Great Sinner / Greater Savior

“I am a great sinner, and Christ is a great Savior.” John Newton

1 John 1:5-10
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

3 denials of sin:
1. I don’t sin. There’s no sinful nature in me.
2. I’m not that bad.
3. God’s lying – I’m really okay.

He starts by showing them the nature of God – He is light (all is exposed by His light).

“We believe the sun is risen not because we see it but because by it we see everything else.” CS Lewis

God’s light exposes the genuineness of your salvation. In light of the gospel how do I humbly deal with remaining indwelling sin?

Progressive sanctification (spiritual growth) comes when we admit we’re sinners, believe we have a great Savior and are more aware of the indwelling Christ than our indwelling sin.

1. 1 John 1:5-10 teaches us about the reality of indwelling sin.
Sin is not simply eradicated in the life of a Christian.

The denial of the reality of indwelling sin leads to danger (we deceive ourselves – v.6, reject our need for cleansing, transparency, confession, etc…) We find ourselves using euphamisms and living with a “victim” mentality. This leads to an attack on God’s charachter. (we have no sinful nature, have not ever sinned…)

Our hope for the future is not to run from the reality of indwelling sin in our lives – I Tim. 1:15 (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.) The more Paul understood the gospel, the more he saw who he truly was (from least of disciples to worst of sinners).

The “stoplights” in our lives reveal a lot about our sin.

Denying the reality of sin is turning away from God’s light to darkness.

2. 1 John 1:5-10 teaches us about the greater truth of the indwelling Christ. (v.7 and 9 – But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin . . . If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.)

What motivates us to walk in the light?? The gospel – the blood of Jesus Christ that cleanses us from ALL sin (my sin, not in part but the whole)

There is more mercy in Christ than sin in me (Phil 1:6, Phil 2, Rom 6:14). God does not stop with our sin – there is a Savior!

Confession does not cleanse – Christ’s sacrifice does. When I confess – He is faithful! Confession is a desire to walk in His light. It is specific and is based soley on Christ’s work on the cross. Confession brings fellowship, freedom and opens the door to grace.

How does God respond to us?
He is faithful (because He is holy, He can never be unfaithful)
God is just (He cleanses us because of Jesus’ sacrifice)

Questions/ Application:
1. I want to walk in light but I still sin? Am I still a Christian?
2. How do I have fellowship with God and others in light of my sin? by humbly acknoledging sin
3. My sin is so discouraging – is there really hope for change? Yes, He is faithful.
4. Does God grow weary or give up on me because of my sin? No – according to Heb 13, He is abounding in steadfast love!
5. What will others think of my sin? John 1:7 – walk in light = fellowship. Honesty strengthens our relationships.

1. Evaluate how you think about sin. ignore it? overanalyze?
2. When you awake each day are you more aware of your sin or of God’s grace? (if answer = sin, then you have an incomplete view of the gospel. Study the cross).
3. Begin practicing humble confession to God (and others as applicable) and watch how He begins to supernaturally respond.

The Sovereign Shepherd

Lord, the path before me’s looming dark
The way ahead’s unclear.
I can’t see where you are working
Or even if you’re leading here.
It’s such a struggle to trust you
Though I know you to be true.
I’m helpless – like a sheep, dear God,
I don’t know what to do.

My child, stop and listen -
I’m calling you to come.
Though you do not know the way -
I swear – that truly I’m the One
Who will lead and guide you gently
Like a dad – I’m here, I care.
Don’t forget I won’t desert you -
My child, I’ll always be there.

But God, I cannot hear you and
I cannot feel your touch.
I’m longing for your guidance – how
I need it oh so much.
I trust you, but where are you?
Are you even really near?
I’m in a fog, my Savior -
Don’t you know and see my fear?

Oh, Child, please be patient,
I’m working though you can’t see;
What looks like midnight to you now
Is clear as day to me.
I’m sovereign – gently working
Not to harm, but to refine.
I gave my precious son for you -
Gave all so you’d be mine.

You doubt that I still love and care -
Don’t doubt – look to the cross
For there your sacrifice was paid
And every sin was washed.
You cannot earn this love I give
and you can’t find the way.
You need my tender loving hand
to guide you every day.

You fear the unknown bends ahead -
Don’t fear – you are not lost.
Oh, please my child do not forget
I’ve fully paid the cost.
You’re not lost and not forgotten
Not rejected or alone – like a sheep
I’ve carried you – sweet child, home -
Here into my fold.

You cannot see the path ahead but
I can – trust in Me.
It’s only through the eyes of faith
You’ll ever clearly see.
Just trust me – do not be afraid -
My whispering voice you’ll hear -
Just listen – I’m your faithful God
And I am always near.

Hope for Change

Following in line with the “is anybody home” post from a few days ago comes the question of hope. . When you’re asking the same question(s) for years and no answer or hope of an answer seems apparent, it is easy to think that God’s forgotten about those “days” in your life.

I was reading through 1 Peter 1 and I came across verse 13: “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

That’s a very different hope than one that is based on my physical circumstances. Its not a hope based on a job that pays well or relationships that have no struggles (or a relationship that’s not there). Its a hope in the only One who will never disappoint, forget or leave me. Its a hope in my Father who loves me and gave His Son for me. Its a hope in an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. Its an inheritance (adoption) because of the death of my dear Savior.

My Father knows my pain – He remembers I’m dust. How grateful I am that His patience as displayed with the children of Israel has not run out before it came to me. Looking back and seeing His faithfulness in my past gives me yet a deeper understanding of what it means to be “long-sufferring”. And it reassures me that He will confidently and lovingly order my future steps that to me seem so unclear.

Through the Deep Waters

“When through the deep waters I call you to go,the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow; for I will be with you, your troubles to bless, and sanctify to you your deepest distress. When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie, my grace, all sufficient, shall be your supply; the flame shall not hurt you; I only design your dross to consume, and your gold to refine.”

We sang “How Firm a Foundation” Saturday in band rehersal and then yesterday in the church meeting and you know how you can hear something you’ve heard a million times and all of the sudden you’re hearing it for the first time? Well, that happened to me with this song this weekend. I can quote this song. But the words came alive to me in the living room at the Britt’s house about 8 PM on Saturday. I think the reason was several-fold. First, I had just read through 1st Peter in preparation for the new series we started at church this Sunday. The book talks a lot about suffering but the first thing I noticed when I read was the number of times “hope” is mentioned. Its a guarantee, we will suffer in this life, BUT not as one without hope. Why?? Because we are rooted on a firm foundation.

So, as I was singing this song, trying to match the harmony line with the piano and guitar chords, it was as if God was speaking directly to me… “Emily… I have called you to this place in your life. It WILL be a struggle. This coming year will not be easy… Even in your apprehension to embark on what I’m calling you to do, don’t forget I’m here. Don’t forget I care. Don’t forget I’m fully able to relate to your fears and cares. Don’t forget that as you’re going through the deep waters I’ve called you to, I WILL BE WITH YOU! And as I’m sending you to the fire, its not to kill you. My goal is not your harm, rather your good. I long to make you more useful to me. And I can’t do that without the fire. But even through the fire, I WILL BE WITH YOU. And I am not punishing you – I’m refining and re-creating you. Don’t lose hope. I’m the Suffering servant and I’m calling you to mortify your desires – put them to death – choose to suffer lack for me. But realize in that “suffering” you are actually gaining. You are gaining ME! I WILL BE WITH YOU! My presence, comfort, hope, re-assurance and patience will be with you as you stumble, fail, hurt, lack trust and lose hope and focus. But in the end, I’m the God who will restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you. (1 Peter 5:10)

So, the words “the flame shall not hurt you, I only design your dross to consume and your gold to refine” have taken on new meaning. Its a meaning that’s oozing with hope. Its not a shallow “feel – good” hope, but rather a hope that is not dependent on ease. Why?? Because my foundation is firm. And my God is good. And that’s the reason I can look at this year with hope. My prayer is that God will graciously impart joy in my life as I seek to faithfully bear my cross and follow him. As I kill my temporal desires to find eternal satisfaction, I pray that He would remind me of the big picture. When my only wish is to crawl in a ditch and hide from the world, I pray that He would surround me with fresh reminders of His care and provision. And when I get lazy, I pray He would keep me transparent so that the Body can work together in pursuing a common goal of transformation. I pray as I’m tempted to sacrifice my joy for fleeting pleasures, that He would remind me of my eternal Hope to see Him face to face. I want to end well. I want this year to be a year where I die to my desires, I die to my selfish pride and where I consistently have my eternal hope in mind.

Dust Mites

I was reading a blog this morning and once again came up the concept of Christ becoming a speck of dust. here’s the post… its on the humiliation of Christ… http://blazingcenter.blogspot.com/

In care group Friday, Rick was comparing the Incarnation to us becoming a speck of dust to save the dust mites. On Sunday, Matt gave the same comparison and then this morning I ran across this post.

“A leading researcher on humiliation, Dr. Evelin Lindner, defines humiliation as ‘the enforced lowering of a person or group, a process of subjugation that damages or strips away their pride, honor or dignity.’ Further, humiliation means to be placed, against ones will, in a situation where one is made to feel inferior. ‘One of the defining characteristics of humiliation as a process is that the victim is forced into passivity, acted upon, made helpless.’ Johan Galtung, a leading practitioner, agrees with Lindner that the infliction of humiliation is a profoundly violent psychological act that leaves the victim with a deep wound to the psyche.” (Beyondintractability.org)

Christmas celebrates the humiliation of Christ.The Incarnation was the humbling of the King of the universe, the stripping away of his honor and dignity. The Creator of all is born a helpless babe. The One who owns the cattle on a thousand hills is born in poverty. The One who directs the stars in their courses is laid in a trough, dependent on the care of his mother and father. The One who sends the rain cries out in hunger and thirst. The King of glory becomes a speck of dust.

The reality of this blows me away. God who was complete chose to take on this humiliation to come to the earth as a helpless, needy child. He was utterly dependent on care of others. He who needed nothing now took on a weak body that requires sleep. He who created all chose to become “the Least” – why?? to rescue me… to impute His charachter on me. He came to me to adopt me as His child. Me – who rejected Him, who despised Him and like those present the day of His crucifixion — me, who mocked and ridiculed Him for His weakness.

He who was all powerful became weak for me – who was all weakness so that I could experience His power in my life. That power that raised Him from the dead freed me from the slavery to my sin. That strength displayed in His humility gives me the strength to practice humility in my life. That trust that He had in His Father, gives me an example of how to trust my Father. What a paradox the Incarnation is. What a mystery He has revealed. He is the Hope that the entire world has been waiting for. Yet He didn’t come as a ruler – He came as a baby. He came veiled in flesh not as the obvious Ruler of All. The more I understand this, the sweeter Election becomes. Praise be to God who sovereignly ordained all of these details and then for some reason chose at the perfect time to open my eyes to that mystery revealed.

meat puzzles

i have a strong aversion to meat puzzles. i also have a strong aversion to NCIS because of the gross episode I saw (which was apparently the worst episode in the history of the show). Well, as I’ve been applying the sermon from this past Sunday, that specific episode keeps coming to mind. It first popped up in my ever-so-twisted mind as Jim was speaking Sunday morning.

My brain never stops. Sometimes its “i like grapes… m in the p…” other times its “God, why can’t I find you? What are You doing?” other times its “arrgh, meat puzzles in the brain – go away darn meat puzzles!!!!” well, as much as this cracks me up, God (thankfully) gave me a new perspective on the meat puzzles and something else to think about when those thoughts of grossness come into my head. Jim mentioned that we’re not a slave to sin anymore. That slowly that life is being drained out of us.

The first thing that popped in my head when he said “life being drained” was the dude in NCIS laying on the mortician’s table while still alive but having his blood drained from him. SICK MORTICIAN DUDE!! AARGH! He was tied to the table – helpless and not at all in control of what was happening to him. He was even fighting what was happening to him. Yet, the life was being drained from him – quite literally. In the sick twisted way that it is, that gave me a picture of what God is doing/ has done in my life. Even at times when I fight it, He is draining the life of sin from me. And as much as having all your blood pumped from you – its a painful process. But unlike the poor helpless dude on the stark metal table, there’s hope for me. I don’t have a mortician working on me – I have a friend. a father. a care-taker. There’s hope. Why? because He’s not going to leave me lifeless on the table – He’s changed my nature…

ok, now on to the rest of my thoughts… suddenly I’m not on the table anymore. I’m the peach tree in the field. I’ve been changed. And my caretaker is the same one who was the surgeon draining that poisonous blood from my soul. Why did he put me through that painful process? Because He knew if He didn’t that I would eventually be killed from the inside out by that poison. And he’s Someone who’s not discouraged when my little “peach” of good fruit withers or doesn’t grow properly. Why?? because He has changed who I am. He’s (though painfully) drained my deathly blood and has pumped life into me. And even though I still sin, there is hope. because i’ve got new blood.

The fact that I’m not a slave to sin anymore gives me SO MUCH hope. Not with the thought that I’ll no longer sin, but the thought that it doesn’t control me. It doesn’t manipulate who I am. And even when it manipulates my thoughts, it doesn’t manipulate my new nature. And it NEVER will! Romans 6:11 comes to mind – recon yourselves to be dead to the world AND alive to God. He didn’t leave me dead on the table. I now have a new life. and not the deadly life I had before – this is a life that is full of hope and joy!

Oh, that I might know where I may find Him…

Job 23
Job Replies: Where Is God?

Then Job answered and said: “Today also my complaint is bitter; my hand is heavy on account of my groaning. Oh, that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his seat! I would lay my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments. I would know what he would answer me and understand what he would say to me. Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No; he would pay attention to me. There an upright man could argue with him, and I would be acquitted forever by my judge. “Behold, I go forward, but he is not there, and backward, but I do not perceive him; on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him; he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food. But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back? What he desires, that he does. For he will complete what he appoints for me, and many such things are in his mind. Therefore I am terrified at his presence; when I consider, I am in dread of him. God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me; yet I am not silenced because of the darkness, nor because thick darkness covers my face.

Friday Night Highlights – 10-19

Getting the Gospel Right Part 3
Are Course Corrections Possible?
1 Timothy 1:15
IF ……………..the gospel is the power of God unto salvation
THEN………………………………………………. defining it is crucial
If…………………………………………….. proclaiming is a necessity
THEN…………………………………….. understanding it is critical
AND…………………………………….. applying it must be primary
BECAUSE………………………………………………… love is our goal.

Memorize 1 Tim. 1:15 – “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.”

1. Look for a door.
2. Proclamation.
3. Conversation.
a. Plant
b. Water
4. Invitation.

Are you on a mission or are the cares and concerns of your life encroaching upon you, hindering and blinding you to opportunity for relationship, declaration, loving, sympathizing, hearing, listening, looking… and accepting that as a chance to joyously proclaim and introduce the gospel?

The world is dying and going to hell while we have the keys to heaven in our pocket.

Do you begin the process immediately: “I want a door into them, I want to share, I want to declare. How can I love?”
1 Peter 3:15
Do you radiate Christ?
Are you characterized by joy and contagion?

If you love God, you love those he has created and then your love, received in Christ, should/will be the center, the motivation, the all that you have to offer – that’s what should bring you into relationship and allow you to push forward toward the cross and then rest there together (you and whoever God has given you to show His character off to).

What is hindering you from bursting with light? What is hindering you from consistently being ready with the gospel?

What are you missing in your heart that is keeping it from being driven with, to, and for the gospel? The gospel is apparently not good news… you are missing love/passion/joy in and for the gospel.

1 Cor. 9:14 – fueled by the gospel.
Luke 6:43-45

If the gospel is not on the surface then it’s not at the root.
Why am I not passionate about the gospel, about God, about Christ? What’s your problem with God? It’s going to be very hard to proclaim and know His goodness when you have a problem with Him. It’s hard to be excited about something that you are; it’s hard to behaviorally evangelize when you are:
· Ignorant of (what it/He can do and what my responsibilities are with it/Him)
· Angry, Disappointed, Unbelieving
· Afraid
· Apathetic

The fifth category, the category I should long for and strive toward:
· Growing and being moment by moment affected by the gospel – with ignorance, anger, fear, apathetic waning and being put to death

Primary motive for sanctification and change:
· Kindness – you want to know kindness? It was the will of the Lord to kill His Son.
· Encouragement
· Grace

Recognize and dwell in and upon those Truths in God’s character and put on those attributes (kindness, encouragement, grace) as a part of making disciples and rejoicing in and enjoying God more in light of Him and His work.

2 Thes. 2:16-17

Remedy: Preach the gospel to yourself everyday.
Ps. 19:13-14

Why do we share the gospel:
· Because of who God is
· Because you’ve been affected/effected
· Because you desire that affect/effect for other people – love!

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.

The gospel is the power of God unto salvation.

Are you aware of who you are in Christ on a daily basis. How can you commend that work of Christ if you don’t know joy in it?

Default to being tethered to the Father… that is Christ-likeness in action.
Let the game come to you. Stay alert. Stay in faith – full of faith. Arise my soul and await and rest in your King. Know that He’s working. Seek His kingdom. Seek His character. Be aware of others. Take hold of every opportunity to serve.

Hope: You are not conformed. You are a work in progress. You are being brought to completion, but this isn’t it… but it is going to be GOOD.

There is grace!
Receive it.
Have faith for change!

Friday Night Highlights

Since the gospel is the power of God unto salvation, then defining it is crucial. Since proclaiming it is a necessity, then understanding the gospel is mission critical and applying the gospel must be primary because loving God and man is our goal.

We experience victory but we don’t live there all the time.
We are not conformed to the image of Christ; we are being conformed.
The gospel is about a relationship with a person who loves me and whom I love. It is not just duty. It is based on a relationship built out of love.
The answer to every single issue or problem in life can be found in the gospel.

No one responds to truth. They respond to their interpretation of the truth. What is your filter when you are looking at the truths found in God’s word? We are subjective creatures – only God can look at truth objectively.

How does complaining show that you have the wrong “interperative grid” when viewing the gospel? James 2:8-10, Romans 1:29-31 – there are no categories to sin.

The more we understand the depths of our sin, the more amazing grace becomes. Our sin points us to our dependency on Christ. Rejoice in my infirmities – Why? that the POWER of Christ may dwell in me – how can this power dwell in me? Because I am relying on HIs strength – when I am weak, his power is able to shine through me.

What is your dominating sin pattern? That is the area in my life for me to most humbly rely on God. How do we fight it? prostrate ourselves before the throne of God. When we try it in our own strength its like a rollercoaster.

Is God’s grace sufficient for me with this unmoveable thorn? 1 Peter 1:4 – inheritance incorruptible. We don’t realize what we’ve already been given. Don’t you realize you’re a joint heir to the king? Why are you wanting dirt when you already have gold?

Take 10 looks at the cross for every one look at yourself.
Are you more aware of your sin or the grace of God? 1 Jn. 1:7

Me?

this past Sunday’s sermon was a recap on Mark again but this time with a focus on our mission. What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ? Who is this message for? Is it only for missionaries and evangelists or is it for me to? I’ve spent so much of my life thinking that the “great commision” was specifically for missionaries. Of course it somehow applies to all of us, but it really was only intended for people going to the Amazon or Africa. As much as that is needed, how much am I missing? Well, when “missions” refers to going overseas and telling others about Christ, its easy to live life “in the future.” One day, when I’m … then I’ll … . But what about today? What do others see from my life now? How am I making disciples today?

My first thought is “um, hello God – I’m not ready for this. Look at my life – its a mess – I sin over and over again, I struggle with stupid sins that I should have victory over. You really want me? Do you know what you’re getting?” and yet for some reason He puts people into my life that I’m discipling. I guess whether we know it or not, we’re either leading others to love God more or love ourselves, our sin, etc more.