DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- WHAT A MYSTERY

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – WHAT A MYSTERY

"To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all to see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 3:8-9).

Paul had a sermon to preach. It was the unsearchable riches of Christ. Unsearchable means something that cannot be comprehended.

What are the unsearchable riches of Christ? The Apostle Paul was specifically referring to the mystery "that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel" (vs. 6). That was a mystery. But there are other things that are things that are also great mysteries – that cannot be comprehended by our puny brains. Consider these, among others.

Consider His love? Why should He love us, sinful creatures as we are who have rejected His holiness and done things against Him? His love is unfathomable.

Consider His mercy? That He would extend to us his mercy that does not give us what we deserve is indeed beyond my comprehension.

Consider His grace? He not only does not give us what we deserve, but He then gives us what we don't deserve. All of the blessings of God are given to us through Christ. How can that be?

Consider how He left heaven and came to this fallen world. I cannot comprehend why He would give up all the glory of heaven to come to the filth and mire of earth to die for me. How great is that mystery?

Consider His presence in us? That He has chosen to take up residence in my life is truly unsearchable.

These are beyond our understanding. We can only experience them and thank God for them. They are all true whether we understand them or not.

I know not why God's wondrous grace He hath made known, now why, unworthy, Christ in love redeemed me for His own. I know not how this saving faith to me He did impart, now how believing in His Word brought peace within my heart. I know not how the Spirit moves, convincing men of sin, revealing Jesus through the Word, creating faith in Him. But I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I've committed unto Him against that day."

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- A BEAUTIFUL POEM

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – A BEAUTIFUL POEM

"For we are is workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)

Some people are poets by nature. They can compose beautiful lyrics that convey wonderful thoughts. I am not blessed that way. The apex of my poetry is, "Spring has come, the grass is riz. I wonder where the flowers is."

God us the ultimate poet. The majesty of His creation speaks of His creativity. The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork (Psalm 19:1), and He made the stars to sing (Job 38:7). In heaven, He will give us a new song.

In our text, the word "workmanship" is, in the Greek text, poiema, and means a creative work. We get the word "poem" from this Greek word.

God is still doing His creative work. We are His creative work. We are new creatures in Christ Jesus. But the poem is not finished yet. He is still at work in our lives to conform us to the image of Christ. And we can be sure that He who has begun a good work in us will complete it until the Day of Christ (Philippians 1:6).

What a wonderful work God is doing in us. My poem is not yet finished. He still has some verses to add to it. But when it is done, it will be a paean of praise to the Lord Jesus.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- BLESSING AFTER BLESSING

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – BLESSING AFTER BLESSING

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Chrit, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ...." (Ephesians 1:3)

What a beautiful portion of Scripture flowed from the heart of the Apostle Paul to the believers at Ephesus. He highlighted many of the blessings that Believers have from God through their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Let's remember some of those blessings.

We are chosen. When we choose something, it is because we want it. God chose us because He wants us.

We are adopted. As unbelieving, unsaved people, we were children of Satan. We were under his dictatorship. But God adopted us as His children.

We are accepted. We all long to be accepted. By God's grace, in spite of our human condition, God accepts us in the Beloved – in Christ.

We are redeemed. The price for our redemption was paid by the shedding of the blood of Jesus.

We are forgiven. No longer do we live under the condemnation of our sin. We do not need to carry the burden of our transgressions against God. We are forgiven by His mercy and grace.

We have an inheritance. What a glorious future awaits us as a part of that inheritance. Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us so that where He is, we can be also.

We are sealed by the Holy Spirit. We have his stamp on us that says we belong to God and nothing can destroy that seal of His promise. He is the guarantee of our inheritance. We are secure in Him.

How blessed we are. As the Psalmist wrote, "Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul and forget not all His benefits. Who forgives...who heals...who redeems … who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies" (Psalm 103:1-4). We are indeed blessed.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- DO UNTO OTHERS

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – DO UNTO OTHERS

"Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted." (Galatians 6:1)

This is a good reminder to treat other people as I would want to be treated. Even if another believer is caught in a sin, how we approach the person with his trespass is an indication of my own spiritual maturity. If I come down in condemnation and harshness, I am only demonstrating my own spiritual immaturity.

Jesus said, "Just as you want men do to you, you also do to them likewise" (Luke 6:31). I know how I would want to be treated – with gentleness and respect.

Can you imagine how the prodigal son would have felt if the father had been harsh and lowered the boom on his errant son? The son was already under conviction for his prodigal ways. He knew that he was not worthy to be called a son. But the father in gentleness did not further reprimand the repentant son, but welcomed him home.

There is a place for confronting people with their sin. But how we do it is of utmost importance. If I come down on them in a harsh, condemning manner, then they may not hear my heart or the heart of God regarding their sin. God says to do it with gentleness. If I am in need of correction, please let it be with gentleness.

The ultimate goal is restoration. That will happen more easily when the rebuke comes from a broken heart. People respond to a soft spirit more than a spirit of condemnation.

Jesus stands at the door and knocks. He does not break the door down like a SWAT team. He tenderly knocks and calls us to repentance. May we be like Jesus.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- WALKING THE TALK

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – WALKING THE TALK

"I say then, walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh...If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." (Galatians 5:16, 25)

There is a war going on in every believer. It is the battle between the flesh and the spirit. The conflict is whether we will live according to the spirit or according to the flesh.

I am using the term, "spirit," to refer to our own spirit that has been born again by the Holy Spirit. The human spirit is the God-related part of the soul or immaterial part of our being. The flesh is the part of us that relates to the things of the world. The spirit of the unbeliever is dead. The Scripture says in Ephesians 2:1 that we, as unregenerated beings, were dead in our trespasses and sins. The flesh was still alive, but the spirit – the God-related part of us – was dead. But when we were born again of the Holy Spirit, our spirits were made alive (vs. 5) and became the dwelling place of God.

In Romans 8, we find that the fleshly mind is at enmity with God and cannot please God (vss. 7-8). This is the struggle that the Apostle Paul was talking about in Romans 7 – "the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil that I will not to do, that I practice.... For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which in in my members" (vss. 22-23). The battle is not between my flesh and the Holy Spirit, but between my flesh and my spirit.

We have a list of the works of the flesh in Galatians, chapter 5. We may not have a battle in every area but the flesh is always present to entice us to unrighteousness. I may not have a moral problem such as adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, murder, drunkenness, but I may have a struggle with anger, jealousy, envy, or selfish ambition. Whenever the flesh is in control of my life, I will manifest the works of the flesh.

But on the other side are the fruit of the spirit – love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are the fruit of a spirit-controlled life. Being Spirit-filled is not just words. It is action. I cannot just talk the talk. I need to walk the talk.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- RESTING IN GOD'S GRACE

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – RESTING IN GOD'S GRACE

"I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain." (Galatians 2:21)

There are those even today, two thousand years later, who say that works of righteousness are necessary for salvation. Paul would say that if that is true, then Jesus died in vain. His sacrifice was worthless.

There is no doubt that people who have been born into God's family will do works of righteousness. As it is written, "We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10). If there are no fruit that follow my life, then it might be questionable whether I am really a child of God. A son or daughter of God will do what God does. God is holy and good and His nature will be the nature of His children because His Spirit lives within us. We will bear the fruit of His life in us. In another metaphor, Jesus said that we are attached to the vine – that is Christ. In His words, Jesus said, "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless It abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit, for without Me you can do nothing" (John 15:4-5). A person who is living attached to Christ the vine will bear good fruit.

But that is a far cry from these good works being a requirement for salvation. The fruit follows being attached to the Vine. Doing good works does not attach us to Christ. Good works are a result of being in Christ and Christ in us.

It is a relief to know that I cannot earn my salvation by good works. If works were a requirement, I would always be wondering if I did enough good works. How many good works might God require to enter Heaven? I would always be in doubt about my salvation.

But since Jesus paid the total price, I can rest in that knowledge. I have total confidence that the Father has accepted the sacrifice of Christ as sufficient payment for my sins, and that I can add nothing except to believe it. I rest in that knowledge. "Therefore, having be justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). I am at peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- ANOTHER GOSPEL OR NO OTHER GOSPEL

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – ANOTHER GOSPEL OR NO OTHER GOSPEL?

"I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ." (Galatians 1:6-7)

The believers in the churches of Galatia had received the Gospel and put their faith in it. However, there were some who were perverting the Gospel of grace that Paul preached, saying that they had to obey the Old Testament law in order to be saved. This letter to the Galatians was written to correct this heresy.

Is there more than one Gospel? If so, which one is correct? There is only one Gospel. It is the Gospel of grace. This is emphasized in the greeting of this letter: "Grace to you" (vs. 3). This Gospel of grace is based on the fact that Jesus gave Himself for our sins (vs. 4). When He died on the cross, He paid the total price to purchase our salvation, and there is nothing we can add to it. We can only receive it by faith.

There is no other Gospel. Anything else is spurious. We are saved by grace alone through faith alone. "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).

So if anyone tries to tell us of another way to be saved, no matter how good a preacher he is, or even if he claims to be an angel or messenger from heaven, Paul said, "Let him be accursed" (vss. 8-9). The Greek word for "accursed is "anathema," someone who is doomed. To emphasize the gravity and importance of this curse, Paul says it two times. He repeats himself – "Again, I say, let him be accursed....."

It is no small thing to mess with God's revealed plan of salvation. There may be differences between true believers regarding peripheral doctrine, but there can be no straying from the Gospel of Grace: Christ died for our sins, and we receive the gift of salvation by placing our faith in that sacrifice. There is no other Gospel.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE TEST OF GENUINE FAITH

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – THE TEST OF GENUINE FAITH

"Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you? – unless indeed you are disqualified. But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified." (II Corinthians 13:5-6)

The test of faith. This is a difficult passage. Isn't faith in Christ just acknowledging Him as Savior? Isn't that the test of faith? That is certainly a part of our faith – receiving Jesus as Savior and confessing it to others.

But Paul seems to take it one step further. Knowing that Christ lives in us is the assurance that our faith is genuine. In another place Paul wrote: "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God" (Romans 8:15-16). And in another place, he wrote, "Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" (I Corinthians 3:16). Christ in us is the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). The Holy Spirit gives us an inner assurance that Christ lives in us.

The word "disqualified" is a curious word. The King James translates it as "reprobate." That may be a harsh word. In the Greek, the word is adokimos and it means "not standing the test" or "unapproved." It was properly used in testing metal or coins. We would call it "assaying" gold to determine whether it was real gold or fool's gold. Money is tested to see if it is real or counterfeit. When you buy something at a store and use a $20.00 bill, the cashier will hold it up to the light to see the markings or mark it with a black marker to determine if it is real or fake and worthless. The Apostle says, "Test your faith." Make sure that it is real and valid – not just some empty or worthless notion.

Knowing that Christ abides in us gives assurance that our faith is real and valid, and not counterfeit. The assurance of Christ in our lives will stand the test. You ask me how I know He lives, He lives within my heart.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE COST OF PARENTHOOD

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – THE COST OF PARENTHOOD

"Now for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved." (II Corinthians 12:14-15)

The love that Paul had for the Church at Corinth is apparent. He considered them his children. As a father in the faith, he wanted the best for them. He did not want their things – their money – but he wanted them. The greatest gift of children to their parents is the presence – not their presents. Our Heavenly Father wants us more than our gifts.

Most parents can identify with Paul's love for the Corinthian. He did not want to be a burden or take advantage of them. But as a father would speak to his children word of correction, he has spoken to them to help them grow up in the faith. Above all, he wanted them to become strong and mature in the Christian faith. He was showing his love through his corrections.

It is a parent's responsibility to provide for their children, and not just in material things. Parent are loving their children even through correction and discipline. It is a fact that children do not always appreciate correction, and do not always love their parents emotionally. In fact, the more we love our children by discipling them, the less they may love us at the time. Often it is not until they are adults that children look back and thank their parents for this aspect of love. Even then, they may not appreciate how much it cost the parents.

The writer of the Book of Hebrews recognized this fact. In writing about God's discipline, he encouraged the readers to not despise the chastening of the Lord because that is a sign of sonship that comes out of His love for His children. That is why God says, "For whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives." The fact is that "no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it" (Hebrews 12:5-8).

The parents' job is not just to provide materially for their children, but to give spiritual training. Lack of correction i's evidence of a lack of true love. Discipline is painful at the time, but looking back, we can see how it produced the fruit of righteousness. Thank God for love that disciplines.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- BRAGGING RIGHTS

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – THE COST OF PARENTHOOD

"Now for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved." (II Corinthians 12:14-15)

The love that Paul had for the Church at Corinth is apparent. He considered them his children. As a father in the faith, he wanted the best for them. He did not want their things – their money – but he wanted them. The greatest gift of children to their parents is the presence – not their presents. Our Heavenly Father wants us more than our gifts.

Most parents can identify with Paul's love for the Corinthian. He did not want to be a burden or take advantage of them. But as a father would speak to his children word of correction, he has spoken to them to help them grow up in the faith. Above all, he wanted them to become strong and mature in the Christian faith. He was showing his love through his corrections.

It is a parent's responsibility to provide for their children, and not just in material things. Parent are loving their children even through correction and discipline. It is a fact that children do not always appreciate correction, and do not always love their parents emotionally. In fact, the more we love our children by discipling them, the less they may love us at the time. Often it is not until they are adults that children look back and thank their parents for this aspect of love. Even then, they may not appreciate how much it cost the parents.

The writer of the Book of Hebrews recognized this fact. In writing about God's discipline, he encouraged the readers to not despise the chastening of the Lord because that is a sign of sonship that comes out of His love for His children. That is why God says, "For whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives." The fact is that "no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it" (Hebrews 12:5-8).

The parents' job is not just to provide materially for their children, but to give spiritual training. Lack of correction i's evidence of a lack of true love. Discipline is painful at the time, but looking back, we can see how it produced the fruit of righteousness. Thank God for love that disciplines.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- BRAGGING RIGHTS

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – BRAGGING RIGHTS

"I say again, let not one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. What I speak, I speak not according to the Lord, but as it were, foolishly, in the confidence of boasting. Seeing that many boast according to the flesh, I also will boast." (II Corinthians 11:16-18)

The word "boast" or its correlatives is sprinkled throughout this letter. It is found 13 times in II Corinthians. I dislike braggarts. People who boast about their achievements and how good they are turn me off. I guess in the back of my mind, I think that they must have a low opinion of themselves, so they need to brag to build up their own ego or self-esteem. Paul puts boasters in the category of fools, and said that boasting is a work of the flesh.

Do you catch the sardonic flavor of Paul's words? He is almost sarcastic. The Believers at Corinth seemed to be be swayed by smooth talkers who boasted about themselves. He wrote in verses 19-20, "You put up with fools gladly, since you yourselves are wise! For you put up with it if one brings you into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes from you, if one exalts himself, if one strikes you on the face." They seemed to be gullible, falling for some line while being taken advantage of. If they were so wise, could not they see past the facade of the charming personalities to the emptiness of the rhetoric?

Paul mockingly lists all the things he might boast about – his Jewish heritage, his persecution as a minister of the Gospel, his deprivation of hunger and weariness, not to mention his concern for the Church. But he then drives the point home: "If I must boast, I will boast in the things which confirm my infirmities" – that is in his weaknesses (vs. 31). The fact that God worked through his weaknesses brought honor to God, not to himself. His boast was this: "the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity" (II Corinthians 1:12).

There is a place for honestly speaking about our abilities and accomplishments. We are not called to speak disparagingly about ourselves. But when the motive is to cause people to elevate me instead of glorifying God, then I need to keep silent and let my life speak. I want my life to bring glory and honor to God, the One who made me and saved me. In my life, Lord, be glorified today. I want to brag on God.

Love, Dad

DAD;S RAMBLINGS -- STINGY WITH GOD

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – STINGY WITH GOD

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: 'He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.' Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God" ( II Corinthians 9:8-11)

In his exhortation to the believers in Corinth, the Apostle used a metaphor to help them understand the principle of giving. It is the farmer who sows his seed for a future harvest.

First, God has supplied the seed to sow. Everything comes from God. He is our source – not the government nor the retirement fund. God provides through them, but He is the ultimate giver of all good things.

Second, the person who has been entrusted with resources is responsible to use those resources to sow seed in order to bring a crop.

Thirdly, God brings the increase as the sower is faithful. If the sower holds on to the seed and does not spread it abroad, he limits the reaping of the crop.

Jesus taught these same principles. He said, "Give and it shall be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you" (Luke 6:38).

I have a sneaky suspicion that if we are stingy with God, He will be stingy with us. Plus, liberality brings forth praise and thanksgiving from other people to God. God is blessed when we use His resources wisely.

A person who is not controlled by money can experience true financial freedom.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE JOY OF JESUS

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – THE JOY OF JESUS

"Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality." (II Corinthians 8:1-2)

The churches of Macedonia were suffering tribulation because they did not conform to the state and societal demands. When people don't conform to the norms of the culture, they find themselves at odds with society. There is a price to pay for being a Christ-follower.

But this did not cause them sadness. It may have affected their financial condition bringing them deep poverty. But that did not cause them to lose their joy that they found in Jesus which abounded in their liberal giving.

Their response to tribulation and trials reflected the life of the Lord Jesus, Who, as the Apostle spoke of in verse 9, "though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich." And the writer to the Hebrews wrote that "for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame" (Hebrews 12:2) The Churches in Macedonia experienced this. We can be poor in worldly resources, yet rich in spirit, and people who are rich in spirit have a joy that flows out of their innermost being.

We are in conflict with the world around us that is controlled by ungodly world-views and philosophies. We may even suffer some "trial of affliction" because of that conflict, but we can still live in joy, even if we come to poverty. The joy of the freedom in our spirits from condemnation and the prospect of eternity with Jesus set before us can help us keep our joy in the midst of trials.

There is joy in serving Jesus.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- HONORING THE FAMILY NAME

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – HONORING THE FAMILY NAME

"Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse our lives from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." (II Corinthians 7:1)

One of the principles of interpretation of the Scriptures is context. I learned early that when I see the word, "therefore," I need to consider what "therefore" is "there for." "Therefore" is a connecting word that completes the previous thought. Remember that the division into chapters was done to organize the Scriptures, and is not a part of the original text. Chapter 7:1 completes the thought of Chapter 6.

The apostle had just written, " 'Come out from among them and be separate,' says the Lord. 'Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty' " Here, the Apostle used an Old Testament promise to Israel found in Jeremiah 31:1 and applied it to Christians. The principle is valid for both Israel and believers in the Lord Jesus.

Israel was appointed by God to be "a holy people to the LORD your God, and the LORD has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples who are on the face of the earth" (Deuteronomy 14:2;  Exodus 19:6; Deuteronomy 7:6). Israel was to separate themselves to God from other nations and not intermarry with the pagan nations.

The Apostle Peter picked up on this theme when he wrote to Believers, "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (I Peter 2:9).

The promise is that God would be a father to us, and we would be His sons and daughters. I remember well from my past the father who told his children, "You bear the family name. Do not bring reproach on the family name." As children of God, we are called by His name. What a wonderful promise that we should be called the sons of God (I John 3:1).

As His children, we should strive to never bring shame or reproach to the Father or His family by cleansing our flesh and spirits to perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord. May it be so in my life.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE MARKS OF MINISTRY

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – MARKS OF MINISTRY

"We then, as workers together with Him, also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain......We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God..."

(II Corinthians 6:1, 3-4a)

The edition of the Bible that I use headlines this chapter with the title: "Marks of the Ministry." That is not in the original text but is added to aid the reader as he or she reads the Scriptures. I think it is a good heading because the Apostle uses his own life as an example of a minister or servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.

First, he says that he purposed to not give offense in anything he did so that no one could point a finger of blame at him and be distracted from his message.

Next, he gives a list of things that he himself has incorporated into his life. Things like patience or, as the margin reading says, endurance. He needed this attribute because of all the things he endured as a minister of God – tribulations, needs, distresses, stripes, imprisonments, tumults, labors, and sleeplessness.

His life was marked by purity in his conduct and motives, knowledge or spiritual understanding and moral wisdom, longsuffering or steadfastness of faith, kindness (which from the Greek could be gentleness or moral excellence); by love – for Christ and for others; truth – that is, sticking with the truth of the Gospel and not being led into sidetracks; righteousness – that is doing what is right. He was faithful in all kinds of circumstances – in honor and dishonor, when good was spoken of him, and also evil; as an unknown without a large reputation and also as well known; as dying, and yet as alive; as chastened but not killed; as sorrowful and yet rejoicing; as poor, yet being rich and making others rich with the knowledge of the Gospel.

These are high standards for a minister or servant of Jesus to live up to. Yet, it should be the goal of everyone who serves Christ to live morally pure, being steadfast in faith, gentle, loving, living righteously, and sticking with God's truth. No matter whether he has success and is recognized or applauded by others or not, he is not really serving others but the Lord Jesus, and Jesus will reward faithfulness. May this be the model, not just for the preachers and elders, but for all who serve the Lord Jesus. Because we are all ministers.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- LIVNG FOR JESUS

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – LIVING FOR JESUS

"For the love of God compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no long for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again." (II Corinthians 5:14-15)

Who or what do we live for? Some people live to eat. Some people live to have fun. Some people live to learn new things. Some people live to work. Some people live to be successful. Some people live for their families. Whatever my heart is centered on is what I live for.

The Apostle Paul had one thing he lived for – the Lord Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. His love for Jesus overshadowed everything else in his life. His testimony is found in verse 9: "Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him." That is what he lived for, to please Jesus. Jesus Himself set the example, as it is recorded in John 8:29: " 'The Father has not left me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.' "

Paul did not live to please himself. He did not live to build his own personal kingdom and have a lot of people follow him so he could live the easy life. Indeed, he lived his life in suffering beatings and all kinds of bad things in order to please Christ.

When I think about how Jesuse died on the cross for my salvation, His love for me and my love for Him constrains me. If my goal is to please Jesus, it might cost me something, just as His love for me cost Him everything. But that is the only thing of eternal value.

This song says it well: "Living for Jesus, a life that is true. Striving to please Him in all that I do; Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free, this is the pathway of blessing for me. Living for Jesus Who died in my place, bearing on Calv'ry my sin and disgrace; Such love constrains me to answer His call, follow His leading and give Him my all. Living for Jesus, wherever I am, doing each duty in His holy Name; willing to suffer affliction and loss, deeming each trial a part of my cross. Living for Jesus through earth's little while, my dearest treasure, the light of His smile; seeking the lost ones He died to redeem, bringing the weary to find rest in Him. O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee, for Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me; I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne; My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone."

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- FORGIVE

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – THE IMPORTANCE OF FORGIVENESS

"For whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us, for we are not ignorant of his devices." (II Corinthians 2:10-11)

In response to the admonition of Paul in the first letter regarding the one engaged in immoral conduct, the Church had indeed disciplined the person. In response to the correction, he had apparently repented. And that is the purpose of correction – repentance and restoration.

However, it seems that the fellowship of believers were having a difficult time fulfilling the restoration part. They were not willing to welcome him back into the congregation. So the Apostle now had to deal with this issue. He wrote that the punishment – the disbarment from the fellowship – was sufficient. It was enough, and now that he has repented, they needed to receive him back into the fellowship. They needed to reassure him of their forgiveness and love, and comfort him, lest he should be consumed with too much sorrow. Not receiving him back into fellowship would be an open door for Satan to take advantage and cause even more heartache.

We are not ignorant of Satan's devices. One of the greatest devices he uses to bring disharmony in the Church is unforgiveness. If he can get Believers to carry grudges, he can cause separation and conflict between the Believers and bring distress to Body.

This is an extremely important thing. We are called to forgive one another. Jesus highlighted the need for forgiveness in His Sermon on the Mount. He said, "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matthew 5:14-15). This is a sobering word and we need to take it seriously.

In another place, the Apostle Paul admonished us to forgive one another just as Christ has forgiven us (Colossians 3:13). Jesus does not carry grudges. When we repent, we are forgiven, and the offense is cast into the sea to be remembered no more. There is no sword hanging over our heads because the sin is cleansed by Christ's own blood, and our fellowship with Him is restored. We are to forgive in the same way.

The Church at Corinth needed to learn this lesson. And, I think, so do we. If God in His love has forgiven the repentant sinner, so should we. The restoration process is not complete until the offender has been welcomed back into fellowship.

May that be our goal.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT

"Blessed by the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted of God." (II Corinthians 1:3-4)

The tone of this second letter to the church at Corinth is entirely different than the first letter. The first letter was correction and instruction about issues that were in the Church that needed to be fixed. This letter is one of comfort and encouragement. There is very little correction, but there is much edification.

It is is apparent from this letter that the Church at Corinth had accepted his rebukes and had corrected the issues. With all of their problems, they were open to receive instruction from the Apostle. The Apostle indicates several times in this letter that he very much wants to come to them in person to minister to them. But he did not want to come to them with the sorrow or heaviness that he had in the first letter. Now, after hearing reports of their response to his corrections, he was looking forward to comforting and encouraging them in person.

This begs the question: How do I accept rebuke and correction? I'll admit that I don't receive criticism very well. My pride takes over and I think, "Who are you to tell me what to do?" My flesh responds back with anger or at the very least rejection of the criticism. I just don't like reprimands.

God often corrects me through the Word of God and the ministry of the Holy Spirit, Who convicts of sin (John 15:8). Jesus called Him the Paraclete – One who comes alongside to help us (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7 KJV). In our focus verse, the word translated "comfort" is paraklesis which means exhortation, admonition, comfort and encouragement. He does not just come to beat us down with our failures but to encourage and lift us up. Even when we blow it, God, the Holy Spirit, is there to instruct and comfort us. He is the God of all comfort.

The Church at Corinth was growing in the Christian walk, and were open to the Apostle's instruction. My walk with Jesus would probably be much better if I would listen to advice and constructive criticism. My prayer is that God would help me to grow in this area.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- GIVING

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – GIVING

"Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also. On the first day of the week, let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come." (I Corinthians 16:1-2)

One final word of instruction for the church at Corinth was regarding the practice of giving.

Paul does not mandate how each individual or family should give, only that it should be in proportion to how God had prospered them. Richer people would give more and less fortunate could give less. It was a personal decision. He was not laying down a law, but giving them guidelines for opportunity to participate in God's work.

In the follow-up letter to the church at Corinth, Paul gives the instruction, "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver" (II Corinthians 9:7). They were not under compulsion to give, but their offerings should be cheerfully from their hearts.

Paul's instruction was that the collection was to be on the first day of the week. That would be Sunday, the day when the church came together for worship and instruction. They would set aside whatever they purposed in their hearts and then bring it to the assembly.

We follow much the same pattern. We often bring our offerings to church on Sunday to be given to the Lord. We make a point of our gifts being given in secret so that there will be no comparisons between those who give much and those who give little. This practice avoids the temptation to brag about how much we give and also frees the person who is not able to give as much from humiliation. This also follows Jesus' instructions when He said, "When you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what our right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly" (Matthew 6:3-4). I think we must remember that we answer to God about how we observe this area of our stewardship.

It is a privilege to be a part of God's work. We miss the joy if we do it for the praise of others or for other motivations. God will reward.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- A GLORIOUS FUTURE

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – A GLORIOUS FUTURE

"As we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly man." (I Corinthians 15:49)

The Apostle Paul was answering the question that some were asking: "How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?" (vs. 35). By revelation of the Holy Spirit, he gives some illustrations from nature –the seed that was sown in the field, different kinds of bodies for different creatures, and the difference of the celestial bodies of the sun and the moon. That is, they will be different than our human bodies. We are created with natural bodies that reflect the image of Adam. But our resurrected bodies will reflect the image of Jesus.

So what will that body be like? Paul says that our worldly fleshly bodies are subject to corruption; the new body will be incorruptible. Our current bodies are dishonorable – not because God created them that way, but because of sin. Our bodies in this world are weak, but the new bodies will be powerful. We have a natural body, but the resurrected body will be spiritual.

We get a glimpse of the new body in the transformation Jesus had on the Mount of Transfiguration. The record says that "He was transfigured before them" (Matthew 17:2; Mark 9:2). The word "transfigured" is a translation from the Greek is metamorphoo, and it means to change, to transform, to transfigure. It is like the metamorphosis, the change, of a butterfly from a cocoon. The testimony is that in His transfiguration, His face shined like the sun, and His clothes were exceedingly white as the light, brighter than any laundry could get them.

What a glorious future awaits us! God has great things in store for us, including a new body that will never suffer the weakness of sickness and that will never be corrupted and die. We cannot fully grasp what it will be like. As it is written, "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him" (I Corinthians 2:9). Now we see through a glass dimly. We only know in part, but then face to face (I Corinthians 13:12). As the Apostle John wrote, "It has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is" (I John 3:2). I wouldn't miss it for the world! Hallelujah!

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE REALITY OF EASTER

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – THE EASTER

"Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?" (I Corinthians 15:12)

Although the Apostle saved this question among the Believers in Corinth until toward the end of the letter, it is arguably the most important because it concerns the bedrock of the Christian faith – the resurrection of Christ from the dead.

He began this discussion with a clear presentation of the Gospel – that Christ died, was buried, and rose again, and then proved that He was indeed risen from the dead by appearing to over 500 people (vss. 3-6). Without the resurrection of Jesus, Christianity is just another religion on the same level as Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, or any other belief. Christianity stands alone is this regard.

But there were some who were teaching that there is no resurrection from the dead. How they could believe this in light of the evidence is a mystery, as is their motivation for promulgating such a teaching. Perhaps they were influenced by the Jewish sect of the Saducees who did not believe in a future resurrection. They were Sad, you see. But the importance of correcting this teaching is of prime importance because if there is no resurrection, our faith is vain – empty thinking.

The life and teaching of Jesus was not the motivation for His disciples to take the Gospel into the far reaches of the world and sacrifice their lives for that cause. It was the fact that He was risen from the dead. Easter was real.

Even now, 2 millennia latter, the doctrine of the resurrection is just as important as it was then. Our faith in Christ's resurrection is the bedrock upon which the faith and future of Believers is founded. The Bible, including the Old Testament prophets, Jesus, and the Apostles, is clear in its declaration that there will be a future resurrection – both of the just and the unjust (Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2; John 5:29; Revelation 20:5. 11-14). To reject this teaching of Jesus and of the Apostles is the undermine our faith in Christ and of the Bible in general.

If we only have faith in Christ in this life – that He will make this life better – then we are of all people most to be pitied. To base our lives on Christ's resurrection and our eternal life on a lie would indeed make us deluded people.

But He is risen and alive today, and He has a plan for our future including our eternal life and resurrection. Let no one disabuse us of our faith. As we often say on Easter morning: Christ is risen. He is risen indeed.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- LOVE - THE GREATEST GIFT

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – LOVE – THE GREATEST GIFT

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, l but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing." (I Corinthians 13:1-3)

As we read this letter from Paul to the Church at Corinth, it is evident that love was not a motivation.

What could I add to what the Apostle Paul wrote concerning love? What new insights could I give that would surpass all of the sermons I have heard preached about love? Probably nothing.

But I ask, "Why is it that with all the love songs we sing, there seems to be so little love in this world?" Could it be that we have the wrong definition of love?

It is clear from this chapter that love is more than a feeling. It is doing. It is like faith. Love without works is dead. I can sing love song all day, and declare my love all I want, but until the rubber meets the road and it is translated into action, it is dead.

And even all my actions such as preaching, helping the poor, and even giving my life as a martyr – are worth nothing if I do not love.

The reason is that love is not for my benefit or to make me feel good, or to make me look good. True love is always directed outward to someone else. It is for their benefit.

I admit that I have a long way to go in this love-experience. I can take no pride in the way I love. But hopefully, I am growing in a love that suffers long and is kind, is not rude, is not easily provoked, that bears all things, believes good about everyone, and endures all things. I am not there yet, but hopefully that gift of love that God gives is blossoming into some kind of good fruit. May God help me.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- GIFTS

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – GIFTS

"For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free – and have all be made to drink into one Spirit." (I Corinthians 12:12-13)

The human body is a marvelous creation. It is made up of so many different parts, and yet all of the parts work together when the body is functioning properly. Paul used the human body as an illustration of the Church of Jesus. It is a marvelous organism when it functions as it should.

But there were problems in the church at Corinth. Some people thought that they were more important than others in the Church. Perhaps they were used in supernatural gifts, and thought that that placed them on a higher level than others. Paul made it clear that it was the Holy Spirit that gave various gifts to people as He chose. It was not the righteousness or the ability of the person that produced the gift. It was God the Holy Spirit who initiated the gifts.

This leaves no room for pride that thinks that our gift is better than some-one else's. Paul asked the question back in chapter 4, "Who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?" (4:7). The fact is that everything is a gift from God. That excludes any boasting on our part.

God is the source of all good things. As it says in vs. 28, God has appointed these in the Church – apostles, prophets, teachers, workers of miracles, gifts of healings, helps or service, administrations or leaders and government, and variety to tongues. We do not all have the same gifts but all the gifts are important, and God places them in the Body so that it will function well.

Lest we become prideful of the gifts God has given to us, we need to remember that the body cannot function without the heart, the liver, the kidneys, the lungs, the pituitary glands, and other gross parts. So the mouth cannot be proud just because it speaks beautiful words. It could speak nothing without the less beautiful parts of the body because the body would be dead.

We should "earnestly desire the best gifts" (vs. 31) – but, as we see in Chapter 13, love is the more excellent way.

Love, Dad