The Uniform of Love - Matthew 7:15

You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? - Matthew 7:15

    Uniforms - they’re all around us. From the service man or woman protecting our freedoms to police officers protecting our lives and our homes, uniforms mark the man and woman in an easily recognizable way. There’s no doubt in our minds when we recognize a uniform as to what we can reasonably expect from the person wearing it.
    As Christians we too wear a uniform of sorts and by it we should be identified just as easily as is the men and women wearing worldly uniforms. We too represent something when people recognize us in our uniforms. Even the most biblically illiterate person should be reasonably able to expect us to “act like Christians” or people of God.
    While Matthew’s indication is a negative aimed at false prophets the  positive inverse is true for the Christian who walks in Christ’s way. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God . . . Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. - 1 John 4:7, 11.
    Love truly is a recognizable “uniform” for a Christian. By the love we show for one another and those who remain unredeemed we fulfill the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.  But even the unredeemed, the unsaved, those of the world? Christ admonishes us further in Matthew 5:43-45 - “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”
    Yes, our love for others is a uniform of sorts. It calls us out to holiness; it calls us out to be like Christ; it sets us apart from the world and that is what we as Christians are called to do - be in the world but not be of it.
    May we always remember to wear our uniform in humility and allow our light to shine as that city on a hill so that we may glorify our heavenly Father.

The Next Time . . . . - Genesis 1:26

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness . . . . - Genesis 1:26

    The next time someone who doesn’t have a command of holy scripture says, “Jesus never said anything about homosexuality,” delicately suggest that they may be guilty of Arianism. They probably won’t have any idea what you’re talking about but that would come as no surprise; they obviously don’t grasp the concept of the Holy Trinity and the deeper understanding that every word of the bible is inspired by God. And who is Jesus?
    Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us . . . - Genesis 3:22. Who does God keep speaking to in these verses? Who is “Us”? “Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.” - Genesis 11:7. It is clear from the first words of Genesis that the word used for God (“Elohim”) is a plural noun thus indicating that the Godhead is a plurality which includes God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit - the Holy Trinity!
    We know the bible speaks directly to the sinful behavior of homosexuality in Genesis, Leviticus, Romans, and 1 Corinthians. With that in mind we might also retrace the words of Jeremiah 1:9 - Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.” Based on 2 Timothy 3:16 we would have to come to the logical conclusion that God put His words into the mouths of all the writers of the bible - All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, . . . .
    If all scripture is given by inspiration of God and God has put his words into the mouths of all his prophets and writers and Jesus Christ is a member of the Triune God it’s reasonable
( and logical) to say that Jesus has indeed said much about the sin of homosexuality.
    I only posted this because with all the current news regarding same-sex marriage and homosexual advocacy we hear from those with a less than a studied opinion about what is said and not said in the bible regarding such sins. The bible is the inspired word of God. Jesus is God, ergo Jesus speaks to us about all the issues contained within the bible. And He reminds us of the danger of redacting or embellishing His words - For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. - Revelation 22:18-19.
    May we always remember Paul’s words that “all scripture” is profitable for reproof, correction, and righteousness. May we also remember to be gentle in our admonishment of those who don’t understand.

Jesus Christ On Self-Defense - Luke 22:36

  
Then He said to them, “But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one.” - Luke 22:36

    There is a great deal of controversy over the above text. So let us place it in context. It was after Christ had instituted the Lord’s Supper. Christ had just finished revealing to Peter that he would deny Him three times that night. Jesus then poses the question : And He said to them, “When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?” - Luke 22:35. It was a pointedly direct and literal question. No one would ever deny this unless they were purposely trying to twist Christ’s words. The Apostles responded to Him with a resounding, “No.” It is then that our Lord commands them to take personal control of their expenses (purse), and to carry with them what they would need (knapsack) on their journeys. Now comes the controversy - He then commands them to purchase a weapon if they did not have one. In this case, during the First Century AD the most common form of weapon was a sword. Not only did He command them to obtain a weapon, He told them to do so at the expense of their cloaks. This is an extremely important reference when attempting to interpret this verse.
    A man’s cloak in those times was described as an outer garment, robe, or mantle. It held a special value among the First Century people. Considered nearly irreplaceable, it served both its obvious purpose but also as a blanket at night. In Christ’s day the cloak was considered a necessary and valuable garment. “If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.” - Matt 5:40. The mere idea that one would sue another over their clothing attests to the value of such items.
    The value of a cloak is also mentioned in regard to the crucifixion of Christ. Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him back to Pilate. - Luke 23:11. Finally, And when they crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting lots for them to determine what every man should take. - Mark 15:24. The objection that we don’t know for certain if Herod’s robe was among the clothing cast for is moot. The idea I’m trying to convey here is the perceived value of such an item of clothing. It was of such value that Christ commanded His disciples to sell theirs in order to purchase a sword.
    Many prominent church leaders today will be quick to suggest that the term “sword” should not be taken literally; however, proper bible exegesis insists that we read it literally when it is obvious that there is no allegory being presented. Here in Luke 22:36 there is no allegory. Jesus is speaking in literal terms to His disciples. The only explanation I can give you as to why so many pastors insist that the word sword is to be taken figuratively is that the crux of Christ’s message is love. Many pastors believe that such a command as given in Luke 22 doesn’t jibe with Christ’s overall message and as such may be taken out of context and be used to excuse or mitigate aggression. But the words of Jesus in the said verse clearly indicate that He was informing the Apostles that, in His absence, there might be times they would have to defend themselves.
    In one final verse from scripture I will try to bolster my position with Christ’s response to Peter’s defense of Him in the Garden of Gethsemane - But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” - Matt 26:52. “Put your sword in its place!” Christ didn’t order Peter to get rid of his sword, to throw it away, or to sell it off - He told him to put it in its place. There’s no allegory or figurative speech there. Jesus was letting all of us know that even a sword or weapon of choice has its place in our lives. It is up to us as Christians to see to it that we never use such weapons in aggression but only in defense of life. May God grant us all the discernment to know the difference.

The Power of Prayer - Exodus 2:24-25

So God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God acknowledged them. - Exodus 2:24-25
   
    How often in times of trouble have we cried out to God for relief? The trouble we suffer from may be family problems; trouble on the job or at school; financial troubles; problems with relationships; problems with our health or the health of a loved one. Regardless of the nature of our issues we come to the point (sooner than later, I would pray) that we realize our only solution is through God. Our heavenly Father is truly our safety net.
    As the verse says, God hears us, remembers us, looks upon us, and acknowledges us. But the preliminary to all God’s graces is our initial “cry unto Him.” Now it happened in the process of time that the king of Egypt died. Then the children of Israel groaned because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry came up to God because of the bondage. - Exodus 2:23. Because the children of Israel cried out God heard them. Certainly God knew of their straits. He is omniscient; He knows all things. There was nothing about the terrible oppression they suffered that God was unaware of any more than He is unaware of the troubles and problems we face daily. But do we cry out like the children of Israel did?
    Christ admonishes us to . . . “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” - Matt 7:7.  We simply must bring our fears and problems to the Lord. We do so by prayer. Our prayers are heard by god. He is not a CEO with no time to spare for the “little people.” We are His adopted sons and daughters. He will hear us, remember us, look upon us, and acknowledge us if we but “ . . . pray without ceasing . . . .”
 -1 Thessalonians 5:17.
    Let us always bring our burdens to Christ and find our rest in Him.

On the Dangers of “Self-Expression” - 2 Corinthians 5:20

Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. - 2 Corinthians 5:20

    In the last fifty years so much has said about the inherent right to self-expression that to say anything negative about it brands one an intolerant narrow-minded troll. If that’s the way the world wants to interpret one’s hesitancy to endorse the freedom of self-expression then so be it, but we know from holy scripture that God takes a very different view. In fact, we are given specific guidelines for the way we present ourselves to the unbelieving world. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” - Matthew 5:14-16. Does that sound like God is indifferent to your methods of self-expression? Is the way we carry ourselves in and present ourselves to the world glorifying God in heaven, or is having spiked rainbow colored hair and three nose-rings simply all about us?
    This isn’t to suggest that people prone to extreme methods of self-expression are unloved by God. I’m not qualified to give an opinion on who God loves and who He doesn’t. But when the world sees someone engaging in outlandish personal behavior and appearance do they also see God in His glory? For I am the Lord who brings you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.  - Leviticus 11:45. Are we truly glorifying God by our looks and behavior? Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. - 1 Corinthians 10:31.
    It all comes back to the idea that what I say it isn’t as important as my commitment to walk in that way. It is always more important to exercise the word of God in thought, word , and action then it is to merely rattle off scriptural quotes. In such cases the word of God is turned into mere blather by someone whose looks and manner mirror the world rather than the glory of God. “This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind . . .” - Ephesians 4:17. We must keep the idea in front of us that we either reflect the light and holiness of God or we reflect the darkness and sinfulness of Satan. There is no middle-ground. We cannot claim to be citizens of that city set on a hill and project an image of one who is of this world. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. - Colossians 3:17.
    May God always give us the fortitude to leave the trappings of this world behind and put on  the “new man.”

No Miracle Today - Isaiah 6:10

   “Make the heart of this people dull, and their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and return and be healed.” - Isaiah 6:10
    Unbelievers (and many who are fervent believers) often ask the question: “Why doesn’t God do something spectacular today. In view of the entire world?” With the mass media, the internet, and social media moving with the speed of light His “miracle” would undoubtedly be seen by the vast majority of mankind within hours . . . if not within minutes. Such an event would end all doubt as to God’s existence; would it not? All mankind would believe. There would no longer be any excuse for disbelief. So why doesn’t He do it?
    I believe the answer is much simpler, ironically simpler than the question. Could it be that God doesn’t want all mankind to believe in Him? Holy scripture certainly supports this view. Isaiah 5 describes a people whom God is sorely disappointed in. Wouldn’t the people of the world today fit into that category? The people of America certainly would.
    In chapter six He anoints Isaiah as His prophet and commissions him to go to the people with His unhappiness in them.
    It is clear that God never intended for all people to be saved. He blinded them to His truth with no intention of ever revealing it to them.
    If you have ever seen a sunrise upon the ocean or the rising of a full moon in clear evening sky and not seen the glory of God within those two simple acts of nature then why would you believe in God if He were to draw up the ocean into a towering wall of water then allow it to recede to its natural place in the order of things.  “But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’” - Luke 16:31. People had seen Christ, had seen His miracles, and still they refused to believe. No, scripture is clear: not all the people of the world are to be saved through their belief. But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, 38 that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: “Lord, who has believed our report? and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” - John 12:37-38. Only to His elect!
    We know why the unbelieving people of the world want to see “a sign”: their hearts are so callous that nothing short of a miraculous vision could ever have a chance of softening them. But why do so many believers wish for such a sign? Could it be that their faith is built on unstable ground? Could it be that they want so badly to believe in Christ Jesus . . . but simply aren’t sure? Are their houses built upon sand?
    Lord, Your truth is known to your elect. There is no doubt in you! We need no miracle to day to make us believe. Your grace and Your word is sufficient for us.

Our Perfect Guarantee - Hebrews 7:26-27

For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.  - Hebrews 7:26-27.

    What a glorious and grace-filled blessing we have received in Christ Jesus! As a “priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek," our Lord and Savior offered the greatest sacrifice for our sins. He needed not first offer a sacrifice for His own sins because He is sinless! Thus His holy sacrifice was perfect in every way. His sacrifice was sufficient in every way. His sacrifice was complete in every way.
    What Christ did for us sinners has no equal in the soteriological realm. Nothing can come remotely close to what Jesus did for us to insure our eternal salvation. And the very fact that Christ saved us guarantees our salvation. If one ever needed assurance it lies in Hebrews 7:26-27.
    “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours.” - John 17:9. Christ does only what the Father has asked Him to do and because Him of His selfless sacrifice we are safe in the bosom of God! And to think: there are those poor lost souls among us whom believe they can actually affect their own salvation by their own works . . . .
     Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. - Hebrews 10:23. We need not fear or doubt our salvation when we know that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, shed His own blood as a promise of redemption for us. His was the ultimate sacrifice. His is the perfect guarantee. May we always hold fast to our faith in Christ.