Boarding

Ravi Zacharias went to be with The Lord today. Yesterday, knowing he was ill and near death, I posted on social media how much I appreciated his ministry. I likened the idea of believers leaving this old world behind to go on to 'glory' as an airport setting. I expressed that we're all there with tickets and boarding passes waiting for our flight to be called, and we rejoice in the fact that brother Ravi had a plane to catch. It seemed an apropos analogy, but like most analogies I use, I thought about it long afterwards.
' I want to clarify the analogy and anchor it in Scripture.

Most of us have airport stories: Fumbling through airport security and rushing to make flights in haste and trying to reach the correct gate before its too late. And thinking about it more deeply, we're all looking to "go" somewhere. We know that this life is temporary and we hope to travel on to a better eternity, much better than even the best of what we experience here.

Here's The Word:

Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

The Bible tells us that not everyone will go to the Paradise in The Bible. Many attempt to secure their own travel plans. Like any airport, there are multiple gates but only one leads to the way everlasting. It is therefore supremely important to ensure that you have the right right arrangements.

Life is busy, like an airport. Many other gates have such seemingly interesting destinations. They're all advertised as someplace "good" and they impress an influence on us. Visiting family, business trips, opportunities to vacation in exotic places or sporting events, concerts and all kinds of entertainment.

So the real question is what the ticket counter attendant would propose: Where are you traveling to today? Are you going where most people are going, or few? If anyone other than Jesus is your destination then you have many gates to choose from. However, if your choice is Jesus, there's one gate.

Luke 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

In closing, no one stays here forever. Everyone of us will eventually leave on a flight to somewhere. I encourage you, check your flight information. I was trying to be clever in the pic by picking gate H7. The H stands for Heaven, and 7 is the number of perfection. Any other gate is much wider and may have an appealing destination and a large crowd, but its the wrong gate.

Eventually, everyone's flight is called to board, just like Ravi Zacharias. When you look at his life and ministry, it looks very apparent that he dedicated his life to enter in at the strait gate. Just like him and many before him,I pray that we would not only look to the Bible and these good examples, but to also become beacons who've chosen and inspire others to choose Gate H7, destination Paradise as well.

2 Peter 1:10-12 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.


In Him,
Cros

Accountable

It's time we take seriously, this thought of account,
Our Father, in Heaven gives us all an amount.
He watches and waits. He knows our ability.
One day, He’ll settle up with our accountability.

While our Master is away, His orders stand firm.
To manage well our portion, until He returns.
He desires increase on what He’s entrusted.
Presented pristinely, not weathered and rusted.

No respect for the slothful, distracted or fearful.
Encountering these accounts; results will be tearful.
And who then is to blame? Aspire to excel.
He’s still a loving Father, not hoping we'd fail.

His pleasure is not simply in simple satisfaction.
He rewards the diligent and thoughtful in action.
He doesn’t bestow rewards based on an average.
He’ll bless abundantly, if we faithfully manage.

We must remain careful, anticipating His return.
Our efforts are proved, or either their burned.
The slothful and wicked, consumed by concerns
Will be cast out forever, receiving what they earned.

Look at what you’ve been given, inventory your gifts.
Realize they’re from His Hand, that weighs and sifts.
He knows what you’re capable of, His reward is sure.
He even gives us the help we need to endure.

Be honest with your list, don't excuse your selections.
Give serious attention to afflictions and affections.
Pray and ask for help, The Lord faithfully leads.
Remember, His pleasure is our purpose, indeed.

Humbly submit to the idea, He’s invested in you.
Manage things well. Return to Him, His due.
Looking forward with Joy. Dedicated and fervent.
He'll say “Well done, thy good and faithful servant”.

Here's The Word:

Matthew 25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Matthew 25:29 - 30 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

In Him,
Cros

Subjection

1 Corinthians 6:12 “All things are lawful unto me,” but all things are not expedient. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be brought under the power of any.

I have a friend who used to say this thing that would always make me think. He'd say “Ya know, I don’t like when people think they're better than me. Come to think about it, I don’t like it when people think they're just as good as me.”
His tone and delivery were always so funny that you couldn’t help but chuckle. The initial statement draws you in. It's something that makes easy sense to us, the second part however...
As Christians, Let's replace the word people with problems? The revised statement is now a wholly good message. The second part is no longer as braggadocious.
Think about it. It makes perfect sense and it speaks sense to our perfection. We are only to be subject(under the power) of God and His direction for us, no longer compelled by old appetites.

Here’s The Word:

1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

There is no bad habit, besetting sin, or personal trial stronger than you. The Word of God speaks extensively about the power afforded to us, allowing us to take hold of our pursuit of righteousness. It identifies exactly the problems that pursue us to keep us defeated and leaving our greatest joy unfulfilled. As wide spread as our problems are, the source of the power to overcome them is singular.

Historically, men are more familiar with problems involving pornography. But a problem doesn’t have to be as big as porn to be a problem. Anything that exercises a power over you that you can’t seem to win against is a problem. We don’t see our speech being as large a problem as pornography or other addictions.

James 3:8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Many of us have yet to apply that God given, abundant life power of The Holy Spirit to our conversation. Our tongues taking unbridled opportunity to prove its rule over us.

Think of it this way:
Anything that calls to you and and you can't help but entreat it, that's something that has you under subjection. If that call is irresistible, you prove that you are indeed subject and also compelled, or powerless against. And if you've started rationalizing in your mind why its not so bad, then it's gained a foothold in your mind and you need serious help. Deliverance.
The abundant life takes us out of subjection to those things and gives us power to resist. Think about where the Bible says - James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

When we were unredeemed, still in sin, we were wholly and happily subject to our appetites. Now that we have the same power that raised Christ from the dead at work in us, we have the power to resist. We resist what was once irresistible and we no longer find ourselves in subjection to even the devil himself.

This is such a wonderful grace given to us to help us pursue intimacy in Christ.

However, many of us “try” in ourselves to stop doing bad things, but this is done not from a position of power, but a place of subjection – we’re still subjected to fear, even the fear that God will do something bad to us if we do bad. It’s no secret that we allow guilt to breath condemnation down our necks.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

A spirit of fear bends us toward subjection. The spirit of power love and a sound mind does not.
I don’t question the reality of the struggle presented by some of the bad habits within us, and even new problems that harass us. I just believe that a stronger power is available to overcome. Some may take more effort, but in all cases, we can relinquish their control and our subjectivity to them. The Bible gives us clear instruction about how to deal with problems. We confess and pray, we bring another brother or sister along side (in accountability) to also pray and help, we can also fast and pray. Isaiah 58:6 proclaims that a proper fast can loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke. Notice the emphasis on release from subjection. Romans 14:23 tells us that for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
So at whatever presence sin has in your life, Sin subjects us and impedes our journey toward perfection. We must use that greater power to control ourselves and keep ourselves from being in subjection to appetites. Bringing into subjection of the Spirit’s leading.

1 Corinthians 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

We know that we will have troubles in this world but we also talk about the peace that passes all understanding. I don’t see this as a common Christian experience. We use the “troubles in this world” verse to console ourselves even when we’re not taking hold of the power given to us. We excuse the absence of joy as a victim of circumstance rather than confessing the lack of power in our choices…rather than confessing and seeking remedy from our continued state of subjection.
I encourage you – Cast off that old man and put on Christ in all power.

Know

Recently on Facebook, I shared two posts: The first was a video of a young man "spoken word" style, going over a situation where he'd, having recently died, expressed such overwhelming excitement at the inevitable. Meeting His Maker.
He'd went on and on about how in life, he worshiped Jesus and praised His name in church, ensuring His glorious entry into the Eternal Kingdom. However, when he finally did come face to face with Jesus, he heard the words that none of us ever want to hear: "Depart from me, for I never knew you."
His final warning to us - Don't just praise His name, KNOW Him, and be diligent about making sure He knows you!

The second post was more related to the current COVID-19 epidemic. It promoted the idea that although so many people are outwardly appreciating the medical "front lines", their active disregard for "Stay at Home" recommendations are telling a different story. Memes and posts applauding the doctors and nursing staff that are apparently putting in overtime trying to preserve life in the midst of a true life and death situation, are not simply falling on deaf ears, they're coming across as the epitome of hypocrisy as people continue to indulge in their desires to return to normal in direct contradiction to the praise of the medical professionals.
In both cases, how do we make sense of this? Is it just who we are?

Here's The Word:

Matthew 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me

None of us would knowingly say something one minute and then contradict it later. We don't strive for hypocrisy. Yet, this is exactly what we do. It would be simple and easily corrected if we knew that our reasoning was directly attributed to a lack of clear information, but this does not reflect our reality. We know firsthand that COVID-19 can be deadly, and that the best method of "flattening the curve" is for our diligent adherence to the stay at home orders.
It's also true that God's Word tells us clearly and repeatedly how to embrace Him and the life He promises. Pursue righteousness.

2 Peter 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

This is where we get to be humbly honest about the pull that's within each of us. We want what we want. And neither the state nor God is forcing our hand. As citizens and voters of a Democratic and free society, we haven't handed over that kind of authority to the state. And even when it comes to Spiritual things, God's redemption releases us from the authority of The Law into liberty. A liberty whereby we either affirm the Lordship of Christ, or the pressing influence of our own desires.

Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

We say that we appreciate the nurses and other front-line workers in the current coronavirus pandemic, but if they were privy to your actions, would they agree or find you out as a hypocrit?
We say that we know God and that we love Him. He is privy to the very motivations of your heart. He weighs our intentions. Are you contradicting your profession, or are you sure that He knows you?


In Him,
Cros

Angry

People are curious. People are wondering.
What sense are we to make of what's going on? Is it just pure happenstance? or is there more going on.
Some people have an uninformed understanding of God and in a situation like this current epidemic, it can be really troubling as to what's going on.

How does the Covid-19 worldwide epidemic play into the reality where a loving God is supposed to be in charge? Does Him sending (or allowing) this plague mean that we're on His bad side?

Okay, I'm not going to innundate this post with questions - lets jump to some answers. The first idea to entertain is this - what is the nature of God?
First and foremost, God's nature is comprised of things that some may find conflicted. He's nature is perfectly merciful, but also perfectly just. He's compassionate, but also has wrath. Much like us when we have children and as much as we want to enjoy them, there also comes times when correcting obedience involves pain.

So, is that what's happening? I can't say. I also don't think that it's imperative that we know definitively that God is doing one thing over another.
As believers, we study His word which is the main way He reveals His nature to us and His plans for us, our world and the future.
We know by His word that God deals with His children differently than He deals with those who are not His. And the quick answer is no, He doesn't seek to unleash wrath on them. He calls to all to turn and repent, that we may all receive the blessings of His compassionate mercy.

Bad things happen because the world is in a fallen, sinful state and it simply reaps what it sows. God's mercy is still evident in that even as bad as things get, they really could (and sometimes should) be worse. The faith and peace of believers rests in the fact that every "bad" thing that happens, is still under God's authority and is only allowed when it serves His purposes to strengthen His people or help people turn toward Him.The Bible is full of affirmations of this.



A day is coming where God will judge the world and set things right. It's clearly spelled out in Scripture. He will deal with the rebellious and bring justice. The biggest choice we can make today is not get overly caught up with why God is doing or allowing world-wide pain and suffering. The real choice is to take each day as evidence of His mercy in giving another opportunity to believe in and confess the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. This will start you down a path to peace in the midst of the storm.

Deuteronomy 30:15-19 See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; In that I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it. But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it. I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

Romans 10:8 - 11 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

In Him,
Cros

Rejoice!

On more than one occasion, Jesus blew the minds of the crowds who clamored in to hear Him speak. His messages and miracles found huge followings hearing preaching of the Kingdom as well as people being healed of various afflictions.
However, it was with the religious leaders of His day who really proved themselves unworthy to receive His challenging truths.

You know how you can think back on a memorable event and feel as if you're almost reliving it? Colors, tastes, smells, they all come flooding back. The more recent the event, the easier it is to relive with clarity. Also, you can plan an event with such specificity, that your mind is able to almost embrace the experience even though it hasn't happened yet. As great as reflection and anticipation are, they evidence the limitations of the linear mind.

What if your mind was eternal, like Christ's? Omniscient and unbound by linear thought in regards to past or future? Whether an event occurred millennia ago, or having yet to occur, its all the same and there's no temporal difference in reflecting on one over the other. John 8 speaks of a situation where Jesus is talking to the Pharisees in the temple, just after the woman caught in adultery was spared from being stoned by His well known statement,

He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

Much later in the Chapter as Jesus and the Pharisees go back and forth about His origin and authority, the subject of their lineage through Abraham comes up.
After a little more dialogue, Jesus makes a mind-blowing statement recorded as verse 56

" Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad."
They were undone: Abraham was long dead. Christ hadn't died yet. And He's speaking of a future event in past tense.
Yet I'm convinced that when He reflected on the rejoicing of "His day", I bet in real time, His mind could look around and take it all in: Everyone who's there and their particular, personal rejoicing at the Victory and glorification of The Son, that for us, has yet to come to pass, but surely will.
He sees Abraham. He sees his gladness, just like its already happened. For in His unbound mind, it has.

This leads me to my final thought: Later in the book of John, just after Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, the Roman Governor Pilate asks if Jesus is King of the Jews.

John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. I think His mind is reflecting again. He's well envisioned with His return, when He and His servants come to fight.

Notice that Christ says "now". That's for our sake. For our linear minds that await an eventuality; There is a time coming where Jesus' Kingdom will literally come to this world in all of its glory. He will come with His servants to fight and absolutely destroy all opposition to His authority and rule.

This trial before Pilate occurred early in the morning on Good Friday. We know the Bible stories and although we take note at the horrific nature of the crucifixion, we rightly internalize it as the tragedy that we deserved for our sin but absolutely could not pay. We reflect on the truth of Scripture that says

2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Good Friday is where we begin to build the momentum. Sunday is on the way, where we proclaim "He is Risen", quickly responded with "He is risen, indeed".
In Friday's reflection of the payment for our rebellion, we anticipate Sunday's redemption. Victory in Christ. In Friday's horrible scene of His rejection, we look forward to Sunday's rejoicing!

I'm grateful. I don't think we'll ever forget the great cost poured out by the Father and His Christ to purchase our salvation. Even when this age has been long past for billions upon billions of years, our rejoicing will be just as rich in appreciation for our Christ.


In Him,
Cros

Better for What?

Even though I tend to speak matter of factly, I realize that these are simply my observations. You may have a healthy outlook on things. This is just to encourage some considerations, some things to think about. The only thing absolutely right is the Word of God.

To say that we’re living in an interesting time is no doubt, an understatement.
March Madness was canceled, as were NBA, NASCAR and basically every other sporting event. There's still talk of postponing the Olympics. For the time being, the world’s most popular tourist attractions are practically abandoned and left desolate. Disneyland and Disney World, “The happiest place on earth”, is closed. Words like “social distancing” have been indelibly added to our lexicon.
People have taken to a myriad of activities in and around the house as well as family time outings that make you wonder if this current COVID situation is all bad.

With such an upheaval in such a short time, I don’t think we’ve accepted “this” as our new normal. I think that deep down inside, we expect our familiar old normal to eventually return. To believe and accept anything less is tantamount to hopelessness. Eventually, schools will reopen; family and friends will head out to Outback for blooming onions. Trips to Europe, Hawaii or the Outer Banks will reclaim their prominence in summer schedules. Televised sports and the sounds of little league and pickup games of basketball will ring out across the land….like normal.

That's right isn't it? I mean although it’s still new news that Easter won’t look like anything any of us have seen before, who really expects this to last beyond a few more months? I mean, Thanksgiving will be the normal Thanksgiving , right? Christmas will be normal Christmas right?
I know how important and popular it is that a message of hope be made readily available to counter the daily dose of increasing numbers of those contaminated or deceased the world over.

I apologize now. I’m not apologizing because I intend to deliver a message of despair; I don't. I apologize because my message of hope will not be in the return to “normal” that you may be expecting. But if you allow, this message of hope will go far above and beyond an expectation of normal.

Here’s The Word:

1 Peter 1:17 - 21 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

Even at levels far less impacting than a world-wide pandemic, seasons of trial have a way of re-centering us, allowing, or rather forcing us to evaluate our resolve. I don’t have the audacity to compare our situation in any way to that of Job, I do see one a comparative theme: In the same way that Job received message after message of worse and worsening news, we all know and expect things to get worse before they get better: That and the realization that we’re powerless against it.
Yet, we also see that as Job sat in sackcloth and ashes in the midst of his despair, His faith shined through.

Job 19:25 - 27 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.

Even though Job was confused about why his normal had fallen so far off the rails, He KNEW His redeemer was. Even though his days had been wrought with compounded catastrophe, his hope was well rested in his eternal eventuality.
That same hope and resolve is available to us today. Because Job’s Redeemer is our Redeemer, because whether or whenever this situation improves for us in particular or not, our Redeemer lives.

1 Thess 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

We want this current situation done and over with. We want things to get better, to go back to normal. We want to return to the lives we recognize. But why? Why do we want this all to get better? to go back to our old mundane, preoccupied schedules?
I often wonder about the depths of our belief when we profess faith and hope in Christ, but take pleasure in so many other things instead of Him. Christ, Our redeemer has been made manifest in these last times for us. If you belong to Him, this is the ultimate reason for rejoicing. This fact over all other comforts or expectations of normalcy would be the foundation upon which our faith rests.

In closing, I would say, Be grounded in your faith. Also, be serious about the message of the gospel you preach, it’s the perfect time to be unashamedly honest about what’s at stake and the available hope that goes beyond our current circumstances.

In Him,
Cros