By Francis
Frangipane
Functional Christlikeness is the singular goal
of God for the Church, yet we find instead that many Christians are angry.
Why shouldn't they be, they ask. Major strongholds
of evil and oppression exist almost without restraint in our society today. Not
only is evil expanding in our culture, but many of its forms are actually
protected by a demonically invaded legal system.
Their anger is understandable. Whether we reside in a major metropolitan area or make our home in a small rural setting, the boundaries of morality in our country continue to erode.
Their anger is understandable. Whether we reside in a major metropolitan area or make our home in a small rural setting, the boundaries of morality in our country continue to erode.
We have only to think about the protection given to
those favoring abortion, the mainstreaming of homosexuality, or the applause
offered to immorality, and a holy grieving stirs within us.
Redemption, Not Anger
Redemption, Not Anger
We should be deeply troubled by sin, for it has the
power not only to destroy our souls, but also to provoke the wrath of God upon
our nation. Yet how we handle evil in our society is the point of this study.
Our goal is to win our war -- not just react to the
battle.
We must remember:
"We wrestle not against flesh
and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of
the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Eph. 6:12 KJV).
The moment our anger is directed toward "flesh and blood" enemies, we
surrender our hope for victory. God's objective goes beyond simply eliminating
evil. He seeks redemption, not revenge.
We might have all the doctrines correct about salvation, and our church attendance record might be spotless, but if we continue to harbor an angry spirit, we are walking away from Christlikeness; we are in danger of falling away.
Yet you are not in apostasy, beloved. Your quest is the nature of Christ. You know that apart from conformity to Him, you will never be satisfied.
We might have all the doctrines correct about salvation, and our church attendance record might be spotless, but if we continue to harbor an angry spirit, we are walking away from Christlikeness; we are in danger of falling away.
Yet you are not in apostasy, beloved. Your quest is the nature of Christ. You know that apart from conformity to Him, you will never be satisfied.
Though we all have often fallen short, still we
abide beneath our Father's covering grace.
Indeed, so essential to His purpose is the
Christlike transformation of our hearts that God will endure our frequent
mistakes, granting us time until His call to love awakens within us.
Thus, with relief we read how the early disciples, who similarly misrepresented Christ's redemptive mission, eventually were restored and transformed.
Thus, with relief we read how the early disciples, who similarly misrepresented Christ's redemptive mission, eventually were restored and transformed.
When Jesus and His followers passed through
Samaria, they were rejected and scorned by the locals. Offended, the apostles
became indignant and angry.
Two disciples even asked, "Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and
consume them?" (Luke 9:54).
How eager they were to embrace the administration of God's wrath! How conveniently the wrath of God could be used to support their own shortsighted love. Jesus rebuked them plainly, saying, "You do not know what kind of spirit you are of" (v. 55).
This is exactly the problem in Christianity today: many sincere Christians do not know what spirit they are of. They do not know the difference between a judgmental spirit and the Spirit of Christ, the Redeemer.
In the clearest terms, Jesus again explained His mission to His disciples. He said, "The Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them" (v. 56).
Jesus was speaking of all men in general, but His response concerned cultural enemies in particular.
How eager they were to embrace the administration of God's wrath! How conveniently the wrath of God could be used to support their own shortsighted love. Jesus rebuked them plainly, saying, "You do not know what kind of spirit you are of" (v. 55).
This is exactly the problem in Christianity today: many sincere Christians do not know what spirit they are of. They do not know the difference between a judgmental spirit and the Spirit of Christ, the Redeemer.
In the clearest terms, Jesus again explained His mission to His disciples. He said, "The Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them" (v. 56).
Jesus was speaking of all men in general, but His response concerned cultural enemies in particular.
The Samaritans, in the minds of the Jews, were a
people scorned and reproached. Yet, even for people who were enemies, He said
that He did not come to destroy but to save. His disciples eventually learned
this lesson and were used by God to spread the Gospel all over the world.
What we see in Jesus is to be repeated in substance and power in the church.
What we see in Jesus is to be repeated in substance and power in the church.
Thus, our mission is to carry out His mission: to
see people and situations redeemed, not destroyed.
Would you want to have a deeper relationship with God?
Would you want to have a deeper relationship with God?
God
has made it possible for you to know Him and experience an amazing change in your own life by
receiving His Son, Jesus Christ, and have eternal life.
Say
the following prayer:
“Father God, I confess I am a sinner and my sins have
separated me from you.
I am truly sorry.
I now want to turn away from my past sinful life and live a
new life pleasing to you.
Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again.
I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was
resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer.
I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and
reign in my heart from this day forward. Thank you that according to your Word,
I am now born again.
Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do
Your will for the rest of my life. Please use me for Your glory.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.”
“Wonderful
Grace of Jesus”
Haldor Lillenas
Haldor Lillenas
lyrics
1. Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Greater than all my sin;
How shall my tongue describe it,
Where shall its praise begin?
Taking away my burden,
Setting my spirit free;
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
Greater than all my sin;
How shall my tongue describe it,
Where shall its praise begin?
Taking away my burden,
Setting my spirit free;
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
Refrain:
Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,
Deeper than the mighty rolling sea;
Higher than the mountain, sparkling like a fountain,
All-sufficient grace for even me!
Broader than the scope of my transgressions,
Greater far than all my sin and shame;
Oh, magnify the precious Name of Jesus,
Praise His Name!
Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,
Deeper than the mighty rolling sea;
Higher than the mountain, sparkling like a fountain,
All-sufficient grace for even me!
Broader than the scope of my transgressions,
Greater far than all my sin and shame;
Oh, magnify the precious Name of Jesus,
Praise His Name!
2. Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Reaching to all the lost,
By it I have been pardoned,
Saved to the uttermost;
Chains have been torn asunder,
Giving me liberty;
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
Reaching to all the lost,
By it I have been pardoned,
Saved to the uttermost;
Chains have been torn asunder,
Giving me liberty;
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
3. Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Reaching the most defiled,
By its transforming power,
Making him God’s dear child,
Purchasing peace and heaven
For all eternity—
And the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
Reaching the most defiled,
By its transforming power,
Making him God’s dear child,
Purchasing peace and heaven
For all eternity—
And the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
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