Author Archives: bertlewis

Thankful

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“…give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) 

            Let’s face it; it’s easier to give thanks in certain circumstances than others.  But God’s Word says we are to give thanks in all of them.  What Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 has a tendency to strike us the same way as when James writes, “Count it all joy…when you meet trials of various kinds” (James 1:2).  The call to obey is clear, but obedience to that call is much easier said than done.  In fact, without the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, it’s impossible.  Last week, as part of our thanksgiving service at church, I had the opportunity to hear several people share testimonies of their thankfulness for God’s work in their lives.  The first testimony was very easy to listen to; the last two, not so much so as they were from families dealing with difficult and uncertain circumstances related to illness.  But in spite of that, they testified that although they may not know what today holds, they are certain as to what the future does.  They testified to the faithfulness of God.  I left the service realizing the problems that I do have aren’t really problems at all.  I also left encouraged that it’s God who authors our circumstances and whether those circumstances have us on a mountaintop or in the valley, He is always there. 

            “…give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) When we encounter passages such as 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and James 1:2, it’s tempting to apply our own meanings or to put boundaries around the passage.  Paul’s teaching to those in the church at Thessalonica was not that they were to give thanks for everything that happens, but to be thankful that God is working to bring good out of whatever does (Romans 8:28).  It’s the same with us.  As a child of God, this life is about preparation for the next, living with an eye on eternity, being made more like Christ, realizing that whatever happens here cannot compare to the promise of heaven, “the glory that is to be revealed” (Romans 8:18).  I believe those who suffer realize this more fully.  I believe this was the testimony of these families.  And I know that it’s all made possible because of God.  God doesn’t put boundaries around these passages because they have to be understood in light of who He is.  Understanding that will help us to give thanks in all circumstances, even the difficult ones.  When you give thanks during this thanksgiving season, remember how much you have to be thankful for: your health, your family, your friends, your church, your job and much more.  But more than anything be thankful for what God has done for you in Christ, and for the  glorious promise of what is yet to come.       

Prayer

Lord, your Word tells us to give thanks in all circumstances, not just the good ones.  It also tells us to rejoice always and to pray continually.  Lord this is difficult when we suffer, so we ask for your Holy Spirit to help us.  God, all your purposes are good and we know that this world is not our home.  Let our knowing what awaits us be an encouragement for today.  But until that time, in good times and bad, help us to be thankful in all things, knowing that you are making us more like your Son and enabling us to live for your glory.  Amen!

The David Petraeus Affair: Lessons From The General

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            After a stellar military career, serving as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency and widely held to be a formidable future candidate for high political office, it all came to an abrupt end last Thursday for General David Petraeus.  As a result of the disclosure of an extramarital affair, Petraeus resigned his position as CIA director.  Since the time of his resignation, much has been learned and more will be learned as to the possible wide ranging implications of his indiscretion.  Those are important issues, but they are not the interest here.  We often put people on a pedestal, believing that they are above reproach.  By all accounts, General Petraeus was one of those people.  I’m sure that over the years many have benefited from working under his leadership.  I imagine many of the lessons he has taught have been invaluable to others.  Perhaps he’ll have an opportunity to teach those lessons again.  But David Petraeus has a valuable lesson to teach right now.  He happens to be the latest example of a high profile and powerful person committing a moral failure that should serve as a warning to all of us.  This lesson doesn’t have to wait.  Hopefully we can learn from it.   

            You see, David Petraeus is susceptible to what all of us are; sin.  You may find it easy to think that he got exactly what he deserved, but before you do, consider what it is you and I deserve.  We weren’t owed the forgiveness God gave us, but He gave it anyway.  We are not even owed the grace for today’s sins, but He gives that as well.  Certainly our media’s focus will be the “soap opera” aspects of this story.  And our political leaders will seek out answers to any potential national security violations and what lessons may be learned if they in fact occurred.  But for us, there are lessons as well.  What happened in the case of David Petraeus should be a reminder of the human’s susceptibility to sin.  That is the first lesson. The truth is that if not for God’s grace, you or I could do the same.  When we look at the general’s situation and think that what happened to him could never happen to us is when we’re vulnerable.  We are capable of sin every bit as great as his.  That leads to a second lesson, our need to seek God daily in His Word and pray for the power and presence of the Holy Spirit to keep us from temptation and sin.  We have to put on “the whole armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11).  Lastly, instead of condemning General Petraeus for his sin, pray for him and his family who have to live the consequences of that sin.  Why is it our tendency to sometimes find other people’s sins a much greater offense to God than our own?  To wish grace for General Petraeus doesn’t condone what he did, nor does it mean there aren’t consequences.  There already have been and there will be more that you and I will never know.  Ultimately though, we need to remember that all battles are spiritual.  General David Petraeus lost this one.  He put on the wrong armor.  What about you?  Are you fit for the fight?  Have you put on His armor?  If not, you need to.

Does God’s Sovereignty Demand My Silence?

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            I believe God is sovereign over all things.  I know He is in control and I know that nothing on earth can thwart His plan and the fact that everything will end in His glory.  But today, my heart hurts for our country.  It hurts because I truly believe that the election results from Tuesday speak volumes as to where we are as a nation, but also as to where we are headed.  Our country is changing, and not for the better.  Under the leadership of President Obama, not only has religious liberty been trampled on, but so have things such as God’s design for marriage and the sanctity of life just to name a few.  These are indisputable facts.  It’s not to say that prior to his presidency we weren’t headed down this road, but under his leadership the speed at which we are traveling has greatly increased.  To say leading up to and since the election passions have been running high would be an understatement.  Social media sites have been overwhelmed with comments.  Something I’ve noticed during this time were the many references to trust in God’s sovereignty no matter how the election turns out, and now that it’s over, trust in His sovereignty in spite of it.  I’ve referenced that truth in my own comments, doing so because from one end of the Bible to the other, God’s sovereignty is made crystal clear.  But I have to say, I have been confounded by some of the comments I’ve seen as they seem to have implied that belief in God’s sovereignty somehow makes it ok to be passive as it relates to our politics, that somehow belief in God’s sovereignty should keep one silent.  So, does God’s sovereignty demand our silence on political issues?  Because we know He is in control, should we not speak out? 

            First, let me say, I respect anyone’s right to their opinion and it’s quite possible that I have mistaken their comments to mean something they don’t.  But I believe wholeheartedly as a Christian that passivity and silence on matters of faith and politics is not an option.  In fact, I would contend that the churches silence on many issues is the part of the reason we are where we are today.  We can’t afford to be nor should we be silent.  The apostle Paul knew God was sovereign in salvation, but he wasn’t passive in sharing the gospel.  The prophets weren’t passive when they spoke of Israel’s unfaithfulness to their covenant with God.  And when faced with opposition, Jesus wasn’t passive when it came to defending truth.  Now we’re not an apostle, a prophet and certainly not Jesus, but neither should we be passive as it relates to our governments dismissal of biblical principles.  We are to honor our president, we are to submit to government authorities, but we are to submit first and foremost to God.  We are to be humble, care for the needs of others and respect all people, but that doesn’t mean we have to lay our Christian faith down like a doormat for people to trample on.  Christians are to enter every area of life prepared to engage in the defense of biblical principles.  We are to stand in every manner for righteousness and the cause of Christ.  Does God need me as His political ally?  No.  Does He need me to fulfill any of His purposes?  Certainly not! 

            If what was meant by the comments made by some were only that we need to moderate our tone, I agree.  Though Christians can’t be absent from public discourse, we should always be mindful of the spirit in which we enter it.  So I contend we do two things.  First, we pray for our President.  Only when his heart is changed will the policies he advocates change.  It always comes down to what God is doing on the inside, not only for President Obama, but for all of us.  The cure is always Christ.  If you believe in the power of prayer, then you will pray.  Second, continue to be light in a dark world and stand for truth in spite of opposition.  Enter in the debate fully aware that God is sovereign.  His sovereignty does not demand our silence; it assures us in moments of doubt and disappointment that there is hope.  I trust in my God who is sovereign.  Furthermore, I know that one day, not only will He make all things new, but He will also make them right!

What Elections Can’t Change

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Some things may change.  One thing never will.

On Tuesday, Americans go to the polls to exercise one of the most basic fundamental rights as citizens; the right to vote.  On Tuesday, opinions matter and votes count as we elect the man who will lead our nation for the next four years.  I imagine there are very few who remain undecided as to whom they will cast their vote.  There are certainly critical issues at stake for our nation.  We can, however, be assured and take comfort in the fact that we have a God who is in control of everything, this election included.  Whoever will be president will only be president because God has sovereignly ordained it.  God sees beyond where we are able, and no matter what happens on Tuesday, the ultimate end of all things will be His glory.  But God has also called us to pray, so we should, both for our nation (2 Chronicles 7:14) and for the man who would lead it, be that Barack Obama or Mitt Romney.  Though our minds may be made up, let us pray that whichever man we elect as president would be gripped by the grace of God.  Pray that he would love Jesus.  Pray that instead of seeking his own wisdom, he would seek and submit to God’s.  Pray that the president would desire to uphold the Word of God just as he is sworn to uphold the Constitution.  But most importantly, let us also remember, though we are to pray for him and respect him, it’s not a president we serve, but rather a King, the “King of kings and Lord of lords”, the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 19:16).  His reign is neither subject to a vote tally, an opinion or a term limit.  His reign is eternal.  And it is to this King that one day we all will bow (Philippians 2:10).  

October 31st: Not Just Halloween

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            Most of us associate this day with Halloween.  But did you know that October 31st is also a very significant day in the life of the Protestant church?  It is Reformation Day.  It was on this day in 1517 that Martin Luther, a catholic priest nailed his Ninety-Five Theses (stated objections) to the door of the church in Wittenberg, Germany.  This began what is known in history as the Protestant Reformation.  For Luther personally, it began a long period of conflict with the Roman Catholic Church.  Though men before him expressed concerns with the church, the reformation movement crystallized with Luther. The word reformation means “to form again or to revive” and in Luther’s eyes what needed reviving was the supremacy of the gospel; a right theology in which to worship, a theology centered on God.  Reformation theology is built on what are called the five Solas, a Latin word meaning “alone”.  They are as follows: 

  • Sola Scriptura – the church looks to the Bible alone as its ultimate authority (2 Timothy 3:16) 
  • Sola Gratia – salvation is by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9) 
  • Sola Fide – salvation comes through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 1:17) 
  • Solus Christus – salvation comes in Christ alone (1 Timothy 2:5) 
  • Soli Deo Gloria – life is to be lived to the glory of God alone            (1 Corinthians 10:31) 

            We would do well to see as clearly as Luther saw in his time because the supremacy of the true gospel needs reviving today as well.  Appreciating and embracing the doctrines of the Reformation helps us to that end because they force our return to a right theology, a theology centered exactly where it belongs; at the cross of Christ.  “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.  To Him be glory forever.  Amen.” (Romans 11:36).

Abortion: Getting The Christian Response Right

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             As it has been for a long time, abortion remains a political hot potato.  A few months ago, it was Senate candidate Todd Akin who was criticized for comments he made about abortion.  More recently, Richard Mourdock, the Republican Senate candidate from Indiana was criticized for comments he made concerning his views related to the same issue.  Below is a link to an article written by Albert Mohler in which he expresses how those who oppose Mourdock and the pro-life agenda have misused his words solely for political gain.  Unfortunately, this kind of thing has become way too common in our politics.  More importantly, in this article, Mohler takes the occasion to express the appropriate Christian view concerning abortion and the careful manner in which this view should be expressed.  A must read!  

http://www.albertmohler.com/2012/10/26/the-mourdock-moment-life-death-and-lies-on-the-campaign-trail/?utm_source=Albert+Mohler&utm_campaign=26315e845e-Albert_Mohler_Email_August_6_20128_6_2012&utm_medium=email

Grace And Sin

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“Those who argue that grace allows a buffer for sin, that their sin will ultimately glorify God anyway, are revealing they are not under grace!  They are not Christians, no matter how much they argue otherwise.”   – R. Kent Hughes –

            If the quote above stings a bit, perhaps it should.  As believers in Jesus Christ, sin will be an ever present enemy.  We will battle it as long as we live.  If that wasn’t the case, Paul would not have implored the Christians to whom he was writing in Rome to, “let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions” (Romans 6:12).  God’s Word teaches that as believers, sin dwells within us.  But equally so, it teaches that grace properly understood doesn’t need sin in order for God to be glorified.  So what do I mean?  Many in Paul’s day mistook his message to mean that sin brought glory to God because it allowed His grace to be magnified.  They took it as if the ethical requirements of God’s law were unimportant.  This is referred to as antinomianism; a term used to deny that what God’s law teaches in Scripture should control the life of the believer.  The truth is they just wanted to sin.  Paul taught that the law was holy, righteous and good, but impossible to keep.  Its purpose was to reveal sin and ultimately point people to Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law on our behalf.  Furthermore, Paul taught that to continue a sinful pattern of life was contrary to a believer’s new identity in Christ, “How can we who died to sin still live in it”? (Romans 6:2).    

            Grace properly understood hates sin, and as children of God we hate sin because we realize it’s that pattern in which we lived that God loved us enough to save us out of, “while we were still sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).  Though we were undeserving, God gave His Son for our sin in order to reconcile us to Himself.  Are we to show our appreciation for Christ’s work by thinking God expects no change?  Certainly not!  But more than that, true change; change which comes from the heart, can’t help but live differently because we are different.  We are a new creation, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 2:17).  

            To be Christian is more than just being a moral person, though morality is characteristic of Christians.  To be Christian comes only through faith in Jesus Christ alone.  It results in a change that is based on and motivated by your love for Christ.  Though it’s His righteousness you wear, you strive to live rightly out of a desire to please Him.  We live in a world way too tolerant of sin.  Yes, we understand its reality.  We understand that Christians sin greatly, but the pattern of sin that once was so gripping has been broken.  God will not let Christians sin as they once did.  Because of their union with Christ and the Holy Spirit’s work bringing them under conviction of sin, they can’t.  But you ask, “What if they can”?  Though perhaps unpopular and both hard to say and hear, no matter their profession, if they can, they’re not saved. 

            Paul’s teaching was never meant for us to constantly doubt our salvation.  It was quite the opposite.  But he didn’t want us to have a false assurance of salvation either, “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith.  Test yourselves.  Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?  Unless you fail to meet the test” (2 Corinthians 13:5).   Paul was very direct in his teaching.  So direct was he that it ultimately cost him his life.  Today, many fear the consequences of calling sin what it is because of what it may cost them.  When the pattern of a person’s life is contrary to God’s will, our first thought might be, “Who am I to judge”?  If Matthew 7:1 comes to mind, “Judge not, that you be not judged”, I would ask you to consider it in context.  It’s about undue harshness and a judgmental attitude toward a person.  It’s not our role to pronounce another guilty before God, but that doesn’t mean we forgo appropriate discernment of sin.  We’re sometimes so busy not “judging” that we fail to the properly teach the true meaning of grace.  Yes, we know that grace abounds more than sin, in fact grace overwhelms it.  But grace and those who’ve received it live with a desire to please our Savior.   Do you?  It makes all the difference.

Grace In An Unlikely Place (3)

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“John said to him, ‘Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us” (Mark 9:38) 

            How many times have you wanted to be part of the “in” group?  You know, the group that just does it better than anyone else, seemingly having it all together.  Maybe you’re in that group.  It can be related to anything; business, school, athletics, etc.  It even occurs within the church.  Jesus’ disciples were a pretty exclusive group.  Disciple means “learner” and to have learned personally from Jesus Christ, the incarnate God is in fact unique.  Scripture also refers to the twelve disciples as apostles, which means “messengers” or “sent ones”.  These men certainly carried great authority in the life of the church.  In fact, in some cases they are presented as men who had some extra spiritual quality about them.  But to understand the Biblical account is to understand that these men were human in every way, susceptible to all the human pitfalls that you and I are.  

             “John said to him, ‘Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us” On this occasion, the Apostle John’s pride and arrogance was on full display, His words both intolerant and unloving.  This was not the first time pride had won the moment in his life (Matthew 20:20-24; Luke 9:51-56).  It seems pride was an early companion of John’s and all the disciples really, as in many ways, they sought their own glory.  On this particular occasion, upon hearing John’s words recorded in Mark 9:38, Jesus, sensing his pride pointed out that anyone who ministers in His name should be gratefully acknowledged (Mark 9:39). 

             There would be many fitting titles for this devotion but I chose Grace In An Unlikely Place because it’s real easy to read right over this passage and miss the message.  It is God’s graciousness by which He shows us examples of the things we’re capable of.  Without diminishing the privilege of being His disciple, Jesus encouraged John’s support of others who also ministered in His name.  As you and I minister, we cannot think it impossible to develop an elitist attitude toward others who do the same.  John showed us that.  Just because someone ministers apart from us doesn’t lessen its eternal value.  Remember, the glory is not ours.  It belongs to God.  The apostle John obviously aged well.  He was always committed to truth, but over time, his once elitist and narrow-mindedness gave way to God’s gracious work in his life.  Truth and love were now more properly balanced.  Are they with you?  We know John as the apostle of love, but ultimately it was the love of Christ that made all the difference, not just for him, but for each of us as well.  Now that’s what I call grace!    

Prayer

Lord, as humans, we are so tempted by pride.  Christian ministry is not exempt from that temptation.  Lord, thank you for giving us your Word.  Your words never come to us by accident as there is always an intended purpose.  It is grace when you warn us about the effects of pride, even in Christian ministry.  Often your lessons are so subtle we sometimes miss them.  Keep me sensitive to your Word and the Spirit’s work in my own life that I would be mindful of the damaging effects of spiritual pride.  Help me to properly balance truth and love each day.

Our God

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“If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) 

                The words were simple really.  But simple words are often the manner in which God chooses to impress His point upon us.  It also happens that many times He uses other people to that end.  So what are the words I’m referring to?  To paraphrase, they were, “God is not for you in the sense of just being your cheerleader.  He is much more than that.”  Recently at choir practice, as we rehearsed Chris Tomlin’s song, Our God, of which this verse is contained in the lyrics, Dan took the occasion to emphasize the great truth of Romans 8:31.  Romans 8 is a great chapter.   In fact, some have called it the greatest chapter in the Bible.  It clearly affirms some of God’s greatest promises.  Specifically, Romans 8:31-39 have been referred to as “the highest plateau in the whole of divine revelation”.  That being said, it stands to reason that the full meaning of Romans 8:31 not only be appreciated, but imbedded within our hearts as we live in this present world.    

            “If God is for us, who can be against us?”  One of the primary themes of this section of Romans is the eternal security of the believer, the teaching that what God has done through Christ can never be undone.  Neither the context nor the Greek rendering of this verse leaves open even the possibility that salvation can be lost. Though the world may try to convince us otherwise, it is not so.  For nothing or no one is greater than God Himself and able to separate us from the love of Christ.   

            It has been six years since I last served in the music ministry.  It was a blessing to serve in that ministry and to have met so many wonderful people.  But as it does, life takes you in different directions and after some time, has once again brought me back here.  I find that it’s really not so much that these ministries need us as it is that we need them.  Both the privilege and the blessing of serving are ours.  For me, this first night back at choir practice was further evidence of that point.  We never outgrow the need for God’s Words of truth to be impressed upon our hearts.  He really is so much more than we imagine Him to be.  And He is certainly not just standing on the sidelines hoping in your victory.  He’s guaranteed it!  Christ’s perfect atonement was just that, perfect.  Never let anyone tell you that what you have “in Christ” can be taken away because it can’t be.  The love that God determined to show you before He created the world is the same love He’ll show you not only for all eternity, but at every point in between.  Now that’s total assurance.  That’s real security.  And that’s our God!  

Prayer

Father, thank you for the love you have shown me.  Thank you that when things come against me, that you are for me.  Thank you that when I am unlovable, you still love me.  We are incapable of imagining how deep your love is for us.  How crazy it is that you would give your own Son for our sin.  But that’s exactly what you did, and I know that because of Christ’ perfect sacrifice that love will always be with me.  You are a great and awesome God!