Tag Archives: salvation

Reconciliation, not Rejection

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Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.
Acts 3:19, NLT*

Peter’s not being judgmental here, not waving a big stick or speaking condemnation. If we could hear his tone, we’d hear urgency. Longing.

In the Temple, he’s speaking to a crowd about Jesus. He has just put it to them plainly: Jesus is the Messiah from God, whom they and their leaders have rejected and killed.

He’s also declared that they didn’t know the full story, and their choices were part of God working out His plan (Acts 3:17-18).

Now that he has laid out the truth, he’s calling for a response. He’s inviting them into forgiveness. Into the Kingdom, where they belong.

This is Peter, who denied his Lord three times. He can’t even claim ignorance for that. Only fear. But Peter knows from personal experience about the forgiveness and grace of God, about the love that longs to restore and reinstate and repurpose.

We know that love, too, so as we encounter people who don’t know Jesus, if the Spirit leads us to address some form of sin that’s holding them back, let’s remember that the goal is reconciliation, not rejection.

Addressing sin isn’t about “look what you did.” It’s about “this is serious, but don’t let it keep you from God’s love.” And instead of pointing fingers, we can speak from a place of experience: “God does forgive, because He’s forgiven me.”

Oh Holy God, You alone are Judge, and You are also Saviour. Give us compassion for those still trapped in sin, and speak through us to offer reconciliation. We know this is a hard topic, and many will take offense at the truth, but help us to speak it in love and to entrust the results to You.

∞

Here’s Michael Card’s haunting question: “What Will it Take to Keep You From Jesus?” Let’s remember the heart behind the call.

*New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Remember and Rejoice

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So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.
Romans 5:11, NLT*

New Christians are so vibrant and full of joy. Whatever our spiritual “age,” let’s think about what relationship with God means:

  • no dread, or fear of punishment
  • no hopelessness about our lives
  • confidence to approach God with our needs (see last week’s post)
  • peace in our spirits
  • forgiveness and cleansing from our sins
  • changing character and behaviour
  • hope of heaven
  • the Holy Spirit’s presence with us each moment
  • access to God’s wisdom
  • spiritual eyes that are learning to see what He sees
  • healing for our hurts
  • usefulness to the Master

And more…

Some of these things are still developing. We haven’t fully arrived, but it’s so good to be on the path with Him.

More than any of these things, relationship with God means we have Him, and He has us. Let’s take time today to rejoice in this wonderful relationship.

God our Maker and Redeemer, it’s beyond wonderful that You have brought us back into relationship with You through Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. Forgive us for getting used to this great gift and not seeing the wonder of it. Teach us to rejoice in You, and make us contagious, so that others will want to know You too.

∞

Big Daddy Weave’s song, “Redeemed,” reminds us of what we’ve gained.

*New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

The Reason for the Season

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Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 7:24b-25a, NLT*

This is why we celebrate Christmas, and Easter, and every other day of the year. We had an impossible need, and God, in His love, mercy and grace, sent His own Son to meet it.

To walk among humans and reveal what the Father’s heart and will looked like. To lay down His life to ransom and redeem us and to break sin’s hold on us.

For this, we have Jesus, and a lifetime of thanks is not enough. Let’s walk with Him each day, hearts surrendered to His, in worship, obedience and adoration.

God our Maker, Redeemer and Sustainer, without You we’d be lost and hopeless, marking time and deceiving ourselves. Thank You for setting us free – at such extreme cost. Help us receive Your gift of salvation and live it fully, so that others will see the difference You make.

∞

Casting Crowns‘ version of “Glorious Day” sums it up so well:

*New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

A Song for Good Friday

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Here we are again in the Christian calendar, in the middle of the Holy Week observances. It would be easier to gloss over the pain Jesus bore to buy our salvation, but we need to know the cost of this gift. It was a price we could never pay, for a rescue we could never earn.

Of the many songs that celebrate Jesus’ willing sacrifice and victory, here’s the one I’ve chosen to share this year: “Too Small a Price,” by Don Francisco. Don’t be alarmed by the 16+ minutes it shows in the YouTube pane. This is a clip from a live event, and after “Too Small a Price,” they sing “Here I Am to Worship.” If you have the time to listen to the end, Don Francisco shares a few words. I wish they hadn’t cut the recording there. You’ll need about 10 minutes to hear the full effect of “Too Small a Price.” Don’t tune out when the Cross part ends, or you’ll miss the wonder of the song.

 

Why Jesus is Relevant

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Our Saviour Jesus poured out new life so generously. God’s gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there’s more life to come—an eternity of life! You can count on this.
Titus 3:5a-7, MSG*

When I was a child, our church encouraged us to invite our friends to Sunday School, and to let them know that Jesus loved them.

I never knew what to say to them about Jesus. That lasted into early adulthood. All I had was, “You need to believe in Him so you’ll go to Heaven when you die.”

Eternity is important, but to the invincible hearts of youth, it’s not imminent. I used to pray, “How do I show them that Jesus is relevant now? In their choices and struggles today?”

He’s relevant in my life, and others will see it when I live authentically. Part of it is that I’m secure in my hope of Heaven because of His promises, but mostly it’s a growing assurance of His presence and His care.

The longer I live in faith, the more my experience proves God’s faithfulness. That doesn’t mean I always trust Him right away or never worry or get discouraged, but we have a history. A track record that reinforces my faith as I look back.

Nothing has been too much for Him yet, and I have His promise that He never changes. Or sleeps, for that matter! He won’t run out of energy or mercy or power.

Restored relationship with God – and our lives, given back to us. Life with a fullness we didn’t have before. God with us, to save, sustain and strengthen. We don’t have to be alone anymore.

That’s the Good News. It’s relevant. And it won’t end with death, although the pain will.

Why do we need Jesus? For the here and now… and for eternity.

Eternal Father, strong and compassionate to save, when we didn’t even see our need, You paid everything to rescue us. You promise to never leave or forsake us, and You keep Your word. Open our eyes to how deeply You want to be involved in our lives. Help us live in faith. Help us to share the truth and the relevance of the Gospel with those around us. Open their hearts to receive You.

∞

Let Matt Maher‘s song, “Lord I Need You,” be our prayer today.

*The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

God and People, Reconciled

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The Saviour—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!
Luke 2:11, NLT*

Nobody was ready. They didn’t even know He was coming, especially not that way—as a helpless baby—and in that place and moment.

But He came. God incarnate.

Because we’d never be ready without His help.

God with us. Our salvation. Our redeemer. Our friend. Our hope.

The word “sinners” is out of favour these days, perhaps because it conjures images of pointing fingers and judging tones. But “sin” means anything that separates us from God. Sinners, thus, are those people who are separated from Him.

That means all of us, as long as we’re living in our own strength. The only One entitled to point the finger chose instead to take on human form, identify with us, and bring us back into relationship with Himself.

God and sinners reconciled.

Not a bad gift at all.

Merry Christmas and a blessed new year to each of my readers. Thank you for taking time with me.

Creator and Redeemer God, we could never earn Your favour, but You love us too much to abandon us when we fall short. As we accept Your great gift of salvation, all we can offer is our hearts in obedient trust and love. We are Yours, and we rejoice in Your presence.

∞

Singing about our reconciliation, here’s Austin Stone Worship with Hark the Herald Angels Sing (from their Christmas album, which is one of my favourites)

*New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Spiritual Check-up

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But women will be saved through childbearing, assuming they continue to live in faith, love, holiness, and modesty.
1 Timothy 2:15, NLT* (emphasis mine)

I hesitated to use this verse, so let’s get the obstacle out of the way first. The “childbearing” part has been misused and has caused great pain to single or infertile women. Footnotes for this verse in the NLT say it can also mean “will be saved by accepting their role as mothers, or will be saved by the birth of the Child.” Me, I like the latter one.

That’s not what I wanted to share today, but I didn’t want to lose anyone because of it.

“Saved … assuming they continue to live in faith, love, holiness and modesty.”

That’s what I want to talk about.

Not that the way women (and men) live will earn our salvation, but that this is what the working out of our salvation will look like.

Remember the way it’s said “I am saved, I am being saved, I will be saved”? How it’s all reflecting a different aspect of the same process?

Spiritual check-up time:

  • Faith: how often do I forget faith and live by sight, in anxiety and stress?
  • Love: how much of God’s love grows in me for those outside my family and friendships?
  • Holiness: is it the “rules” type, or the inner glow of the Holy Spirit?
  • Modesty: not just do I dress in non-provocative clothing, but do I draw attention to myself instead of to God?

These are attributes that resonate with me, that I’d like to develop as I find my identity as a child of God. They describe the women of faith in my life, the ones I want to “be like when I grow up.”

God our Saviour and our Shepherd, thank You for the grace to grow in our salvation. Thank You for those in the faith who have been our examples and our role models, and for Jesus Christ who demonstrated a life fully pleasing to You. Please help us to live in faith, love, holiness and modesty – to live in You.

∞

Here’s a song I loved from years ago: “Growing Up to be a Child” by Sheila Walsh. May God grow this trusting heart in us.

*New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

 

 

When Our Role is to Pray and Wait

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When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father…’
Luke 15:17-18a NLT*

Last week we talked about how if there’s something our loved ones need to learn or change in their thinking, we can trust God to make it plain to them. We were looking at how God works in the lives of believers (including our own lives!)

Today’s verse reminds me this principle also applies for those who don’t yet know Jesus. That’s a huge comfort as we pray for people who are outside of relationship with God. And it makes perfect sense. After all, it’s God who initiates the contact, who softens hearts and gives faith.

When the young man in the parable left home, his father’s only option was to pray. Jesus didn’t say he did, but I think it’s implied by how he was watching and waiting for his son’s return.

We don’t know how long he waited, either.

The father knew the trouble his son could get into, and he presumably prayed for physical and spiritual protection. I’m guessing he also prayed for God to change the young man’s heart and bring him home.

He may well have prayed in terms of love, light and freedom. [Please follow the link to read Ginny Jaques’ insightful article on praying for unsaved loved ones.]

God our Father, thank You for revealing Your love to us, shining Your light of truth on our lives, and giving us freedom to choose You. Help us as we pray for those we love who don’t yet trust You. Help us pray in love, power and confidence, and help us wait for Your perfect timing as You draw them to know You. You love them even more than we do, and in this we will rest.

∞

Amy Grant‘s song, “I’ll Be Waiting,” captures some of the longing heart for a wayward loved one.

*New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

God’s Good News

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For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight.
Romans 1:16-17a, NLT* (emphasis mine)

Nobody wants to be a pushy, in-your-face salesperson. Well, except pushy, in-your-face salespeople, I suppose…

But I think that’s partly why it’s hard for Christians to share our faith. We forget that it’s not our job to “close the deal” on a person’s salvation. It’s God’s job to soften the other’s heart and open them to hear the truth about Jesus, and it’s God’s job to give the faith and courage to accept that truth.

He may want us to be part of presenting some of that truth, though. If people have questions, we need to be able to give an answer about our hope and faith. (1 Peter 3:15)

Think for a minute about this good news:

  • It tells what God has done for all people, all over the world. We didn’t even know He’d done it until after the fact.
  • We need to believe it and obey Jesus. (verse 5)
  • It’s the power of God at work. Wow!
  • It saves everyone who believes it.
  • It tells how God makes us right with Himself.
  • It’s only by faith. (verse 17)

Doesn’t that put a bit more light in your spirit, just thinking about it? Doesn’t it sound like something worth sharing?

Holy and Majestic God, this Holy Week we thank You again for the gift of Your Son Jesus, who came to show us who You are and to make us right with You. None of us could earn Your approval, but You did this for us, in all our messes, to rescue and redeem us. Remind us of the power of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Remind us of our hope. And help us to share the good news with those who need to hear it, in ways that will reach their hearts.

∞

Here’s Phil Driscoll with  “Jesus Paid it All.” This is such a powerful song, and the trumpet is amazing. I don’t think the video is too graphic, but if you’re concerned, listen with your eyes closed…

*New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Committed to God

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I will also bless the foreigners who commit themselves to the Lord,
who serve him and love his name,
who worship him and do not desecrate the Sabbath day of rest,
and who hold fast to my covenant.
Isaiah 56:6, NLT*

Have we committed ourselves to God—bound ourselves to Him, in some translations?

We did at the moment of our salvation, but do we remember it and live it as strongly as we’d intended?

Committed to God: to belong to Him and to rely on His protection and grace.

Serving God: not to please ourselves, not to please others.

Loving His name: loving who He is, loving and proclaiming His character and reputation.

Worshipping Him: honouring, praising, obeying Him as God alone; keeping our minds and hearts fixed on Him.

Not desecrating the Sabbath: embracing and receiving the rest He gives. (For those who see the New Testament Sabbath rest as more than observing one day as holy, as a daily and ongoing rest, this is even more profound.)

Holding fast to His covenant (His new covenant, as established by the shed blood of Jesus): clinging to our salvation and walking in His light.

God who is worthy of worship and praise, God who saves us and changes us from foreigners to adopted daughters and sons, help us to fully commit ourselves to You. Help us serve and love You, worship You and live to Your glory. Help us live like the people You’ve called us to be, and keep our hearts fixed on You.

∞

Let MercyMe’s song, “In You,” be our prayer today.

*New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.