Author: Bible Community Church

The Believer’s Ultimate Hope – Luke 2:36-38

The testimony of Anna the prophetess is all about hope. She is the fourth person- after Mary, Joseph, and Simeon- to witness Jesus Christ as an infant. Her testimony of hope speaks of every Christian’s ultimate hope in all circumstances.

The Necessity of the Christian’s Hope
Hope does not happen by chance. Biblical hope is not wishful thinking, but it is a confident expectation that is based on trusting God’s promises. Christian hope never fails. It is resolute and fixed, and will not let go until it is fulfilled.

Luke provides us a brief summary of Anna’s life. Anna was a prophetess, saved by faith, who tragically became a widow after seven years of marriage. In biblical times, being a widow or an orphan was one of the most helpless circumstances one could be in. Anna’s life disproves the false belief that Christians will always have easy and wonderful lives. Anna experienced real calamity, but instead of crumbling in hopelessness under her circumstances, Anna hoped in God, who is sovereign over all. He causes all things to happen, both good and bad, and He directs them all to His glory.

Keeping Hope
Anna needed hope, just as we all do. What helped Anna keep hope? After she became a widow, Anna clung to God. She didn’t depart from the temple, but she constantly abided in Him. Moreover, Anna pursued holiness. As a young widow, she may have faced many temptations to sin, but she sought fellowship with God by being holy, for without holiness, no one can see God. (Heb 12:14) Third, Anna served the Lord with a willing heart. She worshipped Him and treasured Him because of her love for Him. With a zealous heart, Anna served night and day with fasting and prayer. Fasting implies absolute dependence on God, and prayer is every believer’s primary way to keep hope alive. To keep hope in God, we must abide in Him, pursue holiness, and serve the Lord in love and absolute dependence.

The Source of Hope
Anna was waiting for God in hope, looking for the redemption of Israel. The object of her hope was the Savior who would redeem us from God’s curse on us for sin. The wages of sin is death, but God came as man to pay this debt on the cross, setting us free from the bondage of sin, the law, and our bodies of sin. Jesus, the Son of God, paid this price for our redemption with His blood. Anna’s hope was fulfilled as she heard Simeon’s testimony of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate source of our hope. Our hope in Jesus is not created by man, but it is given to us by God as we believe and trust in the gospel.

How do you know you have hope? Like Anna, anyone who has hope will praise God because it is only by redemption that we can truly praise Him. Also, Anna immediately began to share the gospel. She knew Jesus was the source of redemption because she experienced it in her own heart, and she couldn’t help but proclaim the good news to others. Jesus Christ is our only hope. In Him, we will never be defeated by suffering, but will continually rise up again, eager to share the reason for the hope that is in us.

0

Simeon’s Testimony, Part 3 – Luke 2:25-35

What is essential during this global pandemic? Everyone is talking about washing your hands, wearing masks and social distancing. Jesus already has declared, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God’ (Mt4:3-4). What is most essential is God, His word, worshipping Him and gathering in fellowship. Instead of deprioritizing Jesus during these times, Jesus must be central and first for the believer.

After waiting a long time, Simeon finally met the infant Jesus. He then prophecies about Jesus. In this prophecy we see that Jesus matters in what matters most, life and death. Everything else in life is temporal. One thing we cannot avoid is death, and one thing we need most is eternal life. Christ alone is the host of our life and death. Jesus also matters in all matters, including this coronavirus. So we should not fear but remember Jesus.

For some people Jesus is a stumbling block. They don’t like it when Jesus is mentioned. Instead they think they need masks, vaccines and ventilators. They don’t want to hear about Jesus during hard times. Like the rich young ruler, when hearing he needed to follow Jesus, he went away grieving .(Mt19:21-22). Even though Jesus is the most necessary to avoid death, many stumble. We should not make this mistake (Mt:116). Jesus is the first to comfort and care for us.

Rise means to ‘stand again’. No matter our situation, we can stand again because our rise depends on Jesus Christ. By the name of Jesus, even the lame can rise, walk and leap (Ac3:6-8). We too, will rise, just as Jesus was resurrected. Our fall is due to our sin, but by faith in Jesus, we are justified and raised from death into life (Ro9:31-33).

Why is life and death a matter of Jesus? First, Jesus is the Messiah, it is His role and work to save the chosen. All are lost in sin and depraved in nature, but God’s love sent Jesus the Messiah to die for our sin and resurrect on the third day (Ti3:3-4;1Cor15:3-4). Therefore, we must repent for our sin, believe in Jesus as Lord and submit to Him to be saved. God’s love not only saves us, but it will never be separate from us (Ro8:39) and we can fully depend on Him even in the midst of crisis (Dan3:27).

Secondly, Jesus who is God, is sovereign over all the universe. He is ruling and governing all the matters in the universe, this world, the nations, and all people and things (Rev4:11;Jn1:3). God is also sovereign in salvation, for no one else could conceive of such a unique and powerful salvation through Jesus Christ (Ro11:33;Jn17:3). Since God is sovereign, all things have been determined in the best way, for His glory, for us to trust, obey and enjoy (Jn5:17). God’s will will never be thwarted or hindered, all things are in His will. Do not worry or panic, but worship Him (Job1:21)

Jesus is the sign for the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is where God reigns, where Jesus dwells, which is the church and the hearts of believers (Lk17:2). Those who repent receive the kingdom of God(Mt4:14,6:33). Therefore death is not a thing we fear, but it is a necessary but joyful event to enter heaven to be with Jesus eternally (Jn11:25,26). Death is not final for the believer. We must remember who is our King during this time. Jesus is our King who rules over all things, and this sign is in our hearts.

Jesus knows us personally. No one knows the depths of our hearts except for Jesus. Our hearts are as deep as sin, without end (Jer17:9-10;Mk7:21-23). Even the righteous men, like Isaiah, will be terrified of their sin before Holy God (Is6:5). We too must be terrified of our sin in our hearts more than this virus. Though Jesus knows our heart, he doesn’t abandon us, but convicts us through the Word by the power of the Holy Spirit (Jn14:16;Jn16:8,14). Men cannot know themselves, but God knows you.

Simeon was a true prophet (Deut18:21-22). Before the foundation of the world, in His foreknowledge, God truly had appointed Jesus to be the one true Savior (Acts2:23,4:12). Jesus was also opposed, in other words, persecuted (Mt12:24;Jn8:12). Jesus even said that not everyone will be saved. He openly excluded people, which offends and angers many people. People wrongly think most are innocent and that these tragedies are unfair. In truth, only one man is innocent, His name is Jesus and He died on the cross for our sins. This Jesus is the Messiah, the sovereign King and our hope. He is what we need most.

0

Remember Jesus Resurrected! – 2 Timothy 2:8


As Paul faced his impending death sentence for his ministry of the gospel, he exhorted Timothy to be strong and remember that Jesus was risen. Remembering his encounter with the risen Lord was what fueled Paul to press on and preach the gospel despite constant opposition and persecution from Jewish leaders. Knowing that Timothy would inevitably face the same persecution for his faith, Paul knew that remembering the risen Lord would be crucial for him to fight the good fight of faith. We too, must remember Jesus to remain faithful in all circumstances. Without remembering, you would lose vital communion with Him, rendering you powerless and ineffective in ministry.

What must we remember?
Jesus is Lord. He is above all, and nothing compares to Him. Remembering Jesus as Lord is directly tied to salvation. Romans 10:9 says, “if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved…” A believer’s outward confession of Jesus’s lordship stems from a profound inward conviction of a regenerated and converted heart. It is the practice of lordship salvation, having surrendered all your rights to Jesus Christ the Lord.

Jesus was resurrected. Without the resurrection, the church would not have survived for long. The resurrection is what strengthened and kept the church alive with undying hope, joy, and faith. Because Jesus rose again, those who are in Him have nothing to lose, and everything to gain. (Phil 1:21)

What does Paul want us to remember about Jesus’ resurrection?
Jesus’s resurrection is a bodily resurrection. The gospels record how Jesus was hungry in His resurrected body. Jesus shows us what kind of body we will have when we are raised; it will be real and tangible. The fact that Jesus’s resurrection is a bodily resurrection is essential, because it proves Jesus’s claims about Himself.

Jesus’s resurrection is actual. Jesus is alive. We must not only know the facts of Jesus’s resurrection, but experience it too. Christian lives are resurrected lives. The resurrection is not only a future event, but it is practical for everyday living.

What would happen as we remember Jesus resurrected?
We would have no fear. People fear because of the uncertainty of the future. Christians have no fear because they know they will be with the Lord. No matter what befalls us, we are in the path of Jesus’s resurrection. We can turn to Him in any circumstance and preach the gospel without fear.

We would sustain an appropriate and diligent lifestyle. We are no longer paralyzed by the fear of death or depressed by the vanity of life, but we abound in the work of the Lord, knowing that the Christian’s labor is never in vain. (1Cor 15:58)

We would have real hope. True hope is not wishful thinking. Our hope is tied to God’s promises, which will surely come to pass. By hope, we work out our salvation through sanctification. Our hope is a strong, sustaining, real hope. We hope that we will be resurrected like Jesus, who has set the pattern for every believer’s life, death, and resurrection.

Above all things, remember Jesus is the risen Lord!

 

0

Do You Know Where God Is and What God Is Doing Now? Job 23:8-10

In times of national disasters, such as the Twin Towers incident in 200, many people were confused and afraid, so they looked for answers. After the tsunami in 2013 that took a million lives, people started asking, ‘Where was God?’. God should have prevented this evil. Harold Kushner, a popular rabbi and author, proposed an explanation for disasters. His conclusion was that God was either good but not powerful to prevent disaster or He was powerful but not always good. Both are false. God is all good and all powerful (Rom 8:28). He is the great I AM, self existent, creator of all things. In this current global crisis, we remember God is sovereign and working.

Where is God?
Job had lost his children, his wife and the love they shared, his livelihood, his wealth, his health and his friends. He lost everything. His former life seemed greatly blessed by God, but now he was looking for God. Job was confused and looking for answers. As Christians, we can also doubt or be confused about our circumstances. Eliphaz said God was punishing Job (Job 22:5-&), but Job knew his innocence. Even God said there was no one righteous like Job. Job was what we would call a mature believer. Still, Job was searching for God, looking for answers and God was silent. Job couldn’t find God, `He is not there… I cannot perceive Him`. Job was in the dark, lonely and in despair.

Right now, it’s similar to what’s going on with the coronavirus. Many people are going through really tough times, financially, sickness, and even death. We don’t know what’s going to happen. We are confused. We are trying to find God.

Reasons we cannot find God
First we try to make a deal with God. We think if we do certain things then God would respond with favor. But God is not like man. He doesn’t think or act on man’s level  (Is55:8-9;1Cor1:25). It only takes a look at the gospel to understand that only God could conceive and accomplish such a salvation, when all other religions are based on works.

Our doubt can also be caused by impatience. However God is always preparing something good. To avoid impatience:

  • Know who God is, specifically God is omnipresent and in every circumstance.

  • Know the pattern of God. He is the one who approaches first. God approached Adam and Eve first after they were lost in the garden. Jesus approached the disciples when they were hiding in fear after his death.

  • God is in us. Whatever happens we are in Christ and He is in us. (2 Cor 5:17)

  • God is our father. He chose us to be His children. He loves us and will never abandon us. (Is49:15, Jn1:18, Lk15:20)

  • God made a covenant with us. Like the covenant with Abraham, we have a new covenant in Jesus. (Ro8:38-39) Nothing can separate God from us.

God is working even though we can’t see Him
God is not dead at all. Even though we can’t see or sense Him, God is not dead. In contrast He is constantly working. He is governing all creation, sustaining and directing every aspect of the universe. (Jn 5:17;Co1:17).

God is always working for the purpose of salvation (Jn6:29). From the Bible, we know God the Father is sustaining the believers (Jn6:37,39), Jesus the Son is interceding for us (Ro8:34) and the Holy Spirit is convicting sinners and teaching. (Jn16:8-9;14:26). The Trinity is working to save because salvation is the work of God.

So why can’t we see God?
We have unconfessed sin (He12:14). Through His word we believe and know God, so while we are in the pit, we must continue to pursue holiness. God sympathizes with us and is there in the midst of our crisis. The problem is we lack faith, like the disciples in the boat during the storm. Jesus was right there! (Mk 4:37-38) Faith depends on God’s word and when we have faith in God we are able to overcome because God is with us and He is working. So be faithful and holy.

God’s purpose
Job demonstrates a faith that is based on the Scriptures. `He knows the way I take`. Job is confessing that even in the midst of trials he will come out as gold. How can Job do this? Job knows that God knows. We get mad at God because we think He doesn’t know what we are going through. But God knows everything. (Ps147:5; Jer17:9-10). Not only does He know, but God has a purpose. `When he tried me`. The sovereign God is in control and His purpose is for us to be like Jesus, a Christ-likeness, which is more precious than gold (Ac3:6). We should welcome our trying, we should boast about Jesus. Jesus is our greatest gain for which we sacrifice all things (Phi3:7-8).

It is amazing to realize that God is working on us for our good in times like this. We can see God working when we live by faith in Jesus, the Son of God. This is the time to stand by faith, to not be confused or hide, but work just as God is working on us. As Christians, we can see God rightly and have hope, which is what people truly need.

0

Trusting God Like Job – Job 13:15-16

These are the words of Job as he went through unimaginable suffering: his children, wealth, health, friendship were all lost. Even his wife forsook him. How did Job have this kind of trust in God? In our current circumstances that constantly tempt to stir up grief, fear, and anxiety within us, how can we trust God like Job?

Trust is not a matter of emotions, but a matter of will and action. Through Job’s example, we will see that we can trust God by

  • knowing God’s nature;
  • knowing God personally and intimately; and
  • knowing who we are.

Job knew God’s nature. Trusting God depends on knowing sound doctrine. Job knew that God is sovereign; God was the source of both his blessings and sufferings. To say that God is sovereign is to say that God is God. (A.W. Pink) Nothing exists apart from Him, and He works all things for His purpose. Understanding the sovereignty of God brings great peace to the believer because we know life and death are in His hands. In light of the current pandemic, we must follow practical wisdom to keep good health, but ultimately, by faith we know that God is in control.

The sovereignty of God may be a dreadful thought if you don’t know that God is good. In the throes of Job’s suffering, he hopes in God because God is good and merciful. In God’s goodness and mercy, He draws us to Himself. He showed mercy at His own expense by sacrificing His only Son to save us, so that He would no longer be our Judge, but our Father. Why do we fail to see God’s goodness?

  • We fail to see God’s goodness when our thoughts of God are not according to what the Bible reveals of Him.
  • We fail to see God’s goodness when we don’t realize how serious sin is.
  • We fail to see God’s goodness when we don’t understand His severity in justice and mercy.

Job knew God personally and intimately. Job was confident in the Lord. Even though he was in agony, his response was to trust God because he knew God. How can we know God intimately?

You must first distrust yourself.
Jesus commands us to first deny ourselves if we are to follow Him. God allows suffering in our lives to fulfill His good purpose. When we face suffering, how we respond reveals whether we trust Him or trust ourselves.

You must know the Word of God.
We know God through His Word; we trust God by His Word. The Bible is faithful because God faithful, and it is trustworthy because He is trustworthy. It is not simply to know God’s Word, but to love His Word. If you truly love God’s Word, it becomes a necessity in your life.

You must pray.
God’s Word can not be handled without prayer. Prayer is a wonderful privilege of the saints. Even though you’re a sinner, God hears your prayer because His heart is open to His children.

Job knew who he was before God. Job trusted God not just for his physical life, but for eternal life. He depended on God’s salvation. Every true Christian can say with Apostle Paul, “O wretched man that I am!” because he is a sinner who hates sin. We are godly not because we have reached perfection, but because we are saved by God and are being sanctified. Those who know who they are in Christ are able to trust God.

It is possible to trust God like Job because like him, God considers us holy and blameless before Him. (Job 1:8; Eph 1:4) We can faithfully go through this times of crises and adversity not because of our own abilities, but because we are born of God, who will enable us to overcome. In today’s global turmoil, let Job be your example of trusting God in all circumstances.

 

0

In Times Like This – 2 Chronicles 32:1-8, 20

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, times are difficult and full of fear. The virus is deadly and powerful, taking lives of not just the elderly, but young people as well. The world is panicking, but we are Christians. We are different, we belong to God and are able to handle this situation differently, and even provide answers to the rest of the world (1 Peter 2:9-10). We can learn from and share the example of King Hezekiah, who also faced a hopeless and terrifying crisis.

King Hezekiah was one of the few righteous kings after King David. He restored obedience to God’s commands and revived the Levitical priesthood. After King Hezekiah’s acts of faithfulness, war came from the Assyrians. The Assyrians were a mighty people who brutally conquered many nations. How did King Hezekiah respond to this terrifying situation? He prepared, he knew the Lord and he prayed.

Preparation
King Hezekiah first realizes his situation, that war is coming. He takes decisive action in preparing for the upcoming siege, by stopping the water, gathering the military and encouraging his men. In times of crisis, he does not panic, he does remain idle, he doesn’t act hopeless or fatalistic but instead takes action. Christians too must prepare themselves. We can’t sit and do nothing (Mt 25:24-26) because we are afraid. However, Christians prepare themselves through God and the wisdom of God’s word. We must be like Martin Luther, who took precautions through the bubonic plague, but also cared for those who needed his help.

Know God
Verse 7: Be strong and courageous! Joshua 1:6
In these moments, when people are afraid they become focused on self. They don’t look up at God or around at other people. Even some Christians are like that. It happened to Peter (Mt 16:21-22). He didn’t understand who Jesus was or what He came to do. Hezekiah was different because he truly knew God. ‘for the one with us is greater than the one with him’ (v7). He knows God is greater than the enemy. Jesus is able to handle our situation effortlessly so there is no need to fear (Mk 4:38-40). It is amazing to know God is with us, Immanuel (Deut 4:31, Phil 2:9-11, Mt 10:28)

We must not fear what’s going on but we must fear God. Unfaithful fear comes from loving the world too much (Tom Hick). This virus is a good time to check if we fear the Lord or other things. More than pain, or sickness or death, we must fear the holy God and sinning against Him. Our Lord Jesus knew the pain of the crucifixion (Lk 22:42), but he endured the pain and death of the cross, which led to joy (Heb 12:2).

Fear of God leads to a trust in God. Hezekiah says God will fight our battles. He trusted God’s word and the history of God’s victories (Ex 15:3,14:14). This is the moment to trust God and His word (Ps 23:4).

Pray
The Assuryan army shouted propaganda, telling the people to not listen to Hezekiah but that their nation and God will fall like all the other gods that fell. Hezekiah’s response is to go to the true and living God and pray. To Hezekiah, God is real. We too must pray because God is who He said He is and does what He says He will do. Both Hezekiah and Isaiah cried out like children. God listens to your prayers and gives good gifts to those who ask(Mt 7:11). Like the early church, let’s pray together during this time (Ac4:31).

Even though God is sovereign and He knows our prayers before we ask, prayer is not merely about intercession. Prayer is knowing God and being known by Him. Prayer is about fellowship with God and building your relationship with the Lord. Also, it is obedience to His commands. God is in heaven above, and when we pray we are in His presence. Hezekiah prayed to God to overcome the upcoming war.

Conclusion
Hezekiah acted bravely by preparing for the war and strengthening his men with courage. He knew God and trusted in God’s word. He brought His needs before God in prayer. In verse 21, God defeats the invading army and rescues them. God did it.

0

Simeon’s Testimony of the Infant Jesus, Part 2 – Luke 2:28-32

Simeon was a key eyewitness of Jesus Christ. His testimony of the infant Jesus is trustworthy because the Scriptures describe him as a righteous man with sound doctrine. In addition to these, Simeon was guided by the Holy Spirit, who enabled him to immediately recognize and testify of Jesus as the Savior of the world.

What was Simeon’s testimony of Jesus?

Jesus Christ is the saving God. …for my eyes have seen your salvation…
Jesus didn’t come to world to judge, but to save. (Jn 12:47) He was God’s gift of salvation to the world. When Simeon saw Jesus, he was fully satisfied and at peace to have seen God’s salvation. He took Jesus in his arms and treasured Him as Lord and Savior.

In those days, Israel was waiting for God’s consolation and peace, both politically and spiritually. Their nation was under Roman occupation, and their religious system was based on laws that falsely promised eternal life. We live in a time that is not unlike the days of Simeon. To those who have always sought peace but never arrived, we must share the gospel of true peace. Jesus Christ is the consolation of Israel and for all.

Jesus’ salvation was prepared by God. …which You have prepared…
Our God of grace prepared the Savior who came to us in human flesh. Jesus is the only One who can save, because there is no other name under heaven given by God by which we must be saved. Jesus was prophesied when God judged Adam and Even in the garden of Eden. Jesus’ salvation is guaranteed because it was prepared by God, who keeps His promises and can not lie. In these trying times when our faith is tested by the events of the world, we must persevere in seeking the Word of God.

Jesus saves universally. …in the presence of all peoples, a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.
Skeptics may ask, “How can a Jewish man save the world?” God desires all to be saved, for He is a God of love and compassion. In Jesus’ day, Gentiles (any non-Jews) were considered the lowest of all social statuses. If any group was out of salvation’s reach, it was them. But Simeon testifies that Jesus came for both Israel and the Gentiles. With God, anything is possible- no one is out of His reach of grace.

As Mary and Joseph listened to Simeon’s testimony of Jesus, they were amazed.Are you amazed by Jesus every day? We must be determined to continually grow in the knowledge of Jesus. He is our amazing God, and as we ponder on Him daily, we will maintain a desire to share Him with others. He is the only true hope that can be offered to this world.

0

Biblical Evangelism – John 21:4-6

As Christians, we have different places in this world, especially when we consider our work. There are Christians everywhere with all sorts of different jobs. This work is a blessing from God. However, our true identity is not in our work. When God sends you out every morning, He sends you out as a Christian, to make bridges to non-believers. We are fishermen sent to catch fish. At our jobs, we work for the Lord.

There is a difference between evangelism and witnessing. Evangelism is specifically to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through the speaking of the gospel message. Witnessing is revealing what is invisible, such as loving one another to show the love of Christ. We are also witnesses and when we obey, we witness for Christ, but it is not evangelism. Unbelievers are not saved by witnessing, but by the hearing and believing of the gospel.

Evangelism is accomplished by Christians. Only those who have experienced God’s salvation can share the truth with others. People think that you can accomplish any dream if you try. In the worldly sense, it might be true but no one can accomplish being a Christian. Only by God’s grace can a person be saved. Additionally, not only are we unable, but we have no desire to become a Christian. From the beginning, we are dead because of our sins and we are Christians only by God’s grace (Ephesians 2:1-6, Matthew 19:23-24) The fact that we can be saved and are saved is God’s compassion (Mt 19:26, John 3:16)

Since only God saves, God’s salvation is not a coincidence. He plans every moment from the beginning of time. God also doesn’t make any mistakes in whom He saves or not saves. His salvation is sure. Evangelism and God’s salvation go together (Mt 4:18). Peter and Andrew were working their normal jobs when Jesus sought them and called them. In the same way, God sends us to those who are working (Rom 10:14).

Evangelism is never alone. We forget Jesus is with us and become fearful. In reality, Jesus is the one who is active and working when we share the gospel (Mt 28:20).  Take Peter, a veteran fisherman. He went fishing and caught nothing (John 21:3). Jesus knew that Peter had caught nothing all night. Why? Because without Jesus we can do nothing (Jn 15:5). Then Jesus demonstrates what it is like when He is with them. This story helps us to be bold because the resurrected Jesus is with us. Even if we have little knowledge, Christ says He will give you the words to speak (Ac 5:29-30, Mt 10:16-19).

Evangelism is impossible without obedience and is a fruit of our sanctification. Evangelism is a sharing of the joy we have received from God with the unbeliever. God commands us to proclaim the gospel just as Jesus commanded Peter to cast the net on the right side of the boat. The disciples obeyed him and caught a lot of fish. Jesus Christ is the head of the church and we are the body of Christ, as the head wills so the body must follow and obey. It is our disobedience when we fail to evangelize. Jesus is Lord and we must obey Him (Phil 2:9-11). Sadly, too many Christians do not submit to the Word of God. They make excuses or avoid these parts of the Bible (Jn 20:21). They fear men when they should fear God. Make evangelism a priority over your fear and busyness. Why else has God saved you? To be busy? No. It is to evangelize, and as you evangelize with boldness and clarity, your fear will lessen and Christ will work.

Evangelism must be gospel-centered. Jesus said, “cast THE net”. The net we are commanded to cast is the gospel. We must not imitate the famous Charles Finney, who relied on altar calls, sinner’s prayer methods and taught decisional regeneration. These do not work because they cannot save a sinner. Our job is simple, proclaim the one true gospel of Jesus Christ (2 Cor 4:13). Only by the gospel can someone be saved from death unto life, a life of Christ. It is Christ who lives in me, therefore, I live by faith (Gal 2:20)

In conclusion, how can we start sharing the gospel at work? Preach the gospel to yourself every day. Work for the glory of God. Practice careful listening. Pray for them relentlessly. Then God will use you for evangelism.

0

Simeon’s Testimony of the Infant Jesus – Luke 2:25-27

Jesus’ deity from infancy is a crucial doctrine that must be known and believed. Jesus was the eternal God before the foundation of the world. Even before His birth, it was declared to Mary and Joseph that this baby would be God incarnate. Many false religions attack the Jesus’ deity at infancy, but beware: any version of Jesus apart from Scripture is not able to save.  From birth, Jesus was truly God and truly man.

In addition to Mary and Joseph, Luke brings our attention to another eyewitness to Jesus’ infancy- Simeon. Why should we listen to what Simeon has to say about Jesus? What qualifies his testimony? Based on this passage, Simeon’s character, doctrine, and the source of his testimony make him a trustworthy eyewitness of who Jesus was as a baby.

Simeon was righteous. Simeon was a common, unknown man. During a time when Judaism had become corrupt and people were under a religious system that God condemned, there was still a remnant of God’s people who remained faithful. Simeon was one of them. Simeon was a man of character. He was considered righteous by God. Religious leaders in those days believed they were righteous because they kept the law externally, but true righteousness is from the inside-out. One must have a righteous standing before God in order to produce truly righteous living.

But how did Simeon have a righteous standing before God? He was an old man before Jesus was crucified. We know that no one is righteous apart from Christ. How then did Simeon, along with the other Old Testament saints, obtain righteousness? Through the account of Abraham, we see that in both the Old and New Testament, man is righteous by faith alone. (Gen 15:5-6; Rom 3:30) Simeon was credited righteousness because he had faith in God.

How do I know if I am righteous? Anyone who is righteous fears God because they know God through Jesus Christ. Salvation transforms us to be righteous. (James 2:26) Without righteousness, you will have no power to be a witness of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Many people reject Christ because they see the hypocrisy in the lives of those who profess to be Christians. Though it is by grace alone that one is saved, we must live righteously so as to never be a stumbling block to the lost.

Simeon had sound doctrine. Simeon was not only righteous, but he was devout. To be devout is to take hold of God, who is good and holy. It is to be steadfast in your commitment to God, no matter what. The devout man holds fast to sound doctrine. He does not to merely know sound doctrine, but he lives by it. Sound doctrine was behind Simeon’s righteous actions. By sound doctrine, Simeon was looking for the consolation of Israel. (Is 40:1-2)  He viewed God biblically, and knew that God keeps His promises. The consolation of Israel refers to the Messianic hope. Simeon saw Jesus as an infant and recognized by the Holy Spirit that He was God’s salvation for man. This is every believer’s sound doctrine- Jesus is the only comforter for the soul afflicted by sin. (Rom 6:8-11)

Like Simeon, we must seek God’s consolation for us every day. Jesus comforts those who seek Him, because in Him, there is the forgiveness of sins. As we cling to God and live by His Word, we can be effective witnesses to God’s salvation through Jesus Christ.

0

Jesus Is the Same Forever, Part 2 – Luke 2:21-24

Jesus is God incarnate, which means even from infancy Jesus is the Lord. He is the same forever. We see this truth based on the witness of Mary, Joseph, Anna and Simeon. They testified that his name is Jesus, the Savior of sinners.

After Jesus was born, in accordance to the law, Mary had to wait over forty days to go to the temple because she was considered unclean.(Lev 12:1-4). The reason that a woman is considered unclean is because, even though a baby is God’s gift, they are still sinners, and so there is a time of purification after giving birth. While the law does not bring salvation, Mary and Joseph were both righteous and obeyed according to God’s commands. After the days of purification, they bring Jesus up to Jerusalem to offer to God.

In these events, we see six aspects of Jesus Christ.

  1. Jesus’ sacrifice is voluntary:  In the Levitical law, God reserved the first born son of every family, but in their place God reserved the tribe of Levites. So it was the Levites who would present their first born son to God (Num 8:17-8). Jesus did not have to present himself because He was of the tribe of Judah.  He went voluntarily and with humility (Phil 2:5-8). Why would Jesus, who is God, voluntarily sacrifice Himself? Because He loves us (Jn 3:16). What amazing love and wonderful love Jesus shows His undeserving chosen.

  2. Jesus is as glorious as God the Father: The verse says He went ‘up’ to Jerusalem. As Moses went up Mount Sinai where God revealed Himself, and just as Jesus would later go up the mountain and was transfigured; Jesus the baby went up to His Father’s house (Ex 19:1,3; Mt 17:1,5). Jesus’ glory is God’s glory and all creation worships Him (Rev 5:12-14)

  3. Jesus is presented to God: ‘Present’ means to offer or to sacrifice. Normally, since the Levites were reserved and presented to the Lord, instead of all the tribes’ first born sons, the other tribes would pay a ransom (redemptions fee) of 30 gerah to the priests (Num 18:16-17). Instead of paying the ransom, Jesus was presented. Jesus is the ransom for sinners, a ransom for many (Mk 10:45). As sinners, we have a debt we cannot pay and no means to pay it (Ps 29:6-9). Jesus pays our debt in full by presenting Himself, His own life, as our ransom. This unfathomable debt is now paid in full and we are free! Praise the name of Jesus! (1 Pt 1:18-19)

  4. Jesus is supreme: Being the firstborn means He is first in rank, the highest position, supreme (Col 1:15). Jehovah’s Witness may try to argue that being first born is chronological, but they misunderstand. Jesus is not a creature but the Creator, God above all creation.

  5. Jesus is holy: Holy means otherness. Even though Jesus became man, he was still holy God. Naturally, men hate and fear the holiness of God, especially those who only have an exterior holiness, such as the Pharisees who ultimately killed Jesus out of their hatred. Similar to Peter, the natural response to Jesus’ holiness is to realize our sinfulness and try to distance ourselves (Lk 5:8). May we see the holiness of Jesus and repent of our sins.

  6. Jesus is the final sacrifice, the lamb of God: For the burnt offering and sin offering, you would present a lamb or a bull, and if you were poor such as Joseph and Mary, you would bring a pigeon or a turtledove. In the old covenant God showed mercy through the sacrifices, and even to the poor, God allowed a way. Mary and Joseph didn’t have a lamb, but they had Jesus. In the new covenant, Jesus is the Lamb, who’s blood washes us of all our sin. The veil in the temple has been torn, and in Jesus, we can draw near with confidence. (Heb 10:8-10;Mt 27:51;Heb 4:16)

0

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑