Note: This is a direct quote from the writings of Dietrich Bonhoffer. In these days of "easy believe-ism," it seems important to re-examine this thought and ponder on it's significance...
"Cheap grace means grace alone does everything, and so, everything can remain as it was before. Let the Christian live like the rest of the world, let him model himself after the world's standards. Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance.
Costly grace is the treasure hidden in a field. It is the kingly rule of Christ. Costly grace is the Gospel which must be sought again and again, the gift which must be asked for, the door at which one must knock.
Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life..."
~ Dietrich Bonhoffer
Showing posts with label Repentance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Repentance. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Monday, March 12, 2012
God's "If Only..."
Text: Psalm 81:8-16
God says, "Hear, O My people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto Me." One of God's characteristics is that He is oh, so willing to make Himself know. He tells plainly what He thinks and feels, leaving no room for doubt or uncertainty. Here, in Psalm 81, He opens the record for all to read and understand.
First, He reiterated the commandment, "There shall no strange god be in thee, neither shalt thou worship any strange god. I AM the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide and I will fill it." (verses 9-10*) This last clause contains an amazing promise; one that was fulfilled repeatedly throughout their desert wanderings, was continually fulfilled throughout Old Testament history, and referred prophetically to the initial Holy Ghost outpouring on the Day of Pentecost and on every believer since.
Then comes the indictment: "But My people would not hearken to My voice; and Israel would have none of Me." (verse 11) Eighteen hundred years later, they were still not willing to hearken and heed, for Jesus said, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" (Matthew 23:37; see also Luke 19:42.)
And the consequences... "So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels." (verse 12) Jesus' revealed the overarching result... "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate, For I say unto you, Ye shall not see Me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord." (Matthew 23:38-39) Luke says, "...but now they are hid from thine eyes." (Luke 19:42b)
But! His desire, plan, and hope resounded in His reponse... "Oh that My people had hearkened unto Me, and Israel had walked in My ways!" (verse 13)
Here's what they could have had, if only...
"O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end." (Deuteronomy 32:29)
God's "If only" echoes down through history, breathing a wondrous promise to all who will turn their eyes and ears toward Him in willing obedience. (See Isaiah 1: 19-20.) When conviction brings true repentance; reconciliation, and restoration follow, bringing with them the exceeding, precious promised fulfillment of God's plan and purpose - for us individually, and for His glorious Bride. (See II Chronicles 7:14.)
God says, "Hear, O My people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto Me." One of God's characteristics is that He is oh, so willing to make Himself know. He tells plainly what He thinks and feels, leaving no room for doubt or uncertainty. Here, in Psalm 81, He opens the record for all to read and understand.
First, He reiterated the commandment, "There shall no strange god be in thee, neither shalt thou worship any strange god. I AM the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide and I will fill it." (verses 9-10*) This last clause contains an amazing promise; one that was fulfilled repeatedly throughout their desert wanderings, was continually fulfilled throughout Old Testament history, and referred prophetically to the initial Holy Ghost outpouring on the Day of Pentecost and on every believer since.
Then comes the indictment: "But My people would not hearken to My voice; and Israel would have none of Me." (verse 11) Eighteen hundred years later, they were still not willing to hearken and heed, for Jesus said, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" (Matthew 23:37; see also Luke 19:42.)
And the consequences... "So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels." (verse 12) Jesus' revealed the overarching result... "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate, For I say unto you, Ye shall not see Me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord." (Matthew 23:38-39) Luke says, "...but now they are hid from thine eyes." (Luke 19:42b)
But! His desire, plan, and hope resounded in His reponse... "Oh that My people had hearkened unto Me, and Israel had walked in My ways!" (verse 13)
Here's what they could have had, if only...
- I should have subdued their enemies and turned My hand against their adversaries.
- The haters of God should have submitted unto Him.
- Their [Israel's] time should have endured for ever.
- He should have fed them with the finest of the wheat.* (See verse 10b.)
- With honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee.
"O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end." (Deuteronomy 32:29)
God's "If only" echoes down through history, breathing a wondrous promise to all who will turn their eyes and ears toward Him in willing obedience. (See Isaiah 1: 19-20.) When conviction brings true repentance; reconciliation, and restoration follow, bringing with them the exceeding, precious promised fulfillment of God's plan and purpose - for us individually, and for His glorious Bride. (See II Chronicles 7:14.)
Monday, May 25, 2009
The Prodigal's Mother
Of the prodigal’s tale, we all are aware,
Stubborn, he wanted to manage his share;
So he took it and headed off into the sun,
Determined to have his share of fun.
We hear how he partied away all he had,
Rumors were flowing and all were bad;
The father kept watch as the months wore on,
Only love could rescue his wayward son.
We hear of his downfall, the ruins of sin,
We hear of the pigpen he found himself in;
We hear of the change that began in his heart,
How he thought of home and the servant’s part.
We hear of his journey and father’s delight
We hear sounds of joy as they ring in the night;
Brother’s envy and spite make our spirits groan,
But through it all – we’re glad he’s home.
But what of his mother? We never do hear,
Yet surely her presence was always near;
Her baby was lost – her precious son,
She must have wept and prayed, undone.
In dark, night hours, while others slept,
A tear-stained vigil his mother kept;
She groaned and travailed more deep than at birth,
For the wayward one’s soul had yet greater worth.
She waited and hoped in the promise of God,
Reminding, abiding, her faith walked dry-shod;
Through oceans of tears, through doubts and fear,
Come what may - though it took many a year.
And then, when the promise finally did arrive,
Imagine the sparkle of joy in her eye;
Hustling, bustling in a glorious dither,
The servants all rushing hither and thither.
Mama, in high gear, was doing her best,
Preparing a fabulous celebration fest;
All her boy’s favorite cookies and cake,
Were piled high and waiting for more to bake.
But right in the midst of the joyful preparation,
Mama steals off for a quiet conversation –
With the One who had shared her burden and grief,
“He’s home now, Lord, Oh, what blessed relief!”
Stubborn, he wanted to manage his share;
So he took it and headed off into the sun,
Determined to have his share of fun.
We hear how he partied away all he had,
Rumors were flowing and all were bad;
The father kept watch as the months wore on,
Only love could rescue his wayward son.
We hear of his downfall, the ruins of sin,
We hear of the pigpen he found himself in;
We hear of the change that began in his heart,
How he thought of home and the servant’s part.
We hear of his journey and father’s delight
We hear sounds of joy as they ring in the night;
Brother’s envy and spite make our spirits groan,
But through it all – we’re glad he’s home.
But what of his mother? We never do hear,
Yet surely her presence was always near;
Her baby was lost – her precious son,
She must have wept and prayed, undone.
In dark, night hours, while others slept,
A tear-stained vigil his mother kept;
She groaned and travailed more deep than at birth,
For the wayward one’s soul had yet greater worth.
She waited and hoped in the promise of God,
Reminding, abiding, her faith walked dry-shod;
Through oceans of tears, through doubts and fear,
Come what may - though it took many a year.
And then, when the promise finally did arrive,
Imagine the sparkle of joy in her eye;
Hustling, bustling in a glorious dither,
The servants all rushing hither and thither.
Mama, in high gear, was doing her best,
Preparing a fabulous celebration fest;
All her boy’s favorite cookies and cake,
Were piled high and waiting for more to bake.
But right in the midst of the joyful preparation,
Mama steals off for a quiet conversation –
With the One who had shared her burden and grief,
“He’s home now, Lord, Oh, what blessed relief!”
By Marjorie Kinnee
Note: I took the liberty of adding a possibility to this age-old story in honor of Mothers Day and in tribute to mothers of wayward children. They carry a special burden, full of sorrow, travail and pleading intercession. But they partner with the One whose heart is touched and is able to work, even in the darkest of situations. What He's done for others - He'll do for you! "Now unto Him who is able to do exceeding, abundantly above all we can ask or think...", be all the glory and honor and power and dominion. In Jesus' Name!
Monday, March 10, 2008
You Must Be Born Again!
In John, chapter 3, Nicodemus, the Jewish ruler, came to Jesus by night to ask some questions. Jesus went right to the heart of the matter, saying, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)
Nicodemus was confused, thinking, “It’s impossible to re-enter my mother's womb and be born again!” But Jesus was not talking about a natural birth. He said it again. “Except a man be born of water, and of the Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, you must be born again.” (John 3:5-7)
The deepest, most profound truths are contained in the Bible. Often, they are tucked away in simpler messages, but every word is carefully chosen. When God is speaking, we need to understand exactly what He is saying. The Word of God (the Bible) is eternal and that means forever. (Psalm 118:89) We cannot afford to make a mistake. For a mistake in understanding and in obeying the Word of God is a mistake for eternity.
Jesus used the simple, easy to understand illustration of the birth of a baby to explain the importance of truly being born again. At the birth of a baby, the water in which he has been immersed for nine months gives way for him to enter into the world. However, it is not a “live birth” until that first breath of life enters his lungs. We hear him cry out as he draws that first breath and rejoice. Here’s the underlying truth. Nicodemus needed to know (and so do we,) that just as both water and spirit must be present in natural birth, so both water, (baptism in Jesus' Name by immersion,) and the Spirit (receiving the Holy Ghost - evidenced by speaking in other tongues - crying out) must be present in the New Birth experience. (See Acts 2:38; 8:15-17; 10:44-48; 19:1-7.)
The Apostle Paul explained the New Birth experience as being identified with what Christ accomplished at Calvary. (See Romans 6:1-5.) He described salvation’s three key components; the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
First, Jesus died. He who had no sin, took your sins, my sins, the sins of all mankind upon Himself. This was not an easy thing. It involved intense sorrow and suffering. And He did it all “while we were yet sinners” (Romans 5:8) “He endured the cross, despising the shame - for the joy that was set before Him.” (Hebrews 12:2) He suffered willingly, knowing that by doing so He was making a way for us to live with Him throughout eternity. He loved us that much! In repentance, we forsake (“die to”) sin; we “nail” our sins to His cross. This is not something we do lightly. It is important that we understand how much He loved us when He gave Himself for us. True godly sorrow for our sins works godly repentance.
Second, Jesus was buried. Sorrowful, grieving disciples took His body down from the cross and laid it in a borrowed tomb. All the sins He bore while hanging on that tree, were buried with Him and for three days and nights His body lay in that tomb. In baptism in Jesus' Name, we are buried with Him. Our old sinful nature is covered with His blood and our sins are remitted. The price is paid, sin's penalty is dealt with and we come up out of the water as a new creature in Christ Jesus - clean and ready to be transformed into His image. But it doesn’t stop there. Remember, the New Birth is both water and Spirit...
Third, like as Christ was raised up from the dead, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Resurrection power is at work in us as the Holy Spirit fills us from the inside. It wells up like rivers of living water (John 7:38-39) and flows out of our innermost being. Like newborn babies, we too cry out, speaking in the language of our heavenly home (Galatians 4:6). And like in the natural birth process, the Bible tells us all heaven joins with us in celebrating and rejoicing (Luke 15:7).
The prophet Joel spoke, saying, “In the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh... and on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy... and it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Acts 2:16-21) It’s important to be sure about your salvation. In order to enter into the Kingdom of God and be part of the New Testament church...
In John, chapter 3, Nicodemus, the Jewish ruler, came to Jesus by night to ask some questions. Jesus went right to the heart of the matter, saying, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)
Nicodemus was confused, thinking, “It’s impossible to re-enter my mother's womb and be born again!” But Jesus was not talking about a natural birth. He said it again. “Except a man be born of water, and of the Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, you must be born again.” (John 3:5-7)
The deepest, most profound truths are contained in the Bible. Often, they are tucked away in simpler messages, but every word is carefully chosen. When God is speaking, we need to understand exactly what He is saying. The Word of God (the Bible) is eternal and that means forever. (Psalm 118:89) We cannot afford to make a mistake. For a mistake in understanding and in obeying the Word of God is a mistake for eternity.
Jesus used the simple, easy to understand illustration of the birth of a baby to explain the importance of truly being born again. At the birth of a baby, the water in which he has been immersed for nine months gives way for him to enter into the world. However, it is not a “live birth” until that first breath of life enters his lungs. We hear him cry out as he draws that first breath and rejoice. Here’s the underlying truth. Nicodemus needed to know (and so do we,) that just as both water and spirit must be present in natural birth, so both water, (baptism in Jesus' Name by immersion,) and the Spirit (receiving the Holy Ghost - evidenced by speaking in other tongues - crying out) must be present in the New Birth experience. (See Acts 2:38; 8:15-17; 10:44-48; 19:1-7.)
The Apostle Paul explained the New Birth experience as being identified with what Christ accomplished at Calvary. (See Romans 6:1-5.) He described salvation’s three key components; the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
First, Jesus died. He who had no sin, took your sins, my sins, the sins of all mankind upon Himself. This was not an easy thing. It involved intense sorrow and suffering. And He did it all “while we were yet sinners” (Romans 5:8) “He endured the cross, despising the shame - for the joy that was set before Him.” (Hebrews 12:2) He suffered willingly, knowing that by doing so He was making a way for us to live with Him throughout eternity. He loved us that much! In repentance, we forsake (“die to”) sin; we “nail” our sins to His cross. This is not something we do lightly. It is important that we understand how much He loved us when He gave Himself for us. True godly sorrow for our sins works godly repentance.
Second, Jesus was buried. Sorrowful, grieving disciples took His body down from the cross and laid it in a borrowed tomb. All the sins He bore while hanging on that tree, were buried with Him and for three days and nights His body lay in that tomb. In baptism in Jesus' Name, we are buried with Him. Our old sinful nature is covered with His blood and our sins are remitted. The price is paid, sin's penalty is dealt with and we come up out of the water as a new creature in Christ Jesus - clean and ready to be transformed into His image. But it doesn’t stop there. Remember, the New Birth is both water and Spirit...
Third, like as Christ was raised up from the dead, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Resurrection power is at work in us as the Holy Spirit fills us from the inside. It wells up like rivers of living water (John 7:38-39) and flows out of our innermost being. Like newborn babies, we too cry out, speaking in the language of our heavenly home (Galatians 4:6). And like in the natural birth process, the Bible tells us all heaven joins with us in celebrating and rejoicing (Luke 15:7).
The prophet Joel spoke, saying, “In the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh... and on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy... and it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Acts 2:16-21) It’s important to be sure about your salvation. In order to enter into the Kingdom of God and be part of the New Testament church...
You must be born again!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
With an Eye on Jerusalem...
As many of you know, I've spent a number of years studying and observing what's happening among the Jews. Each Sunday and Wednesday as I travel to and from church, I pass a conservative Jewish synagogue and a Torah Studies facility located right across the street. I'm intrigued by those making their way on foot to and from various meetings. Fathers and sons, old men and young, young preteen girls, and mothers and fathers with baby strollers; they converge from all directions.
Some walk alone, seemingly deep in thought, others are deep in conversation with hands gesturing. None of them seem to notice that I'm noticing. By and large, the men are dressed in black suits, the women and girls are dressed modestly, many carry books and/or tablets. I've indulged in a lot of wondering as I've watched over time. The synagogue is not huge, but a steady stream of men and women, boys and girls make their way there each week. The Torah Studies building is a converted house, but the parking lot is full of cars as Jewish men actively pursue their studies.
I own a fair-sized number of Judaica-related books and have read the writings of many of their orthodox and conservative rabbis. In addition, I keep an eye on an internet site which relates to this portion of Judaism. I read articles and study material as I come across them, particularly as I find some link to Scriptural teaching. Here's the picture I see coming together...
As many of you know, I've spent a number of years studying and observing what's happening among the Jews. Each Sunday and Wednesday as I travel to and from church, I pass a conservative Jewish synagogue and a Torah Studies facility located right across the street. I'm intrigued by those making their way on foot to and from various meetings. Fathers and sons, old men and young, young preteen girls, and mothers and fathers with baby strollers; they converge from all directions.
Some walk alone, seemingly deep in thought, others are deep in conversation with hands gesturing. None of them seem to notice that I'm noticing. By and large, the men are dressed in black suits, the women and girls are dressed modestly, many carry books and/or tablets. I've indulged in a lot of wondering as I've watched over time. The synagogue is not huge, but a steady stream of men and women, boys and girls make their way there each week. The Torah Studies building is a converted house, but the parking lot is full of cars as Jewish men actively pursue their studies.
I own a fair-sized number of Judaica-related books and have read the writings of many of their orthodox and conservative rabbis. In addition, I keep an eye on an internet site which relates to this portion of Judaism. I read articles and study material as I come across them, particularly as I find some link to Scriptural teaching. Here's the picture I see coming together...
- 2007 marks 40 years since the Jews took possession of Jerusalem in 1967's 6-day war. This "posession" of Jerusalem initiated a notable surge in interest in the Torah and the God of their fathers and in what He has to say about all these things.
- A general move among the Jews to return to their roots emerged. Study centers like the one I've described have sprung up in many metropolitan areas. With a sense of urgency, Jewish men in particular, who have in the past been at best, secular, and at worst, outright non-believers, are coming together and studying the Torah. Often, when I travel back home after church on Wednesdays, there are still cars in the parking lot as Jewish men from my area dig into these things.
- I'm seeing a greater awareness of spiritual matters. Previously agnostic or athieistic Jews are coming to a sense of God's presence in the world in general and in their lives in particular. Even observant Jews are deepening their commitments and seeking to understand in a greater way.
- Many Jews are more willing to openly discuss these matters among themselves and with others. This leads to teaching opportunities; rabbi to congregation, father to son, mother to daughter, and one on one.
- Not only are they discussing them in conversation - but there is a corresponding rise in written material as former doubters express wonder at how God is making Himself known, "though He be not far from every one of us."
- As the Jews investigate their heritage and wrestle with the thorny issues surrounding the nation of Israel, the city of Jerusalem, the Temple, and so forth - they become intrigued by a sense of what they feel God is doing in their midst. With that intrigue comes a hunger to know more. Even secular Jews consider this rising tide of spirituality a force to be reckoned with and tread lightly where their road and this tide converge.
- Archeological digs and excavations under the Wailing Wall and it's environs breathe a sense of excitement and anticipation as they discover new routes leading them ever closer to the truth we all know awaits when their "blindness in part" is lifted.
For some, that "blindness in part" has already lifted and they have embraced a life of fulfillment like none they ever before imagined. For many others the journey is just beginning. In all these things we see that we are living in wondrous' times. That God is at work is evident, that His plan and purpose, which was foreordained before the world began, is on time and on target.
2008 is fast upon us and with it more and greater evidence of the kindness and forebearance of the Lord - Who "is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance!"
Sources: www.aish.com This website is full of information. Investigate and enjoy. Links to specific articles are listed below. Note - Be sure to follow the complete tunnel tour for a wonderful surprise as you come to the exit!
http://www.aish.com/seminars/tunneltours/
http://www.aish.com/spirituality/prayer/A_Relationship_with_God.asp
http://www.aish.com/spirituality/growth/The_Good_Bed.asp
Saturday, January 27, 2007
The Kindness of God
When I consider the kindness of God toward us, my heart is overwhelmed with thanksgiving. The knowledge that He granted repentance to me is precious indeed. His kindness, goodness and faithfulness are so intertwined with His mercy as to be one in One. While we were unlovable, He loved us. When we didn't even love ourselves, He had compassion on us. He saw us in our sins and set about to make a way to redeem us from our own folly. What love! The wonderful old song says...
From the outset, He created a beautiful universe - sun, moon, planets, stars, galaxies - all are evidence of His creative genius. The earth on which we roam is filled with wonders. Lush greens, beautiful blues, flowers of every hue, shape, size and scent, a wide variety of animal life, each with it's own contribution to the whole - and all this wonder and beauty was bestowed upon the object of His affection - man.
He gives men abundant blessings; family, friends and the joy and hope found in the laughter of children. Summer and winter and seed time and harvest; the seasons merge and with them tender, green shoots become fields of golden grain. Then comes the harvest when work is fast and furious and the rejoicing when the harvest is in the barn and there is rest for everyone and everything.
All nature reminds us of His love. Each season reinforces our understanding of His kindness toward us. He planned it that way... gentle nudges from eternity, beckoning, wooing, entreating.
The Bible says He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
When I consider the kindness of God toward us, my heart is overwhelmed with thanksgiving. The knowledge that He granted repentance to me is precious indeed. His kindness, goodness and faithfulness are so intertwined with His mercy as to be one in One. While we were unlovable, He loved us. When we didn't even love ourselves, He had compassion on us. He saw us in our sins and set about to make a way to redeem us from our own folly. What love! The wonderful old song says...
"Oh, the love that drew salvation's plan,
Oh, the grace that brought it down to man,
Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span - At Calvary!
Mercy there was great and grace was free,
Pardon there was multiplied to me,
There my burdened soul found liberty - At Calvary!"
From the outset, He created a beautiful universe - sun, moon, planets, stars, galaxies - all are evidence of His creative genius. The earth on which we roam is filled with wonders. Lush greens, beautiful blues, flowers of every hue, shape, size and scent, a wide variety of animal life, each with it's own contribution to the whole - and all this wonder and beauty was bestowed upon the object of His affection - man.
He gives men abundant blessings; family, friends and the joy and hope found in the laughter of children. Summer and winter and seed time and harvest; the seasons merge and with them tender, green shoots become fields of golden grain. Then comes the harvest when work is fast and furious and the rejoicing when the harvest is in the barn and there is rest for everyone and everything.
All nature reminds us of His love. Each season reinforces our understanding of His kindness toward us. He planned it that way... gentle nudges from eternity, beckoning, wooing, entreating.
The Bible says He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
- "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." (Romans 1:20, NIV)
- "...Thus saith the Lord, Turn ye even to Me with all your heart, with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your heart, and not your garments. Turn unto the Lord your God: for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness..." (Joel 2:12-13)
- "With everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer." (Isaiah 54:8)
- "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:19-20)
- "...The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance." (Romans 2:4)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
