What Does It Mean to Have Jesus In Us?

Sadly, we all too often pigeon hole Jesus in our lives. We have religious things in which we know Jesus is around so we are really religious. But then there are other times when we act like Jesus isn’t there at all. Jesus wants us to be real in our relationship with Him. Everything we do should be about Him (Romans 12:1-2). That doesn’t mean we only do “religious” things. That means we do whatever we do for him, whether we are telling a joke, driving, talking to our spouse, raising our kids, working our job, or worshiping God with the brethren.

I found this great little video that illustrates the problem we sometimes have.

Enjoy!

Prayer: The Connection that Calms, by Edwin Crozier (09/27/09)

The Bible Teaches Adam was a Real Historical Figure

It is becoming increasingly common for those claiming to be Christians today to deny the historical accuracy of the first chapters of Genesis. Having accepted the Theory of Evolution, they are searching for a means to make those chapters fit with their scientific outlook. One big problem with this is Adam. If the first chapters of Genesis are not historically accurate, then Adam is not a historically real figure. He is made into some representative of mankind as it developed through evolutionary means. However, Adam stands out as an obstacle to wedding the scientific views of evolution with the Bible. No matter how we slice it, the Bible presents Adam as a real historical figure. Not only that but a historical figure upon which the truth of his existence as a real person is based several New Testament doctrines. Let me share with you a few biblical passages that show the Bible presents Adam as a real historical man.

1. Genesis 5:1-5 presents a historical narrative with a genealogy. Adam stands at the head of that genealogy. Interestingly, he is even given a length of life. At 130 years old he had a son named Seth and then lived another 800 years. That is an odd way to speak of a person who never really existed but is just a mythical construct to represent mankind in general.
2. In I Chronicles 1:1, Adam is placed again at the head of mankind’s genealogy. He is not presented as a mythical construct or an allegorical parable. He is listed as a real person. The obvious question would be if the Theory of Evolution is true and Adam, therefore, is not, at what point in this genealogy did the author move from not real people to real people?
3. In Luke 3:23-38, the genealogy of Jesus is traced all the way back to Adam. He is once again presented as a real historical person who held a place in a real period of time. Once again we ask, at what point did this genealogy move from real people to unreal people?
4. In Matthew 19:3-9, Jesus based His teaching regarding divorce and remarriage on the creation of male and female, created that way from the beginning. Our marriage law is based on Adam’s marriage to Eve being a real marriage. Jesus clearly believed Adam was a real person. If we believe Jesus, we need to believe in Adam. If we can’t believe in Adam, then we must toss Jesus out as well.
5. In Romans 5:12-21, Paul says sin entered the world through “one man.” The man to whom he attributes it is Adam. He is very specific. He does not say sin just entered some time in history as lower life forms evolved into humans. He says there was one man and sin came in through him. He is considered to be a type of Jesus. If we throw out Adam as a historical figure where does that leave us regarding Jesus? If we believe Paul, we must believe in Adam. If we can’t believe in Adam, we need to toss Paul’s writings out because he is wrong. By the way, this passage is truly important. Paul bases the teaching that Jesus saves us and removes our sins on His contrast with Adam as a real historical figure. If we throw out Adam, we throw out the doctrine of justification and life to all men through Jesus Christ as the second Adam.
6. In the same passage above, Paul claims “death reigned from Adam to Moses.” Paul clearly sees that as a definitive period of time. He saw Adam as a real historical figure.
7. In I Corinthians 11:8, Paul based his arguments regarding the covering on the Genesis account that woman was made from man and not man from woman, a concept that cannot fit with the Theory of Evolution. Paul saw that creation as a historical event upon which he could base teaching.
8. In I Timothy 2:12-15, Paul based his instruction about women teaching within the congregation on the historical accuracy of the Genesis account of Adam and Eve’s creation. If God did not create them that way, then Paul’s argument falls flat.

Here is the point of all this. It may be that the Bible is completely wrong. Maybe God did not create Adam and Eve but rather humankind wound up on the earth through the evolutionary forces of nature. We need to examine the evidence and choose which of the two we will accept. However, let us not accept any laughable position that tries to wed the Scripture with the Theory of Evolution. If we accept the Theory of Evolution, we cannot accept Adam. If we cannot accept Adam, we cannot accept the doctrine of Jesus Christ.

–Special thanks to Jason Hardin for inspiring today’s article

Good Guys

Recently a business associate shared an article with me entitled “Good Guys’ built U.S. powerhouse” (The Tennessean, Sunday 9-20-2009, by Joe Scarlett). In general, it discussed how our nation and our economy has been victimized by a small group of “bad guys” who really did some very bad things. He points out that we should not let the actions of this minority of business leaders condemn a great system built by many ethical and honest business leaders over the years.

The article had five points that demonstrate the path followed by the “good guys” that led to their success. As I read these five points of success, I realized they followed a pattern that we as Christians should be familiar with as we strive to live our lives day by day.

 

1) “Taking a long-term view of their business”

II Cor. 5:1 Our long-term view is of our eternal home in heaven.

John 14:2-3 I go to prepare a place for you, where I am there ye may be also.

2) “Practicing “servant leadership,” always placing others’ needs above their own”

John 13:14-16 Jesus taught his disciples that he came to be a servant, and he left them an example to follow in being servants to others.

Phil. 2:2-3 Paul teaches us to be like-minded and to put the needs of our brothers before our own.

3) “Following the Golden Rule and treating other people the same way they themselves would want to be treated”

Matt. 7:12 Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Gal. 5:14 Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

4) “Recognizing that team-work and strong business partnerships are essential”

Mark 6: 7, 12 And he called the twelve and began to send them forth two by two.

Acts 13: 2-3 And they separated Paul and Barnabas for the work where unto they had been called.

Heb. 10: 24-25 Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.

5) “Observing the highest levels of ethical and moral conduct”

II Cor. 8: 21 Providing for honest things not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

Phil. 4: 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

If we will follow these principles, as outlined in God’s word, we may not be the most successful business leader, we may not attain great wealth in this world, but by having that long-term view of eternity, we will receive the reward of those mansions prepared for us in heaven.

–David Coleman

Believing God: It Is Not Always Easy, by Edwin Crozier (09/20/09)

A Wellness Model of Spirituality

On Wednesday, as I lay on a massage table during a chiropractor visit, I watched a video presentation about physical health. Against the background of happy pictures, the video described the difference between the sickness model of health and the wellness model.

The sickness model doesn’t worry about health until the person is sick. Then, once the person is sick, he goes to a doctor to be fixed. Hmmm, sounds familiar to me. The wellness model, on the other hand, focuses on health from the beginning. Instead of waiting to get sick, those following the wellness model pursue what makes for good health through diet, exercise, activity, maintenance, relaxation, etc.

I couldn’t help but make a parallel to my spiritual life. Sadly, with physical health, I tend to follow a sickness model (I type as I finish up donuts and coffee). I need to work on that. However, even more sadly, I often pursue the same model spiritually.

It is so easy when things seem to be going smooth to let spirituality slip by the wayside. It is easy to postpone prayer, to set aside study, to be too busy for brethren. I’m not having any problems today so that stuff doesn’t seem as important. However, if a spiritual crisis hits, I quickly turn to spiritual things so God will fix me.

As I Timothy 4:8 says, while I may need to profit a little from the wellness model with my physical health, I need the profit in all things that godliness provides. Imagine how many spiritual crises I might avoid if I start pursuing that wellness model.

In a physical-wellness model, I know I need to eat right, stay active, exercise, have maintenance visits with wellness professionals. What do I need to do to follow a wellness model in my spiritual life?

I need to “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18). Prayer is the final part of God’s armor (Ephesians 6:18). Prayer is the fundamental tool that reminds me God’s presence. It is the fundamental activity that connects me to Him as I walk through the day.

I need to spend time in the word of God’s grace, which is able to build me up and give the inheritance along with all the saints (Acts 20:32). As we’ve said over and again, God’s word is part of every aspect of His armor (Ephesians 6:14-17). I can’t possibly face Satan’s fiery darts without being in the Word constantly and consistently.

I need to meditate on “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, …any excellence… anything worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8). If my mind and heart are focused on the things of Jesus, then my body will follow with the actions of Jesus.

I need to spend time with others who are trying to pursue wellness. Instead of forsaking the church’s assemblies, I need to be with my brethren so I can encourage and be encouraged (Hebrews 10:25). I need to be with others who are pursuing wellness outside these assemblies like those early Christians who gathered in one another’s homes in order to praise God and spend time together (Acts 2:47).  Spending time with others holds me accountable and encourages me to continue my connection to God. It also provides the safety net to fall into when I do slip.

I need to serve others as Jesus came to serve (Matthew 20:28). I need to perform actions of service to stop the self-poisoning of isolation and resentment. When I’m stuck on myself, looking to be served, I’m destined to fall. However, when I look outside myself and move to serve others, my mindset is changed, my actions are godly, my heart is cleansed.

No doubt there are other activities I need to add to my wellness repertoire, but the main point is I need to quit waiting until I’m spiritually sick to turn to God to fix me. I need to connect to God constantly through His good actions so I might maintain wellness spiritually.

We Are At War, by Edwin Crozier (09/13/09)

Pursue God’s Wisdom, Not Man’s

When mankind sets out to discover the truths that the Bible holds, with what mindset do we enter into this journey of discovery?  Do we begin it with an earnest and honest desire to find truth or do we hold some agenda other than an honest study of God’s word?  Over the centuries, many have searched diligently to find untruths or inconsistencies to make some sort of scholarly debunking of the Scriptures.  In this effort, there have been those who not only have seen the truths contained in them, but eagerly searched for answers to spiritual questions they have developed in their search.  They have actively sought those who have read and come to similar conclusions; God does exist and His Scriptures contain the words that will put them in a relationship with the Creator they have discovered.

Unfortunately, there will always be people who maintain that there are truths that are not consistent with the Scriptures.  These individuals confidently assert that their intelligence is superior to that of believers.  And, their intelligence coupled with their education leads them to be superior in wisdom.  Well, what is wisdom?  First, let’s look at some definitions in which these individuals feel superior.  Intelligence: the capacity for learning.  Knowledge: the acquaintance with facts gained from study.  Education: the process of acquiring knowledge.  And, wisdom: knowledge coupled with good judgment.  Where the difference lies between the wise of this world and the wisdom of believers is the source of knowledge and from whom it is obtained; in other words, secular wisdom versus heavenly wisdom.  These two types of wisdom contain two types of judgment.

Fortunately for us, God anticipated that man would gain so much self confidence that he would eventually feel superior in judgment to God and His children, and finally dismiss Him altogether.  He has given us insight into what true wisdom is.  The writer of Ecclesiastes, who I believe was Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, wrote much about his life’s pursuits using his great wisdom.  He wrote about the futility of seeking answers to life through things like pleasure, riches and earthly wisdom.  He said in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14: “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.  For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.”  If you seek wisdom, seek it from God not from the scholars of this world.

In the book of Job, God had some questions for Job and his counselors after they had expressed their views based on their own wisdom.  Let’s read just a few verses containing God’s view of man’s knowledge and wisdom verses His own which is contained in chapters 38 through 41.  Job 38:1-7: “Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said. ‘Who is this that darkens counsel, by words without knowledge?  Now gird up your loins like a man, and I will ask you, and you instruct Me!  Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?  Tell Me, if you have understanding.  Who set its measurements, since you know?  Or who stretched the line on it?  On what were its bases sunk?  Or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?’”  Get the message?  When you start feeling arrogant in your intelligence, knowledge and wisdom, remember what is said here to Job, who are you to question God?

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 about the wisdom of the world versus the wisdom of God.  He knew the message of God would be deemed foolishness by man.  In verse 25, he states “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”  This is hard to swallow for the intellectually elite of this world.  Those who would call into question the great miracles of our God recorded throughout His word from Genesis to Revelation, God would ask: who are you to question Me?  They rely on the very gifts God has given them to bring into question His very existence.  They rely on science and all the measureable facts contained in it to question God.  He gave us the very science we are abusing by creating doubt about our heavenly Father.  We need to be careful!  Paul said in verse 26 that those answering God’s call would not contain many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty and not many noble.  Look at the apostles; not many wise, mighty or noble.

James tells us in chapter 3 that there is a wisdom that comes from above and one that is earthly.  They are not the same.  God has given us the source of knowledge that will save men’s souls, and it is His word.  He has told us what he wants us to know and that’s all we can know.  He has knowledge that He has not shared with us.  He is God and it is His right to do so.  In Deuteronomy 29:29, He tells us there are things He holds secret from us, but what He has revealed is for us and every generation.  We must resign ourselves to the fact we don’t know everything, but we need to be about the business of learning what He has given us to know.  We need to pray for wisdom from God to understand what we have learned.  And, we need to pray that as we gain knowledge and get wisdom from the Father that the word will produce a faith in us to trust Him and leave the secret things to Him.  When we can do that, we will truly become wise.

–Ron Adams

God Doesn’t Make Junk, Let Him Re-Make You: A Video

Have you ever wondered if God could really love you? Have you ever wondered why God would put up with you after all that you’ve done? Have you ever wanted to back out because being a Christian has been tough?

When I saw this, I cried. I hope it helps you see how our life with God works.

-Edwin

Praying Like the Psalmists: Preparing to Pray as They Did, by Edwin Crozier (09/06/09)

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