God is love.
1 John 4:16
What an unusual statement. God is love. At first glance, it is quite easy to miss the enormity of that three worded sentence. It comes across as fluffy, even weak, like something you would read on a rainbow striped T-shirt or on the bumper sticker of an 83 year old woman's Buick.
But that simple phrase holds tremendous meaning for a disciple of the Way.
First off, we must understand that this particular love is from the Greek, agape. Which is the strongest and greatest form of all types of love. And according to Jesus, this love is evident when a man lays down his own life for his friends. And by this love, the world will know that we are the very children of God.
But if we look at the verse in 1 John again and it's use of agape love, we run into a problem. That problem being that God can not BE this love in and of Himself, because this particular love requires another participant. This love only manifests itself as long as it is an action being expressed from one person to his beloved.
So how can this be true. How can God be agape love? Wouldn't it be different if the verse said God is love "towards his people" or something like that? But it doesn't. It simply states, "God is love".
We are missing something then...the fact that God is a community in Himself, that is, the Trinity.
God is Jesus. Jesus is God.
God is the Father. The Father is God.
God is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God.
Jesus is not the Holy Spirit, nor is He the Father.
The Father is not Jesus, nor is He the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is not the Father, nor is He Jesus.
The ontological Trinity. God is one, yet existing through 3 co-existing persons. He is all 3, yet still one. They are NOT different expressions of one God [modalism]. They are not 3 distinct gods [tritheism]. But they are all God, yet not each other.
And this mysterious Trinity, One of God's revelations to mankind about Himself uncovers a very beautiful truth. The fact that God, all by Himself, is capable of being agape love. He is the first and most wonderful of all communities. All three members of the trinity pouring out continual love and affection towards the other two persons of the Godhead.
Like a sort of tri-union dance that takes place within our One God. Agape love flows in and through God, our Beautiful God.
And we are invited into this eternal community. It is ours if we would have it. Ours if only we'd let go of our pride and walk with Him.
4.05.2010
4.03.2010
Sparrows like me...
"Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
Matthew 6:31-34
Isn't there a natural inclination for a man to worry? And like a sort of drug, though an enemy to our well-being, it brings comfort for a short while. We welcome this short-lived comfort as often as we can.
Worry is a destroyer. It destroys peace. It destroys love. It destroys hope. It destroys joy. Yet, we hold fast, not willing to loosen the grip by which we clutch worry in our hands, until it's spiny tentacles have wrapped themselves into our minds like a tumor.
That's where Jesus comes in...
In the Gospel account according to Matthew, Jesus tells us not to worry and points a finger at Gentiles [Non-Jews] and basically says, "See what they do? Yeah...don't do that." But Jesus takes an unusual turn. He says, "...your heavenly Father knows that you need them..."
He points out our need. He points out our humanity. Our weakness. He points out our points of dependency. He acknowledges that we are a people that have needs. He is not just some arbitrary being that tells us not to do this or that with only a heaven-to-earth vantage point. He sympathizes...instantly tearing down our emotional barriers and defenses as the thought slowly creeps into our minds, "He understands..."
But it gets better. He doesn't leave us hanging! He points us to God and says, "If you keep your eyes on Him, then you won't even have time to worry."
Think about that! It makes so much sense. If I'm serving God every day and striving to be more like Jesus, then my own needs and fears will begin to dissipate as the worship of God and the needs and fears of others become our priority.
My prayer for you, Beloved, is that you realize that the remedy for worry is worship. Many people get too consumed in worry because they are too consumed by self. Selfishness < Selflessness.
You can only become truly selfless if you become like Christ.
You can only become like Christ if you worship God.
Worry? Worship? Will you live looking at a mirror or live looking heavenward?
Make your choice.
Matthew 6:31-34
Isn't there a natural inclination for a man to worry? And like a sort of drug, though an enemy to our well-being, it brings comfort for a short while. We welcome this short-lived comfort as often as we can.
Worry is a destroyer. It destroys peace. It destroys love. It destroys hope. It destroys joy. Yet, we hold fast, not willing to loosen the grip by which we clutch worry in our hands, until it's spiny tentacles have wrapped themselves into our minds like a tumor.
That's where Jesus comes in...
In the Gospel account according to Matthew, Jesus tells us not to worry and points a finger at Gentiles [Non-Jews] and basically says, "See what they do? Yeah...don't do that." But Jesus takes an unusual turn. He says, "...your heavenly Father knows that you need them..."
He points out our need. He points out our humanity. Our weakness. He points out our points of dependency. He acknowledges that we are a people that have needs. He is not just some arbitrary being that tells us not to do this or that with only a heaven-to-earth vantage point. He sympathizes...instantly tearing down our emotional barriers and defenses as the thought slowly creeps into our minds, "He understands..."
But it gets better. He doesn't leave us hanging! He points us to God and says, "If you keep your eyes on Him, then you won't even have time to worry."
Think about that! It makes so much sense. If I'm serving God every day and striving to be more like Jesus, then my own needs and fears will begin to dissipate as the worship of God and the needs and fears of others become our priority.
My prayer for you, Beloved, is that you realize that the remedy for worry is worship. Many people get too consumed in worry because they are too consumed by self. Selfishness < Selflessness.
You can only become truly selfless if you become like Christ.
You can only become like Christ if you worship God.
Worry? Worship? Will you live looking at a mirror or live looking heavenward?
Make your choice.
4.01.2010
Step by step
Currently my emotions have been very jumbled up. I have made it a point to strive towards righteousness and I have fought many battles in that pursuit. Many lost, some won. Yet, I keep pressing forward because in my mind, there is no other option.
But a question came to mind this morning and I felt compelled to share it. A question that is haunting, but potentially liberating, depending on my future choices.
If I woke up and decided that I'm going to be more like Jesus today than any day I have lived thus far, what would my life look like?
This is not an uncommon question in Christian circles, but like a fleeting gust of wind, it is here, then here no longer.
But some new conviction strikes my heart today. A conviction that grows in my inner parts, reminding me of the urgency of the message I am to preach and the terror that awaits those who don't respond rightly to that message. And the account I will have to give for the way I lived my life....the things I said...things I did...things I thought.
I find myself becoming afraid, though I know perfect love drives out all fear. I am becoming afraid nonetheless. My heart is sinking into a sort of sorrow for the people all around me, that go about without the grace of God in their lives. And that question hits me harder with every waking moment...
And what am I doing about it?!?! Nothing...not yet anyways, but isn't that our response. "Not yet...God. Now is not the time."
But it is the time. It's time to love. It's time to preach the Gospel. It's time to live as though we were really taking steps closer towards heaven, where our Prize awaits us, that is Jesus.
Who around you would be affected if you lived a little more like Jesus today?
Who would find freedom through the message you've been called to preach?
Who would be changed forever if you looked past yourself and chose to imitate Christ?
Who?
The clock is a constant reminder that things don't go on forever for us. Things end in this life. Whether it be our lives or the lives of people around us, we all eventually close our eyes forever on this side of eternity.
With that being said, I pose my question again, but addressed to you:
If you woke up and decided that you're going to be more like Jesus today than any day you have lived thus far, what would your life look like?
But a question came to mind this morning and I felt compelled to share it. A question that is haunting, but potentially liberating, depending on my future choices.
If I woke up and decided that I'm going to be more like Jesus today than any day I have lived thus far, what would my life look like?
This is not an uncommon question in Christian circles, but like a fleeting gust of wind, it is here, then here no longer.
But some new conviction strikes my heart today. A conviction that grows in my inner parts, reminding me of the urgency of the message I am to preach and the terror that awaits those who don't respond rightly to that message. And the account I will have to give for the way I lived my life....the things I said...things I did...things I thought.
I find myself becoming afraid, though I know perfect love drives out all fear. I am becoming afraid nonetheless. My heart is sinking into a sort of sorrow for the people all around me, that go about without the grace of God in their lives. And that question hits me harder with every waking moment...
And what am I doing about it?!?! Nothing...not yet anyways, but isn't that our response. "Not yet...God. Now is not the time."
But it is the time. It's time to love. It's time to preach the Gospel. It's time to live as though we were really taking steps closer towards heaven, where our Prize awaits us, that is Jesus.
Who around you would be affected if you lived a little more like Jesus today?
Who would find freedom through the message you've been called to preach?
Who would be changed forever if you looked past yourself and chose to imitate Christ?
Who?
The clock is a constant reminder that things don't go on forever for us. Things end in this life. Whether it be our lives or the lives of people around us, we all eventually close our eyes forever on this side of eternity.
With that being said, I pose my question again, but addressed to you:
If you woke up and decided that you're going to be more like Jesus today than any day you have lived thus far, what would your life look like?
Will the real armor please stand up?
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
- The Apostle Paul [Ephesians 6:13-17]
At first glance, it appears that each piece is a single unit that compliments the other pieces in order to prepare a warrior of God for spiritual battle, but look a little closer at scripture…
1.) “…the belt of truth buckled around your waist”
“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life…”
-Jesus Christ [John 14:6]
2.) “…with the breastplate of righteousness in place”
“It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.”
-Apostle Paul [1 Corinthians 1:30]
3.) “…your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace”
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”
-The Prophet Isaiah [Isaiah 9:6]
4.) “…take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one”
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
-Unknown Author/Possibly Paul [Hebrews 12:2]
5.) “Take the helmet of salvation..”
“The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.”
-Moses [Exodus 15:2]
6.) “Take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
-John [John 1:1]
What does this mean?
It means that you can NOT put on any one piece by itself because Paul was simply using the pieces to describe ONE thing, or I should say, Person, that is, Jesus Christ Himself.
He is the Armor.
He is truth.
He is righteousness.
He is peace.
He is faith.
He is salvation.
He is the Word of God.
The Armor of God = The Son of God.
In order to be properly equipped to battle spiritual forces in dark realms, we must clothe ourselves with Christ.
“The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”
-The Apostle Paul [Romans 13:12-14]
When Paul says put on the armor (also mirroring what he said to the church in Ephesus] and clothe yourselves with Jesus, he is saying the same thing twice, but in a different way. This type of language was common within Paul’s time and culture, mainly common in Hebrew culture.
Many people think that Paul is writing about the armor because he is chained to a guard, and while writing, he looks up and see’s the components that make his guard a ready and able warrior…then begins to liken these worldly pieces to a type of spiritual suit we must wear for a darker battle.
But I don’t think that’s the case.
For one, you must consider the audience. Ephesus was a large city and was known for, among many things, gladiator combat and intense physical activity. He was writing in the language of his readers.
Two, Paul referenced putting on the armor in his letter to the church in Rome as well, when he was not in prison, which wouldn’t align because the Roman epistle was written first.
But here’s the kicker…
The Hebrews had a very unique way of saying specific things (like I said earlier about saying the same thing twice, but in two different ways). One thing that was common in Jewish culture was referencing scripture by saying a single phrase out of an entire passage, which many Jews would then be able to remember the entire passage off of that single spoken phrase.
Keep in mind that MOST Jews had a lot of scripture memorized, and what they did to bring an entire passage to someone else’s memory was to quote part of it (usually the beginning).
For example, when Jesus cried out “Father, why have you forsaken me”, while being crucified, He was alluding to an Old Testament passage (psalm 22) which prophesies about the death of the Messiah. He did this so that the Pharisees and everyone else would recall that whole of that Old Testament passage and know that He was indeed the Christ…whew!
With that being said, I believe Paul was doing this same thing when he spoke of the armor in the Roman and Ephesian letters…
“He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm worked salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him. He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak. According to what they have done, so will he repay wrath to his enemies and retribution to his foes; he will repay the islands their due. From the west, men will fear the name of the LORD, and from the rising of the sun, they will revere his glory. For he will come like a pent-up flood that the breath of the LORD drives along. “The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,” declares the LORD.”
-Prophet Isaiah [Isaiah 59:16-20]
And this whole passage is talking about how man is unable to redeem themselves, so God Himself will come and save them, basically alluding to Jesus Christ coming in the flesh.
Paul is saying put on the full armor, which points back to this Old Testament passage which is prophesying about Jesus.
Paul is saying to put on Jesus! Yay! Of course, both churches that Paul was speaking to when he referenced the armor were not Jewish cities, but they were followers of Jesus and did study Scripture much like the Bereans. So Paul’s reference would still trigger what he was truly alluding to.
I am certainly no theologian, and I can promise you that nobody taught this to me or showed this to me, but only by the Holy Spirit Himself. And I say this to NO BOAST of myself. Please know this. I just really love to study and search God’s Word and share what I’ve learned.
I wanted to post this not only to teach on the passage because I love to teach. But also to show that if you don’t learn to read and study God’s Word as it really is, which is living and active, then you will miss so much.
You can’t let someone hold your hand and spoon feed you this stuff. You must look into these things closely… what does that mean??
Worship Jesus!
Just learn to love Him. Trust me, that’s all you gotta do. Love Jesus more than anything and everything and worship Him. When you do that, then all these things fall into place more and more.
It’s like when your eyes first get a glimpse of a BRIGHT light and everything goes fuzzy, but then things clear up as your eyes get used to it. Though it is a bad analogy because you can never get used to the Light of Jesus. I believe His Light will always render us with somewhat of an incomplete view of Him, because He is infinitely above us. He still, in some mysterious way, gives us the gift and honor of being able to see more clearly into the Light, if you seek Him out…
So don’t forget…
- The Apostle Paul [Ephesians 6:13-17]
At first glance, it appears that each piece is a single unit that compliments the other pieces in order to prepare a warrior of God for spiritual battle, but look a little closer at scripture…
1.) “…the belt of truth buckled around your waist”
“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life…”
-Jesus Christ [John 14:6]
2.) “…with the breastplate of righteousness in place”
“It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.”
-Apostle Paul [1 Corinthians 1:30]
3.) “…your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace”
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”
-The Prophet Isaiah [Isaiah 9:6]
4.) “…take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one”
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
-Unknown Author/Possibly Paul [Hebrews 12:2]
5.) “Take the helmet of salvation..”
“The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.”
-Moses [Exodus 15:2]
6.) “Take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
-John [John 1:1]
What does this mean?
It means that you can NOT put on any one piece by itself because Paul was simply using the pieces to describe ONE thing, or I should say, Person, that is, Jesus Christ Himself.
He is the Armor.
He is truth.
He is righteousness.
He is peace.
He is faith.
He is salvation.
He is the Word of God.
The Armor of God = The Son of God.
In order to be properly equipped to battle spiritual forces in dark realms, we must clothe ourselves with Christ.
“The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”
-The Apostle Paul [Romans 13:12-14]
When Paul says put on the armor (also mirroring what he said to the church in Ephesus] and clothe yourselves with Jesus, he is saying the same thing twice, but in a different way. This type of language was common within Paul’s time and culture, mainly common in Hebrew culture.
Many people think that Paul is writing about the armor because he is chained to a guard, and while writing, he looks up and see’s the components that make his guard a ready and able warrior…then begins to liken these worldly pieces to a type of spiritual suit we must wear for a darker battle.
But I don’t think that’s the case.
For one, you must consider the audience. Ephesus was a large city and was known for, among many things, gladiator combat and intense physical activity. He was writing in the language of his readers.
Two, Paul referenced putting on the armor in his letter to the church in Rome as well, when he was not in prison, which wouldn’t align because the Roman epistle was written first.
But here’s the kicker…
The Hebrews had a very unique way of saying specific things (like I said earlier about saying the same thing twice, but in two different ways). One thing that was common in Jewish culture was referencing scripture by saying a single phrase out of an entire passage, which many Jews would then be able to remember the entire passage off of that single spoken phrase.
Keep in mind that MOST Jews had a lot of scripture memorized, and what they did to bring an entire passage to someone else’s memory was to quote part of it (usually the beginning).
For example, when Jesus cried out “Father, why have you forsaken me”, while being crucified, He was alluding to an Old Testament passage (psalm 22) which prophesies about the death of the Messiah. He did this so that the Pharisees and everyone else would recall that whole of that Old Testament passage and know that He was indeed the Christ…whew!
With that being said, I believe Paul was doing this same thing when he spoke of the armor in the Roman and Ephesian letters…
“He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm worked salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him. He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak. According to what they have done, so will he repay wrath to his enemies and retribution to his foes; he will repay the islands their due. From the west, men will fear the name of the LORD, and from the rising of the sun, they will revere his glory. For he will come like a pent-up flood that the breath of the LORD drives along. “The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,” declares the LORD.”
-Prophet Isaiah [Isaiah 59:16-20]
And this whole passage is talking about how man is unable to redeem themselves, so God Himself will come and save them, basically alluding to Jesus Christ coming in the flesh.
Paul is saying put on the full armor, which points back to this Old Testament passage which is prophesying about Jesus.
Paul is saying to put on Jesus! Yay! Of course, both churches that Paul was speaking to when he referenced the armor were not Jewish cities, but they were followers of Jesus and did study Scripture much like the Bereans. So Paul’s reference would still trigger what he was truly alluding to.
I am certainly no theologian, and I can promise you that nobody taught this to me or showed this to me, but only by the Holy Spirit Himself. And I say this to NO BOAST of myself. Please know this. I just really love to study and search God’s Word and share what I’ve learned.
I wanted to post this not only to teach on the passage because I love to teach. But also to show that if you don’t learn to read and study God’s Word as it really is, which is living and active, then you will miss so much.
You can’t let someone hold your hand and spoon feed you this stuff. You must look into these things closely… what does that mean??
Worship Jesus!
Just learn to love Him. Trust me, that’s all you gotta do. Love Jesus more than anything and everything and worship Him. When you do that, then all these things fall into place more and more.
It’s like when your eyes first get a glimpse of a BRIGHT light and everything goes fuzzy, but then things clear up as your eyes get used to it. Though it is a bad analogy because you can never get used to the Light of Jesus. I believe His Light will always render us with somewhat of an incomplete view of Him, because He is infinitely above us. He still, in some mysterious way, gives us the gift and honor of being able to see more clearly into the Light, if you seek Him out…
So don’t forget…
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