"HOLDING THESE TRUTHS ..."

                                                                        

"HOLDING THESE TRUTHS ..."

Acts 22:22-29, Psalms 33:1-22 
(Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday)

INTRODUCTION: 250 years ago, a group, representing each of the 13 British Colonies in the New World, met in Philadelphia to decide what course of action should be taken against the King of Great Britain. For months these representatives had been arguing amongst themselves as to what they should do.

Issues:
• King was not Assenting to the Laws, the most wholesome and necessary good for the public.
• Forbidding Governors from passing Laws of immediate and pressing importance until the Assent of the King.
• Relinquishing rights of Representation in the Legislature, rights inestimable to them.
• Calling meetings of Legislature in unusual places and times for purpose of fatiguing them.
• Dissolving Representative Houses for opposing the invasion of the rights of people.
• Refusing to allow others to be elected.
• Obstructing Laws of Naturalization of Foreigners.
• Obstructing the administration of justice, by refusing to Assent to Laws for establishing Justices.
• Making Judges dependent on the King's will.
• Erecting new offices to harass people and to eat out of their substance.
• Keeping among us, in time of peace, standing armies, without the consent of our legislators.
• Rendering the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.           (Total: 27 charges against the King) *

After great debate, realizing the consequences of their action, The Continental Congress voted to Declare their Independence from the British Crown.            After additional hours of exacting work & debate, July 4, 1776, Declaration of Independence was adopted. First published on July 6, 1776, in the Pennsylvania Evening Post. It wasn’t until August 2, 1776, that a copy of the Declaration was signed by members of Congress.
“When in the Course of human events ...
We hold these TRUTHS to be self-evident ...
We, therefore, the Representatives ...

250 years later, there are some in our nation, struggling with an identity crisis. With the National Unemployment at 4.3%, Home values way up. Yes, the National Debt Ceiling at $41.1 Trillion.  For the first time in a longtime, U.S. military troops are not at war.  As of writing this, the peace deal with Iran, signed June 19, is holding. Yet there still is an uncertainty in the Middle East.

What has been exciting and refreshing is hearing fans from Europe who came for the FIFA World Cup of Soccer, talk so positively about the United States.   

They are impressed by our Freedoms, Opportunities and Fun.  Those qualities come from the foundational principles (TRUTH'S) on which our nation was founded.

There are those who say there is No basis for truth: “Whatever seems best for society.” “Social Laws are relative.”
Knowing the reason for our founding is important today.
John Calvin regarding Justice: "The source of Laws is God’s Word."
(See Footnote** for an illustration of what John Calvin meant.)

It is because of God’s Law that People can act ...
Revolution often follows Christianity.
Bible inspired Rutherford who inspired John Witherspoon, signer of Declaration and founder of what is today called Princeton University.
Reformation inspired Locke who inspired Thomas Jefferson.
Martin Luther wrote of “Priesthood of Believers.”
Fundamentally equating among people control of authority by individual conscience.
John Calvin wrote of God's Elect and inspired Puritans -
Absolute Freedom, Absolute Authority for War.
Social Contract based on God’s Covenant.
God the Absolute, granted Freedoms.
God's Contract was the cornerstone of English & American Law
Localism - Town Hall Meetings.

David Minwar writes of the:
Four Basic Tenants of American Development:
1. Doctrine of Equality - Each created in God’s Image. Priesthood of Believers - (Value of Individuals).
2. Government founded on the consent of the governed.
3. Work led to release from uncertainties of Society.
4. Public Education & Scholarship. +

John Locke: “Man’s interests: Life, Liberty & Estate.”
Man gives up some freedoms for Protection.
Purpose of Government is to Protect basic rights
- There are Limits of Power.
- Limit of the Consent.
(To speed process of implementing the Declaration it was decided to
skip ratification of states.)

Foundation of the Declaration of Independence:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident ...
All men are created equal. That they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”

- “According to this view, man is an integral creature with innate moral qualities created in personal relationship with God.
- While man is created by God for relationship with God, man has broken that relationship by setting up his own base - selfish passion.
- Lust is at war with Love.” ++

It is this fact that explains the development of civil government.
“That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted by the Consent of the Governed.”
Principal Problem for framers was Control of Authority
Liberty and Authority - Form and Freedom.

“The declaration assumes an absolute metaphysics from which are derived the ideas of self-evident rights and equality of men. The propositions that men are equal and have unalienable rights are moral axioms understood through reason, but not subject to proof, in the empirical sense. (Scripture) They are expressive of the fundamental moral revelations of natural law that governs the universe whether they are understood or honored does not affect their verity.” +++

Compare the Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness with the
Liberte, Egalete, Fraternite (Life, Equality, Fraternity) of the French Revolution. For us the value of our God given life leads to liberty so that we may pursue happiness. The French Revolution was founded on liberty & equality. That revolution resulted in cruel deaths & chaos.
The monarchy was replaced by an emperor, Napoleon.

George Washington: “The hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in all this that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations.”

John Adams: “The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were...the great principles of Christianity.”
He recommended that America’s birthday “be commemorated as a
day of solemn deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.”

John Quincy Adams, sixth president of the United States on July 4, 1837, said:
“In the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked to the birthday of the Savior. The Declaration of Independence laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first principles of Christianity.” I would and God’s Word.

If you haven’t read the Declaration of Independence lately
I strongly urge you to do so over this 4th of July weekend.

The Signers of the Declaration of Independence knew they would be condemned to death & were placing their lives & property of the line for holding to the truths by which they stood declaring independence from the King

(Nine of the thirty-six Signers died in the Revolutionary War.)

Here are a sample of the Scriptures that influenced them and
can give us truths we can hold guiding our decisions.

Psalm 33:4 God’s words are right, true and can be trusted.
God’s Word is reliable because, unlike people
God does not lie, forget, change his words or
leave his promises unfulfilled. We can trust God’s Word because it contains the words of a trustworthy, and unchangeable God.

Psalm 33:6-9 is a Poetic summary of Creation.
God is coordinator of natural forces,
Lord of creation and The Almighty God.
Because God is all-powerful, we revere him in all we do.

Psalm 33:11 "The plans of the Lord stand forever.
Are you frustrated by the inconsistencies seen in others, or yourself?
God is completely trustworthy; his intentions never change.
James 1:17 says:
Every good and perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,
who does not change like shifting shadows.

When wondering whom you can trust, God is consistent.
Let God counsel you and trust God’s plans for your life.

Read Psalm 33:16-17 Horse is equated with military strength.
Because God rules and overrules every nation, leaders should never put their complete trust in physical power. Military might is not the ground of hope.    Hope is in God.

The Bottom Line is found in Psalm 33:12
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
the people he chose for his inheritance.

In uncertain times where will you place your trust?
What will you hold on to? What truths will guide you?

May our nation return to foundation & truths held
by our founding fathers. Holding these Truths ...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
* Thomas J. Norton, The Constitution... p. 267
+ David Minwar, Ideas and Politics: p. 31
++ Ibid. p. 77
+++ Ibid.

** In the old courthouse, Geneva, Switzerland where John Calvin served as Pastor and dramatically change the city, there is a painting on the wall behind where the Judge sits. The painting is of a courtroom. In the corner is Justice portrayed as a woman holding a scale in one hand and sword in the other. She in not blindfolded as she is in our country.
In front of the Judge are two tables with lawyers & clients sitting behind them facing the Judge. The Judge is looking at Justice whose sword is pointing to the Bible. Thus, John Calvin’s statement that Justice and
its laws are founded on God’s Word, Bible.

 

                                             

                                                     

 

                                                       

                                                  Trinity Sunday

                                       Romans 8:15-17, Isaiah 6:1-8 

TRINITARIANS:
(“Worshiping One God, not Three”)

INTRODUCTION: Christians are often accused of being tri-theists
by Muslims and Jews. We are not. We are Trinitarians.
Tomorrow is Trinity Sunday in the Christian calendar. I am going to try explaining the concept and implications of believing in a Triune God.

“The doctrine of the Trinity is one of the deepest and most sacred in the Christian system. * Yet it is one of the most confusing of Christian doctrines.

The term “Trinity” came from man (Tertullian, 220 AD) and
not expressed in a creed until the Council of Nicea (325 AD)
from which came the first Christian Creed: “Nicean Creed.”

The Triune Nature of God is NOT a human invention.
Nor is the term “Trinity” simply a metaphysical attempt of describing God.

Both the unity and tri-unity of God are revealed in Scripture.
“Reason shows unity of God; only Revelation shows Trinity of God.”+
Although the term “Trinity” is not found in Scripture,
the concept definitely is Biblical.

The term “trinity” designates Facts that help us better understand the Implications of what God has revealed about God’s self to us.

The First Fact is: There is but One God.

We do not believe in three Gods. Along with Muslims and Jews we affirm the powerful phrase in Deuteronomy 6:4
"The Lord our God is One Lord."
“In the midst of the most seductive forms of polytheism, it was necessary that the Israelites be thoroughly instructed in divine unity.”*
St. Patrick of Ireland used a Shamrock, 3 leaf clover in explaining the Trinity. Three leaves yet one clover. By the way that is why all those celebrating St. Patrick’s Day wearing green and Shamrocks.
I wonder how many realize they are affirming their belief in the Trinity.

The first and foundational in the Ten Commandments was
You shall have no other gods before me. (Exodus 20:3)
I could list many other Scripture stating there is but One God.

The Second Fact is: God is Revealed in Three Ways.

From the first verse of the Bible:
"In the beginning God ... Elohim-the Hebrew word for God is plural
created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:26 states:
"God ... Elohim, said:
'Let us make man in our own image, after our likeness." In Genesis 3:22:
The Lord said, this man has become like one of us. Isaiah 6:8:
"The Lord said: Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?"

Even the sacred phrase for Jews, Muslims and Christians:
"The Lord, Elohim (Our Gods) is One Lord."

When Jews and Muslims are asked to explain these verses, their response is: “this is a council in Heaven of which God is the Moderator.”
Jews acknowledge God’s Spirit came upon prophets and priests but will not say the Spirit is God. Numbers 11:24-24 tells of God’s Spirit being given to seventy elders who had been chosen to assist Moses.
"The Lord took of the Spirit that was on him (Moses)
and put the Spirit on the seventy elders." (11:25)

Though there is but One God, God is revealed in the Three Ways.
The Greek word hypostasis means “substance” and became the technical term explaining that God is One revealed in Three Ways.

A. The Father is recognized as God.

For the Jews and Muslims this is no problem.
Many Scriptures affirm the Father as God. Two:
John 6:27 "Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.
On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval."

I Peter 1:2 "Peter as apostle of Jesus Christ ... chosen and destined by God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit for the obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood."

The Lord’s Prayer begins: "Our Father in Heaven ..."

For us to address God as Father is a privilege given by Jesus.

B. The Son, Jesus Christ, is recognized as God.

This is what separates Christians from Jews, Muslims and every other religion. Each acknowledges Jesus was a great prophet who lived a exemplary life.      But saying that Jesus, born in Bethlehem, raised in Nazareth and crucified in Jerusalem was God is blasphemy. This is the accusation that ultimately led to Jesus’ death. Again, there are many
Scriptures declaring Jesus was God. Two:

John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, (Greek is Logos) and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

John 1:14 "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.             We have seen his glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father,         full of grace and truth."

This chapter and the Gospel affirm that the Word was Jesus.

John 20:28 One of Jesus’ resurrection appearances was to the
Apostle Thomas, who did not believe Jesus was alive. Jesus said:
"Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Stop doubting and believe." Notice Thomas’s response:
"My Lord and My God!"

While Jesus was on earth he prayed to the Father:
"I do what the Father tells me to do."
How can God be in two places at once?
We say God is omnipresent, God can be in all places at once.
(Try Comprehending one God being both on earth in a physical human form and yet be transcendent, not bound by earth’s restrictions.)

There are many who say Jesus was a Son of God, just like you and I are Children of God. That is Not What Scripture says. It was against that heresy the Council of Nicea met and drafted what we call the Necean Creed.
(Read the Creed at the end of this blog**) Notice that Jesus is
described as Substance that is the Greek word: hypostasis.

In Jesus, God revealed God’s self to us.
In Jesus, we who were separated from God by sin were
brought to God through our faith in Jesus, his dying on
a cross and resurrection from the dead. From John and
other Scriptures we read Jesus was present at creation.
We believe that God revealed as the Son is Elohim.

C. The Holy Spirit is recognized as God,

Jesus says to his disciples: (John 14:16)
"I will never leave you or forsake you.
I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor."

Last Saturday I wrote about Pentecost, the time when the promised Counselor,
the Holy Spirit, came and permanently dwelt among Jesus’ followers.
It was the Holy Spirit’s presence who enabled the disciples to boldly speak about Jesus. Two Scriptures: First Peter’s response to Ananias & Sapheria.

Read Acts 5:1-12 to understand who they were and why Peter said the following:

"How is that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself of the money you received for the land. Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing?
You have not lied to men but to God." (Acts 5:3-4)

Notice how the Holy Spirit is God.

I Corinthians 3:16:
"Don’t you know that you yourselves
are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit lives in you?"

Throughout the New and Old Testaments, the Spirit of God,
the Holy Spirit, the Counselor, the Guide and other
names are given to that manifestation of God, is God.

That is why we Christians believe that though God is One,
God is also Triune. Bringing together these two diametrically opposed opinions was the struggle of the early Christian Community, which developed the term, Trinity.

Reading the Scriptures: The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are interchangeable. Each has a particular function. Each in interconnected with the other. Father is primarily revealed as Creator,
Son is primarily revealed as Redeemer and
Holy Spirit is primarily revealed as Enabler.

An illustration: The Formula H2O = Water. Combining 2 molecules (hypostasis) of Hydrogen and 1 molecule of Oxygen results in water.
It is liquid and can be swallowed. Same liquid cooled to at least 32*F results in a solid object. Still H2O - different form.
Heat that solid and it becomes liquid and then steam vapor.
That same H2O can be taken to different locations and used in the three forms all at once.

Any analogy trying to illustrate the Trinity is difficult and falls short of explaining the different ways God has revealed God’s self to humanity.

Some of you are asking: “What difference does it make whether we believe in a triune God?” or “I don’t understand the Trinity, but I am willing to accept that God is revealed in Three Ways in Scripture.”

There are Three Implications for us.

1. Understanding that we may be accused of worshiping more than one God.

We do Not Worship Three gods, Only One.
Some say God is ultimate. Jesus is subservient and
the Holy Spirit is at the bottom of the authority grid.

That is Not what Scripture says.
The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are all equal. They are God.

2. God did not create us because it was necessary for God to have relationships. God already had relationships, Elohim.
Elohim wants a relationship with humanity,
but not because God was lonely. God created humanity out of love.

3. God is not restricted to a transcendent state, that is God is not just in Heaven, God the Holy Spirit dwells with us in this 21st century.
God’s presence is God’s Spirit.
We serve God, enabled and empowered by The Holy Spirit.
The Spirit of God joins with our spirit testifying that we are God’s children, and if God’s children, then heirs.

"The Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
We are God’s heirs and Christ’s fellow-heirs." (Rom. 8:16-17)

CONCLUSION: Trinity is Not a human invention.
It is an aspect of God revealed in Scripture.
As Trinitarians we “believe in a God who is revealed in three different ways.” Each of the Elohim has a particular relationship to us, as God’s children.      Each brings a depth of relationship that would not be present if we had only one aspect of God revealed to us.

God may be called Father, Son or Holy Spirit.
Each possess all the substance and all the attributes of the deity.
God is not: Three and One, but Three in One.

The Trinity is not a partnership in which each member can sign for the name of the firm; this is unity of council and operation only (Synchronicity) not essence. God’s nature is not an abstract but an organic unity.

Footnotes: * H. Orton Wiley, Christian Theology, Vol. 1
(Beacon Hill Press: Kansas City, 1969. 393, 395)

+ Augustus H. Strong, Systematic Theology.
(The Judson Press: Valley Forge, 1907, 1967. 304)

The Nicene Creed:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light,
very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made. Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.

And I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen

  

                                          "GOD'S EMPOWERING SPIRIT"

                                                          PETECOST

To: Jesus Christ From: Kingdom Analysis HR.             Subject: Twelve Management Trainee Evaluations.

Thank you for placing your confidence in Kingdom Analysis HR and submitting the resumes of the 12 men you have picked for management trainee positions in your new organization. Your keen insights have been helpful in our evaluation, but we have gone a few steps further. All 12 have taken our scientifically developed aptitude tests and met one on one with our psychologist and other consultants. Although you have complete confidence in the 12. It is the Kingdom Analysis HR staff opinion that most of your management trainee nominees lack the proper background, education and aptitude for what you are doing. Fundamentally they have no team experience or overall concept what a team does.

More specifically: Simon Peter has fits of anger and could be said to be emotionally unstable. Andrew has failed to exhibit any documented qualities of leadership. Sons of Thunder - James and John only show a drive for personal gain --- company loyalty is not in their vocabulary. Thomas questions everything and it has been determined that this attitude would eventually undermine team morale and cause division. Matthew did not qualify to interact with the Scribes and Pharisees in Jerusalem. James, the son of Alphaeus and Simon-the Zealot definitely could be described as clinically depressed, and indications are they stirrup everyone they meet. We highly and collectively recommend you continue searching for management trainees.

Our suggestion is to look for people with experience, managerial ability and proven leadership. There is a however a slight ray of hope - one of the candidates shows marked potential. He tested well in creative ability. Our staff has concluded he meets people well and exhibits a keen business mind. He is either a nifty name dropper or sincerely has contacts in high places. He ranked highest in motivation, ambition and innovation.  Our staff overwhelming agrees to recommend Judas Iscariot for the position of Chief Operating Officer and potential Chief Executive Officer of the future. The remaining profiles were all clearly suspect as to ability, loyalty or adaptability so we need not pursue their qualifications. We believe this will save you a great deal of money by not continuing our evaluations of this group.

We wish you every success in your new venture.

Kingdom Analysis HR *

God's Empowering Spirit demonstrates that

  God does not call the Equipped ...

  God Equips those God Calls ...

That is what happened 50 Days after Jesus’ Apostles abandoned him, and Peter denied knowing Jesus.  Peter had been an unstable leader during Jesus’s early ministry.  Bravado was his downfall.

As we learned in a past blog: "Called Twice,"), Jesus forgave and restored the humbled Peter.  Now he is boldly speaking to thousands from all over the Mediterranean area. (Read Acts 2:1-21)

 How did that happen?  According to Acts 2 when the Holy Spirit came upon these fishermen, tax collector and zealots they were empowered.

God’s empowering Spirit not only enabled and equipped the Disciples to witness of Jesus, God’s empowering Spirit enables and equips us to do the same.  We are not expected to do God’s work in our own strength or resources.

                                   

 Three Soul-Shaking Aspects which are also with us.

Experiencing God’s Divine Presence.

(Re-read: Acts 2:2-4)

This is what Jesus said to Nicodemus (John 3:8)

Jesus: Holy Spirit is like the wind...

Fire: In the Old Testament = God’s Presence.

John the Baptist: After me will come one who will Baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with Fire. (Matthew 3:11)

Presbyterian Symbol: Flames/

               

God’s presence was known in a spectacular way:

The Holy Spirt came as violent wind and tongues of fire. 

Jesus: Where two or three are gathered in my name, their I AM.

When we gather in Jesus’ name, we are promised of His presence.

We accept God’s Divine Presence by Faith.

 There are times when God’s presence seems more real than others: Retreats, intense prayer or gathering of large numbers of Christians in conferences or crusades.

Often, we “try recapturing that “presence.” It rarely works. 

God’s Presence was revealed in different ways:

After the Prophet Elijah defeated the Prophets of Baal,                                        on Mount Carmel. (I Kg18:18-39) he was threatened by Queen Jezebel. Elijah ran for his life to the desert.  Often after a great spiritual experience, we have a letdown or feel attacked. That was the case with Elijah.  After a period or sleep and nourishment, "The Word of the Lord" came to Elijah asking" "What are you doing here?" (Read I Kings 19:9-13) (Notice God was Not in the earthquake, wind or fire, but in still small voice...gentle whisper.

 Pentecost reminds us that the way we Experience God’s Divine Presence is through the Holy Spirit.  Like wind, we cannot grab a hold of it.  We will experience God’s Empowering Spirit just as did those early disciples.  

The second Soul-Shaking experience was:

Experiencing God’s Divine Power 

As soon as God’s Spirit came upon the disciples, they immediately began speaking of what following Jesus meant in their lives. They began speaking in other languages, as the Spirit enabled them.

These disciples, who 50 days earlier, were hiding behind locked doors, were impelled onto the streets and likely into the Temple, loudly speaking about Jesus.

What a ruckus.  Each disciple speaking in a different language all at the same time.  They drew a crowd of curious pilgrims who had come to Jerusalem for Pentecost.    (Acts 2:8,11-13).

Are not all these men... speaking, Galileans? How is that we hear them speaking our language? Amazed and perplexed, they asked what does this mean? Some of these men are drunk.                                                                           

When the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples, barriers of language and culture were demolished through God’s unifying Spirit. 

What seemed like chaos was God’s restoring order and communication lost at the Tower of Babel, built to reach God on their own terms.  (Genesis 11:7)

Result: God confused their languages ... spread to different parts of the world.   Pentecost began reversing that process.  God made it possible for people to hear in their own language what Jesus had done for them.  The Miracle was not so much that the disciples spoke in other languages but that the Holy Spirit opened their ears ... to hear the good news.

Throughout Acts the Holy Spirit lead Jewish Christians through cultural barriers.  Samaritans (8:14-17), Gentiles (10:44-48) -Transforming Saul into Paul. (Ac 19:1-19)

Since the disciples were all speaking at one time, Peter stood and began clarifying what was happening. (Reread Ac. 2:14-18)

This uneducated fisherman gave an eloquent explanation: What is occurring is a fulfillment of the Prophet Joel.  Peter elaborated on how Jesus of Nazareth, whom the authorities had crucified, 50 days ago, God had raised from the dead.  Peter eloquently showed how Jesus fulfilled all the prophecies of the promised Messiah. 

Following the rather short message 3,000 people made the decision to accept what Peter said was truth and place their lives under the guidance of Jesus Christ.

                     Change your life.  Turn to God and be baptized, each one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, so your sins are forgiven. Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)

When God’s Divine Power (1:8) gripped the disciples, they couldn't help but proclaim what they had learned from Jesus and were empowered to tell others.

We too, gripped by the Holy Spirit, become God’s messengers of the Good News.  When we allow God’s Spirit to use us, we discover God’s Divine Power replacing fear with courage and free flowing words empowering us to speak of what Jesus means in our lives, restoring order, communication and hope.

Experiencing God’s Divine Guidance.

Jesus had told his disciples to wait in Jerusalem until God’s Power came upon them. Then they would be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and the uttermost parts of the earth. That is what began occurring on Pentecost.   Clearly, they were witnesses in Jerusalem.

Jesus had said: When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. (John 16:13)

As those early Christians, who gathered to commemorate Jesus’ last meal with his disciples and witnesses, recalled His teachings, and in prayer sought his guidance, we too read the Gospel accounts of Jesus' life and teaching as we celebrate the Lord's Supper.  It is also a time for us for telling our stories of God's presence and power in our lives. 

It was the Spirit of Truth guiding the Christians in caring for one another. Their love for each other demonstrated God’s love to others.  Acts records how the God’s Spirit led the disciples, individually and corporately in fulfilling what Jesus had told them to do. There are 40 references to the Holy Spirit in first 13 chapters of Acts.

Acts and the Epistles, record how the disciples did not make any decisions or move before (1:24) consulting God in prayer.  Deacon Philip was walking on a road, when the Holy Spirit guided him to an Ethiopian on his way home from Jerusalem.  The Ethiopian was reading a Torah (Jewish Scriptures) which he apparently had purchased hoping to learn about God.  Philip asked: Do you understand what you are reading?  How can I, unless someone explains it? responded the Ethiopian. (Acts 8:31)

Guided by the Holy Spirit, Philip explained the Scripture.  The result was the Ethiopian invited Jesus into his life and was baptized.  The disciples, guided by the Holy Spirit gave guidance in the qualifications of the office of Service/Deacons. (Acts 6:1-7)

The Apostle Paul "was eager to get to Jerusalem for Pentecost, if possible" (Acts 20:18).  Paul sent for the elders in Ephesus to meet him at the ship port (Acts 20:17). speaking to them/"Shepherds" Paul reminded them that The Holy Spirit made them overseers of the church.  (Acts 20:28)

That same Spirit guided Peter and John, giving them courage and what to say when brought before the Sanhedrin (Jewish Governing Body) for speaking about Jesus. (This was after they had healed a crippled beggar, In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk. (Acts 3:6) "Filled with the Holy Spirit, "their response was eloquent."  How did these uneducated Galileans speak so boldly?           The Leaders realized, these two had been with Jesus, for they had done what Jesus did and spoke as he did. (Acts 4:8, 13)      

Living in the 21^st century, we have the same promise of God’s divine guidance.  When we seek God’s wisdom, we will receive it.  It may come through corporate decisions.  We pray, seeking God’s guidance, following God’s guidelines recorded in Scripture when electing Church leaders and choosing which way to go in ministry.

That same Spirit enables us to act with boldness.  That same Spirit will guide us into the future.  The same Spirit leads us to those ready to hear and respond to the Good News of Jesus Christ. 

Pentecost marks the commencement of the ekklesia (Greek word for Church) made up of individuals of various nationalities.  Their belief in God and God’s presence through the Holy Spirit led to a unity of communication.  Today the Church is comprised of people from all parts of the earth.  Something special occurs when Christians gather around the Lord’s Table.  We are all partaking in a sacrament commemorating an act of love and celebrating the presence of God’s Spirit in a manner common to all.  We may not understand the language but fully comprehend what we are doing.  This is evidence of God’s Spirit in our lives.

Pentecost dramatically reminds us that God does not act haphazardly.  God chose Pentecost as the day for the Holy Spirit to come upon God’s people for it was the day God gave the Law to Moses on Mt. Sinai. The Prophet Jeremiah said:(31:31-34)

In Pentecost God fulfilled God’s Promise of engraving God’s law upon people’s hearts, rather than just upon stones.

Pentecost was when people from all parts of the world were in Jerusalem and witnessed the events that occurred that day.  Whether or not they believed what they had heard and seen, I am sure the pilgrims returned to Mesopotamia, Egypt, Libya, Cyrene and Rome telling of that amazing day.  They had heard a message in their own language by people that normally don't speak their language.  God demonstrated in a bold and dramatic way that the curse, which began at the tower of Babel, had been removed.  God was no longer going to confuse the language of people, rather offer a way for them to understand one another and respond to God’s love.                                                

Pentecost is the fulfillment of the prophet Joel.  Up to this point God’s Spirit had come upon National Leaders: Kings, Priests and Prophets.  God spoke to the people through a handful of individuals. 

God taught through trained, and Spirit filled leaders.  Joel said the day was coming when the Spirit of God would come upon all people responding to God, whether male, female or slaves, God would come upon ordinary individuals.  That prophecy was fulfilled on Pentecost in 33 A.D.

The Promise of that Prophecy is real for us.  We believe that God’s Spirit is given to each person, who by faith, accepts Jesus.  We believe that each one of us has the potential of tapping into that very Source of God.  Each of us has been given a gift of God’s Spirit motivating us to service.  When we reach out in God’s love to other people, using that Spiritual Gift, God’s Power is manifested to all.

Nothing will stop God’s plan from being fulfilled. May this Pentecost revitalize your own faith and corporate life.  As you experience God’s presence tomorrow, may you allow God’s spirit to grip and use you in proclaiming God’s message in your community, with your family and friends.  holding on to the assurance of God’s divine presence and guidance in your individual lives. 

(RED is the color of Pentecost.  Why not wear Red.  If asked why you are wearing Red, you can tell them about Pentecost.) 

*HR is a fictitious document to set the tone for this blog and illustrate how God acts differently than corporate America.

This will be my last Blog on Post Jesus' Resurrection events.  I may blog later on other topics. 

                                   

                                              

                                               "POWER AND AUTHORITY"

                                                     (Ascension of Jesus)

Tomorrow is the official start of the finishing season in Minnesota.  The state government has the authority to restrict fishing from the time that the last ice melts on the lakes to the Sunday closest to May 15, often Mother's Day weekend.  For avid fishermen, the right to fish, means sometimes, Mom's loose out.  States and countries have the authority of limiting the number of fish that can be caught.  Here, in Georgetown, Texas, Brushy Creek is the closest place to fish.  The limit of trout is 5 per day.

Authority is something with which many have trouble.  Some of us used to say:  "You can't trust anyone over 40." That was until we turned 40.  In my first church, at the age of 25, I was one of the oldest on Session (Governing Board).  We decided to "Seek God's Leading" and act only if we had a unanimous vote.  We discovered that one person could stop a plan.  We realized that not everyone had the "good of the whole" in mind.  Sometimes, a personal issue or vendetta got in the way of God's leading.  After one very long night of praying, discussing and seeking a solution to an issue, we decided to check the Book Of Order (Constitution of the Presbyterian Church). To our amazement that with which we had wrestled was addressed in the authority of our denomination's constitution.      Our Ultimate Authority is the Holy Bible.  

While serving a church in Denver, Colorado, I decided to learn to fly-fish.  I could have purchased fishing gear and headed to the river, trying my skill at catching trout.  Instead, I asked someone who was a fly-fisherman.  He taught me how to caste, to observe the flying insects on the water and choose flies that were as close to those as possible.  What I learned was the secret to fly-fishing is selecting the appropriate bait. Then again, that is true for all fishing.

In Minnesota, I overheard, in a restaurant, men arguing for hours whether Red Devil or Yellow Stinger was most effective in catching Northerns or Walleye Pike.  "The practice of the fine art of fish capturing,"* means not only selecting the appropriate bait but also knowing where to find the fish. 

Jesus called men to follow him.  He would teach them how to become fishers of people.  One of the first things those followers learned was the authority of Jesus didn't come from training in Rabbinical Schools but from God.  When Jesus was in Capernaum, Galilee, he spoke on a Sabbath. People said:  "What is this teaching?  With authority and power, he gives orders to the evil spirits, and they come out."  (Lk 4:36).  When Jesus calmed a storm, in which the disciples were caught, saying:  "Be Still!" The disciples said:  "Even the wind and the waves obey him."  (Mk 4:41).  On the night, before Jesus was crucified, he prayed:  "Father, the time has come...You granted your Son. authority over all people that he might give eternal life to those you have given him.... As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world."  (Jn. 17:1,18)  

Jesus spent 40 days with his disciples, following his resurrection from the dead, giving them a crash course on all that he had done and taught them.  When you leave on a trip, likely, you give instructions and authority for someone to care for your property of even to act on your behalf.       The Last Will and Testimony are ways of continuing your estate and legacy.  So, it was with Jesus.  His last Charge and Commission, Blessing and Benediction began with a transfer of power and authority.  

                                

                                                            (Painting by Rembrandt)

May 17, we remember the day Jesus transferred his authority to the disciples and then was taken to Heaven.  We call it "Asencion Day."

Jesus took his disciples to the Mount of Olives (first picture) overlooking Jerusalem.  He said:

All authority in heaven and earth has been giving to me.  Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely, I AM with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matt. 28:16) 

Since Jesus had supreme authority and power over all God's creation, his servants including us, may be assured his presence and power was with them and will be with us in all we do.  

There are several Implications:

We are under Christ's Authority.

This event marks the end of Jesus' resurrection appearances.  Jesus opened their minds, so they understood Scriptures. (Lk 24:44) Later, Peter addressing the crowd on Pentecost (which we will discuss in two week) quotes Scripture (Ac. 2:16-39) Peter and John, entering the Temple to pray, were approached by a beggar asking for money.  Peter said:  "we don't have silver or gold.  What we have, we give to you."  Using Jesus' authority, they did and said what Jesus had done and said in similar healing, In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth walk. (Ac. 3:1-10) When Peter and John were arrested for "Speaking and acting in the name of Jesus," they were brought before the Sanhedrin (Jewish Court) and asked:  By what power and authority do you do this?  They responded:  By the Name of Jesus of Nazareth!  ... When they saw their courage... and realized they were ordinary men...who had been with Jesus ... they released them.  (Ac. 4:7-10)

We have been commissioned: 

Jesus said:  "Wherever you go, be a witness."  Jesus is Lord of the Earth.  Like the disciples we can Show and Tell of what God has done for us.  

Jesus said:  "Baptize and Teach everything you have learned."  There was a Series of ever-widening Circles.  The Good News of Jesus Life, Death and Resurrection, spread geographically across races, cultures, including Gentiles, (non-Jews).  God's Gospel has not reached its final destination, if someone in your family, workplace, school or community hasn't heard about Jesus Christ.  Let us be open to God using us in the ever widening of God's loving message. (Using what we learn about fishing, let us Observe, ask questions seeking to find a connection and showing God's Love)

"IN THE NAME OF ... used in Baptism gives the Authority in the Threefold formula:  Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  We did not invent the idea of a Triune God.  It comes from Jesus himself.   (I will write more about this in two weeks, when we celebrate the Coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Disciples on the Jewish Day, 50 days after Passover, Pentecost.

We are Assured of Christ' Presence and Power.

Jesus said:  I will send you what the Father promised.  (Ac. 1:4)   Stay in Jerusalem until you have been clothed with power.  We have been commissioned and have important work to do, which can only be done through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Sometimes that means waiting and listening for God's plans.  We need God's timing and Power to be effective. Power involves courage, boldness, confidence, insight, ability and authority.  The disciples used all those gifts in fulfilling their mission. Those who believe in Jesus and accept him as Lord and Savior will experience the same power of the Holy Spirit in their lives.                                                          

The Gospel of Matthew begins and ends with the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.  And they will call him Immanuel ... God with us. (1:23) And surely, I AM with you always, to the end of the age. (28:20)

Jesus perfectly lived in and carried out God, the Father's Plan.  Jesus Christ, in fellowship with the Father, shared divine power.  That power and authority came upon the disciples 10 days later, Pentecost, of which we will commemorate in two weeks.  Authority: To act in surprising ways -- "Outside the normal way (box) of doing things. Power: To Act on behalf of another. Wherever we go, whether it is next door or to another country, we are to tell of Jesus means in our lives.  This is not an option for those who call Jesus Lord. We are not all evangelists.  We have all received a spiritual gift that enables God's love to flow through us to others.  As we remain in fellowship with Jesus, seeking to live as he taught, we have the comfort of knowing Jesus is always with us.  How can that be if he ascended into Heaven?  Through the Holy Spirit.

As the disciples gazed into the sky watching Jesus ascend, two Angeles said: This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into Heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into Heaven.   (Ac 1:11)

There Jesus took the rightful position of power and rank with the Father in the eternal realm.    Ultimate power raised Jesus from the dead.  The disciples learned to live in that resurrection power.  That is what we called to do.  Let us Go live and act/do in Resurrection Power for the world.

There is a story that when Jesus arrived in Heaven an angel asked:  "What did you do to continue your ministry on Earth?"  Jesus responded:  "I entrusted it to my disciples. " Do you have another plan if they don't do what you taught them?"  "No," responded Jesus, "The Holy Spirit will empower and lead them and through them the Good News will be taken to the Whole World.  We are recipients of their faithfulness. Let us continue spreading the Good News to all we know.

(In two weeks, I will write about Pentecost and Power the disciples received and used in witnessing, wherever they went, of what Jesus meant in their lives and could mean in those who heard their stories.)

* The phrase came from a member in the North Presbyterian Church, Denver, Colorado.

DID JESUS’ PLAN WORK? Matthew 28:16-20, I Peter 1:3

 

                                     DID JESUS’ PLAN WORK?                                                                           Matthew 28:16-20, I Peter 1:3

 
"Had Jesus simply died on the cross, no one would have considered him to be any kind of savior, let alone the Savior of the world." (Mark Roberts) *

Over the last week we have seen how Jesus’ disciples, discouraged and disillusioned, would have dropped the matter of Jesus like a hot potato that had scorched their hands. Once burned by their failed Messiah, they would not have been willing to pick him up again. Surely, they wouldn’t have invented some bizarre theory about Jesus’ death being the source of salvation for the world.

A few days after his death, Jesus showed up again. He appeared, not as one who somehow managed to survive the deathly ordeal of crucifixion, but as one who defeated death itself! The life of God surging through his veins was available to all who put their trust in him.

Jesus’ plan was to entrust his followers with the responsibility of telling everyone they met of His life, death, resurrection and amazing love.

Because God raised Jesus from the dead, we can have confidence that Jesus is indeed the Savior. He did not avoid the Cross, since his death was essential to God’s plan of forgiving all.

The Question is: Did Jesus’ Plan Work?

The paradoxical plan of salvation, in which Jesus took our sin and in exchange placed us in a right relationship with God, succeeded. The Plan Worked!

Three Observations drawn from the Scriptures:

Assured of God’s Power.

A. Nothing Less Than Resurrection Power.

Christians worship on Sunday rather than Saturday because they gather to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.

Christians declared: Jesus Is Risen! on Easter. In reality, each Sunday, Christians should say: He Is Risen! with a response:

He Is Risen Indeed!

Many of us attend worship because someone told us about Jesus. We heard our name called and our eyes were opened.

"Resurrection...gives shape and meaning to the rest of the story of God’s ultimate purposes...Excellent foundation for lively and creative Christian work in the present world." (N.T Wright) **

Some of us worship, like the disciples, with doubts.

God does not turn us away, rather invites us to come closer and see for ourselves. Worship is a time for raising questions and expressing doubts as well as honoring God. Ultimately, we will hear God say: "My Power, that created the Universe, that raised Jesus from the dead and empowered my people, throughout history to fulfill their given tasks, is available to you."

God’s Power: nothing less than resurrection power.

B. Authority Is Beyond Question.

All authority in heaven & earth was given to Jesus.
When Jesus was asked by what authority did he healed, forgave sins, taught or did miracles etc. Jesus responded: My Father who is in heaven sent me ...

I do nothing on my own authority but speak as the Father has taught me.
God the Father gave Jesus' authority over heaven and earth. It was on the basis of that authority that Jesus told his disciples to make disciples as they preached, baptized and taught.

Even as a Sheriff has authority to deputize anyone, so we too receive authority through Jesus Christ. Even as a deputy has the authority of enforcing the law or arresting someone, so have we been entrusted with the authority of forgiving sin (binding and losing) and have the (Keys of Heaven)
(Matthew 16:19)

We believe that this authority was given to all Christians not just Ordained Priests. We call it: "Priesthood of the Believers."

We have been given the power of rebuking Satan even as Jesus did, when Satan said: (Matthew 4:9)
All this I will give you, if you will bow down and worship me. 

We can stand against the attacks of evil. (Ephesians 6:10)
We need not be afraid!
All authority comes from God, the creator and sustainer of all this earth. 
God’s plan for creation includes Jesus, His disciples and us.

Assured of God’s Power.

 Commissioned By God.

Jesus says to the disciples and to us.
As the Father has sent me, so do I send you.
As we are commissioned to tell others the Good News and make them disciples for God’s Kingdom.

A. Take This Message...to your friends and family.

When someone leaves, her or his last words are very important. Jesus’ last words were: "take this message ..." The Disciples had seen that not all responded to Jesus’ message but that did not stop him from continually reaching out. He warned his disciples that their task would not be easy. They were commissioned to do take this message, with them wherever they went.

B. Make Disciples ...in all parts of the world.

How were 11 men or a total of 500 people to accomplish such an enormous assignment? Jesus told them:

Wherever you go talk about me.  Baptize those who favorably respond.
Teach them all I have taught you to obey.
In the NAME not Names - Father, Son, Holy Spirit, (Trinity)

In other words: place my mark upon them and teach them my words. That is not what one would call a careful strategy. That was Jesus’ Plan and it worked! because the disciples who experienced God’s Power obediently did what they were commissioned to do. We are commissioned by God to share Jesus through our lives in God’s world Not by our own strength or strategy but God’s Power

Assured Of God’s Presence.

The disciple’s hearts must have almost stopped when they were commissioned with such a staggering task. Especially, when they realized Jesus was leaving them again.

The assignment was followed, in them same breath, with: and I will be with you.

A. Greatest Task ... in the world.

In previous missions Jesus had sent his disciples only to Jews. (Matthew10:5,6) Their mission now was worldwide. Jesus is Lord of the earth, and he died for the whole world. "For God so loved the world"

We are to go–whether to our next-door neighbors or to another country–and
make disciples. It is not an option. It is a commission given to all who call "Jesus Lord."

We are not all evangelists in the formal sense of that word. We all are gifted to "show God’s Love." As we use that gift we are furthering "Christ Great Commission."

As Ambassadors represents their countries, taking the message entrusted to them to other countries and how they act reflects on their home country, so we as Christ’s Ambassadors, represent God and are commissioned to deliver God’s Good News to this world. Everything we do reflects on God. When we love, give, forgive, show care and speak of Jesus, we reflect Jesus and God.

B. Greatest Presence ... presence in the world.

Jesus said: I AM With You! How is Jesus with us?
Jesus was with the disciples physically until he was taken into heaven,
then spiritually through the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:4)

John Calvin writes: "The pronoun I must be viewed as emphatic; as if he had said that the apostles, if they wished zealously to perform their duty, must not consider what they were able to do, but must rely on the invincible power of those under whose banner they fight."

The Holy Spirit would be Jesus’ presence that would never leave them or forsake them. Jesus continues being with us today through the Holy Spirit.

We are:

Assured of God’s Presence,
Commissioned By God
Assured of God’s Power

We have been Commissioned to carry on Jesus’ Plan. Wherever we go we are to talk about Jesus, telling of His love and desire for all to be forgiven and begin a new life.

I Invite you to write down, if you are a Christian, "why you are a Christian and what Jesus has done in your life." That way you will be "Ready to give reason for the hope within you."

"Do You Believe In Easter?" If so why?

Write it down.

If you are not a Christian and or do not believe in the message of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead celebrated at Easter, write down your reasons for not believing. Are you open to discussing those reasons? If so, I am willing to converse with you. In the message comment of this blog give me your contact information and I will try contacting you. Otherwise, I encourage you to speak to a Christian whom you know and trust with the reasons you don’t believe in Jesus or the reasons for Easter.

If you are a Christian, I encourage you to carry a small Bible, New Testament or Book of the Bible with you to use and give to the person with whom you are sharing the Good News Easter and God’ Transforming love..

Charge and Benediction at the end of worship.

Those attending worship will hear:
From the Old Testament: 

The Lord bless you and keep you,                           
and be gracious unto to you.
The Lord lift up his countenance
upon you and give you peace.Both now and in Life everlasting. Amen.

From the New Testament:

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,
And the Love of God,
and the Communion of the Holy Spirit
be with you all. Amen.
　
The raised hands are a sign of authority which comes from Jesus. The Benediction is not a prayer. It is a Commission given with Jesus’ Authority.

__________________________________________

* Mark D. Roberts, Jesus Revealed

** N.T Wright: (Bishop of Durham,
Church of England) Surprised by Hope