30

Jump Start # 251

Posted on December 30, 2010 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 251

Hebrews 1:1-2 “God, after He spoke along ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.”

  This is a wonderful passage that teaches us many great lessons. It is fitting that as we come to the end of the year we have a verse about the last days. The background to this verse, as the book of Hebrews opens, the theme is the superiority of Jesus Christ. This will be established throughout Hebrews. Jesus is superior to the angels. Jesus is superior to Moses. His law is superior to the law of Moses. His promises, His sacrifices, His priesthood are all superior to what was offered in the Old Testament. There is a reason for all of this. Sprinkled throughout Hebrews is some insight as to what is going on. Many of the Christians were giving serious thought to leaving Christianity and returning to Judaism. Persecution was having toll upon these Christians. They didn’t have this pressure when they were Jews. This book was written to show them that if they return, as some already had, you are giving up the best. Nothing is better than Jesus. It’s a great book for faith building reasons.

 Our verse today begins this journey. At one time, God used many ways to talk to people. God talked directly to Adam, Noah, Abraham. To Moses, God spoke through a burning bush and then made him climb a mountain for private conversations. Joseph, received divine dreams. Ezekiel had divine visions. In Daniel, God writes upon a wall with a message. Balaam’s donkey even spoke one time. God used many ways to communicate throughout the O.T. But now, it’s through Jesus. Jesus is the divine spokesman. Jesus is God’s voice. This Jesus, whom God made the heir of all and through whom all was created.

 What does this mean for us? In the N.T. it was the gospel of Jesus that was preached. People stood upon the doctrine of Christ. To reject the words of Jesus, was to reject God. Passages like Jude 3 and John 12:48 teach that. God’s message is found in the N.T. Therefore, the dreams we have, are not divine. God doesn’t speak that way today. What are they, then? Too much food late at night? Something from a movie we watched? Worry? But not a divine message. It also means that God does not use modern day prophets. His message is found in Jesus, the N.T. Interesting that John begins his gospel, “In the beginning was the WORD, and the word was with God and the word was God.” He calls Jesus the word. God’s message isn’t conveyed through feelings, it is through Jesus Christ. We have a hard time with this. Folks will say, “I just feel that God wants me to do this…” Is God speaking through your feelings? Can you trust your feelings? I’ve had people tell me that they thought they were in love, but realized they weren’t. What about those feelings? Ever been lost while driving? You think you know where you are, but you don’t? What about those feelings? Feelings can be misleading. Feelings change. God doesn’t deliver something as important as His divine will through our feelings—it is through Jesus.

  Now, this leads to another thought. Notice how these are all layered together. How do you know you are saved? You feel saved? We’re back to feelings again. You say, “I just know I am.” How? John wrote in 1 Jn 5:13, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” How do you know? The words of Christ, the New Testament, shows me. It is not an emotional experience as it is a journey of obedience. You read what the N.T. says about a Christian and you look in the mirror. Your assurance comes from the solid word of God. Our confidence is in what the Bible says, not feelings, dreams or signs. You can know. You see what walking in the light is. You learn what practicing righteousness is. You imitate. You obey. You follow. Confidence soars when you know you are doing what the Bible says.

  Now, I intended to write about the “last days” of our verse. Didn’t get there. Hopefully, this has given you some things to chew on today. Search your Bible…search your heart.

Roger

29

Jump Start # 250

Posted on December 29, 2010 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 250

2 Corinthians 13:5 “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you-unless you fail the test?

  Tests are a part of life, but I’ve found that most people do not like them. There are all kinds of tests—school tests and exams; medical tests; drivers license test; tests to become certified as a doctor, lawyer, or pilot. There are some areas it seems that there should be tests, but there’s not. For instance, just about anyone can become a parent, even though they haven’t grown up themselves.

  Our passage has to do with a spiritual test. It is a faith test. Paul says, “see if you are in the faith.” Several things of interest about this verse. First, Paul is writing to a church. You’d think the people that got this letter would already know if they are believers or not. Secondly, this was to be a self exam. The words are, “Test yourselves.” Christians can be strong in the judging department. They are quick to point the finger of wrong towards others. That is not the direction here. The concentration is upon ourselves. If we put as much effort into making sure we are in Christ, rather than worrying about everyone else, we’d be a better people. This test was not done by the preacher. It was not done by a group of leaders, but individually. Thirdly, inherit in this verse, is the concept that a person could be going to church services and not pass the test! That’s scary! Fourth, Paul wrote this because many were questioning his right as an apostle. In this section Paul would say, “since you are seeking for proof of the Christ who speaks in me” (3) and “But I trust that you will realize that we ourselves do not fail the test” (6). So, naturally, he turns the same thoughts on them. You question me, now I am going to question you. Test yourselves! Examine yourselves! Is Christ in you?

  We remember passages such as Gal. 2:20 where Paul would say, “Christ liveth in me,” or Col. 3:4, “Christ, who is our life.” What better description of a Christian than this, “Jesus Christ in you.” A person can sit through church services without Christ in them. They can attend out of habit, play with the babies, smile and shake a few hands and be content that they are a good member, all the while, Christ is not in them. Christ in you will affect you. Think about other concepts. If you have cancer in you, it will affect you. Eventually, you’ll become sick. If you are in love, you have love in you, it will affect you. If you have hate in you, it will affect you. If you have prejudice in you, it will affect you. Here, if you have Christ in you, you will know. You can tell. You can examine yourself and see it.

  How? Your attitude, is it Christ like? Are you grumpy, complaining, bitter and angry? That’s not like Jesus, is it? Why are you like that? Bad day? Bad year? Or, is something missing, like Jesus. Your behavior? Is it Christ like? Are you obedient to the word of God or do you play spiritual “dodge ball” with God? Are you obedient in the details? The small things? Your relationships with others? Is it Christ like? Do you walk with grace and forgiveness or are you a hard nose, who is demanding and unforgiving and never giving anyone a second chance? How was Jesus? How about your spiritual life? Do you pray? Do you read the Bible? When you go to church services, do you worship?

  This test is an internal one. It affects who we are and what we do. Our internal wiring changes when we are in Christ. This test demands honesty and truthfulness. God already knows. Do you? With this test comes the opportunity to make adjustments and corrections. A person can put on Christ and become an imitator of Jesus, if they have failed.

  What a difference it makes, to have Jesus in you. Is He there? Do you know? It may be time for a test…

Roger

28

Jump Start # 249

Posted on December 28, 2010 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 249

1 Corinthians 16:8-9 “But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost; for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.”

  Opportunity, that is what our verses today define. Paul is concluding his first letter to the Corinthians. He tells them his plans. He tells them where Timothy and Apollos are. He lets them know that he wants to come and spend some time with them. But for the immediate, Paul will stay in Ephesus.

  His words seem like a contradiction to us. He states that there is a wide door for effective service. The service he has in mind is preaching and teaching the gospel. He calls himself a “bond-servant” of Jesus Christ. A door opened, and here, a WIDE door opened, means opportunity. There are things that can be done and the time is right. The farmer can’t plant the seed when he feels like it, but when the time is right. He might feel like it in the fall, but that’s not the right time to plant seed. He might feel like it on a rainy day, but that’s not the time. He must be ready when the conditions are right. Paul realized that. He wanted to be with the Corinthians and they needed him, but the time was right to stay in Ephesus.

  While he says there is a wide door for effective service, he also states that there are many adversaries. That is the apparent contradiction in our way of thinking. We tend to think, if there is an open door, then opposition will be little. We’d expect an open door to mean, easy and with very little effort. In the chapter before, Paul states that he fought “wild beasts at Ephesus” (15:32). I don’t think he meant lions and tigers but rather, the opposition and the adversaries that he names here. It was a struggle. It was hard and taxing on the emotions and heart of this apostle. The good he was doing was being over turned by the Jewish opponents. He fought and defended by teaching. Error falls apart when exposed to the truth. The only thing that suffers from investigation is error. Paul remained at the helm, teaching and teaching the gospel of Jesus.

  What a powerful concept and mind changing passage for us. Opportunity in the midst of opposition! Often, when opposition and resistance takes place, we close up and move on. Not a good time, people aren’t ready, too much resistance we tell ourselves. Not Paul. Not at Ephesus. There was terrible opposition, yet he saw a wide door opened for service. Roll up the sleeves, toughen your resolve, dig in and hold your ground! That’s the Paul we see here. He doesn’t quit early nor easy. He doesn’t scare away. He doesn’t melt when someone disagrees.

  Could we learn something here? How about your place of work or school? Could that be your Ephesus? Do you see folks that need the gospel? Do you see people who are hurting on the inside? Do you see chances to invite others to church services or to make time to sit down and study the Bible? Not at this place, you might say. The language is off the charts! They gossip. They are mean spirited and they make fun of “church-going” people. So we tend to hide our light of influence. We don’t want to draw attention and we especially don’t want to end up in a confrontation. Many will just blend in. Some will even go along, for fear that they would seem to be different. Silent saints. Do you remember Joseph? The man who buried Jesus in his tomb? John describes him as, “a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one for fear of the Jews” (19:38). Jesus doesn’t have a secret service! The neighborhood, the work place, school, those may all be wide open doors for effective service. Realize there may be much opposition but that doesn’t close those open doors.

  This is not a call to be rude, obnoxious or “in your face.” But it is a call to defend your Lord and His word. Opponents of Christ are often, very often, loud, and lacking even a fundamental  understanding of the Bible. They may have had a bad experience in the past or many have heard things and not checked them out. So they proclaim unfounded and prejudicial statements, such as, “No one can understand the Bible.” Really? That’s not what God says. Or, “All they want in church is your money.” Not where I attend. Not a church that follows the Bible. “Everyone thinks they are better than the rest.” The only people I hear saying that are the people who don’t make a commitment to Christ. “They are all hypocrites.” No. They are imperfect people who are following a perfect Jesus.

  God opens doors for you to serve. Everyday you have opportunities to be kind, to share the gospel, to teach others, to influence for good, to make a difference. Look around today. There are open doors, do you see them? They are first found at home. What better place. But then, with people that know us.

  Take courage from Paul. Not everyone wants Jesus, even though they need Him. Don’t let Satan or the opinions of some shut the doors that God has opened.

  God is counting on you. Easy, no. Take some prayers, thoughts and actions, but go through those open doors and see who is on the other side that you can help!

Roger

24

Jump Start # 248

Posted on December 24, 2010 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 248

Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.”

  This week we have been looking at passages about the birth of Jesus. The world pauses this time of year and tips it’s hat to a baby born in Bethlehem a long time ago. We recognize that the Bible does not tell us what day, month or year that Jesus was born. Because of Luke’s passage, “in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus…” (2:1) we know that Jesus was likely born between 6-4 B.C. We also recognize that the N.T. never authorizes an observance for the birth of Jesus, nor do we read of the early church doing anything for the birth of Jesus. The remembering of Jesus’ birth as a religious holiday came much later, after the Bible was written. It was established by man and not God.

  Since it seems everyone has the birth of Jesus on their minds, we thought we’d take a closer look at some passages that surround that event.

  Our verse today, Isaiah’s prophecy, was written 700 years before Jesus came to earth. Behold, a virgin will give birth. The New International Version misstates this verse. It says “a young maiden” will give birth, not A VIRGIN. There is a huge difference. An unwed teenage pregnancy isn’t headlines. It happens every day in America. Luke affirms that Mary was a virgin (1:27). Mary, questioned the angels announcement, by saying, “How can this be since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34). The angel affirmed, “nothing will be impossible with God” (1:37). In Matthew’s gospel, Joseph’s actions indicate that he knew he wasn’t the father. He planned to send Mary away. The angel appeared to Joseph and told him. Matthew records, “but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son’ and he called His name Jesus” (Mt 1:25).

  Virgin birth—can’t happen naturally. Impossible. The coming of Jesus began with a miracle. After He died upon the cross, a miracle moved the stone and he rose from the grave.

  It’s hard to imagine what raced through Mary’s mind. Why me? Am I that special? What does God see in me? The gospels don’t record the months of Mary’s pregnancy. Not everyone knew what she knew. Many didn’t know about the angels. Were there whispers about her and Joseph? Did people look at her with disgust and shame? Often carrying the mission of God is not understood by others. Mary did it.

  We need to add, Mary was never placed upon a pedestal by the early church. She was never worshipped, and never considered the mother of God. She WAS the mother of Jesus, or the means in which Jesus came into the world, but not prayed to, bowed down to, and not worshipped. You won’t find that in the Bible. God used all kinds of righteous people to carry out His plans, Mary was just one of them.

  So, what do we make of the coming of Jesus? Unusual means—a virgin; but very humble, in a small village, in an animal trough. Not the setting we’d think for God coming to earth. But as we learn Jesus, so fitting for Him. The attention He wants is upon His words, His Father, and His sacrifice. We ought to be drawn to the loving Savior who left all, gave all, did all, so we could have a relationship with His Father and be forgiven of our sins.

  Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word…

Roger

22

Jump Start # 246

Posted on December 22, 2010 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 246

Matthew 2:1-2 “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

  The wise men. One of the traditions surrounding the birth of Jesus, is nativity scenes which has sheep, cattle, Joseph, Mary, baby Jesus, shepherds and three wise men all gathered together, talking and praising. Further traditions tell us that these three were kings, have you heard of the song, “We three kings…?” Even more, legend has given us their names: Melchior, Caspar, Balthasar.

  The problem with legends is that “they are legends.” Sometimes, the legend, myth and story becomes more believable than the facts. Only Matthew and Luke record the birth of Jesus. Only Matthew tells of the visit of the wise men.

  Here is what we know from Matthew:

  • The magi (or wise men) are not called kings. Most likely they were eastern astrologers.
  • They saw a star and followed it. They had knowledge of “He who has been born king of the Jews.”
  • It was King Herod that sent the wise men to Bethlehem (Mt 2:8)
  • The number of wise men or their names are not revealed. They brought three gifts and most assume that each had one gift. Could they have gone together on some of the gifts? Could there have been two wise men or five wise men? We don’t know.
  • When they found Jesus, he was in a house (Mt 2:11) not the manger.
  • The Bible doesn’t say anything about the shepherds being present, nor any animals when the wise men arrived.
  • They worshipped Jesus (Mt 2:11). This is the first record of anyone worshipping Jesus.
  • God warned the wise men in a dream not to go back to Herod (Mt 2:12)

  It seems that God was involved with all of this. How did men from the East know about the coming king of the Jews? That was prophesied in the law of Moses but not common knowledge among other nations.

  It is impressive that they worshipped Jesus. Later on, Pharisees would ridicule Jesus, challenge Jesus, question Jesus, accuse Jesus, but few, ever worshipped Him. These men did. They did before Jesus had died upon the cross. They did before He preached His first message, or, healed the first crippled. Their understanding must have come from God.

  The King Jesus, reigns over His spiritual kingdom (Jn 18:36). His kingdom is made up of the saved who have bowed their hearts and acknowledged Him as Lord and Christ. At His ascension, Jesus sat down at the right hand of His Father. He reigns until He comes again.

  We sing, “All hail the power of Jesus name…” The book of Acts tells us that there is no other name by which we can be saved. Paul told the Colossians that whatever you do, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.

  Myth…legend…fact. Our faith rests upon the revealed word of God!

Roger