Author Archives: bertlewis

Who’s Changing Who?

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            “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals’” The context for this verse is Paul’s teaching on the resurrection. There were some in the church at Corinth who were not only being negatively influenced by incorrect teaching about the resurrection, but also by their association with people of questionable character. Paul founded the church at Corinth during his second missionary journey and ministered there for eighteen months. After his departure, he later received a report of problems within the church. Corinth was one of the largest cities in the Roman world. It was also one of the most corrupt. Instead of growing in spiritual maturity, the church was characterized by their immaturity. There were many issues Paul addressed in writing to the Corinthians, but a primary purpose of his letter was to exhort them to break away from the negative influence of the culture in which they lived. 

            The culture in which we live exerts great influence as well. As certain phases of life end, others begin, bringing with them new sets of influences as new relationships are formed. These influences can either be good or bad. In Corinth, just as there is today, evil influence exists. But it is also the case that, though it may not necessarily be evil, the influence of new relationships can cause us to be less than what God desires for His children. Are you mindful and on guard for this subtle influence?

            As a child of God, Satan can’t impact our relationship with God. He can, however, do much to affect our fellowship with Him. It is impossible to completely avoid culture’s influence on our lives, and as Christians, we are called to engage the world in which we live with the gospel, but we must always be careful of the company we keep. We must “put on the whole armor of God” daily (Ephesians 6:11). One of Satan’s greatest deceptions is to have us believe that our own strength is enough to avoid being impacted by negative influences. This is why knowledge of God’s Word is so critical; it helps us to discern His will. It is also the means by which the Holy Spirit gives us a filter with which to see the world. Our strength is the Spirit’s presence in us. Those in the church at Corinth failed to take this seriously. We must not! Our culture is challenging, but our God is greater. As you enter new phases of life, meet new people and develop new friendships, let me ask, are you pointing them to Christ or are they pointing you away from Him? Are you changing them or are they changing you? Don’t be deceived, it matters!              

Prayer

Father, our culture exerts great influence. We are tempted by it, and in our own strength completely incapable of standing against it. God, we know that you are the one who changes hearts. Thank you for changing mine. Help me to be a positive influence on other people by pointing them to Christ. Lord, thank you for your goodness and your grace. Let my life be lived for your glory each day. Amen!

Divine Sovereignty And Human Choice: What Tension?

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“If I find taught in one part of the Bible that everything is foreordained, that is true; and if I find, in another Scripture, that man is responsible for his actions, that is true; and it is only my folly that leads me to imagine that these two truths can ever contradict each other.”        -Charles Haddon Spurgeon- 

            It seems more and more we live in a day in which we consider God’s Word as true and authoritative only as long as it agrees with our own opinions and understanding.  There are many issues related to God and our understanding of Him that are mind blowing.  But isn’t that the way it should be?  He is God after all.  In the last chapter of his book, Twelve Ordinary Men, a book about Jesus’ disciples, John MacArthur discusses the life of Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus.  As it relates to this betrayal, Scripture makes clear that though it was foreordained by God, it was carried out freely by Judas.  MacArthur says, “God’s plan and Judas’ evil deed concurred perfectly.”  Jesus affirmed both God’s predetermined plan and Judas’ responsibility for his evil actions (Luke 22:22).  As MacArthur sought to explain the tension between divine sovereignty and human choice he used the above quote by Charles Haddon Spurgeon.     

            There are certainly passages of Scripture that are difficult for us to reconcile in our minds.  Consider how the Bible records Jesus’ statement that no one can come to Him “unless the Father draws them” (John 6:44) but also teaches that a person is condemned because of their unbelief (John 3:18).  What about how the Lord’s desire is that none perish but that all reach repentance (2 Peter 3:9) yet while teaching clearly that not all are saved.  And how could Jesus’ crucifixion be God’s plan and the Jewish leaders still be held responsible for carrying it out?  What about all of Romans 9?  When we read these passages, the doctrines of divine sovereignty and human choice may appear to contradict, but they don’t.  They may seemingly appear irreconcilable, but they’re not.  There are no contradictions with God nor is there any need for the passages that support each of these doctrines to be reconciled.  We accept them because the Bible teaches both.  What is needed is our submission to the realization that God really is beyond our full understanding.  I like the way Kent Hughes puts it when he says that “if anyone completely understands the ways of God, the Trinity will have to make room for another member.”  Consider the following verses: 

–          “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9) 

–          “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable His ways!  For who has known the mind of the LORD, or who has been His counselor?  Or who has given Him a gift that He might be repaid?  For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.  To Him be glory forever.  Amen.” (Romans 11:33-36) 

            The above passages underscore the impossibility of our being able to fully comprehend God’s ways.  It would be a mistake however to let this fact dissuade you from the deep study of God’s Word.  We must go as far as the Holy Spirit takes us, realizing at the same time our full understanding and for that matter, opinion or belief is not the basis of the truth of God’s Word.  It never has or ever will be.  So, as to the tension between divine sovereignty and human choice; it is only ours, not God’s.  Spurgeon goes on to say  concerning divine sovereignty and human choice, that they are “two lines that are so nearly parallel that the human mind that pursues them farthest will never discover that they converge, but they do converge, and they meet somewhere in eternity, close to the throne of God, whence all truth doth spring.”  God is amazing.  Aren’t you glad we have a God who is beyond us?  What kind of God would He be if His ways were our ways, if His judgments were searchable, and if He needed our counsel?  Could we then appreciate the greatness of His grace?  I don’t think so.  But thankfully such is not the case.  Our God will always be beyond us and because the words of Scripture are His words, they are beyond us as well.  Isn’t that just as He and they should be?

The Perfect Father

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“You therefore must be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48) 

            My dad is 82 years old today. I think about my dad a lot. As he gets older and as his birthday approaches, I think about him even more. When I think back over the years, I remember the various stages of what I thought about my dad. They’re probably not much different than most of our thoughts concerning our fathers. When I was little, I looked at him with such reverence, he couldn’t do anything wrong. I just took in every word he said. But, as I grew and became more independent in my teenage and early adulthood years, though I loved and respected him, I wasn’t always as eager for the advice he had to offer. As I’ve aged, now having children of my own, I realize how often his advice was right.            

            “You therefore must be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect” The central theme of this passage in Matthew is not about how to be a good father, but on emphasizing the perfection of our Heavenly Father. The Greek translation for the word “perfect” means to mature. In the Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7), Jesus taught about the high standards in which Christians are to live. Though it’s unattainable in this life, we are to pursue perfection. God’s standard is His own perfect character. Well, the truth is, my father can’t meet that perfect standard. Nor can I or any other father, we never will. That fact, however, doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t be our hearts desire. But at best, earthly fathers are but a dim reflection of our Heavenly Father. 

            I know I have a great father who loves me. I’ve always known that I can count on Him for anything, but like we all do, I have an imperfect father because all earthly fathers are destined to be just that, imperfect. I know the mistakes he made along the way, he made loving me. I’ve made plenty of my own. God’s Word teaches that in our pursuit of Him, we will always fall short. Thankfully, our Heavenly Father never does. He’s the perfect Father who never fails and because He loves us, He gave His Son to be the perfect sacrifice for our sin. It’s our Heavenly Father who should be our role model. As your Heavenly Father has dealt so graciously with you, honor Him and extend that same grace to your imperfect earthly father. Thank him for what he has done for you, but also forgive him for what he has failed to do. That will bring glory to the Father who loves you the most, the Father who awaits you in heaven. 

 Prayer 

Heavenly Father, thank you so much for my earthly father. Thank you for the wisdom you gave him in raising me. Though imperfect, he loves me. Father, in the ways that he may have failed, I forgive him.  We all have failed. You are the one perfect Father and we adore you. Thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to show the grace you have shown me, and by the power of your Holy Spirit, give me a desire to be perfect before you. Amen! 

His Purposes, Our Good

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“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28)

            It is one thing to believe you are blessed when things are well, yet quite another when you’re in the midst of a struggle. Christian or not, suffering is one topic we all like avoiding. More than that, we prefer not experience it. But for many that’s not possible. Suffering is a part of life, and for some the burden is great. This quote was shared by a friend of mine, who in the fall of 2012 found himself in the midst of his own struggle with lung cancer. In Scripture, there are certain passages that are sometimes termed “problem passages”. They may be termed this for various reasons. Perhaps there is a seeming contradiction with other parts of Scripture, though there is not. Maybe the structure of the passage itself makes our interpretation of it difficult. And at other times, we deem certain passages of Scripture a “problem” because of our difficulty in fully comprehending the magnitude of what God is saying. Romans 8:28 is such a passage. We often claim it without really understanding it and then when things fail to meet our definition of good, we question it. But this verse, though we may deem it a “problem passage”, is really not a problem at all, but rather a promise to hold on to.      

            “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose” The Greek translation for the word “know” means to believe without a doubt. In this verse it relates to the eternal security and blessing that comes from knowing that we are in God’s hand. It is a promise made to “those who love God”. What a great promise to know that God is always working toward our ultimate good. This doesn’t mean that everything that happens is good because it’s not, only that God’s purposes are. The good purpose is that we be conformed to the image of His Son; our being made more like Christ (Romans 8:29). Note the use of “all things” in this passage. It means just that, “all things”, every circumstance and every event in our lives. Though it’s hard to imagine this could include suffering, it does. 

            The reality of suffering is a difficult truth taught in Scripture. How it might serve a useful purpose runs contrary to our natural thought processes. Suffering upsets our plans and causes many to question God’s goodness. But no matter what it may do to our plans, suffering is incapable of upsetting God’s. Those to whom Paul was writing needed to know that because their circumstances told them differently. Yours may as well. Romans 8:28 provides great comfort in knowing that everything God purposes is good.  Is a diagnosis of cancer the way in which we would prefer to learn this? Certainly not! But the way in which God takes these moments and uses them in the lives of people to draw them closer to Him is amazing. It can only be explained by God’s grace. So though we may have a difficult time comprehending the full depth in which God speaks, we can trust Him. He is good and His purposes are perfect. Though he may not always feel this way, I believe my friend knows this to be true. From the first time I spoke with him after his diagnosis, I sensed a peace in him. And now after treatment, his prognosis is good and he has returned to work. Each time I spoke with him during these last few months I also sensed an open heart to whatever God purposes for his future. Not many of us can relate to what this sort of battle is like, but we know the character of God. We know that the promise of Romans 8:28, like all of His promises, God will keep. And when we know that, this passage; well, it really isn’t a problem at all. Oh, that we would be more like Christ!                

Prayer

Father, thank you for being a sovereign God. We trust in that sovereignty, knowing that as your children your purposes are always good. When struggles come our way, often times that is a difficult truth to grasp.  But you’ve promised to help us. So we pray that by the power of the Holy Spirit we will trust in your promise. We pray for comfort and peace at all times, but especially during difficult times. We trust in you Lord and thank you that you hear our prayer. Amen! 

Love That Is Always Enough

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“I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3) 

            In many ways, I’m a creature of habit. One such way is that when I’m in my car I have certain radio stations and CD’s that I like listening to. I don’t vary too much in this regard.  However, when I travel long distances, I’m forced to do a bit of channel surfing in order to find a radio station of my liking. In doing so recently, I came across a station playing songs from the eighties and nineties, songs that of course brought back a lot of memories. There was some great music in both of those decades. One of the songs that came on the radio was   Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough by Patti Smyth and Don Henley. I used to love that song, but had not heard it in quite some time. As I drove listening to the song and thinking about the title and lyrics, I realized there may in fact be a reason as to why sometimes love isn’t enough.   

            “I have loved you with an everlasting love” The Hebrew people were God’s chosen people, set apart for His purposes. Of all the people on earth, it was them with whom He chose to establish a covenant. A covenant is the binding of two parties. Grounded in love and faithfulness to promises made to the patriarchs, the LORD’s love never ceased, even when many rejected that love. God’s love was always based on grace; He simply loved them because He chose to love them. As Christians, we’re in a covenant relationship with God as well. This new and better covenant is mediated by Jesus Christ. Marriage is also a covenant, the most important human covenant there is. It is also a picture that reflects the relationship that Christ has with the church; believers are the bride of Christ. 

            Now, I don’t know whether the context of Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough is a marriage relationship or not, but the point remains the same. The plain truth is that love, be it in marriage or any other relationship is never enough when we attempt it in our own strength.  Marriage is particularly difficult and constantly under Satan’s attack because of what it represents. Be faithful in your marriage. Be faithful to the covenant you swore before God. Put Christ at its center. Quit trying to love in your own strength and love in God’s because ultimately, your marriage is about His glory. Value your relationship with Christ more than any other. When you do, it can change all others. Certainly your marriage will never be perfect, because you’re not perfect, but as you seek to honor Christ in it, the LORD’s sustaining power will be with you. God is faithful. His power and strength is perfect. And His love, well, it is always enough.    

Prayer

Father, we know it’s impossible to love as you love. Your love is perfect. But we know that your power is perfect within us. So by the power of the Holy Spirit help us to love in your strength and not our own. Help us to prioritize our relationship to you above all others so we can be in our marriage what your glory deserves. Amen!

Abortion: Simply A Matter Of The Heart

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On January 22nd, it will be 40 years since Roe v. Wade became law. This is no cause for celebration, only shame. Since that time, over 50 million abortions have taken place. In an article published in the January 14th edition of TIME magazine, writer Kate Pickert seems to indicate that every since abortion became law, pro-choice activists have been losing the battle over abortion rights. When considering 50 million murders in 40 years, I’d say she better think again. In his response to the TIME article, Dr. Mohler provides great insight on the abortion issue. He provides encouragement where there is cause to be encouraged, but he also presents the stark reality of the challenge that looms. He points out rightly, that what needs changing are the hearts and minds of the American people. Of all the different ways in which the abortion battle goes on, unless God settles it first, it will never be settled until it’s settled in our hearts. An article worth reading for sure!

http://www.albertmohler.com/2013/01/07/losing-ever-since-roe-time-sounds-the-siren-for-abortion-rights/?utm_source=Albert+Mohler&utm_campaign=4e42ed886d-Albert_Mohler_Email_August_6_20128_6_2012&utm_medium=email

The Newtown Massacre:It’s Not Guns,It’s Hearts

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             This is one of those moments in which all of us need to be mindful of our words. Our first priority must be to pray for God’s peace and comfort for the families who suffered unimaginable loss last week in Newtown, Connecticut as 26 people, including 20 children were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School. But in the right tone and with the right heart, I believe there are a few things that deserve comment. First is the reality of evil. We saw it on December 14th and unfortunately we have been witnessing it with increasing frequency for some time. Every time a tragedy like this occurs the question arises, “How can we stop it?” The truth is that we can’t. Evil exists and people determined to commit it will find a way to carry it out. Second is the question of how God could allow this to happen? It is a completely reasonable question given the circumstance, but thankfully Scripture answers it. Evil breaks the heart of God and though He is sovereign over it, He is never its cause. Although we will never fully understand why things like what happened at Sandy Hook Elementary School happened, we can trust that God is good and we can look to Him for comfort in these times. I believe that deep down people have this sense. Consider where many have run in the days following. If only we wouldn’t wait until after tragedy strikes to look to God in the first place, and if only our looking to Him would last? But God is always there, always faithful and ready to heal the brokenhearted. It is often in these darkest moments in which He saves and deepens our trust in Him.  

            As our leaders consider the way forward after this tragedy, it’s only arrogance that will continue to seek human answers to spiritual problems. But so far, it appears that human answers are all we seek, beginning with President Obama alluding to the need for stricter gun control laws in his initial statement on the shooting and the White House’ statements since, to other politicians’ calls for a “national conversation” on how tragedies such as this might be avoided to the media’s intense coverage of it all. It’s fine to have a “conversation” around anything that would help avoid what happened at Sandy Hook Elementary School, but the question is where does it all end; stricter gun laws only? It seems that way thus far. We need and in fact have responsible gun laws, but guns themselves aren’t the problem. People are the problem. When’s the last time you saw a gun pull its own trigger? I say this as someone who doesn’t even own a gun. Whatever happened to personal responsibility and accountability? No gun law will ever solve the evil intentions of people. Evil has always existed and until the Lord vanquishes it, it always will. The reality is that our biggest issues are heart issues. It’s Jesus Christ that our nation needs. The battles we face are spiritual ones and unfortunately, having removed God from the public discourse; it appears our nation has already laid down its arms.

            Can we continue to believe consequences won’t follow our removing God from every aspect of society, including our schools? Should we really expect blessing when we continue to forgo His will in public policy? I don’t think so. I’m glad that our President and other state and local politicians have participated in memorial services following the shooting. We should always seek God first in these moments. But with all due respect, I’m tired of seeing politicians pay lip service to matters of faith after tragedy, yet spend the rest of their time advocating policies that stand contrary to the Word of God. Instead of using this tragedy to move forward a political agenda, what if they got on their knees and asked God’s forgiveness for ignoring His will in the first place. What if in this “national conversation” God was allowed to speak? Can you even imagine what He might say? In his comments at the memorial service in Newtown, President Obama said we were failing our children. I agree with him; we are failing them, but our greatest failure is not the lack of stricter gun laws, better screening for mental health or anything else. Our greatest failure is that more and more we’ve given our children a nation that denies its Creator and devalues the impact of faith on our society. How long and how many times will we live the consequences of our increasing alienation from God before we realize where we’ve gone wrong? How long until we will see Him as the only answer to our problems? Might this be the event that brings not only our nation, but each of us individually to the end of ourselves, creating in us the desire to restore a right relationship with our Lord? We can only pray that it is.

The Fiscal Cliff: Where True Treasure Lies

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            It’s hard to turn on the news without hearing about the looming debt crisis in the United States. Currently, our national debt stands at over 16 trillion dollars, and growing rapidly. The irresponsibility of our political leaders is obvious. I find it ironic that the one’s left to solve the problem are largely responsible for it. Currently, high stakes negotiations are underway to avoid what is referred to as the “fiscal cliff”, a combination of automatic tax increases and spending cuts for certain government agencies. If a plan to keep us from going “over the cliff” is not agreed to and tax increases ensue it will have a rippling effect on many Americans, impacting retirement savings, disposable income, employment and much more. A recession would become almost a certainty. These are all extremely important issues. Personally, I think raising taxes is the last thing we need to do in an already weak economy and I believe our President and Congress to spend our money like it was their own. But this financial uncertainty is also an opportunity to remind ourselves that as Christians, it shouldn’t be the earthly treasures we live for, but instead, heavenly ones.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…”

             Jesus taught that the reality of living in the power and presence of God should work out practically in our lives. Our Christian lives are to be counter to what our cultural considers normal. Specifically, Matthew 6:19-20 would have us consider where we should focus both our activities and our assets. It is about which master we serve because we certainly can’t serve two. This passage shouldn’t be taken to mean that financial prudence is wrong, it’s not, nor should it be used to support the redistribution of wealth or the idea that the rich “pay their fair share”. The Bible supports none of these. In fact, being rich or poor proves no advantage at all in the eyes of God. Both circumstances present their own challenges to one’s faith (James 1:9-11). It’s not money, but the “love of money” that is the root of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). But the Bible is clear about priorities in that we are not to put anything before our relationship with God, our service to Him, and our reliance on His grace and provision for today without worrying about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34). That’s the point to be made. Not that these problems don’t need to be solved. They do. Not that our leaders shouldn’t be more fiscally responsible, they should, and not that we shouldn’t desire a decent return on financial investments. That’s alright as well. But the Lord’s greatest concern isn’t any of these things. His greatest concern is our heart and it’s our hearts that will determine what we invest in. Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Who knows if your 401K will give you the return you desire and if our country will ever get our debt in order? But you can know that if you’ve put your trust in Jesus Christ alone, not only do you have a guaranteed return, but your debt has also been paid in full. So where are your treasures laid up? Are they laid up for this life or the next? Life is made up of a series of choices; choices that have consequences. Why make the choice that puts everything at risk when you can make an investment that guarantees a return, and where there’s no debt left to pay? Search your heart as to where your treasure lies. Is it in Christ? If not, you may need to rethink your investment strategy.

Cast Your Anxieties On Him

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“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7) 

                I’ve been in the pharmaceutical industry for 21 years. I remember early in my career, one of the things people touted about the industry was that it was recession proof, that these jobs would be around forever. I found out firsthand in 2006, that was not the case. After almost 16 years with the same company, I lost my job due to downsizing. Thankfully, God provided another job for me. Since that time, in reaction to the evolution of healthcare, the pharmaceutical industry has continued to change, creating even greater uncertainty. Job security, no matter the industry, is an elusive thing right now in our economy. As I write this, I write thinking about many of those I know and worked with for 16 years with my previous employer. In just a few weeks they will once again face another downsizing that will inevitably put some of them in the same position in which I found myself in 2006. So, how is it we handle these times of uncertainty? How do we process all that is going on around us? Most importantly, where do we look for clarity and comfort?

             “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” The purpose of Peter’s letter was to encourage Christians throughout Asia Minor to stand firm in their faith despite increasing persecution. The increased persecution caused many to waver in their trust in God’s provision. Peter’s letter was meant to encourage them to look past their current circumstances and to renew their trust in what God purposed for their futures. 

            Do you believe the words that Peter wrote as the Holy Spirit guided his hand? Do believe that God cares for you? Well, He does, and whatever the outcome of your particular circumstance will not change that fact. It may just be He’s opening a new door for you to walk through. This passage calls for us to respond in two ways. First, we are to humble ourselves. The Greek word “humble” means “to lower oneself”. In this passage, it means to humble ourselves before a sovereign and unchangeable God who knows our circumstance better than we do. Second, we are to “cast” our anxieties on God. Our worry is a sin because it is a manifestation of pride that says, “God can’t handle this”. He can. Our anxiety may have many causes, but God is the one answer to them all. Peter also tells us that the outcome of our humbling is that in God’s own and perfect timing, He will lift us up. Believe that God loves you because He does. He displayed that love most fully in the person of Jesus Christ, and though our circumstances may change, His love never will. So the purpose in which God spoke to those before us is the same purpose for which He speaks to us now. Look beyond the current circumstance and be amazed at who God is and what He can do. Is it easy? No! Do we struggle giving it over to Him? Yes! Is giving it over to Him what He wants from us, and can He handle it? Yes and yes! What a great God! 

 Prayer

Father, thank you for being a sovereign God that is completely in control of everything. We admit our sin of worry and doubt. If you’ve taken care of our greatest need, why should we not think you will take care of them all? Father, help us to walk by faith. By the power of the Holy Spirit, free us from the anxieties of our circumstances knowing that you are in control. Amen!

Who Do You Love More?

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“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear. If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation. If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.”– Oswald Chambers –