How Blessed We Are

Ephesians1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. 7In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth--in Him. 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.

Happy and blessed is the best we can be.

The question is: What do you consider a blessing – and what does it take to make you happy?

Paul begins his letter to the Ephesians, (which is believed to be a circular letter, rather than a letter to a specific church,) with an encouragement which is unmatched in the New Testament. For this reason, these opening chapters of the book are known of as the “Alps of the New Testament.”

Why? Because here we rise to the heights of heaven to consider our fate. There will be specific instruction on conduct and good Christian living to follow, but first we soar to the highest of heights, to the very throne of God and Christ, to consider Who it is Who loves us so, and Who it is Who has made all these arrangements to bring us up along this High way.

It is wonderful to consider what it means for God to have chosen me. What a blessing! And, according to Paul’s words, it is a “spiritual blessing.” It is one thing to be blessed in material ways, but here Paul reveals the greater glory of our Spiritual blessings in Christ.

There is no way anything we may receive in this life can compare with God’s election, and God’s pre-destination, and God’s redemption, and God’s dispensation, and God’s inheritance…and it is only made better by the knowledge that it is God’s pleasure to do so.      

-  Pastor Bill

How’s Your Love Life?

Gal 6:1 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. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load. 6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Last week we all watched with rapt attention as the Chilean mine rescue operation unfolded before our eyes on television and the internet.

This past August, 33 miners, (an interesting number, don’t you think,) we’re trapped alive a half-mile underground when the mine they were working in collapsed. They just happened to have ventured into a safety-rescue area for lunch just before the cave-in occurred. When the collapse initially happened, it was believed all the miners had been killed. Families had to deal head-on with the tragedy, and the horror of knowing their loved ones’ bodies were hopelessly buried deep under the ground.

After 17 days, there was a great celebration as it was determined none of the miners had been killed, and that they were all alive and well in the safety area, (which also had just enough provision of food and water to see them through as they severely rationed the supplies they had while waiting to hear from above.)

Finally! Yes, there not only were some survivors – but they had ALL survived! Magnifico! But now came the hard part.

There was never a moment’s question about whether they would attempt to rescue those men, and the question of cost never even entered the picture. There were 33 men trapped a half-mile below the surface of the earth, and we were going to go get them no matter the cost or effort involved. “Save them or die trying!”

As we encounter those trapped in sin around us, having fallen to the temptations of this world, it is an example to us that no resource be spared in bringing them back to safety. It is what Jesus exemplified. There was no depth He would not go to in order to reach those trapped in the pit of hell, and to draw them back to the light of salvation. He loved and restored even those caught in the very act of sin. How could we do less? This is what Paul is saying. 

-  Pastor Bill

Deliver the Gospel

A word from brother K.P. Yohannan, founder of the Gospel for Asia missionary ministry:

Sharing the Gospel

The primary aim of Gospel for Asia's ministry is to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with those who have never before heard His name.

National Missionaries

Gospel for Asia trains and sends national missionaries because they have proven extremely effective. They are already familiar with the language and culture, and they live at the level of the people they serve, thus removing many social barriers.

100 Percent

Gospel for Asia sends 100 percent of the money you donate for work on the mission field to the field. Nothing is taken out for administrative expenses.

Working with Others

Gospel for Asia International works with and assists dozens of NGO's and ministries in many Asian nations. None of these entities comes under Gospel for Asia International or are legally affiliated with us.

Eternal Perspective

In our busy lives, it is easy to be so preoccupied with our own dreams and pursuits that we lose our eternal perspective. Both the joys of heaven and the crying needs of a lost world can seem unreal and far away.

But the harsh reality is that 2.7 billion people of our generation are still unreached with the Gospel. What answers are we prepared to give to the living God when He asks about the blood of these multitudes on our hands?

Today, we have the great privilege of helping them come to know Jesus. If we will commit to live for what is eternal, this generation can be reached with the Gospel.

I pray that Gospel for Asia will become like a bridge, giving you the opportunity to walk away from your own preoccupations to the harvest fields of Asia—and see the perishing multitudes through the eyes of Jesus.

May you allow God to use your life to change the destiny of millions through your prayers and partnership with our national brothers and sisters. A hundred years from now, you will be glad you did!

Dr. K.P. Yohannan
Founder & President of Gospel for Asia

Lawless

Gal 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

What would the highways and byways be like without the law? How would traffic conduct itself without policemen working to enforce safe passage of all vehicular traffic?

It’s hard to imagine automobile traffic functioning properly without a law in effect. What does traffic law accomplish? Has it always been in place? Well, the answer to that question is: No. Traffic law only came into being after traffic came into existence, and after traffic safety became an issue.

I can’t remember the story exactly, (but I think it is true,) that in some state like West Virginia, (or somewhere like that,) that when cars were first invented, there were only two cars in the whole state - and they ran into each other.  

And inherently we understand that. If cars are on the road without a law, crashes and mayhem will result. It doesn’t seem to matter how many cars there are, (although certainly more cars means more probability of accidents and mayhem.) The problem is the flawed nature of the drivers. Some want to go too fast, some want to be first, some want to text while driving. There is no end to the failure present in human nature that will lead to accidents if left unabated. And, even with a very constrictive law in place these things still happen – so our thought is: What would it be like if there was no law? Could we even make it home from church? (You’d really be taking your chances at that very first intersection out there.)

So, even though we hate speed limits, and waiting on red lights, we also understand they are required – because of all those other folks out there who drive like idiots. You can’t trust those people without a law to protect…me. So I have a kind of grudging respect for the law, and I admit its necessity. Now comes along a preacher named Paul who says there is no longer any need for the law. Can you believe that? He says the Holy Spirit inside of us will govern our conduct to such an extent an external law is not needed.

-  Pastor Bill

Slavery?

Gal 4:1 Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, 2 but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. 3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. 4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!" 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. 8 But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods. 9 But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage?

The Bible sometimes gets a bad rap because the issue of slavery is spoken of openly. It is one of those points people of limited Biblical understanding bring up when they need a convenient argument to use as a weapon against those who try to convince others to follow what the Bible says as vital instruction for life.

I remember seeing our own president speak in this way once, saying something to the effect of, “Which Bible commands do you want me to follow…the one where instruction for slavery is given - or the one where a couple caught in adultery is commanded to be stoned?”

Certainly slavery is a terrible mark on humankind. The Bible makes no argument in favor of slavery. The Bible simply acknowledges its existence and regulates it, to the effect slaves are not to be treated as…slaves - but as family members. The acknowledgment is that slavery was the welfare system for those who found themselves in debt with no way to pay back what they owed, or for those who were indigent, and had no means of support. Unlike the slavery that existed in the U.S. prior to the Civil War, this form of slavery had more to do with taking care of those who could not help themselves. Many people believe even Luke, (the Gospel author,) who was a physician, was most likely a slave. In that time many physicians were slaves to a wealthy benefactor, who would provide for their education and then have them serve the family as their personal doctor.

But even so, who would willingly choose slavery – even a mostly benevolent kind – if there were other options available? This is what Paul is arguing. “Are you seriously considering slavery, when son-ship is available? When God is personally inviting you into adoption as His own children, with all the rights, privileges and benefits thereof, are you telling me you are choosing slavery to the world and its corrupt systems instead?” Unfortunately, the question stands today as it did then. Because of the flesh I live in, I often find myself more comfortable seeking to satisfy a list of rules I cannot keep rather than living under grace which cannot really be defined other than as a moment-by-moment consultation with the Holy Spirit for His direction.

-  Pastor Bill

Have It Your Way

Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? 2 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have you suffered so many things in vain--if indeed it was in vain? 5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?-- 6 just as Abraham "believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." 7Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham.

 One thing, (among many,) that is certain about the Gospel is that you get to have it your way. How you respond is up to you.

This does not mean, however, that we are free to decide what the Gospel is.

This is why Paul is so incredulous with the Galatians. (And to think of his audience properly, we must imagine a whole state-full of folks, not just a single misinformed or misled church.) This is a whole region of folks who have confused the greatest story ever told for something any thinking man might design.

How could you – “you Galatians” – fall for the unfriendly trap of a ‘works-based’ trip? It would be one thing if you had never heard the truth - but since you have – it is amazing you would choose to be “bewitched” by fleshly designs and concepts.

How could you be “bewitched” by the flesh? What is the appeal? How could you receive the Holy Spirit, with all that is entailed in that, and then turn away to attempt righteousness by your own capabilities?

Actually, this happenstance Paul is experiencing is as common as dirt, and the reason is: that is what we are made of. If left to its own devices, dirt will always return to dirt. The question: “How can you clean a dirt floor?” has the same answer as: “How can a man clean up his life and make himself righteous?” There is no law which can clean dirt.

“So don’t tell me,” Paul says, “that the Gospel has anything to do with what you are now being told. Don’t tell me that having begun in the Spirit, that you can now perfect yourself, make yourself more godly, and make yourself of greater appeal TO God by works of the flesh.”

The Gospel of Jesus Christ has nothing to do with works. No matter what anyone says, religious practice seeking God’s favor affords you nothing. God’s favor is received only by faith in Christ. Now, what you do with that IS your choice.

-  Pastor Bill

Get Wisdom – And Then What?

Proverbs 1:1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: 2 To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding, 3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, judgment, and equity; 4 To give prudence to the simple, To the young man knowledge and discretion-- 5 A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, 6To understand a proverb and an enigma, The words of the wise and their riddles. 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction. 8 My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; 9 For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck. 10 My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent. 11 If they say, "Come with us, Let us lie in wait to shed blood; Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; 12 Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, And whole, like those who go down to the Pit; 13 We shall find all kinds of precious possessions, We shall fill our houses with spoil; 14 Cast in your lot among us, Let us all have one purse"-- 15 My son, do not walk in the way with them, Keep your foot from their path; 16 For their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed blood. 17 Surely, in vain the net is spread In the sight of any bird; 18 But they lie in wait for their own blood, They lurk secretly for their own lives. 19 So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; It takes away the life of its owners. 20 Wisdom calls aloud outside; She raises her voice in the open squares. 21 She cries out in the chief concourses, At the openings of the gates in the city She speaks her words: 22 "How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, And fools hate knowledge.

The chief aim of the author (Solomon) of the Book of Proverbs is for the reader to gain wisdom they may not have apart from the instruction found here. Since the true Author is the LORD, we gain a unique Fatherly insight of His care for His sons and daughters.

The Book of Proverbs is an indication of the singularity of wisdom, the source of it, and the value in it. Wisdom is akin to truth, because it springs from truth. Therefore, anything which is unwise is based in un-truth. (Who is the source of all un-truth?)

So, your life can be lived in wisdom - or your life can be lived in a lie. (You choose.) There can be a tendency to straddle what is wise and unwise, and the reason is because what is unwise lies to say it is “more fun” than what is wise. But we also have an intrinsic desire to do what is “wise,” so we balance “fun” and “safety.” This internal debate springs eternal.

The question may be: Where does our intrinsic desire to do “what is wise,” come from? Could it be rooted in our innate desire for self-preservation? Sure is…and so we ALL seek wisdom. This makes the Book of Proverbs very palatable and agreeable to our souls, even if we find ourselves in the midst of living a dangerous lie. Who would dispute any of the wisdom contained in this book? Who could argue against anything it says? And yet - and yet - why is there such a tendency to see what it says and continue to live the way we want?

-  Pastor Bill