God as Creator

On Sunday, James reminded us that God has created this world – and it is a magnificent thing to behold. And He must have put His entire creative heart into it – ‘cause He calls it “good.” But that is not the end of the story. Scripture says that God gave His creation to man to oversee. God overcame any temptation to “hoard” His prize – rather, He offered it freely to us as proof that He loves us.

It’s no wonder, then, that when man’s weaknesses placed himself in a defenseless position, God offered His Son as the ultimate evidence that the heart of God beats for His children.

Weekly project: Take a good look at whatever you consider your “success.” It may be a flourishing career, your immaculate home, your spotless reputation, etc. Obviously, you have worked hard to obtain this success – and your effort has paid off. Now, imagine giving this precious success to another – no strings attached – and then sitting back and watching what he does with it. Would that be difficult? Would you want to control everything? Would you be critical of his handling of your affairs?

And what does God think about all those blessings He has given us to manage - especially the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins? It is amazing how much trust God places in us. Perhaps we can learn to bear His image and do the same for others. That might be proof that we love them.

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God as Redeemer

As we reflect on the message that Marvin Phillips shared with us on Sunday (January 10), we need to refocus our attention on the idea that God's identity is what reveals His passion.

2 Peter 3:8-9 ^"But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

God's passion is to see that you are redeemed – that you are at peace with Him – that you are no longer controlled by the forces of evil. And so God, in His compassionate patience, sent His Son, to die on the cross, and secure your eternal hope. (John 3:16)

That means that we now have a new identity – saved, sanctified, holy. We did not do this – God did this for us! Because God is the ultimate Redeemer, His good work in us leads to redemption. We are now reconciled to Him – not by the things we do or don't do – but by His merciful goodness at work in us.

And if we are redeemed – then our new identity should also reveal our passions. As the image bearers of God, we ought to also be seeking the salvation of others – regardless of cost.

Weekly Project: How can we persuade others that repentance leads to reconciliation if we do not constantly practice the discipline of confession? This week, make a concerted effort to "put all of your junk on the table" before the Lord in prayer. He is forgiving and kind. Only after realizing the true blessing of forgiveness can we lead others to the "green pastures and quite waters" of God's mercy.

Remember, you are loved.

The Church Unleashed

THE CHURCH UNLEASHED - Sunday, January 3, 2010

On Sunday, Chuck mentioned several examples of believers who offered lives of service to God in an effort to "go outside the camp". This idea comes from Hebrews 13:12-14

12 And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. 13 Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. 14 For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.

An intimate relationship with God is about "looking for the city that is to come." In other words, we are to seek God's idea of living – not our own. The best way to do that is to imitate that which inspired the cross – Jesus' unconditional love and compassion for others.

As the text says, we will have to bear the disgrace He bore. What is that? It might be persecution and ridicule. It might be the frustration of helping those who are unappreciative and critical. It most certainly will involve sacrifice of some kind. Are you ready to do that?

Weekly Project: Identify the most unloveable person with whom you have regular contact. Next, make a brief list of the ways you can serve them this week and put several of those ideas into action. In doing so, you will be sharing the love that can only come from Christ – the love that His cross inspires in you.

Let us know how God works in you to accomplish His purposes – and draw you closer to Him.