Tis’ the Season for Fear!

We don't normally associate fear with Christmas.  But, as you read the Christmas story you will see that almost every participant in the birth of Christ experienced fear, uncertainty, or danger.  And, many times they were told to not be afraid.

Here are some examples, in chronological order:

Zacharias was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear gripped him.  But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John.”  Luke 1:12-13

But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.”  Luke 1:30

But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.”  Matthew 1:20

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;”  Luke 2:8-10

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled and all Jerusalem.  Matthew 2:3

And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.  Matthew 2:12

Now when they had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him.”  Matthew 2:13

But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Then after being warned by God in a dream, he left for the regions of Galilee, and came and lived in a city called Nazareth. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets: “He shall be called a Nazarene.”  Matthew 2:22-23

We’ve taken the FEAR out of Christmas.  After all, the birth of the Christ was an amazing event that was both wonderful and fearful.  We should, on one hand, remember the terrifying sight of the angels proclaiming Christ’s birth.  And, we should not forget the murderous rage of Herod. 

On the other hand, we should “not be afraid” as we trust God and marvel at His awesome plan to bring salvation to earth through the birth of His Son.

What if Joseph played for the Denver Broncos?

During the past few weeks I've read many articles about Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos.  It seems like people all over the country have an opinion regarding the cause of the Bronco's success.  Success being defined as winning seven of their last eight games.

Some people believe the offensive line or the defense should receive credit.  Some people believe the changes made by the coach are the reason for the improvements.  A few people have said that they think God is on Tim Tebow's side. 

Wayne Hanson, identified as "a pastor at a Colorado church with ties to the Tebow family"* went as far as to say that God is the source of the victories.  According to Hanson, "God has blessed his hard work."  The pastor believes Tebow is winning games because God is blessing him for being a strong believer.

In many articles and reader comments I have seen people express a wide variety of reasons for the recent success of the Denver Broncos.  With all this discussion I find it curious that no one has mentioned Joseph.

That's right, Joseph.  If you are looking in the Bible for some indication that God is involved in our daily work efforts, you need to look no further than Joseph.  You do remember Joseph, right?  Young boy, colorful coat, envious brothers…And, an unexpected trip to Egypt.  Yep, that Joseph.

Here is the passage that talks about Joseph, and God's blessing in his life:

The LORD was with Joseph, so he became a successful man.  And he was in the house of his master, the Egyptian.  Now his master saw that the LORD was with him and how the LORD caused all that he did to prosper in his hand.  So, Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal servant; and he made him quarterback over his house, and all that he owned he put in his charge.  It came about that from the time he made him quarterback in his house and over all that he owned, the LORD blessed the Egyptians's house on account of Joseph; thus the LORD's blessing was upon all that he owned, in the house and in the field.  (Genesis 39:2-5)

That's right, you read it with your own eyes.  The LORD blessed the Egyptian's household “on account of Joseph.”  Sometimes God's grace-blessings are so great that they extend beyond one person of faith to include an entire household, business, perhaps even city or nation.  In this case, God chose to bless not only Joseph, but his Egyptian master and his entire household and fields.

So, are the Broncos winning because God is making it happen?  How about we change the question a little.  Are the Broncos winning because God is grace-blessing many through the faith of one man?  I think there is evidence this happened in Joseph's life.  So, maybe the real question is, "What would happen if Joseph played for the Denver Broncos?"

*http://www.tmz.com/2011/12/12/tim-tebow-god-pastor-wayne-hanson

Scripture taken from The New American Standard Bible, except I changed “overseer” to “quarterback.”

Acknowledging God’s Good Gifts

On Father’s Day it’s a new tie.  On Valentine’s Day it’s a box of chocolate.  And, on Christmas it’s a Lifesavers Hard Candy Sweet Storybook.  These are the gifts you receive, but they might not be the perfect gift.

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. (James 1:17, NASB)

Without using the exact word, this verse gives us the essence of being thankful.  The Greek words that are translated “thankful,” “thankfulness,” and “thanksgiving” are derived from a compound word consisting of “well” and “grace.”  When we say that we are thankful for a gift, we are acknowledging the appropriateness of that gift.

God’s grace gifts to us are always the exactly right gift, at the right time, given for the right reason.

When we receive a tie or a box of candy we say “thank you” because we appreciate the act of giving.  When we say “thank you” to God we are also saying, “This is the perfect gift and your timing is perfect.”

Beyond just expressing our thanks for God’s gifts, we need to acknowledge that they are good gifts.  Here are a few verses from the New Testament that teach us to be grateful to God.  For the purpose of illustration, I’ve added a phrase whenever we are told to be thankful.  There is no intention to diminish being thankful.  Rather, I hope to show you the power of continually acknowledging that God’s gifts are always perfect.

Ephesians 5:20

Always giving thanks (acknowledging the goodness of God’s gifts) for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father.

Colossians 3:17

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks (acknowledging the goodness of God’s gifts) through Him to God the Father.

1Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks (acknowledge the goodness of God’s gifts); for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 2:6-7

Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude (acknowledgement of the goodness of God’s gifts).

Hope and Faith

Whenever I read the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego in Daniel 3, I am impressed with their courage.  Standing before the king, facing certain death in a fiery furnace, they made this statement:  “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”  (Daniel 3:7-8, NASB)

In writing our study guide on the Full Armor of God it occurred to me that this is a great example of wearing the Helmet of Salvation.  These three men had certain hope that God would deliver them no matter how hopeless the situation seemed.

This is also a great example of using the Shield of Faith.  The men placed their complete trust in God.  Even though they could not see God’s plan, they were trusting in His love and power.

What then, is the difference between Hope and Faith?  And, how do we practically apply them in our daily lives?

Hope

1.  Certainty of a future event

2.  Includes an element of expectation

3.  In the Bible, especially the New Testament, hope often is related to deliverance or salvation

Here are some examples of Hope in the New Testament:

And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.  (Romans 8:23-25, NASB)

But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.  (1 Thessalonians 5:8-11, NASB)

Faith

1.  Assurance of things not seen

2.  May refer to something in the past, the present, or the future

3.  In the Bible faith is often related to our relationship with God, who is unseen

Here a definition of Faith from Hebrews:

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.  (Hebrews 11:1-3, NASB)

It is interesting to notice how often Hope and Faith appear in the same passage:

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.  (Romans 5:1-5, NASB)

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.  (1 Corinthians 13:12-13, NASB)

Hope is the certain expectation that is often related to our knowledge that God will deliver us in this life, and for eternity.  Faith is the assurance of things that we cannot see at this time.  Our hope gives us CONFIDENCE in our ultimate deliverance.  Just like Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, we do not fear death because we know our God can deliver us.  Our faith gives us CONVICTION that there is a God, and that He rewards those who seek Him.

Offensive or Defensive?

In our Sunday morning class we are discussing the Full Armor of God.  The study is based on one section of our new study guide, “The Full Armor of God In Action.”  Each week we have an in-depth look at one of the pieces of armor listed in Ephesians 6:10-20.

One of the main points of emphasis in our study is that the armor has both offensive and defensive benefits.  For instance, the Breastplate of Righteousness provides protection for our vital organs.  This protection is necessary when we are under attack, on defense.  But, we also need this protection when we are attacking, on offense.

During the class discussion this morning, this question was raised:  “Is there an offensive and defensive application for every piece of armor?”

From my studies of the Roman army, and of Ephesians 6, I believe the answer is “yes.”  Different pieces may have different primary functions, but I think they are all necessary for both offensive and defensive conflicts.

Maybe answering a question with a question will help make the point:  “Which piece of armor would you take off if you were in attack mode, rather than a defensive mode?”

Would you take off your helmet if you were going to attack an enemy formation?  Would you leave your shield behind if you were marching on an enemy fortress?

Think about each of the pieces of armor listed by Paul:  belt, breastplate, sandals, helmet, shield, sword, and prayer.  I think you will find that all of these pieces are equally important whether you are on the attack, or being attacked.

Three Men, Only One Stood Firm

While working on our new study guide, “The Full Armor of God In Action,” I found three men who were enticed by a seductress.   Although they lived in different times, the temptation they faced was very similar.

Two of the men gave in to the temptation.  One of the men stood firm.  From the three passages below see if you identify the men:

"There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?" As she spoke to him day after day, he did not listen to her to lie beside her or be with her.

Then she said to him, "How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when your heart is not with me? You have deceived me these three times and have not told me where your great strength is." It came about when she pressed him daily with her words and urged him, that his soul was annoyed to death. So he told her all that was in his heart.

With her many persuasions she entices him; with her flattering lips she seduces him. Suddenly he follows her as an ox goes to the slaughter.

The challenge is really more than just identifying the three men.  The real challenge is to determine why two entered into sin and one stood firm.  That is the purpose of our study guide on the Full Armor of God.  By knowing how to use God’s armor we can gain victory in every situation. 

Joseph (Genesis 39), Samson (Judges 16), A Young Man Lacking Sense (Proverbs 7)

The Full Armor of God

A few days ago I finished reviewing and correcting the first proof of our newest study guide, The Full Armor of God In Action.  Hopefully, it will be released by the end of October.

While I was working on the project I began to wonder how many people give any thought to “spiritual warfare” in these modern times.  With all the new technology and scientific advancements that impact our daily lives, do people think about or even believe in a spiritual conflict?

It’s clear that the Apostle Paul believed in spiritual warfare in his description of the Full Armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-20.  He warned his readers about forces that are not “flesh and blood,” but are in the heavenly places.

I’m interested in your thoughts.  Do you think there is a spiritual aspect to …

The war on drugs?

The war on poverty?

The war on terrorism?

The war on crime?