. What thoughts do you have on this Lent — on how you might begin to better press into Christ?
I am aware that I do not spend enough time with the Lord. In my mind I am tired when I get home and just want to eat and relax in front of the TV and do or think nothing. Then I beat myself up about losing track of the time wasted in front of said TV. He has been “suggesting” to me that this will not help me become closer to Him. He would prefer me to spend more time with Him than just “veggin out” (although sometimes that’s okay). My plan (and hope) will be when I get home to eat and then spend some less time with the TV on. I have ordered a couple of Brennan Manning books, one is Abba’s Child, the other is A Glimpse of Jesus: the Stranger to Self-Hatred, which should be here any day. I am looking forward to both. I do read, but not as much as I used to. By taking more time to read books instead of TV then I am really thinking of Him more. I am confident that He will use the books I have ordered to enlighten some point to me, which is what usually happens when I read a book. Last year after my dad’s heart attack, I read Tim Keller’s book Walking with God through pain and suffering. Although the outcome didn’t change, my trusting God with that outcome did, which is what I think the point was. I can “give up” something for Lent, but to be honest I think that would be more about me than about the Lord. By changing my watching to reading, I think that would press me more into Christ than anything else during this time.
9. What comments do you have on Debbie’s story?
I liked this part, because I think you handled it so well, Dee:
One day, before Debbie’s transformation began, she said, “I think if it happens for me, it will be gradual.”
“It might be,” I said. “Many cannot tell you exactly when they were found by Christ. It is as if they were driving from Nebraska to Colorado and they don’t know when they crossed the border, but there comes a time when they know they are not in Nebraska anymore. It may be like that, Debbie. Or it may be a dramatic moment. God knocked Paul off his horse.”
That can be a sticky issue with new Christians, I think. They are aware of a few dramatic stories and feel that it is necessary to have a speedy delivery in order to be reborn. As it was, Debbie did have a somewhat dramatic rebirth — perhaps not knocked off her horse like Paul, but she had a specific time she could point to and say “this happened to me then.”
10. Read John 3:3 What does Jesus tell the Pharisee?
“…unless someone is born anew, it is not possible for them to see God’s kingdom.”
11. Though the phrase “born again” has been mocked and twisted to mean many things, what do you think Jesus was trying to communicate to this religious teacher?
I think he wanted Nicodemus to understand that becoming a Christian was a matter of becoming a new creation, not just a matter of “polishing up” the Jew. It isn’t something that you add on or improve, it is something totally new.
12. How might this be different from the way Nicodemus might have thought a person changes?
Being a member of the Sanhedrin, Nicodemus was used to following rituals and doing works to make himself into a “good person.” so Nicodemus could have come to the conclusion that it was all a matter of improving what he had. You make it better!
6. What thoughts do you have on this Lent — on how you might begin to better press into Christ? Well, I started participating on this blog a year ago at Lent. A big reason why I was so happy to jump in, was because it gave me a chance to be a part of a community of believers who were observing Lent and discussing the Passion of Jesus. I wish I went to a church that acknowledged Lent but my Evangelical Free church does not. So, I have for decades worked on lenten studies on my own. (with varying degrees of ‘success’.) Every year, I think to myself, ‘I’ll just go to a church near by that does have Ash Wednesday and Lenten observances”, but that is much easier said than done. (for so many reasons.) I never quite get to the point of feeling ‘okay’ about not being a part of a corporate Lenten worship but after years and years of struggle, maybe these lessons on gospel transformation are teaching me more about my heart. Maybe I’m holding Lenten services up as a ‘religious requirement’ and a way to strive to please God. He hasn’t led me into another church which includes Lent, (though I’ve prayed for that) but He HAS led me to this study. And it has been WONDERFUL to be here. I need to let His Word penetrate and let the gospel assure me that “I love Him because He first loved me.” I will honor and love Him with my devotion to Him, but not because that devotion will bring me salvation…..or make Him love me more. The work of salvation is done. He said it was finished when He hung on the cross. His love for me is perfect and everlasting. I need to be freed of the bondage that somehow tells me I’m just not good enough if I’m not in a house of worship on Wednesday nights during Lent. Jesus tells me to worship Him in spirit and truth. I always spend extra time with Lenten devotionals and reading the story of Jesus’ last week and the prophecies from Isaiah. I have a couple of books that help me focus my thoughts. But this year, I really want my time to be about what Jesus is saying to ME. I think, in the past, I have spent time ‘pressing my will’ as I make sure I am ‘doing’ Lenten reading and observing, partly to salve my conscience that keeps telling me I should be in church somewhere instead of observing Lent at home. I want to press into Jesus by spending more time just quietly with Him and asking Him to do the speaking. More quietness. More meditation after each segment I read. And I will journal some thoughts that He is saying. Like Jackie, I find Isaiah 53, the richest of scripture portions and I will begin there. It’s been several years since I worked on memorizing it, and I’ll be refreshing my mind with it, carrying it with me in my car, posting it in my kitchen, by my bed etc. I also will be using some Lenten hymns and readings I have. The big thing is I need to leave more quiet time for Jesus to speak to me and less ‘me trying to figure it out’ time.
Wanda, I can so relate to “The big thing is I need to leave more quiet time for Jesus to speak to me and less ‘me trying to figure it out’ time” . This is a me too thing.
Wanda – your post was potent through and through! I’m really kind of tickled that you and I are both going to be spending a good deal of Lent in the same Isaiah passage! More time listening to Jesus, as you have said….may we all be good listeners this season. My relationship to Lent is a little more ambivalent than yours, but I appreciated all that you shared here about it. I did not grow up with the Lenten tradition – but I remember feeling a little envious of those who did- it was mysterious and a little exotic to me! As a new believer I felt it was more or less one of those “liberal church” traditions that really wasn’t Scriptural or “deep”. NOW…..I’ve come to the point of having enormous appreciation for a 40 day period of reflection, as you say, on the passion of Jesus. Even though it’s not a Scriptural mandate, I think it’s a very good opportunity to press in to Christ. I wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity! And I think doing this in community is key – I understand your frustrations from trying to observe Lent on your own in past years…..though deeply personal to each, we need each other’s expressions of living out the risenness of Christ. It’s quite a gift that, whether our churches are participating in the observation of Lent or not (mine doesn’t), we are able to do so together here. 🙂
Jackie and Wanda, You have both encouraged me to “soak” in Isaiah 53 this Lent season. (I tutor two children, ages 6 and 9, and they just memorized a portion of Isaiah 53…. I am much slower to memorize than their fresh, young minds….. but, I shall try.) My little church does not observe Lent either. I did spend several years in a church through my teen years, that did observe Lent. I was a new Christian and loved the traditionalism in this little church. I looked for a song that sets some of Isaiah 53 to music, but haven’t found one yet. I memorize better when I can set it to music (but I rarely do that). Thanks for the encouragement to meditate on Isaiah 53.
You are right, Jackie. We need each other and I too am grateful for this place to come together right here.
Jackie and Nila, Yes. I am SO grateful too, for this community of believers right here in cyberspace. I realize that half of my ‘hang up’ about feeling remiss going to a church that doesn’t observe Lent is because of the ‘chains’ I feel (good illustration, Diane) because I don’t have an older sibling’s approval in the church I attend. I don’t think this person’s judgements of me or my church are correct, so why is it that I can’t turn off the tape in my head? I wrote more about this in another lesson. I felt it strongly again this morning as I saw something that this person posted on facebook regarding Lent. In fact, tears have been close to the surface all day and I just now found myself racing online to look at nearby churches websites (for the umpteenth time) to see if I could figure anything out. I always hit an impasse but always think that unless I am doing some kind of searching, or taking some kind of steps, the Lord can’t lead me. I am beginning to see not only an approval idol regarding my sibling (and a very distorted one at that) but also that sense of ‘religion’ that I wrote about. The hardest thing to ‘conquer’ is that I want this sibling to see it too…..to know much this affects me and how I truly do honor the Lenten season, just not in the same way. But that’s not up to me. My only concern should be my relationship with my Lord and what He sees in me. My other older sibling and I discuss this freely and know that even though we are in two very different churches and our Lent experience is different, we have a great respect for each other, and we know that we both find this season very meaningful. Yes! Glad to be reading Isaiah with you 🙂
10. Read John 3:3 What does Jesus tell the Pharisee?
Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
11. Though the phrase “born again” has been mocked and twisted to mean many things, what do you think Jesus was trying to communicate to this religious teacher?
I think that he means that in birth we transition from one state of being to another. We are still the same person, but at birth we become “alive”. When we are born again, we become more “alive” than even before. The first one is to be born into the physical world, the second to be born in spirit.
12. How might this be different from the way Nicodemus might have thought a person changes?
He may have been thinking that a person changes through upholding the law and adhering to all the strict requirements. Things that a person does and has control over. Jesus on the other hand is speaking of the spirit and that comes from God only.
7. In what ways can you see the above negative emotions in the Pharisees in John 8:39-47? Be specific.
The emotions are fear, insecurity, and response of self-image (I think). I’m struggling finding particular reference within these passages, since Jesus is the one mostly speaking. I suppose I can see they aren’t happy He is there, probably because they fear Him since they don’t understand Him. They want to be seen as “doing things right,” so they probably take offense that He suggest they aren’t. They feel they represent the epitome of the “perfect” Jew, and probably don’t understand why He questions their actions. They don’t get Him at all. Still, I am basing this off of what I think they are feeling, not what they are since the passages are so short with respect to them….not sure I am following correctly here.
8. How do you respond when you are criticized and why? What might this show you about where your identity?
Something happened the other day that surprised me. I was in a meeting and someone did criticize me in front of everyone else. The past few years I probably wouldn’t of cared about it, but this day I did care for some reason. I can’t explain that…but it made me upset. I asked myself later, “how could I let this get to me?” It was because I didn’t mean what the person suggested I meant when I said something. She took it all wrong. It made me upset but I did wonder why. It dawned on me that because she took it the wrong way it made me look bad. Then something happened a little while later, I thought to myself it doesn’t really matter what they think because Jesus loves me anyway. I didn’t mean it the way she thought I did and Jesus knew that and that was the only thing that was important. I felt free! It’s kind of like Diane’s post above how she says that she can’t make it to floating in the pool….I can’t find the post right now but I could relate to it exactly! Finding the freedom in Christ…..
I think it probably shows I am way too self absorbed because I want people to think I am one way when I may portray myself as something I’m not. I shouldn’t care how they think, only God.
9. What comments do you have on Debbie’s story?
i have felt that kind of emotion with Him before; I can relate!
10. Read John 3:3 What does Jesus tell the Pharisee?
He must be “born again” to see the kingdom of God.
11. Though the phrase “born again” has been mocked and twisted to mean many things, what do you think Jesus was trying to communicate to this religious teacher?
That Nicodemus must have a new vision of how he looked at God…..he must be baptized with the Holy Spirit, he must change his longstanding ideas of rules and rituals, and know Him, believe in Him, love him, have faith that He knows best.
12. How might this be different from the way Nicodemus might have thought a person changes?
I’m not sure about this one. He might have thought a person follows all the rules and becomes a more Godly person?
5. Read John 8:39-44
A. Why did the Pharisees think they were in?(39)
Because they were of Abraham’s father-they were born into it.
B. How does Jesus refute their claim in verses 40-41?
They didn’t believe Jesus who was sent from God and were seeking to kill him. They were doing the deeds of the evil one.
C. What is a crucial characteristic of children of God according to verse 42?
That they Love Him.
D. Why, according to verses 43 to 47, are the Pharisees resisting the truth? Find all you can.
1.They are blind-they can’t hear Him
2.Their desires are satan’s desires.
3.They believe a lie-satan’s lies over what Jesus is saying.
4.They are unable to convict Jesus of sin-which is huge-hello!? He is Holy..Might want to consider He really could be God..:)) They know He is Holy-and only God can be perfectly Holy. Yet they still don’t believe He is God because they don’t hear Him-they are blind.
5.They are supposedly arbiters of ‘Truth’-representatives of God yet Jesus is speaking truth from God and they don’t believe Him.
6.Those who are God’s hear Him, those who are not of God don’t hear Him. The Pharisees were not of God.
7. In what ways can you see the above negative emotions in the Pharisees in John 8:39-47? Be specific.
Twice when Jesus criticized them they answered Him by pushing back, and then in anger in v48 claiming Jesus had demons. So instead of desiring to listen, seeing that Jesus is right and then repenting and turning away from satan’s desires and desiring Him, they pressed into their father satan instead.
8. How do you respond when you are criticized and why? What might this show you about where your identity?
I think prior to knowing Jesus I totally ignored criticism for it made me terribly upset. I was never angry rather deeply wounded for as a child growing up i believed what my older brother told me I was basically a failure and an awful person. The teasing because I was too skinny and other things shaped how I saw myself as I grew which was very negative. Yet even underneath He was wooing me all those years for He gave me a sensitive heart. After coming to know Him, while I am still blind in so many areas, He opens my eyes continually in His Word and through other believers. For example, that I have idol issues. I didn’t feel condemned because I know that He took that at the cross, rather He melted me to hear Him even though there was a struggle when I first heard it. 🙂 I think that is a stark difference between before I knew Him and after. He placed His Holy Spirit in me..and really that is the difference. He gave me spiritual receptivity-yet I do know my heart is dark and whirly and the evil one can whisper his lies.
I think how I have seen Him change me is that I am growing..and i say GROWING in confidence while resting in His Love for me..It surpasses all the little daily trials it seems..they are becoming smaller and He is bigger. pressing into Him is such a sweet place to be. I see it most at my day job..Honestly, I FINALLY have given that to Him. It took how many months?? 😉 so I do my best for His glory and if He ever wants to remove me, that is okay too. That so helped me when I trained my sub manager not to ‘fear’ if my boss would want her to manage over me some day..If that happens..that is fine I will be happy to go back to not managing..if that is God’s plan then I am content..either way.
Okay, rambling…but truly this is HIS power in me. I am finding the more time I spend with Him as the years go by the more beautiful He is and the more I would MUCH rather be with Him than to worry or fear things and events in life.
8. How do you respond when you are criticized and why? What might this show you about where your identity?
As many have expressed, when I am criticized I have a tendency to view myself as “not enough” and question myself, my ability, my aptitude, etc.; to re-run scripts in my mind of how I might have done something differently, better, etc. Oh the waste and negativity. This tells me that much of my identity is tied up in being acceptable to others, being affirmed by others (i.e., approval idol). I still struggle with this, but I have noticed that I have also become more gentle with myself…my initial thought may be what were you thinking ?, but then (sometimes) behind it is a gentle, no big deal, in the scheme of things…”small potatoes” or something of the like. This isn’t always the case, but I am praising God that it is occurring some of the time.
9. What comments do you have on Debbie’s story? Its beautiful, I love her smile. =) I love that God gave her a “penny drop” moment. In my life these moments have been milestones to look back at just as the Jews looked back to the Exodus as a reminder of God’s love and grace and power and might.
10. Read John 3:3. What does Jesus tell the Pharisee? “…unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
11. Though the phrase “born again” has been mocked and twisted to mean many things, what do you think Jesus was trying to communicate to this religious teacher? He must be made new. He must receive salvation from his bondage in sin and in doing so would receive the love and forgiveness of Christ which would give him a new heart, new mind, and new eyesight. Interesting that Jesus said this after Nicodemus commented on seeing His miracles and saying that God must be with Him. And Jesus responds by implying that they don’t really see until they are born again. Just to witness something amazing isn’t necessarily seeing God. We are just attributing the power to God. But to see God in the amazing is different altogether.
12. How might this be different from the way Nicodemus might have thought a person changes? Nicodemus probably believed in “The System” (Jackie, the article you posted on Job was good!). In other words, you try hard enough and do the right things and you’ll be changed through habit and sheer will power. Justified manipulation of God (though it can not work). Change comes at the end, when you die a wise, old, saintly person. Christ is saying change comes first and from that change is the overflow of different understanding and behavior. There may still be hard work and habit forming involved but those do not change you, your change from God changes the motivation behind these efforts and begets more heart change. Christ is speaking to the heart and soul, Nicodemus is just seeing the actions.
13. What stands out to you from the above and why? Oh so much! First that Ron would be brave enough to ask the question, “How do I know if I am a Christian?” I think there are so many that are afraid to even ask that question (I remember being afraid to!). Then the Puritans strongly implying that if you truly accept Christ there will be change. This is so much better than just encouraging people to stake a claim on a recited prayer and declare they are saved. We need to press in and learn more. I am always and frequently coming to a point where I think, “How did I not know/understand this? Amazing!” He is constantly teaching. The point is to seek Him, not a feel-good about my destination of the after life? And lastly that faith is organic. If it is there there will be fruit, it will grow. This gives me hope, I sometimes feel that my growth is oh so slow but it is growth and I praise Him for that. I can’t help but think of several I know that I do not see growth in, but I cannot see their heart so I do not know, but can pray.
14. Read John 15:5.
15. What does Jesus say here? We cannot be a live branch without a vine. He is the life source and the power to do what we do. When we are fed by the vine (abide in Him) we bear His fruit.
16. If you have put your trust in Christ, share an area where you see evidence of God working in you. How are you seeing His risenness in you? I have struggled with pride my whole life. A consequence from a severe approval idol coupled with painful and frequent rejections. I never saw this pride but He is opening my eyes. I have even had 2 friends recently call me out on this. I shared this before but I expected to be hurt and wounded but really it was a breath of fresh air. I am not really sure why. Perhaps because it released me from having to “hide it” or “perform”? I am not sure but the fact that I not only received their ‘criticism’ but received it calmly and agreed without arguing is evidence of Christ’s hand on my heart. He is pushing aside my pride with love. His love for me and then growing that into a noticed increase in love for others. I have noticed a new attitude in my heart toward others, especially strangers in need. His work.
I see His risenness in me by the weight removed when I repent.
Others of you may get the “Keller quotes” email–I thought todays’ was so timely as I continue to ponder our lesson, especially #8. The quote is from Tim Keller’s “Rubbing Hope into the Reality of Death” , one of the chapters in Nancy Guthrie’s compilation, O Love that Will Not Let Me Go.
“Nobody who knows you completely can love you completely. There are people who think you’re great because they don’t really know you. There is nobody on the face of the earth who could know you to the bottom and love you to the skies. But we want that.
When someone likes you but doesn’t know you, it’s not that satisfying. And when someone knows you and doesn’t like you, that certainly isn’t satisfying. What we want is to be utterly known and utterly loved.
And on that day, at the coming of the Lord, we’ll finally get what we’ve longed for–from him and one another. We’ll be utterly known and utterly loved. Yes, the future is a world of love, the kind of love you want, a personal love.”
what stand out tmost is that you got the privilege of helping this couple find Jesus!. What an amazing gift. They are now a branch on the vine and that is so exciting.
I think there are a lot of branches out there trying to be trees. We forget that all we need to do allow him to graft us into himself and that all the powe is in the vine.
Throughout the years the one thing I am noticing is that He has given me a stronger trust in himself. I don’t feel the need to hurry up and fix things the way I used to. I’m able to sit back and rest, knowing that HE is in control. As soon as I start to worry and fret I catch myself and remind myself of all the times HE has been more then faithful.
6. What thoughts do you have on this Lent — on how you might begin to better press into Christ? (If you haven’t prayed about it, do so now, being still before Him. Some find it helpful to choose the same time and place each day to meet with Him. Some find it helpful to read an edifying book. Some find it helpful to give something up, and use that time or hunger to turn to Christ.) I suggest keeping it simple but following through.
First of all, I want to say that our church does not observe Lent. It was not until I started on this blog a few years ago, that I began doing something significant for Lent and, oh, it has been so meaningful to me. I have always loved Easter, but now it is magnified because I am participating in 40 days of anticipation.
I was simply going to say that I plan to read “Abba’s Child” during Lent. That is true, but, on a confessional note, I have found it easy to watch TV in the evenings that I am at home and too tired to concentrate on reading. I have been convicted of this before but I know I need to replace some of that TV time with something to help me press in to Christ. Please pray for me that I will find something to do to fill me quiet evenings when more reading does not work. Perhaps I will try listening to Christian music and maybe revive my neglected crocheting. [Laura dancer, are you still knitting and praying? LOL]
7. In what ways can you see the above negative emotions in the Pharisees in John 8:39-47? Be specific.
This is a good question because it makes me see how like the Pharisees I can be. Their negative reactions to Jesus’ criticism was anger, defensiveness, pride.
8. How do you respond when you are criticized and why? What might this show you about where your identity?
I already confessed earlier in this week’s blog that I am devastated when I am criticized and spend an inordinate amount of time “whipping” myself about it and I feel like going into hiding. I am overwhelmed by all the kind responses to my comments earlier. You all are such sweethearts. Yes, I want to be seen as a “good person”. Wow! This is a real issue that needs to be defeated. I feel like I need to start going to AA meetings (only call them SA – Sinners Anonymous) I confess that I am a sinner, but that does NOT matter. Jesus loves me and died for me. My identity is in Christ, not my works. “My life is hidden with Christ in God.” I want to be crucified with Christ … so that I live in Christ. All these familiar verses are becoming radioactive to me now.
“Sinners Anonymous”…sign me up, too!
Religion presses the will by “putting on morality.” C. S. Lewis said, in Mere Christianity:
“It is not like teaching a horse to jump better and better but like turning a horse into a winged creature.”
I have been pondering this quote and first thought that “it” was referring to “religion” because of Dee’s previous sentence. But then I thought, that cannot be correct. Religion does not turn a horse into a winged creature. Christianity turns a horse into a winged creature. Oh, I love this image. I feel like I am a winged creature but I have been bound by many chains; chains of religious moral teaching, chains of my own fears. I want to be free. I want to fly.
Diane–love this ” I feel like I am a winged creature but I have been bound by many chains; chains of religious moral teaching, chains of my own fears. I want to be free. I want to fly.”–I think I hear your wings aflutter 😉
I love this too, Diane. I don’t think that image of a winged horse will leave my mind any time soon. It would be a great photo to frame with the quote! I also liked your post above about the SA meetings. Wow. That’s a thought! I think we could fill up the chairs in a circle!
Faith in Christ is so counterintuitive……the “rules” are so backwards from what we learn all our lives. If you work hard you can earn this or that…an education, a good job, status. Its so confusing to think if we give up all our working and striving and make ourselves submissive and simply available that God will use that for HIS glory….so confusing yet amazing, Its so different from anything else. If thinkd that is why us humans have tried so hard to put it in a box that fits our nature. we write rules, form systems, hold people to standards of our own making because that is what is comfortable. it is not comfortable to submit your life to an all powerful God, it makes no sense to our intelectual minds.
its so hard to share with those who do not know HIM because there must be a release of thinking we can do anything to earn HIS love….people are often willing to do anything but simply submit. To give up control of yourself is the hardest thing to do.