EL Church Pasadena

In Deed and In Truth- 1 John 3:18

2009-07-11T22:16:00.000-07:00

Intro:
1) We resume our study in 1 John as we continue to talk about the evidences that a true believer will manifest. Two week ago, we discussed the importance of understanding our situation in life, perceiving and understanding the need of a brother, and purposefully choosing to help as opposed to purposefully shutting our bowels of compassion toward him.

2) This is an act of love that needs to be evidenced. Many people will say that they are willing to help but then a barrage of excuses will follow any attempt to ask them to act upon their words. As believers, we cannot live as people with split tongues or hypocritical acts.

I. In Deed and In Truth
1 John 3:18- “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”

1) Again the apostle John begins a verse addressing the churches in Asia Minor as “little children.” As we remind ourselves, this designation emphasized the maturity level of their faith. John considered them new in their faith and needed to be reminded of the fundamental basic truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and what it means to be a follower of Him.

2) In this case, John remains on the topic of love and how to evidence oneself as a believer in Jesus Christ by the love that we show. John clearly points out to us not to love in word or in tongue. There are two separate Greek terms. The Greek term for “word” is logos. Logos “is the articulate utterance of human language.”[1] It is what we speak, the words that come from our mouths, originating from our mind, that form a coherent sentence. This is logos

3) The Greek word for “tongue” is glossa. This refers to the “tongue of man” or a language.[2] Therefore, the difference between the two is that one refers to the words that we’ve spoken from the conviction in our hearts that are formulate in our minds and the other is the language that we speak it in. The apostle John urges us not to love purposefully or exclusively in either one.

4) One interesting side note before we go on to the next part of this verse refers to the term logos. This is the term used to describe Jesus Christ in John 1:1- “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The fact that Christ was described as the Word, ho logos, indicates that “He is the first immaterial intelligence. His incarnation is the expression of that intelligence in speech that humans could understand.”[3]

5) Continuing on, we should not love exclusively in words or in the language that we speak, but in deed and in truth. The Greek word for “deed” is ergon. It normally refers to “work, performance, the result or the object of employment.”[4] It speaks of an undertaking. Mainly, when John spoke to us telling us to love in deed, it was meant to love by displaying actions. “Claiming to love is not enough. Love is not sentiment but deeds.”[5] It is not enough to only speak words of love. “Words of compassion must be demonstrated through specific deeds of help.”[6]

6) Interestingly enough, the purpose of this part of the letter is for John to remind the believers in Asia Minor how a true Christian portrays themselves and if we do a word study on the Greek word ergon we can see that the emphasis of the word reaches to a deeper understanding of what it means to act like a Christian and evidence it through our actions. The verbal form erga is used in James where erga denotes acts by which someone proves his genuineness and his faith. James 2:14- “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?”

7) Faith is proven by works. James 2:22, 25- “Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?... Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?” Rahab “demonstrated the reality of her saving faith when at great personal risk, she protected the messengers of God.”[7]

8) James, in speaking about Abraham and Rahab used these examples as a “demonstration of the genuineness of their faith and the reality of their justification before God.”[8] Let us not be mistaken. “Salvation is determined by faith alone and demonstrated by faithfulness to obey God’s will alone.”[9]

9) And this demonstration of faithfulness to obey God’s will, especially in regards to love must be done, not only in deed, but also in truth, emphasizing the sincerity and genuineness of the act. The demonstration of specific deeds to help must come from a true intent to help, in truth.[10] “Compliments and flatteries become not Christians but the sincere expressions of sacred affection and the services or labors of love do.”[11]
Conclusion:
1) We must remember that it is not works that justifies us before God, but rather it is faith alone that imputes righteousness upon an unworthy soul. The works and deeds that we do simply justify and demonstrate our genuine and sincere faith.

2) In order to demonstrate our sincere faith, we must act upon in obedience to God’s will. By displaying acts and deeds of love we can evidence that we are truly children of God, if only we show it in truth. Our acts must be sincere, not out of obligation, responsibility or lack of understanding. And it must be constant and progressive, finding ways to display love in the form of deeds not flattery.

3) If that is then the case, then there must be more to just telling someone “God bless you” or speaking in order to show compassion. True compassion, true love, sincere faith will go above and beyond, understanding the importance of the Gospel. Witnessing and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others as an act of love must be done in deed and in truth.
[1] Zodhiates Key Word Study Bible 1734
[2] Ibid
[3] Ibid
[4] Ibid
[5] MacArthur Study Bible 1971
[6] IANT 478
[7] MacArthur Study Bible 1930
[8] Ibid
[9] Ibid
[10] IANT 478
[11] Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible

Assure Our Hearts- 1 John 3:19

2009-07-11T22:07:00.000-07:00

Intro:
1) For the past few weeks, we’ve been discussing the evidence that we can show to others that we are truly believers in Jesus Christ. A defining evidence of belief and faith in Christ is to display love, volitional, purposeful, in deed, and in truth. This shows to others that we are truly a child of God.

2) But now we take an introspective look and consider if showcasing these external outward evidences help prove to ourselves that we are truly children of God. How can we remind and prove to ourselves that we are saved and are believers in Jesus Christ? Is this even important?

I. Assure Our Hearts
1 John 3:19- “And by this we know that we are of the truth and shall assure our hearts before Him.”

1) Believe it or not, there are many people in this world who sincerely believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and God, but question their eternal security. There are many who believe that one can gain and lose their salvation. Because of this, their life is lived in anxiety and fear, wondering if anything was done to merit the loss of eternal life.

2) The issue of the eternal security of the believer is one topic that we will not discuss today. But, as a simple reminder, when one has salvation, when was has entered into eternal life at the moment of faith in Jesus Christ, that can never be taken away. Because of this, it should motivate us to live sacrificial for God because of this display of love. It is a display of grace to give us the salvation that we DON’T deserve and a display of mercy not to give us the judgment that we DO deserve.

3) Nevertheless, there may be times that we do question the sincerity of our faith and the security of our salvation. We discussed ways to provide external evidence when others doubt. But what happens when WE doubt? “The believer wrestles with himself in relation to being in the truth. This is due to the presence of our sinful nature and to our acts of sin committed while in this world. When we commit sin, we are forced to question our salvation. So we need to convince ourselves that we are in the truth despite our failures.”[1]

4) We remind ourselves that works does not justify one before God. Works does not give one salvation. Instead, works is simply a demonstration of the sincerity of our faith. Within the category of works is the concept of love. And by how we love, we can then know that we are of the truth. We can be certain of our salvation if we simply love as God has asked us to love.

5) By loving with a self-sacrificial volitional love we can know that we are truly saved. An additional blessing is it then gives us assurance and confidence in our salvation that we can manifest what is in us by displaying love. “A lifestyle of love is the demonstrable proof of salvation.”[2] We can prove to others and prove to ourselves that we are truly a child of God if we can live self-sacrificially and choose to love others when they are still undeserving of it.

6) “One of the greatest arguments strengthening our assurance of salvation si the love for the brothers, not only in deed but in truth.” It then brings us to the question, why is the assurance of our salvation so important? Without the assurance of salvation or the thought that one can lose it, there is a lack of peace and a heavy feeling of anxiety and paranoia that one can potentially lose their salvation. That anxiety and fear increases when someone realizes that they could potentially die before ever redeeming themselves and re-attaining their salvation.

7) The assurance of salvation provides a sense of peace and serenity in one’s life, able to continue to live and serve God without fear of committing a sin that would then relegate someone to an unrighteous position and therefore deserving and condemned to hell.

8) Additionally, the assurance of salvation allows for a sense of freedom to approach God in manner of someone who is redeemed and redeemed permanently, as opposed to someone who is afraid to approach Him for fear of losing redemption. “It is a great happiness to be assured of our integrity in religion. Those that are so assured may have holy boldness or confidence towards God; they may appeal to him from the censures and condemnation of the world.”[3]

9) Of course, this assurance is demonstrated through love. This assurance is again another benefit of simply loving our brethren. “John gives 3 benefits of love for the true Christian. The first benefit is assurance of salvation since love in action is the test of Christian profession.”[4]

10) To love someone who is undeserving of love is not only beneficial to the other person nor asked for by God, but it is necessary, not because it is commanded to us by Christ and urged to us by the apostle John, but because for our sakes it gives us a sense of security and peace. “The way to arrive at the knowledge of our own truth and uprightness in Christianity, and to secure our inward peace, is to abound in love and in the works of love towards the Christian brethren.”[5]

Conclusion:
1) We are assured of our salvation because the Word of God promises us that when we are saved we are saved for eternity and we are saved from the moment of belief. This assurance of salvation is a God given gift, one that He didn’t necessarily have to give. God could have made it so that we would have to regain our salvation every time we committed a sin. But His grace is wonderful in that He didn’t choose that route.

2) We should love because it proves to others that we are believers in Christ but it assures us that we are truly born again believers. Our transition to a character and person of love, growth, maturity and development helps solidify the fact that we truly children of God and erases any doubt that we do not nor could have lost our salvation.

3) The assurance of salvation and the peace, comfort and security that comes with it should be another reason why we should share the Gospel with a world full of insecurities, fear, anxiety, and depression. It brings us hope and victory.
[1] IANT 478
[2] MacArthur Study Bible 1970
[3] Matthew Henry Commentary http://www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?AuthorID=4&contentID=1850&commInfo=5&topic=1%20John&ar=1Jo_3_19
[4] MacArthur Study Bible 1970
[5] Matthew Henry Commentary http://www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?AuthorID=4&contentID=1850&commInfo=5&topic=1%20John&ar=1Jo_3_19

Reply- Some Questions...

2009-02-09T14:48:00.000-08:00

http://exchristian.net/letters/2009/02/some-questions.html
"I haven't read the bible. I have seen MANY people who claim to be Christian, doing terrible things - almost like they've been given a license to be cruel, because they will be forgiven."

It is unfortunate that many people turn away from Christ upon an interaction with someone who is a self-proclaimed Christian, but presents themself otherwise. The hypocritical nature that many of us show as believers can truly push someone away from the Gospel.

I was approached by a youth asking how they should behave during a school function (winter formal.) I informed him to think about his testimony. Would his actions affect his testimony either positively or negatively? Then think about the possibility of someone who is on the fence about believing in Jesus Christ. If someone were to witness him doing something, would it push them toward faith or away from God?

Bottom line: you just never know who is watching. And if we proclaim ourselves as children of God, we will want to do the desires of our Father.

Additionally, there was an encounter with a "reverend," who shared with this person the need to repent of our sins and turn our faith toward Jesus Christ. There is nothing theologically or Biblically wrong with this. In fact, it's important that we share this with others. Where many of us may be at fault is the delivery of this truth. We must maintain a spirit of gentleness and love. Often times we come across as condemning and judgmental. If we do any sort of judging it should always be onto correction, never condemnation.

This is not to say that the "reverend" proceeded to act in like manner. It is simply an observation that I see from my time around.

It still feels as if she's unable to make up her mind regarding what to believe. If all that she's received is the feedback from ExChristian.net, then she'll believe that Christ never existed, that God is a fallacy, and that Christianity is all about brainwashing. To be honest, the constant comments regarding the "farce that is Christianity" and the regular badgering of God and Christ seem more like brainwashing to me. As much as they accuse Christians of imposing our beliefs on others, they seem to do a great job doing the same.

They reach out, pleading to everyone to free their thinking and seek the truth on their own, apart from Christ and God.

As Christians, I plead them to do the same.

Eventually we'll find out who was right or wrong. The question then becomes, what does everybody have to lose if they're wrong?

As Christians, as Muslims, as Catholics, as Mormons, as atheists, as agnostics. Who has the most to lose?

Lastly:

"Am I this sinner who needs to be saved? Or am I this normal person, trying to lead a good life, but getting caught up in a bad situation? I've never been perfect, but I don't know anyone who has."

One response:

Mriana- "No, you are not a sinner, just a human being who has made a few mistakes just like everyone else..."

The Biblical response:

Romans 3:23

Again... upon what authority do we base our beliefs? The Bible or our own? Let's establish this common ground first.

Reply -Work in Progress

2009-01-29T23:03:00.000-08:00

http://exchristian.net/letters/2009/01/i-am-work-in-progress-but-it-is-really.html

I've come across questions and situations of a believer who begins to yearn and fall in love with an unbeliever. It's a sensitive subject and it's probably well known by almost all church goers that one is not supposed to be unequally yoked with an unbeliever (2 Corin. 6:14)

The danger is that it is far easier to be influence to stray from the will of God rather than get your significant other to abide by the law of God. A lot of people go into this relationship with the hope that they will be more influential. Unfortunately, the opposite normally prevails.

It's not impossible however. For with God all things are possible (Matt. 19:26). One must simply be careful and cautious. As the apostle Paul reminds us, let us consider ourselves lest we also be tempted. (Galatians 6:1)

The guilt and shame felt by this individual is fairly extreme. I've never known anybody to endure such an emotion. And as men and women we will always deal and struggle with sin. It's whether or not we allow it to consume ourselves. Are we living a habitual life of sin or a habitual life of righteousness? When we sin, do we feel shameful? When we sin, do we ask for forgiveness and immediately repent of our sin?

This nervous breakdown spoken of is a mental hurdle that one needs to deal with. As Christians we have the wonderful blessing of being able to come before God through the mediator Jesus Christ and ask for forgiveness. When given, the slate is wiped clean. Because of Christ, we have been imputed righteousness. We are forgiven and loved by the God of this universe, despite our sin. Christ paid the price for it.

With that said, there should be no extreme nervous breakdown. The guilt and shame, though initial and may linger, the overriding truth that God always forgives those who are His children if they come to Him in sincerity should calm our nerves and give us a sense of hope.

Of course, this does not justify the opportunity to constantly commit sin. As we recall, true believers will want to live a life of habitual righteousness not sin.

The true issue of this testimony is this:

"The essence of the matter is that I started seeing life from a completely different perspective and I nearly lost my mind because of it!! I started seeing that people are just people - there should not be any Christians, or Jews, or Muslims... just people. I realised that sex is a wonderful thing to be shared by two lovers, not some sick sin. I realised that just because something is written in some "sacred" book, does not mean that it is actually true! I see so many things in movies and read so many books that show me that we should strive to be free of intolerance, superstition and worthless tradition."

If you continue reading, there is the eurekian affirmation and revelation of "It's all about ME!" This follows the ecumenical revelation that there shouldn't be any difference in people. As you read, you can see where he begins to justify his actions and where the affirmation is given to him that others believe the same thing. "Sex is a wonderful thing to be shared by two lovers, not some sick sin." Based on who's standards? Man's? "I realised that just because something is written in some "sacred" book, does not mean it is actually true!" Again, upon who's authority? Yours?

When we make the standard a perfect God, we fall short. Therefore, sex should be sacred between a man and a woman who are married. When we base the authority upon the inspired Word of God, not just a "sacred" book, then the truth is clear, rather than simply a scapegoat. Absolute truth is absolute whether you believe it or not. I am breathing air. You may not believe it, but it does not negate it's truth. The Bible is the same way.

My last insight is with the following statement:

"I really loved God too and I fear going to hell sometimes, but it is getting better as I meet new people who are not Christians and realise that they can be so wonderful and loving - why would they be sent to hell, it just makes no sense! "

Again, the view of many people who declare themselves atheists because they cannot wrap their minds around a loving God who will punish others to hell. There are good people! They should not go to hell!

Hell, in essence, is the absence of God. If God is love, if God is grace, if God is love and light, heaven will be filled with it. Remove God from a location entirely, you have then removed to the full extent, love, grace, love and light. And any and all things that God is.

Hell is simply a place where God is not present. God is loving enough to allow us free will. If we do not want to be with Him, He will not force us. Therefore if people do not want to be with God after this life, He will not force them to stay in His dwelling place for eternity, Heaven. Hell is a place for those who choose not to be with God.

Again it's our choice. He gives us a way to eternal life. Accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. If I do, I deal with the consequences. If you don't you deal with yours. In the end, when we stand before God, we can only be accountable for our actions.

There, many people have one last chance to say to God's face "It's all about ME!"

ExChristian.net

2009-01-29T22:52:00.001-08:00

Over the last few weeks, I've been reading on a consistent basis the testimonies of people on this website called ExChristian.net. The description of this site is as follows:

"This site is designed with the intention of encouraging ex-Christians, former Christians, de-converting Christians and other non-believers in the decision to live life based on rational thought rather than religious mythology."

It's quite intriguing and enlightening to read firsthand some of these stories and viewpoints of those who discredit anything religion. It helps me get a more well rounded view of the peoples of this earth. Too often many churches stay within the confines of their building walls. It's a safe haven. It's important to go out to those that may not see things the way that we do. Christ did and it is our calling to emulate Him.

It's interesting that a lot of their arguments is against Christianity, God, and Jesus Christ. Often times all denominations of Christianity are lumped together. A lot of these individuals had a very unfortunate experience with radical conservatives. It's just interesting because it's simply aimed at Christianity rather than religion as a whole. I'm just wondering if there's an ExMuslim.net site out there or ExJehovahWitness.net. I guess that's why it's called ExChristian not ExReligion.

In any case, as I continue to read these articles and blog testimonies, whenver I come across one that is interesting, I will post a reply here on this website. I will link the testimony so that you can read what I'm replying to.

I suggest you take a look and browse the site. It has in no way made me question my faith. In fact, it's strengthened it even more. It helps in uncovering respective answers to questions about Christ and God. It simply builds my thirst and hunger for the Word. How can I answer these allegations and interpretations?

Stay tuned for the first of many reasons for the hope that I have in Christ.

Ordination

2009-01-18T23:01:00.001-08:00

In less than two months, Lord willing, after defending my thesis on church restoration and bombarded with questions during my review, I will be standing in front of a congregation in Cebu City Philippines ordained into a life of ministerial work. 5 years in the making, but you can argue it's been closer to 13. It's been hard work, and at 10:30pm Sunday evening, January 18th, 2009, I submitted my final draft for my thesis.

But this post isn't about me. It's about another ordination.

Pastor Jason Ricafranca.

At Cornerstone International Christian Church in La Puente, CA, Jason was ordained into full time ministry by his pastor and my grand uncle, Ptr. Paul Lacanilao.

I have but known Jason only for a few months, but he has left an undeniable impact in my life. As I sat, listening to the responsibilities befall upon him, I witnessed him sitting in front of his congregation, eye closed, hands in his lap, deep in meditation and prayer. He understood the magnitude and importance of this day. He understood how critical of an undertaking this position was.

And this is why he is the perfect, God-ordained person for this job.

He exudes passion. He exudes fervor. He spills over in desire, commitment, and love for his youth and fellow believers. He instructs and lead kids into a life of selflessness, humility, desire to serve the Lord. He made them focus on others, not just themselves, evidenced by the entire theme of summer 2008: Missions.

Attending Skid Row in LA on a monthly, if not a weekly basis. Providing and witnessing to those less fortunate. Jason made these kids realize that there is a world outside of Ipods and Wii's, shoes, clothes, and other nonsense.

Jason came into this position with an uphill battle. Confused and mislead, his group was unsure of authority, unsure of theology, unsure of what was the truth. Jason comforted them, embraced them, set up damage control and earned their trust.

All while speaking the truth of God's Word.

He inspires, not only those who are directly under him, whom he leads, but those who share his vision, his ministry, his burden from afar. I am encouraged by his strength, not in his own ability, but in the strength of his humility to let God use him. Above all else, my admiration for Jason is his unwavering position to compromise the Word of God.

Jason, you have affected lives more than you know. I walk this journey with you. I fight the battle at the front lines by your side. Not to challenge you, but because I am pushed, encouraged, and incited by you to fight, not in flesh in blood, but in the spiritual realm, in principalities and powers.

By your side because I am honored and blessed to be taking this journey, running this race, and fighting this war with you.

Congratulations my friend. The excitement is only beginning. My patience runs thin waiting to see how God will use you.

Teen Speaking

2009-01-16T11:22:00.000-08:00

I forget how difficult it may be for teenagers today to really stand up and speak in front of a crowd, especially about something that's controversial and convicting. I've been speaking for probably over a decade so it's become old hat, but for someone who doesn't have that experience, it's difficult and I lose touch with that reality.

Standing before peers, making convictions, standing firm, and presenting challenges to a group of starry eyed, I'm here-only-because-I'm-supposed-to-be-here, when do we get out of this class, high school students can be pretty daunting. When asked, the speaker replied "I'm not really worried about the people in this classroom. I know that God brought the people that He wanted to be here listening." Growth... Maturity... Faith... all rolled into one.

I sat, listening as the passion and commitment she made, not only to her message, but her decision, her convictions, her desire to lead a life obedient to God's will, came out through her petite voice, louder and louder as she challenged the entire classroom. "What are WE going to do about it?" she boomed. "Can it change? Will it change?"

As it ended, as people brushed past her to scurry their way to the next class, a handful of those listening stopped and surrounded her, a few passed by, waiting to catch her attention before they left the classroom simply to say "thanks." There were hugs and smiles, compliments strewed about.

But what was inside her head? Was she relieved? Happy? Even more driven?

Or did she resent this mission, this ministry that was placed in her lap?

At the end of her testimony, she had a line: "Take it in or get pulled in." No more applicable to the time at hand.

Either way, it was a success. Not because she got an applaud from the class or approval from the teacher. It was because she was obedient to God's will and voiced her decision to do so.

Thank you Princess. For what it's worth, you pulled us in...

Get's me going...

2008-12-29T22:43:00.000-08:00

So what is it that gets people hot under the collar, pushing people's buttons, and getting them all riled up to speak out and up about what they really care about?

I don't know what any of you have to say about it, but in my opinion, it has to be the topic of religion. Jesus Christ. Faith. God. Christianity. People always tend to have their own opinion, would love to force it upon somebody else, and most of all, need to have the last word.

Is it that difficult to simply walk away and say, "They're right. I don't need to say anything else."? Maybe. But in this walk of ministry that I currently am on, one of the most important things for me to learn is to hold my tongue, stay quiet, and most importantly of all, be in prayer. Because who can do more convincing: me and my loud boisterous, I-can-talk-more-and-louder-than you monologue or the Holy Spirit as He convicts us?

Bring up religion anywhere and you're sure to get people all driven to speak their mind. Bring up Christ and for sure there will be somebody else with a different perspective trying to prove to you that your opinion is only slightly correct and that they have a better more accurate view of our Savior.

Don't tell me what you know. Tell me what the Bible says. If you can tell me that, I'll listen.

The Bible tells me that Christ is Lord. Christ is God. (John 1:1) He is fully God and fully Man. He died on the cross for my sins. Salvation can only be had by faith in Him alone. No man can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.

Don't tell me what some scholar, scientist, priest, or religious leader said to someone, who wrote it down, which then was read and re-interpreted, and now you hear about it second,third, fourth, fifth hand. Don't tell me that you read it off the internet cause some late night blogger had some sort of epiphany about who Christ is and how God works.

Read the Bible yourself and tell me what it says.

Then I'll tell you what it says to me.

Jesus loves me... this I know.

Day after Christmas

2008-12-26T09:07:00.000-08:00

I don't like taking naps or falling asleep early on Christmas, or Thanksgiving, or any other holiday for that matter, because it shortens the day. No matter how tired I may be, I try to truck it along, extending the day and taking it all in, knowing that I only get one of these a year.

After taking a look at my finances, even after all the uncertain and surprise transactions go through (oh there goes the checks I wrote for those parking tickets!) and however little my account balance is, there never seems to be a sense of panic. Rent is due in less than a week and combined with the numerous bills that are due toward the end of this month and the beginning of next month, I'll be shelling out thousands of dollars.

But still. Serenity. I'm reminded that God still provides. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills, so what if my needs equal a few thousand dollars a month? In retrospect, the Lord took me out of one job, with lots of room for growth and promotion, and placed me in another that was completely out of my comfort zone. This, all in time for the greatest economic crash in my young life. And job security was never an issue. With the other job, it sure would have been.

There are a lot of uncertainties in the air. But one thing is not. Every month I don't wonder any more if we'll have enough money to pay for what we need. God drops in little surprises just to remind me that He is still there. He hasn't ignored me. He hasn't forgotten about us. That every once in a while He just waits... to see if I'm faithful.

I hope I'm not making Him wait too long.

Jesus IS the reason for the season

2008-12-25T21:25:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading a blog entry from another site arguing that Jesus is not the reason for the season. It argues that it should be about family, and giving, friends, and love. All well and good. But without Christ, there would be no enjoyment of family, giving, friends, and definitely not love.

Christ is the paramount example of love. Christ is the paramount reason for hope. And to exclude Him from Christmas is just ludicrous.

Christmas is a time to celebrate our Savior's birth. He came, sent by God the Father, to come to this earth to die on the cross for our sins. If He never came, there would be no propitiation of our sins. We would all be guilty of our sin nature and the wages of it would be death. Yes, it's true that Christ was never born on December 25, but it should not negate the fact that this entire season should be celebrated with His birth in mind. It is His birth that represents hope, love, and faithfulness.

I stated that without Christ there would be no enjoyment of family, giving, friends, and love because if there is no hope beyond this life, can we really enjoy the temporal time we have here on this earth?

It is truly unfortunate that people place more emphasis on the lights, decorations, trees, and snappy holiday tunes than the birth of our Lord. But just because the secular world may place it's emphasis on these things does not negate the truth that this season is to remember Christ's incarnation. Sure, some of these things may have been derived from pagan traditions, and we should never compromise our conservative Biblical theology, but Christ's birth is an absolute.

And when this world begins to dilute and eliminate Christ, then we know for a fact that we are in the end times (1 John 2:18). This is exactly what the enemy wants, to make people turn away from Christ. Because we know that there will come a day when the abomination of desolation takes place and someone will sit on the throne of God, declaring himself as God. (Mark 13:14

We are fast approaching that time. But until then, during this Christmas, and every subsequent Christmases to follow, let's never forget that it is because of Christ that we have a reason to celebrate in the first place.

Election Night 2008

2008-11-05T12:53:00.000-08:00

With the lights off, the television set on, and Keilah sleeping by my side, I feel compelled to voice my opinion regarding the United States Presidential Election. I am not a US citizen, therefore I am not entitled to any vote. But the beauty of America is that I am still entitled to my opinion.

First, even though my position as a pastor of EL International Church Pasadena provides me with a platform to help sway peoples votes either one way or another, I will never do so for three reasons: 1) there are not nearly enough people in our congregation, 2) I was taught in EL Theological Seminary and by my grandfather that the position of a pastor should never be abused for politics, and 3) it is not, nor will it ever be my job and priority to tell the church who they should or should not vote for.

That is not important to me. I hope everyone understands that a US presidency can only last at most, 8 years. Not even Daniel's Seventieth Week is that long. But eternal life is.. well.. for eternity.Don't get me wrong. I am in no way diminishing the importance of a good government. But we have to understand that every government in place at this moment is in accordance to God's will. He has appointed each and every person in authority and leadership all around the world. If one party wins, the supporters of the other will not be happy and vice versa. It's a never ending cycle.

With that said, there is only one thing I would like to point out and this is the stance that I vehemently take. As long as there is a human being, man or woman, behind any governmental position of authority, power, or leadership, that government will ALWAYS be corrupt because man is inherently corrupt. Argue if you want. But if you can vote for who you want as president, then with that same freedom, I can say what I feel needs to be said.The only government that will ever be absolute and perfect is the government of which Jesus Christ, our Savior, will be head of. And my eyes for that prize.

Because of that, the priority of every Christian should not be to push the more conservative evangelical or the one with the agenda closest to Gods will. Rather, that should be secondary to the mission and ministry of leading others to Christ and sharing the Gospel of salvation with them. The political world should never take precedence over the spiritual. Because, as I've mentioned, eternal life is.. well.. for eternity.

In the end, whoever wins this election and all future ones, if the most conservative, down to earth, born again Christian wins because of the efforts of every church and religious organization, but not one other person comes to Christ, then what did we really gain?

ROJC - Preach and Believe

2008-08-12T09:04:00.000-07:00

Intro:

1) One of the things that I love the most in regards to my jobs is training other people. Either at the golf course or at Jamba, I’ve been in charge of training people that we’ve hired. Actually, it starts off with an interview which I conduct and relaying my opinion back to the person in charge. The thought is that I’ll be training these people so I better like them and feel that I can work with them. In any case, I like working with someone with a clean slate, who don’t know anything about the job and where the responsibility falls directly on me in order to train them the proper way.

2) When I train, I tell them to double-check with me just in case anybody else tells them how to do something. I have a sense of ownership and pride in each person that I train. I take it personally if one of my trainees does not work up to expectation. It’s a reflection of me. Now, the point is, the newly hired employees do not know what to do. They will not know until they are told and informed of how to work.

3) In the same way, how would believers, Christians, know what to believe if there was no one to inform us and preach to us?

I. Preach and Believe

1 Corinthians 15:11- “Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.”

1) There’s something that happens to me frequently. When I’m driving, if somebody cuts me off or performs an idiotic move on the road, I get angry, just like everybody else. However, every once in awhile, the car that cuts me off ends up having a Jesus fish on it’s bumper or a license plate frame that says “No Jesus No peace, Know Jesus Know peace.” After seeing it, I lose my anger and allow them to slide because they’re apparently believers.

2) My first emotion is to scream at the driver. My second is serenity. I had a situation like this earlier this week. It made me think. How am I supposed to act like? Am I supposed to be irritated because of the inconsideration of someone? Or am I supposed to pardon them because they’re fellow believers? Then another question came across me. How do I know how I’m supposed to act?

3) We have the Bible and it tells us how we should act. The Bible presents to us the standard, tells us how to behave, act, and tells us the rights and wrongs. We have it there. Everybody has it there. And yet there are so few that follow it. We read it and it goes right over our heads. We never seem to take it seriously. And it never hits us hard even when we’ve read the same passage over and over again.

4) There are people in the world that can read the Bible, feel convicted, and have a profound effect. But unless we hear somebody explain it to us, scold us, and make it relative to us, we don’t really allow it to sink in. The efficiency of another person’s voice, understanding, and relativity of the Bible to everyday life is incomparable and the Apostle Paul realized that.

5) Let’s take a look at the verb “preach.” The verb means “to proclaim or make known,” specifically the gospel of Jesus Christ. It wasn’t a generic preaching. It was specific. It was the preaching of the truth, things that could not be denied. Too often, preachers in this world preach things that are not true, that are of the wrong theology. But the apostle Paul stated here that when he or any of the other apostles preach, they preach the truth, not heresy.

6) The verb “preach” is in the present tense which indicates that all the apostles from Peter to Paul continued to preach. They preached the same truth and didn’t stop until God decided to take them home. There was an importance to the apostle’s preaching. There could be writings. There was evidence. But all the apostles knew the importance of getting up and sharing the Gospel with the people. Even Christ knew it, thus giving us the great commission.

7) The Apostles knew that they could not just leave it alone and feel that the world would come to the truth of Christ’s death and resurrection on their own. Yes, the Lord could work that way. But He also chooses to use us. The Apostle’s realized that the Lord had given them a ministry to work in. That ministry was to preach and share the gospel so that others would believe.

8) Let’s take a look at the verb “believe.” The church in Corinth had a complete faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through continual preaching of the apostle’s their belief was in its entirety. Can you imagine how great preachers the apostles were? A simple message, yet so powerful and so effective. The apostle’s preached and the people believed. I’m sorry to say but there are preachers today that are vastly ineffective. But the apostles! Imagine being able to hear the apostle Paul! If you’ve ever seen Billy Graham in person and hear one of his 5 minute, simple messages on salvation, you’ve seen the thousands of people that answer the alter call. You know how powerful it is. I would imagine that the apostle Paul’s preaching would be 100 times more powerful than Billy Graham. Not to take anything away from Billy Graham, I just think that the apostle’s were just so amazing.

9) I’m not trying to take anything from the Bible. I’m not saying that preachers are the most important part of a ministry, especially since preachers preach from the Bible. The Lord doesn’t need us. He doesn’t need us to prove to people that He actually died and rose again from the dead. If the Lord wanted to, He can just force everyone to believe. But that wouldn’t be love. The point is, the apostle’s preached, Paul preached, Peter preached, Timothy preached, hundreds of thousands of people down throughout history have preached. They’ve been used by God. Preacher’s today are used by God. It’s just a different dynamic when we hear somebody talking and presenting to us the Word of God and it’s relevance in our lives.

1) Don’t leave here saying that preachers are more important than the Word of God, because that’s not what I’m saying. When preachers preach, hopefully they’re still preaching from what the Bible says. When the apostle’s preached, they preached the truth, which is what the Bible is. God works in that way. Through word of mouth, through witnessing, many people have come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.

2) When people preach, people believe. As long as people preach, and preach the gospel and the truth of the word of God, people will believe. As long as people witness, people will believe. Once again, we don’t have to be formal preacher or pastor or bishop or seminary student to share the truth of God. All we have to do is open our mouths.

ROJC- I Am What I Am

2008-06-08T09:11:00.000-07:00

Intro:

1) I believe that I, more so than anybody right now, have been trying to figure out what I want to do and be in the next few years. I’ve been battling and going back and forth about things in my life and the different options and roads that I can take. Subconsciously, I think that I’ve been working so much because it takes my mind off the confusion of trying to figure out what God has planned for me.

2) In the process of trying to figure this out, I have to develop into the man that my peers, my family, my employers, and my God want me to be. You want to talk about finding out what you’re doing with your life and how tough it is, this development may even be harder. Each aspect of my life demands a different “Justin.” Both jobs, assistant manager at one, lead team member at the other, group member at school, leader at church, a certain friend to certain friends, another friend to other friends, a son and a brother all demand me to act a certain way. On top of that, I’m a Christian, a believer, a follower of Christ. It trumps everything, but all my other personas conflict with this one character. It gets tiring.

3) I’m waiting for the day that everything in my life, and how I change my personality to accommodate these aspects, will finally conform and evolve into one personality that I can carry around and not have to change simply because of my environment or circumstance. I’m waiting when I will have one character, one personality that will show through all aspects of my life. More specifically, I’m waiting for the day that I can be Christ-like every hour of the day. But what’s great is that God is in charge of who I am and who I will become.

I. I Am What I Am

1 Corinthians 15:9-10 – “For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”

1) The Apostle Paul just finished telling the church in Corinth that there were hundreds of people who had seen Christ. He named off the apostles and disciples as well. Then he went on to say that if you need more, that he himself saw Christ. V. 8- “Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.” But despite him seeing Christ, he informed the church that he was the least of all the apostles and shouldn’t have even been called an apostle because of how he persecuted the church. Acts 8:3- “As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging them off men and women, committing them to prison.”

2) Afterwards, Paul even admitted it to his apprentice Timothy, in a letter. 1 Timothy 1:12-13 – “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man, but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.” He was still used by God, was given a ministry to work in, and by which the mercy and grace of God helped him through.

3) Even though the Apostle Paul was all these things before he was converted, he was still sent and used by God, thus the difference between an apostle and a disciple. The Greek word for disciple is mathetes which means “someone who learns or a pupil.” The Greek word for “apostle” is apostolos which signifies “a delegate or a messenger, someone with orders.” Even though Paul persecuted the church, He was still sent by God with orders for a ministry which he did to a greater extent than those who preceded him.

4) And still, even through his pre-meditated persecution, the apostle Paul could now do what he does and be who he is because of God. People questioned his sincerity. They wondered whether or not Paul’s faith was real. Or was it just some way for him to get into the Christian church and persecute it from the inside out? Here is a man who had thrown hundreds of Christians in jail for simply believing in Christ. If you were a Christian at that time, would you trust a man who had that reputation? Probably not. But yet he continued to do so. This was one of the mountains that he had to climb. He had to prove to everyone that he had been converted and that his intentions were good. He was given the strength to overcome the accusations and the lack of trust because of His belief in God. His faith in Jesus Christ provided the mercy to endure all those things and use his natural gifts and talents for the ministry of Jesus Christ.

5) Working backwards, let’s take a look at verse 8. The phrase “born out of due time” in the Greek is ektroma which speaks of “an abortion or an untimely birth.” What Paul was saying was he was chosen not because of his background or his education or because he was walking closely with Christ. On the contrary, him being chosen was a complete surprise to him! He wasn’t expecting it. It wasn’t as if he was as qualified as others were or was mature as those who wanted to be in the apostolic office. No! He was chosen without any experience, without any knowledge, without any aspiration to be that. And the fact that he was chosen in this manner thoroughly humbled Paul.

6) We don’t have to be a seminary student or aspire to work in the ministry in order to be used by God. Actually you can argue that some of the most dynamic, passionate, productive people are those who never thought to go into the ministry in the first place! And as often as you may hear it, you may not think that God will use you because of how badly we’ve sinned against Him, but He still can and He still will. If God can use a sinner like Paul or a sinner like David, then He most certainly can use a sinner like me. And the fact that He uses a sinner like me, with a list of sins as deep as the ocean, that’s humbling.

Conclusion:

1) When God chose Paul, He didn’t choose Paul because of his good looks, his faith in Jesus Christ, or his love for Him for that matter. He didn’t choose him for any of that. All we know is that God chose him. When God chooses you, it may not be because of your knowledge of the Bible, or how close your relationship with Him is, or how many Greek words you know. God just chooses you. And He chooses you just as you are.

2) And we are who we are because of God's grace, because of His mercy. We can choose the path of life that we'll travel and the man or woman that we'll become because God gives us the reign to so. And as Paul said that "I am what i am by the grace of God," when it is because of God that we are who we are, who we become should be chosen people who love the Lord.

ROJC 1 Corinthians 15:5-8

2008-04-07T10:01:00.001-07:00

Intro:
1) There are so many paintings, pictures, assumptions of what Jesus Christ looks like. In a way, because of how Christ has been portrayed through these pictures and movies, that we assume that He’s going to look this way when we finally see Him. However, what I’ve been educated on is that He is probably not going to look anything like how He’s been portrayed. Because of where He was born, the culture that surrounded Him and the nature of the people He was born into, it’s very likely that He would look extremely different than what people have made Him out to be.
2) In any case, regardless of how He looks, it will still be breathtaking and amazing to finally see Him. This is our Savior. The Man who died for us on that cross. He’ll know everything about us and declare His love for us. That’s amazing. Of course, we’ll have to wait until either He returns to earth or until God finally decides to take us home.
3) But what would the effect be if we were able to see Him today? How would we react? How would we feel? How would it strengthen our faith to see our Messiah in person? After doubting His death and resurrection, it’d be amazing to see Christ and prove to all those doubters how they were wrong. Seemingly, it always takes people having to see with their own two eyes if something is true.
I. Seen
1 Corinthians 15:5-8- “and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as one born out of due time.”
1) Even though Christ will not be seen until He returns to earth again, where at that moment “every eye will see Him,” it was testified by Paul that after His resurrection, He was seen by plenty of individuals. He was showing the church in Corinth that it wasn’t just Him or a select few who had seen Christ. It wasn’t as if they were hallucinating. Christ had actually been seen by hundreds of people!
2) Now even though the church in Corinth may not have necessarily seen Christ, Paul was giving in full detail specific individuals who did. He names Peter, James, the 12 disciples, and all the apostles. He then goes on to say that over five hundred people had been able to see Christ after His resurrection. And look at verse 6. It’s important to realize and underline that of those five hundred who had seen Christ, most of them were still alive! Some had passed away, but most of the five hundred were still living!
3) What this indicates is that if the church in Corinth had any doubt whatsoever, it was very simple for them to reaffirm their faith in the resurrection of Christ by simple approaching any of the remaining five hundred who were still alive and hear from their own mouth and personal testimony of how they saw Christ, alive and in the flesh. At that time, believers, Christians had the luxury of being provided the tangible evidence and visible facts of a living Christ to defend their belief in a risen Savior.
4) How many more Christians would there be today if we could resort to that sort of affirmation? If we could bring our non-believing friends to a physical Savior and say, “This is Christ,” have them shake His hand and put their fingers in His nail pierced hand, what do you think is the probability of them finally believing and accepting the truth of Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection? But we don’t. We have a viable weapon of truth in the Bible, but as I’ve mentioned, seemingly that’s not enough for a lot of people. They always need visual and physical confirmation.
5) And that’s understandable. We can’t get angry that we don’t have anybody alive today that has actually seen and talked with Christ in order to help strengthen and defend our belief in a risen Christ. We have the Word of God but with the closed mindset of our society it’s hard to make them believe. But that’s why our faith is so remarkable. The fact that we believe in a risen Savior, without tangible evidence is astounding. That is unbelievable faith. It is a faith that God and Christ appreciate even more.
6) We are then reminded of Thomas who stubbornly held that “unless I see in His hands the print of the nails and put my finger into the print of the nails and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” Even a disciple refused to believe. If a disciple of Christ who walked, talked, was taught first hand by Christ would refuse to believe, it’s understandable that millions of others down throughout history would refuse to believe as well. But after that declaration of unbelief Christ revealed Himself to Thomas, had him place his hand into His side, and finally, Thomas cried out shockingly, “My Lord and My God!” It was then that Christ said in verse 29 of John chapter 20, “Thomas because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
7) The first “believed” is in the perfect tense. This means that after Thomas had finally seen and touched Christ, He finally and permanently believed. Sadly, it took Thomas having to touch Christ to finally believe. The second “believed” is a constant participle meaning that it is a greater blessing for those who has not seen as Thomas has, but yet still continue to believe.
8) Going back to 1 Corithians 1: 5-7, let’s take a look at the verb “seen.” The Greek word for “seen” is optanomai. It is in the aorist tense which means that Christ was completely seen and the indicative mood indicates that there was no question that He was seen. The disciples, the apostles, the five hundred who had seen Christ had not just seen a part of Him, or a glimpse of Him. There was no way that their eyewitness testimony could be questioned. They had seen Him. End of story.
1) If we had Christ to resort to and fall back on, how much easier would it be to witness to others and convince them of the truth of the death and resurrection of Christ? We don’t, but that doesn’t mean we should be discouraged. Right here in the Scriptures, we are told of how hundreds of people 2000 years ago actually did see Christ. And as we learned last week, despite what many people believe, there are no holes in the Bible, the Word of God is the truth and there is no denying that. If it says that Christ was seen by hundreds then He was seen by hundreds.We have a risen Savior. And even if people refuse to believe it, they have a right to. Even Thomas refused to believe. But, we can take encouragement in the fact that just like Thomas those who hold themselves in unbelief will one day be shown the truth. Christ will make Himself real to them. In one way or another, the holes in His hands and His pierced side will make the grandest statement of all: we serve a risen Savior because Christ is alive.

ROJC 1 Corinthians 15:3,4

2008-03-03T16:20:00.000-08:00

If I had one wish, something that God had asked me and that He would grant me but upon receiving this wish, He would automatically take me to heaven, it would be one of two things. The first thing that would pop into my mind would be to have my grandfather alive again. The second thing that I would want for Him to grant me would be to see His book, His blueprint for my life. I want to see what He has planned for me. I want to know where I’m going to go wrong, what I’m going to do, the life that I’m going to live and how the rest of my years will pan out. I want to see it.

See, God has a plan for all of our lives. And I’m wondering, what would they be like if He had it written down, and there was something tangible, a book, that we could refer to that would discuss the details of our life and death, before we knew it would happen? It’s a good thing that we don’t, but just what if?

Continuing on with our studying in 1 Corinthians, we come across some defenses for the resurrection of Jesus Christ, based on prophecy, prophesied centuries before it actually happened.

I. Died, Buried, and Rose

1 Corinthians 15:3,4- “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures and that He was buried and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.”

We may not have something tangible, or spoken down throughout the years concerning our lives, but Christ most certainly did. His life purpose was detailed centuries before and was fulfilled. No other man in history can say that His life was foretold and had come to fruition. Only Christ.

Let’s look at the word “Scriptures.” This is a reference to the Old Testament. Some of the disciples, the apostle Paul, and even Christ Himself made references, pointing back toward the Old Testament writings, concerning Christ and His sacrifice.

Passages in the Bible that discuss the death, burial and resurrection of Christ include: Isaiah 53, Zechariah 13:7, Psalm 22:18, Psalm 69:21 for His death, Psalm 30:3, 41:10, and 49:15 for His resurrection.

One of the more familiar passages where the resurrection of Christ is mentioned is found in Psalm 16:8-11. Here the resurrection of Christ is applied through David, one who took strength and encouragement, from these words, but through which the Lord was using to prophesy of His inevitable end. Let’s make a comparison and imagine the emotions that both men must be feeling and apply these words to both situations, for one a man in sin, for the second a Man in sacrifice. In both instances, they are statements of confidence, hope in victory of the Messiah.

There is one difference, however, in our application of this passage to both David and Christ. David died. He was buried and did not rise again. However Christ did not. The apostle Paul puts it best in Acts 13:36,37- “For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers and saw corruption, but He whom God raised up saw no corruption.”

Christ died, but He rose again from the dead. His facets of His life were prophesied. We think, facets, what facets? It was only His death, life and resurrection right that was written in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New. But it wasn’t. Everything from His lineage, to His temptation, His rejection, His obedience, authority, humility, and His mission. His sufferings, His priesthood, His claims to be God, to be Messiah, to be the Lamb of God and God of Israel were all prophesied and fulfilled in word in the New Testament. That’s how amazing it is! All this and more were prophesied and fulfilled by Christ!

Now, all this is well and good, but what does it mean? Is this an apologetics sermon? I don’t want to think that it is. Here is the significance of knowing that Christ died, was buried, and rose, according to the Scriptures. Because everything happened in accordance to what the prophets wrote during the time of the Old Testament, it only fuels the overall truth of the Bible. If the Old Testament is true about Christ and the fulfillment of all His prophecies, then everything in the Old Testament and New Testament will eventually come to fruition as well.

The first thing that we must keep in mind that will come true according to the Scriptures is that Christ will return to this earth again. The second is the actuality of the entire book of Revelation, and the third is the judgment which will befall on everyone, either by the Book of Life or the Book of Works.

Imagine the reality that we must all be facing. The Bible is truth. If it’s true then millions will be going to heaven, and millions will be going to hell. Millions will have to endure the tribulation period. Millions will face the judgment seat of Christ. Once again we take it for granted. Just because we didn’t see David slay Goliath, or Daniel sleep with the lions, or Job scrape off his boils, we don’t seem to be able to develop that sense of urgency that the future that the Bible actually speaks of will happen!

What will it take to make others see? What will make them believe? The Bible is right there. The truth is out in the open. Why is it so hard to grasp? One of my co-workers, who is a Mormon confessed to me that she loves reading the Mormon bible, but that it was difficult to read the Bible. People have to be willing to accept the truth. They must be willing to be guided by the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to the teachings of the Bible. The Bible is such a wonderful blessing. People treat it as a curse. Even those in churches who refuse to read it treat it as if it’s leprosy.

Conclusion:

The life, death, and resurrection of Christ help prove to the world that the Bible speaks the truth. It gives in full the details of Christ. So many prophecies have been fulfilled. It’s amazing how people still don’t believe that the Bible is real and truthful.

What I’m trying to say is believe that the Bible is real. That it tells the truth. And go out there and live with conviction that the Bible is real. Let the world know. We need to stop staying quiet about it. There’s too much at stake. There’s too much to lose. What’s the point of prophecy and fulfillment of prophecy if all it leads to is people sitting on their hands, not willing to shout for joy?

The one lesson that we can learn from the passage this morning is what the Apostle Paul told the church. That he is now delivering to the church what he received first. Now that we’ve heard, we have to share to others.

Let's share to others the story, love, and sacrifice of Christ. Yes, Christ is ours. But let's keep in mind that in accordance to the Scriptures, He's ours to share.

ROJC- 1 Corinthians 15:2

2008-02-25T17:33:00.000-08:00

Intro:
It’s amazing how things can change in the span of a week. Last week, it was full of excitement. Developments in my life were taking place, God was using me, and I was on top, feeling so assured of my relationship with Him. This week, I feel useless. I feel disappointed, non-productive, and worst of all so far detached from the man I call my Savior. I feel like a hypocrite. I feel selfish and self-involved. I feel that after all the work that I’ve done these past seven days, that this week has been a waste.

During these times, what do I hold on to? What do I remember? What are the thoughts that seep into my mind? Last week, I reaffirmed my faith in Jesus Christ and declared my faith in Him each and every time doubt, or distress, or overwhelming sense of failure hit me. This week, instead, I thought about those failures. I thought about the let downs, the collapses, the people’s opinions and how they would view me, especially having to appease 10 different people all at one time. I forgot about the one person that would love me, even more, in my failure.

It’s tough. Our lesson today is tough. The point of this sermon today is tough and I can tell you first hand because I’ve lived it this week. One of the messages that the apostle Paul left with the church in Corinth was something that was very importantly tied to the resurrection of our Savior.

I. Stand Fast

1 Corinthians 15:2- “by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you- unless you believed in vain.”

The church in Corinth was able to stand and be saved in the gospel in which they received. Today, millions of people are able to be saved if only they receive the gospel. Thousands stand in it. Notice the difference in numerical value. Now, let me make a disclaimer. This is not based on exegesis. This is added insight. Last week, we learned that to stand in the Gospel meant to stand in it with strength and permanence. Millions can be saved, true. And they will never lose their salvation. But only thousands stand in it.

Count to ten, the number of people who would react as Jesus would react, make decisions as He would, live as He lived, even just 50% of the time. Who are the people who would turn to God, the ones who would slowly stop conforming their lives to the world and slowly emulate Christ? And then who are the ones who abandon the gospel, the Word, when it has become the most necessary to do so? I guarantee you, that those that you think are strong, pastors, leaders of the church, are not even strong. That we all fail, and we constantly have to read the Bible to encourage us to stand fast.

Let’s proceed onto the exegesis of this passage. First, let’s look at the qualifying word “if.” We are saved if we hold fast to the word. The verb “hold fast,” in the Greek is translated “keep.” We are saved if we keep the word of the Gospel. Here’s the semi conflict. The Greek word for “keep” is in the present tense. Does that mean that if we for once believe in something else, or begin to lose faith, do we lose our salvation? If that is the case, doesn’t that conflict with the truth that we’ve been speaking that we cannot lose our salvation that even we cannot even take ourselves out of the love of God? If we accepted Christ and twenty years down the line we stray and no longer believe that there is a God, do we still keep our salvation? That’s the conflict. Are we saved only if we continue to keep the Gospel? Here’s the explanation and the clarification.

We must remember the context in which the Apostle Paul was giving this statement. The church in Corinth would be saved by the Gospel of Jesus Christ that Paul brought if they continued to keep and believe in what he preached. This means if they would not be corrupted or adhere to any of the other false teaches and enemies of Christ that would try to lead them astray. They had to continue to hold fast to the gospel of Jesus Christ which was the only way of salvation, contrary to what any of the other false teachers had to say in that time period.

Let’s take a look at the verb “saved.” The Greek word for “saved” is sozesthe which comes from the root word sozo. Now here’s the interesting part of it. The Greek word for “saved” is also found in the present tense. There can be two different conflicts in our Christian theology presented in this one verse. One, which we just discussed is our ability to lose our salvation. The second is also tied to that, which, based on the parsing of this verb sozesthe, may imply that we are constant need of being saved. It implies that the Gospel saves us over and over again. The present tense is true in the sense that it constantly saves us, but not in terms of us losing our salvation. The present tense implies that the Gospel has the continuing power to save a believer from the influence and power of sin and the devil.

It is not through our power as human beings, but through the Gospel. This also clarifies the qualifying word “if” which may insinuate that we are saved through our own discretion and power of holding fast to the Gospel. On the contrary it is through the salvific power of the Gospel by which we are saved.

Lastly, let’s take a look at the phrase, “unless you believed in vain.” There are people in this world with shallow faith. There are people who put on a Sunday face, act and try to convince people that they are Christians but have not accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. There are those people who act as if they abide by the Word of God but do not hold fast to it. There are those who believe as the demons believe. They believe that there is a God also, but does that save them? First and foremost, determine the depth of your faith. We answer to no one but God. I’m not going to know. I can assume, and if you’re a good enough liar, then I’ll believe you’re a solid Christian. If not, then it’s between you and God.

Also, the apostle Paul demonstrated that if our faith is real, and not in vain, that also our persecutions and discouragements were then not without purpose and that the strength of our faith is unyielding. And by no less than the strength of this sort of faith, will we be saved.

Conclusion:

This sermon may sound tough from an exegetical standpoint because it was somewhat confusing. But this sermon is tough because it presents a truth to our faith that we so often need but frequently neglect. Day in and day out, do we constantly stand fast in the word of God? There are two roadblocks. First of all, do we have the strength, will, and faith to make the decision to live the way that God wants us to live, as believers? We have to make the conscious decision to stay strong and permanent in the Word.

The second roadblock is, do we even know what's in the Word of God? Do we know what it says? How can we stand fast in the Word if we don't know what to do, say or act? So, we've made the decision to live the way God wants us to live. The question is do we know how He wants us to live? If we don't, how can we stand fast?

Isidro Annotated New Testament- 1 Corinthians 15:2

Resurrection of Jesus Christ 1 Corinthians 15:1

2008-02-19T10:23:00.001-08:00

Intro:
This past week, people that I’ve been working with, either at Jamba Juice or the golf course are either reminding or complaining to me how this weekend isn’t a holiday. All that they care about is whether or not they get paid time and a half on Good Friday or Easter Sunday. It’s somewhat disappointing and it opens your eyes to what this world is really about. Doesn’t this month, this weekend mean more than getting paid holiday rates?

It’s become so diluted. There’s no longer any meaning to it. Why don’t we commit an entire season to it? We do for Christmas. His birth was important. But if you think about it, His resurrection, His death, because it happened, is even more important. What would happen if He never rose from the dead? What are the implications of that? That’s why, no matter how important His birth was His death was even more important because, despite all the miracles that He displayed, it was His death that declared His deity.

Starting on this Resurrection Sunday, it is important to understand what this event means to us. We could spend the next weeks defending that the resurrection actually happened. But instead, we’re going to go a different direction. This time, we’re going to go in depth so that we may be able to thoroughly comprehend the significance of this resurrection and its impact on our lives.

I. The Reality of our Faith
Our study takes us to the book of 1 Corinthians chapter 15. This is the explanation of the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth about the importance and impact of the resurrection in their lives. “Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preach to you- unless you believed in vain.”

At this moment, the gospel is being preached throughout the world. And people may believe it or they may not. People may accept it and deny it later on in their lives. People may dispose of it out of fear, afraid of being mocked, persecuted, and ridiculed because of their faith. The weak Christians seem to never be able to hold to their faith.

Imagine, that on His death, our Savior was ridiculed. On His death, people denied Him. On His death, people scoffed and laughed at Him. This was the way He died. And is this what He died for? No, He died so that we may believe. The miracles didn’t force people to believe. His words, His perfect character, His sinless nature didn’t force people to believe. It was when the two on the road conversed with Him, it was when the twelve and then the 500 saw Him. It was when Thomas put his finger in His side and in His hand that they believed.

And now, because of belief, we have people, pastors, evangelists, who boldly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Without fear, without worry of being ridiculed.

Let’s take a look at the two verbs here in verse 1. Look at the verbs “declare” and “preached.” The Greek word for “declare” means “to certify or give to understand. It can also mean to remind. Here’s Barnes: “Here it does not mean that he was communicating to them any new truth, but he wished to remind them of it.” The Greek word for “preached” means “to bring good news.” Now, here’s the interesting part of it. The verbs have different tenses. The verb “declare” is in the present tense while the verb “preached” is found in the aorist tense. What this means is that at one point in time, the Apostle Paul gave the church in Corinth, preached to them the Gospel in its entirety. And down throughout the days, he continues to remind them of what he preached to them, which is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, not something that is brand new, something that they already knew of, but needed to be told again.

One of the things that we learned was that if you wanted to change a habit in the workplace, it would take at least three months of telling the same person the same thing over and over again, day after day. It wouldn’t be until three months that the habit would eventually take place, but not before being impressed into their minds. One could argue that preaching is the same way. It would take months to tell you over and over again the significance of sin, the resurrection, the Gospel. And it’s not just me, but the Apostle Paul who believes it also. That’s why we can never give up. I forgot who quoted it, but there’s a saying that describes the breaking of a rock by a tiny hammer. It’s not the last hit that broke it apart, but the 1000 tiny hits before it.

Now, let’s take a look at the verb “receive.” The Greek word for “received” is paralamban which means to “receive with approval.” This means that the church in Corinth received the Gospel intelligently.[1] They were not ignorant. They were not tricked into receiving the Gospel. They used their intellect to make a decision to accept Christ. Yes, some people may not thoroughly understand our faith. Sometimes we may not understand some of the things that we believe. But God has provided enough evidence for us to make a cognitive decision that Christ lived, that He died, that He rose from the dead and that we are sinners and are in need of a Savior. There is no doubting that.

Lastly, look at the verb “stand.” The verb “stand” is found in the present tense which signifies the strength and permanence in which the church in Corinth stood in the Gospel. Sadly, that strength and permanence may not be too evident in the world today. Yes, there are a lot of people who stay in the Word and hold tight to the Gospel. But I guarantee you that there is a far greater number who do not. You can just tell. A lot of us are good talkers. A lot of us are good liars. But there is no way that you can fake this.

Conclusion:
In the middle of this sermon, I was wondering, what is the theme of this sermon? What is it that God wanted to share with us? I was frustrated. I didn’t know where I was going. But eventually, God showed me. After a brief stint of prayer, I realized what the purpose of this message was. God gives us the ability to believe, the ability to have faith. Our faith is placed in Jesus Christ. And it is Christ and the fact that He resurrected Himself from the dead that makes our faith real.

We’ve all been preached to. We’ve all heard of the Gospel and we continue to be reminded of things that we already know. But we should never get tired of hearing how our Savior is risen and has already conquered the world.

[1] Isidro Annotated New Testament