One of the 'surprises' about God is that He is way more generous and gracious than we can ever imagine. He never delivers 'shortfall' although we may think that is all we deserve. He responds to the person who dares to come before Him and especially when it seems that both circumstances and cultural settings are against them.
A great example of this is seen in the account of the five daughters of Zelophehad who was a direct descendant of Manasseh, the son of Joseph.(Numbers 27) These five sisters had no male to represent them or to cover for them. Their father had died in the wilderness and they had no brother to speak for them. They were very vulnerable because they had what seemed like no natural claim to any inheritance yet they dared to approach Moses, the 'keeper of the law', to plead their case. They asked for the right to possess their inheritance just as if it would have been granted without question, if they had been their father's sons.
Though Moses could have made a judgement based on the inheritance laws at the time, he spoke to the Lord about the case and received a clear direction that the sisters were entitled to receive possession of their inheritance. A new precedent was established. It was as if grace over ruled the laws of men. God delights when believers plead for possession of their inheritance in Christ. He delights to bless with all of the heavenly blessings that are in Christ. He delights when we dare to ask by faith for our inheritance. A great example of this is seen in Matthew 15:22 when the Canaanite woman cried out to Jesus for mercy toward her demon possessed daughter.. Even Jesus would not resist her pleading as a Gentile when she said to Him, "Yes Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from the master's table." Jesus admired her great faith and healed her daughter.
How hungry are we for our inheritance in Christ? Father God responds to the faith cry of a hungry heart. Grace will always over ride laws and restrictions. Faith will over ride the law just as grace will over ride sin. He delights when we are hungry for all that Christ has done by way of His finished work. He delights when we identify as products of His finished work. He responds to faith in His finished work.
The wonderful thing about receiving our inheritance in Christ is that it will enrich the live of those around us including the generations that will follow. His will is that "you prosper in all things and be in good health just as your soul prospers". (3 John2) You are designed to be the receiver of blessings in Christ as well as the giver of those same blessings to others!
This blog is based on a message spoken by Diane Smith on 28/12/14 at The Vine Church , Logan City, Queensland Australia. The full message can be accessed by podcast from www.thevine.org.au/teaching
Sunday, 28 December 2014
Monday, 22 December 2014
Unwrapping the gift
The Christmas season is associated with giving gifts. There is something inherently good and noble about the act of giving - especially giving to those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Giving however only has value if the gift is received. No doubt thousands of Christmas gifts will be traded in or forgotten about or re packaged to pass on to somebody else. Put simply, many gifts will not be received in the way that the giver originally intended.
The gift of God, His Son, was given for humanity to receive. John 1:11-12 says, "He came to His own and His own did not receive Him. But to as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name..." The value of the gift is only realised when the gift is received. The gift of God needs to be unwrapped. Only when it is unwrapped will we realise its immense value. John 1:16 says "And of His fullness we have all received and grace for grace." This gift contains the fullness of God Himself. The fullness of God is expressed and appreciated because of the grace of God. His fullness is equated to His grace. Grace is unmerited favour. This gift of God is the very essence of His favour toward broken people.
This gift, His Son, is freely given to us. It costs us nothing but it cost Father God everything. This gift has been fully paid for. It cannot be earned or merited through human effort or human goodness. The 'santa' clause doesn't apply to the gift of God. The 'santa' clause says that you only receive a gift if you have been good. This clause relating to human goodness has been removed so that all people can receive heaven's gift. In other words the giver doesn't demand or even expect that the receiver has been 'good'. The truth is that "all men have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23) but God has met His own conditions pertaining to His holiness and His righteousness by imputing righteousness to all who receive the Son. "For He made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him".(2 Cor.5:21) When we unwrap heaven's gift we will discover that we actually receive right standing before God Himself !
The more we unwrap the gift of heaven, the more we will discover His mercy, His grace, His love, His kindness, His forbearance, His truth, His forgiveness, His intimacy, His friendship, His Presence, His faithfulness, His promises, His life and His Spirit. All of this and more is in the Son. He is heaven's gift for us. All we have to do is receive Him. You can Him now by asking Jesus Christ into your life - to be your Lord and Saviour. Here is a prayer that you can say: "Dear Jesus, I believe that you took all of my sin - past, present and future - upon yourself. Thank you for giving me your righteousness in exchange for my unrighteousness. I receive you as my Lord and Saviour. I believe that I am now empowered to live by your grace. Help me by your Holy spirit to make a difference in my world and to pass forward your grace to others. Amen"
This blog is adapted from a message called 'Unwrapping the gift' spoken by Pastor Ross Smith at The Vine church, Logan City, Queensland ,Australia on 21/12/14. The full message can be accessed by podcast www.thevine.org.au/teaching
The gift of God, His Son, was given for humanity to receive. John 1:11-12 says, "He came to His own and His own did not receive Him. But to as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name..." The value of the gift is only realised when the gift is received. The gift of God needs to be unwrapped. Only when it is unwrapped will we realise its immense value. John 1:16 says "And of His fullness we have all received and grace for grace." This gift contains the fullness of God Himself. The fullness of God is expressed and appreciated because of the grace of God. His fullness is equated to His grace. Grace is unmerited favour. This gift of God is the very essence of His favour toward broken people.
This gift, His Son, is freely given to us. It costs us nothing but it cost Father God everything. This gift has been fully paid for. It cannot be earned or merited through human effort or human goodness. The 'santa' clause doesn't apply to the gift of God. The 'santa' clause says that you only receive a gift if you have been good. This clause relating to human goodness has been removed so that all people can receive heaven's gift. In other words the giver doesn't demand or even expect that the receiver has been 'good'. The truth is that "all men have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23) but God has met His own conditions pertaining to His holiness and His righteousness by imputing righteousness to all who receive the Son. "For He made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him".(2 Cor.5:21) When we unwrap heaven's gift we will discover that we actually receive right standing before God Himself !
The more we unwrap the gift of heaven, the more we will discover His mercy, His grace, His love, His kindness, His forbearance, His truth, His forgiveness, His intimacy, His friendship, His Presence, His faithfulness, His promises, His life and His Spirit. All of this and more is in the Son. He is heaven's gift for us. All we have to do is receive Him. You can Him now by asking Jesus Christ into your life - to be your Lord and Saviour. Here is a prayer that you can say: "Dear Jesus, I believe that you took all of my sin - past, present and future - upon yourself. Thank you for giving me your righteousness in exchange for my unrighteousness. I receive you as my Lord and Saviour. I believe that I am now empowered to live by your grace. Help me by your Holy spirit to make a difference in my world and to pass forward your grace to others. Amen"
This blog is adapted from a message called 'Unwrapping the gift' spoken by Pastor Ross Smith at The Vine church, Logan City, Queensland ,Australia on 21/12/14. The full message can be accessed by podcast www.thevine.org.au/teaching
Sunday, 14 December 2014
GROWING AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
The character of Father God is to be generous even when humanity rejects His will to bless. Romans 2:4 says "Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?" God never had to 'cut his losses' after Adam and Eve sinned. He didn't have a plan B. He still doesn't have a plan B and He never will have a plan B. His plan, expressed through the cross, is the only plan that redeems humanity. It is the only plan that works for the sinner. His plan was to not spare His Son but to spend His Son so that sinners could be redeemed.
When someone has been redeemed, their freedom has been paid for. We live in a world that demands rights and freedoms but has forgotten to return to the One who paid for that freedom. Psalm 103:2 says "Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not all His benefits..." This verse is reminding us to express gratitude toward the One who secured our freedom - freedom from unforgiveness, freedom from sickness and disease and freedom from condemnation, guilt and shame. How grateful ought we be to the One who took the fall for us? How grateful ought we be for the opportunities to start afresh? How grateful ought we be, given that He receives us as His children, saved by grace and kept by grace? How grateful ought we be knowing that He will never abandon us or forsake us?
Perhaps the best expression of gratitude is worship. David worshipped the Lord because the size of His God was greater than the size of his sins. David coveted the presence of the Lord and he pleaded that he be upheld by "His generous Spirit". (Ps.51:12) He was grateful for the mercies of the Lord. How much more grateful ought the believer be knowing that he is totally forgiven so much so that He (God) chooses to remember our sin no more. Realisation of these promises will cause us to have an attitude of gratitude toward God Himself and toward people around us. His benevolence will activate an attitude of gratitude.
Gratitude is often learned through the difficult passages of life. Often people who have lost someone or something of great value such as good health, learn to express gratitude because they are more aware of what they now have as opposed to what they have lost or don't have.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says "...in everything give thanks..." Gratitude is best practised by acknowledging the small things around us. One way to do this is to write down a list of six things that you can give God thanks for each day for at least one month. As you do this don't be surprised when your own state of health improves. You are designed to "prosper in all things and be in good health just as your soul prospers". (3 John 2) An attitude of gratitude will cause you to prosper!
This blog is based on a message by Pastor Ross Smith, Senior Pastor of The Vine Church, Logan City, Queensland, Australia, called "Growing an Attitude of Gratitude" (14/12/14) The full message can be accessed by podcast from www.thevine.org.au/teaching.
When someone has been redeemed, their freedom has been paid for. We live in a world that demands rights and freedoms but has forgotten to return to the One who paid for that freedom. Psalm 103:2 says "Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not all His benefits..." This verse is reminding us to express gratitude toward the One who secured our freedom - freedom from unforgiveness, freedom from sickness and disease and freedom from condemnation, guilt and shame. How grateful ought we be to the One who took the fall for us? How grateful ought we be for the opportunities to start afresh? How grateful ought we be, given that He receives us as His children, saved by grace and kept by grace? How grateful ought we be knowing that He will never abandon us or forsake us?
Perhaps the best expression of gratitude is worship. David worshipped the Lord because the size of His God was greater than the size of his sins. David coveted the presence of the Lord and he pleaded that he be upheld by "His generous Spirit". (Ps.51:12) He was grateful for the mercies of the Lord. How much more grateful ought the believer be knowing that he is totally forgiven so much so that He (God) chooses to remember our sin no more. Realisation of these promises will cause us to have an attitude of gratitude toward God Himself and toward people around us. His benevolence will activate an attitude of gratitude.
Gratitude is often learned through the difficult passages of life. Often people who have lost someone or something of great value such as good health, learn to express gratitude because they are more aware of what they now have as opposed to what they have lost or don't have.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says "...in everything give thanks..." Gratitude is best practised by acknowledging the small things around us. One way to do this is to write down a list of six things that you can give God thanks for each day for at least one month. As you do this don't be surprised when your own state of health improves. You are designed to "prosper in all things and be in good health just as your soul prospers". (3 John 2) An attitude of gratitude will cause you to prosper!
This blog is based on a message by Pastor Ross Smith, Senior Pastor of The Vine Church, Logan City, Queensland, Australia, called "Growing an Attitude of Gratitude" (14/12/14) The full message can be accessed by podcast from www.thevine.org.au/teaching.
Sunday, 7 December 2014
The generosity of God
Perhaps the most well known verse of the Bible is "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son...' (John 3:16). At the core of this verse is the generosity of God. His generosity however is unlike our generosity in so far as His nature is to give even to those who are ungrateful and to those who reject Him. Human generosity is generally expressed between people of like values and similarity of societal norms. I would venture to state that the generosity of God however, is the most transformative agent on the planet. It is potent because it is counterculture. It is potent because it cuts across what we would consider 'fair and just'.
Luke 6:35 says "...He is kind to the unthankful and evil..." God gives His best for the worst. He gives to those who are ingrates of His generosity. We can feel aggrieved when we receive rejection from people that we have helped or to whom we have offered relief. God's heart however extends to those whom He knows will mishandle and even abuse His generosity. His heart is seen in the story of the prodigal son which could easily be called the story of the father who never gives up loving his children. The whole point of the story is to provoke us to think upon the amazing generosity of heart of our heavenly Father. What sort of God continues to pour out His love on people who fail and fall short, people like you and I?
When we sense and receive His generosity, we are empowered to be generous to those who may be ungrateful and even to those who may abuse His generosity. I once felt aggrieved when I helped a family in need with a food parcel only to be told that what I had delivered was not good enough. I felt aggrieved because I thought that the parcel could have gone to someone who might have appreciated it and who was at least grateful. As I left that home, I sensed the Holy spirit tell me that that the food parcel was not mine. It was His. Therefore He could dispense it however and to whomever he wanted. I was to be the carrier of His generosity, no more, no less. It was not up to me to judge the worthiness of the recipient. It was up to me to be the carrier of His generosity.
It is "the goodness (loving kindness) of God that leads to repentance." (Rom.2:4) It is His goodness or generosity of heart, that leads to a change of both mind and heart. "If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink, for in so doing you heap coals of fire on his head. Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.' (Rom.12:20-21) Generosity will change hearts and minds for good!
This blog is based on a message by Pastor Ross Smith, The Vine Church, Logan City, Queensland, Australia, entitled "The generosity of God" (07/12/14) and can be assessed by podcast from www.thevine.org.au/teaching.
Luke 6:35 says "...He is kind to the unthankful and evil..." God gives His best for the worst. He gives to those who are ingrates of His generosity. We can feel aggrieved when we receive rejection from people that we have helped or to whom we have offered relief. God's heart however extends to those whom He knows will mishandle and even abuse His generosity. His heart is seen in the story of the prodigal son which could easily be called the story of the father who never gives up loving his children. The whole point of the story is to provoke us to think upon the amazing generosity of heart of our heavenly Father. What sort of God continues to pour out His love on people who fail and fall short, people like you and I?
When we sense and receive His generosity, we are empowered to be generous to those who may be ungrateful and even to those who may abuse His generosity. I once felt aggrieved when I helped a family in need with a food parcel only to be told that what I had delivered was not good enough. I felt aggrieved because I thought that the parcel could have gone to someone who might have appreciated it and who was at least grateful. As I left that home, I sensed the Holy spirit tell me that that the food parcel was not mine. It was His. Therefore He could dispense it however and to whomever he wanted. I was to be the carrier of His generosity, no more, no less. It was not up to me to judge the worthiness of the recipient. It was up to me to be the carrier of His generosity.
It is "the goodness (loving kindness) of God that leads to repentance." (Rom.2:4) It is His goodness or generosity of heart, that leads to a change of both mind and heart. "If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink, for in so doing you heap coals of fire on his head. Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.' (Rom.12:20-21) Generosity will change hearts and minds for good!
This blog is based on a message by Pastor Ross Smith, The Vine Church, Logan City, Queensland, Australia, entitled "The generosity of God" (07/12/14) and can be assessed by podcast from www.thevine.org.au/teaching.
Tuesday, 2 December 2014
Honour at work
Just as there are natural laws such as the law of gravity, so there are spiritual laws. If a law, such as gravity, is respected, people will be unharmed. When we obey spiritual laws, people will live in a secure community. For example when we honour those who are in positions of authority, we will attract God's favour. Unfortunately we live in an age where we have all but lost all sense of the meaning of honour. Sometimes we are stepping off the 'balcony of honour' and wonder why we are experiencing hard landings in life!
Dishonour or treating people without a sense of value and esteem closes doors of opportunity. Even Jesus could not do any miracles in His own hometown because the inhabitants of His town treated Him with dishonour. They said "Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary...? And are not His sisters here with us? So they were offended at Him....Now He could do no mighty work there..." (Mark 6:3-5) The opportunity for miracles passed them by because they expressed dishonour toward the very One who wanted to bless them.
We can learn to honour authorities when we see how God Himself who is the authority over all earthly authorities, chooses to clothe the repentant sinner with honour. He first honours us. He first loved us. He first esteems us. He chooses to "remember our sins no more." He honours the finished work of His Son. Because He honours, we are empowered to honour. Honour is to exercised toward all peoples including those who govern over us - whether we like those in authority or not. Our preferences have nothing to do with the law of honour. Romans 13:1-2 says '
"Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities...the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves." It can become a pastime ridiculing and bad mouthing authority figures (as is often done in Australia) but all that leads to the erosion of blessing and favour.
The same law of honour applies to family life.The Bible promises that "it will go well for you and you will live long on the earth" (Eph.6:2-3) when children honour their parents. If you want favour in your life begin to honour your parents instead of judging them.
Similarly, believers are instructed "to esteem" or honour their church leaders. (1 Thess.5:13) Sometimes believers can experience frustration because they sense that they are 'being held back from expressing their ministry'. Perhaps this frustration happens because they are not honouring their oversight. You may not agree with every decision that is made but learn to speak honour and blessing to those above you. Then you will experience both the peace and the favour of God.
This blog is adapted from a message called "Honours Reward" by Tarun Stevenson (30/11/14). Tarun Stevenson is Assistant Pastor at The Vine church in Logan City, Queensland, Australia.
Dishonour or treating people without a sense of value and esteem closes doors of opportunity. Even Jesus could not do any miracles in His own hometown because the inhabitants of His town treated Him with dishonour. They said "Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary...? And are not His sisters here with us? So they were offended at Him....Now He could do no mighty work there..." (Mark 6:3-5) The opportunity for miracles passed them by because they expressed dishonour toward the very One who wanted to bless them.
We can learn to honour authorities when we see how God Himself who is the authority over all earthly authorities, chooses to clothe the repentant sinner with honour. He first honours us. He first loved us. He first esteems us. He chooses to "remember our sins no more." He honours the finished work of His Son. Because He honours, we are empowered to honour. Honour is to exercised toward all peoples including those who govern over us - whether we like those in authority or not. Our preferences have nothing to do with the law of honour. Romans 13:1-2 says '
"Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities...the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves." It can become a pastime ridiculing and bad mouthing authority figures (as is often done in Australia) but all that leads to the erosion of blessing and favour.
The same law of honour applies to family life.The Bible promises that "it will go well for you and you will live long on the earth" (Eph.6:2-3) when children honour their parents. If you want favour in your life begin to honour your parents instead of judging them.
Similarly, believers are instructed "to esteem" or honour their church leaders. (1 Thess.5:13) Sometimes believers can experience frustration because they sense that they are 'being held back from expressing their ministry'. Perhaps this frustration happens because they are not honouring their oversight. You may not agree with every decision that is made but learn to speak honour and blessing to those above you. Then you will experience both the peace and the favour of God.
This blog is adapted from a message called "Honours Reward" by Tarun Stevenson (30/11/14). Tarun Stevenson is Assistant Pastor at The Vine church in Logan City, Queensland, Australia.
Sunday, 23 November 2014
Jesus honours His bride
The best demonstration of honour is that which Jesus shows toward His bride, the church. Ephesians 5:25-27 says "Husbands love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that he might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle..." This is honour at work. Honour presents people in the way that God sees. It esteems. It builds. It never demeans or shames.
Jesus didn't come to condemn but He came to minister life to sinners. For example, He spoke to the Samaritan woman in terms of what He had to offer her namely "water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14) He didn't condemn because of her sin. She received honour or worth that transformed her and not only her but also the men of her city. The gospel of grace builds up. It always honours the worth of people because of the nature of our heavenly Father in whose image we are made. Honour restores because it is the antidote to shame.
Jesus sees His bride as that which will reflect His glory. He sees her clothed with glory and honour. She sees her radiant and beautiful. This was always the Father's valuation of His people. Even when Israel was backslidden, the Father went to extraordinary lengths to affirm His love for her. Hosea, the prophet demonstrated this when he wooed Gomer, the prostitute to himself. Gomer represented the state of Israel's heart but Hosea represented the state of the Father's heart toward Israel.
The heart of Jesus is always to lift up the church. He gave Himself for her. He honours her and covers her. What is our response to the way of honour that Jesus has for His bride? Do we see the church in the same way as Jesus does? How do we speak about her? Jesus took 'the fall' for the church. He "gave Himself for her". Romans 12:10 says "be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honour giving preference to one another." Believers are exhorted to honour one another in the same way that Jesus honours the church. Does our speech cloth one another with honour?
When we are clothed with His grace, honour will manifest. The "washing of water by the word" both prepares and presents the bride as a "glorious church" (Eph.5:26) It is the constant supply and application of the gospel of grace that transforms from "glory to glory". It is grace that makes her presentable. It is grace that grows her into the likeness of Jesus. When Jesus 'washed' the Samaritan woman with "water springing up into eternal life", she was immediately transformed. She received honour and was also empowered to pass honour forward.
This blog is adapted from a message by Ross Smith, Senior Pastor of The Vine Church, called Jesus Honours His bride. The full message can be accessed from the podcast dated 23/11/14 from www.thevine.org.au/teaching.
Jesus didn't come to condemn but He came to minister life to sinners. For example, He spoke to the Samaritan woman in terms of what He had to offer her namely "water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14) He didn't condemn because of her sin. She received honour or worth that transformed her and not only her but also the men of her city. The gospel of grace builds up. It always honours the worth of people because of the nature of our heavenly Father in whose image we are made. Honour restores because it is the antidote to shame.
Jesus sees His bride as that which will reflect His glory. He sees her clothed with glory and honour. She sees her radiant and beautiful. This was always the Father's valuation of His people. Even when Israel was backslidden, the Father went to extraordinary lengths to affirm His love for her. Hosea, the prophet demonstrated this when he wooed Gomer, the prostitute to himself. Gomer represented the state of Israel's heart but Hosea represented the state of the Father's heart toward Israel.
The heart of Jesus is always to lift up the church. He gave Himself for her. He honours her and covers her. What is our response to the way of honour that Jesus has for His bride? Do we see the church in the same way as Jesus does? How do we speak about her? Jesus took 'the fall' for the church. He "gave Himself for her". Romans 12:10 says "be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honour giving preference to one another." Believers are exhorted to honour one another in the same way that Jesus honours the church. Does our speech cloth one another with honour?
When we are clothed with His grace, honour will manifest. The "washing of water by the word" both prepares and presents the bride as a "glorious church" (Eph.5:26) It is the constant supply and application of the gospel of grace that transforms from "glory to glory". It is grace that makes her presentable. It is grace that grows her into the likeness of Jesus. When Jesus 'washed' the Samaritan woman with "water springing up into eternal life", she was immediately transformed. She received honour and was also empowered to pass honour forward.
This blog is adapted from a message by Ross Smith, Senior Pastor of The Vine Church, called Jesus Honours His bride. The full message can be accessed from the podcast dated 23/11/14 from www.thevine.org.au/teaching.
Sunday, 16 November 2014
The Way of Honour (Part Two) : Double Honour
One of the worst effects of sin is shame. when Adam and Eve sinned they became shame conscious and immediately tried to cover themselves with fig leaves. humanity has been 'covering' ever since. God however provided them tunics of skin, symbolic of His plan and provision to deal with shame at the cross.Shame never comes from God because it diminishes who we are. It carries the message that 'I am wrong and therefore I am unloved, worthless and alone.'. It badly damages relationships with other people and it triggers all sorts of dysfunctional behaviours.
The plan of God however is to eliminate shame and in its place establish honour. Honour is that which esteems, builds and values worth. One of the promises that he made with Israel who had endured shame associated with captivity, was that "instead of shame you shall have double honour." (Isaiah 61:7). The phrase 'double honour' means that the privileges of the friends of God would be far greater than had been experienced formerly. God doesn't just return what was lost but He brings increase over and above what was lost. For example, the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before he suffered loss. (Job 42:10)
God delights in bestowing honour. He especially delights in restoring that which sin has robbed from people. He restores peace, joy and righteousness. He promises that "all the heavenly blessings are ours in Christ" (Eph.1:3) He restores dignity and worth to sinners. All of this is the fruit of the victory that Jesus secured at the cross "who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Heb.12:2). Jesus despised the shame associated with the cross. He was not troubled by what others thought of Him - false witnesses, derision, abandonment and nakedness. Far more important to Him was the glorifying of His Father's name. He trumped shame with honour!
We are invited to receive the same honour secured for us through His victory over shame at Calvary. The way of honour has already dealt the death blow to shame.
This blog is adapted from a message called "Double Honour" by Ross Smith, Senior Pastor of The Vine Church (16/11/14) and can be accessed by podcast from www.thevine.org.au
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Sunday, 9 November 2014
The Way Of Honour (Part One)
If we are made in the image of God then it behoves us to check out the nature of the source itself. One of the characteristics of the Godhead is the amazing honour that they have each for one another. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit honour each other. The plan of the Father was and still is to restore relationship between Himself and humanity. He charged the Son to implement the plan of redemption. The Holy Spirit has the job of broadcasting what Jesus has done for all people. Honour of each other is at the heart of heaven's plan being accomplished on earth.
The Father honoured the Son even before Jesus had done anything. When Jesus arose from his water baptism, a voice from heaven declared, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." (Mt.3:17) Honour was broadcast from the Father to the Son. The Son said of His Father when He was in the garden of Gethsemane, "but not My will be done but thy will be done" (Mt.26:39). The Son honoured His Father's plan to go all the way to Calvary. Today the Holy Spirit honours the finished work of the Son as "He will testify of Me" (John 15:26) The Holy Spirit honours Jesus and always seeks to build people up in Christ.
This is the source at work. The way of honour is the way ahead. Honour always accords worth and esteem. How much are you worth? Who values you? Where does your esteem come from? The way that the Godhead honour each other is also the way of honour for us.
Adapted from the message by Ross Smith called "The Way Of Honour" from 09/11/14. The full message can be accessed by podcast from www.thevine.org.au
Thursday, 30 October 2014
Stress
The Christmas season doesn't wait for December. It comes as early as September, at least in the commercial world. For many people this is not a signal of peace but rather a signal for stress. The pre season of Christmas let alone the actual celebration seems to become yet another stressor for many people.
When Jesus visited Martha and Mary, Martha was unsettled and stressed. She missed the point of the visit. She was more concerned with doing stuff and because things were 'apparently incomplete' she was stressed out. She was critical of her sister and even critical of Jesus. Anxiety has a way of distorting situations and robbing people of the joy of living in the present. It sees the worst case scenario and it allows fear to rule instead of trust.
When the twelve spies returned with a report about Canaan, ten of them gave a negative report to Israel. The most debilitating part of their report was not about the giants that were in the land but about the way that they saw themselves. They declared "we were like grasshoppers in our own sight and so we were in their sight." (Numbers 13:33) Anxiety distorts perceptions. It cripples from the inside out because it so often rooted in fear. It affects others badly as well. Anxiety robbed a whole generation, with the exception of Caleb and Joshua, from receiving what was promised them by God.
Anxiety has become normalised in our world and yet the Bible says "be anxious for nothing..." (Phil. 4:6) The Bible antidote to anxiety is to submit "everything by prayer and supplication..." The 'everything' includes the big things and the small things. Often it is the small things that upset us most. Martha was upset because 'the dishes weren't done'. Perhaps the bigger thing in her heart was that she wanted to look good because her value as a person was attached to both her performance and her need for approval from other people.
Whatever the nature of the situation or demand that is outside of us, the Bible commends that we allow God to work on our inner world by prayer and supplication and thanksgiving. Prayer listens and talks with God. Supplication asks for His help. Thanksgiving remembers Him and His love toward us. If we attend to our inner world, He will attend to the matters of the outside world. Anxiety always give priority to the things on the outside but peace comes when we attend to the things on the inside world first.
Adapted from a podcast message by Ross Smith www.thevine.org.au entitled STRESS on 26th Oct. 2014
When Jesus visited Martha and Mary, Martha was unsettled and stressed. She missed the point of the visit. She was more concerned with doing stuff and because things were 'apparently incomplete' she was stressed out. She was critical of her sister and even critical of Jesus. Anxiety has a way of distorting situations and robbing people of the joy of living in the present. It sees the worst case scenario and it allows fear to rule instead of trust.
When the twelve spies returned with a report about Canaan, ten of them gave a negative report to Israel. The most debilitating part of their report was not about the giants that were in the land but about the way that they saw themselves. They declared "we were like grasshoppers in our own sight and so we were in their sight." (Numbers 13:33) Anxiety distorts perceptions. It cripples from the inside out because it so often rooted in fear. It affects others badly as well. Anxiety robbed a whole generation, with the exception of Caleb and Joshua, from receiving what was promised them by God.
Anxiety has become normalised in our world and yet the Bible says "be anxious for nothing..." (Phil. 4:6) The Bible antidote to anxiety is to submit "everything by prayer and supplication..." The 'everything' includes the big things and the small things. Often it is the small things that upset us most. Martha was upset because 'the dishes weren't done'. Perhaps the bigger thing in her heart was that she wanted to look good because her value as a person was attached to both her performance and her need for approval from other people.
Whatever the nature of the situation or demand that is outside of us, the Bible commends that we allow God to work on our inner world by prayer and supplication and thanksgiving. Prayer listens and talks with God. Supplication asks for His help. Thanksgiving remembers Him and His love toward us. If we attend to our inner world, He will attend to the matters of the outside world. Anxiety always give priority to the things on the outside but peace comes when we attend to the things on the inside world first.
Adapted from a podcast message by Ross Smith www.thevine.org.au entitled STRESS on 26th Oct. 2014
Monday, 21 July 2014
Truth Will Grow You (Part Two)
Truth grows the believer into the character of Christ. It doesn't just measure a person; it is designed to change a person. Grace always makes room for growth. It will even cause growth to happen in the context of the bad and the downright ugly. "Where sin abounds, grace abounds much more. (Rom.5:21). Grace and truth are companions. They are the dynamics of growth. They are transformative in their effect and their impact.
The well known account of the woman 'caught' in the act of adultery in John 8, is a powerful illustration of the dynamics of grace and truth. The law of Moses was applied in so far as her male accusers were trying to test the 'righteousness' of Jesus, After all sin demanded punishment and surely Jesus if He were righteous would have no option but to apply the rigors of the law. Jesus however exposed their own consciences by saying to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." He applied the law to their own hearts and each of the men from the oldest to the youngest was left exposed. That is what the law does. It exposes human shortfall. Interestingly the only man left standing before the woman was Jesus Himself. He alone was without sin. In fact He alone would have been entitled to stone her to death because he alone was without sin. He alone was righteous. But then we see how grace and truth operate, not to condemn but to save. Only Jesus could say, "neither do I condemn you..." Higher than human shortfall is heaven's grace.
Jesus never ministers condemnation. The Holy Spirit will always communicate "no condemnation" to the person who is "caught out". His words of grace empowered her to receive freedom from condemnation. When Jesus said "...go and sin no more", she was empowered to sin no more. The truth of "no condemnation" set her free from being enslaved to sin.
The same ministry of "no condemnation" could have been received by her accusers had they not just dropped their stones but also their pride. The only way to receive truth that sets free is to adopt a heart of humility. Humility always attracts the grace of God. God will always invite truth to do its work of change from the inside out. The woman "caught in adultery" was now captured by grace and truth.
"Whom the Son sets free is free indeed". (John 8:36)
Adapted from Ross Smith's book, "It Is Finished" To purchase go to www.thevine.org.au/resources.html. Ross Smith is Senior Pastor of The Vine Church Logan, Qld., Australia
The well known account of the woman 'caught' in the act of adultery in John 8, is a powerful illustration of the dynamics of grace and truth. The law of Moses was applied in so far as her male accusers were trying to test the 'righteousness' of Jesus, After all sin demanded punishment and surely Jesus if He were righteous would have no option but to apply the rigors of the law. Jesus however exposed their own consciences by saying to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." He applied the law to their own hearts and each of the men from the oldest to the youngest was left exposed. That is what the law does. It exposes human shortfall. Interestingly the only man left standing before the woman was Jesus Himself. He alone was without sin. In fact He alone would have been entitled to stone her to death because he alone was without sin. He alone was righteous. But then we see how grace and truth operate, not to condemn but to save. Only Jesus could say, "neither do I condemn you..." Higher than human shortfall is heaven's grace.
Jesus never ministers condemnation. The Holy Spirit will always communicate "no condemnation" to the person who is "caught out". His words of grace empowered her to receive freedom from condemnation. When Jesus said "...go and sin no more", she was empowered to sin no more. The truth of "no condemnation" set her free from being enslaved to sin.
The same ministry of "no condemnation" could have been received by her accusers had they not just dropped their stones but also their pride. The only way to receive truth that sets free is to adopt a heart of humility. Humility always attracts the grace of God. God will always invite truth to do its work of change from the inside out. The woman "caught in adultery" was now captured by grace and truth.
"Whom the Son sets free is free indeed". (John 8:36)
Adapted from Ross Smith's book, "It Is Finished" To purchase go to www.thevine.org.au/resources.html. Ross Smith is Senior Pastor of The Vine Church Logan, Qld., Australia
Sunday, 29 June 2014
Truth will grow you
Just as a healthy diet will stimulate growth in the body of a child, so truth will grow the believer into maturity. Jesus said "when He, the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth..." (John 16:13). Truth will grow the believer into the shape and character of Jesus. It will mature the believer.
We all have a world view by which we filter life. Cultures help define what is acceptable and what is not acceptable. The apostle Peter for example was a Jew and as such held certain beliefs about what foods were acceptable. when he saw in a vision, "all kinds of four footed animals...creeping things and birds of the air", followed by a voice telling him to "kill and eat", his reaction was to object because he had never eaten anything unclean. (Acts 10:12-14) But the voice was telling him that what God had cleansed, he must not call unclean. Truth was growing Peter into the shape of Jesus. The gospel of grace was and is intended for all peoples - whether Jew or Gentile.
Peter's preference was to be with Jews but the spirit of truth showed him that "in truth, God shows no partiality" (Acts 10:34) Often we project, even unwittingly, our preferences above principles. Many disagreements are about preferences. Marriages can split over preferences. He likes 'blue'; she likes 'pink'. Experiences can become our guide instead of truth. For example, an absent or negligent father figure can influence what a person may believe about the 'father heart' of God himself - that this God doesn't care and is aloof.
Only truth grows a person into maturity. Jesus called himself truth. He said "I am the way, the life and the truth." He is described as being "full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). This phrase is in apposition to "the law given through Moses". The law - that is the Ten Commandments - was the basis of the old covenant cut between Israel and God but the new covenant was built upon the work of Jesus done on behalf of all sinners. The law never grows people; it just measures them. The law however was designed to bring people to the end of themselves with the admission that 'we cannot keep the law'. It is the cry of humility that attracts the spirit of grace and when grace does its work, truth is also revealed.
Adapted from Ross Smith's book, It Is Finished. Go to www.thevine.org.au/resources.html. Ross Smith is the Senior Pastor of The Vine Church, Logan City, Queensland, Australia.
We all have a world view by which we filter life. Cultures help define what is acceptable and what is not acceptable. The apostle Peter for example was a Jew and as such held certain beliefs about what foods were acceptable. when he saw in a vision, "all kinds of four footed animals...creeping things and birds of the air", followed by a voice telling him to "kill and eat", his reaction was to object because he had never eaten anything unclean. (Acts 10:12-14) But the voice was telling him that what God had cleansed, he must not call unclean. Truth was growing Peter into the shape of Jesus. The gospel of grace was and is intended for all peoples - whether Jew or Gentile.
Peter's preference was to be with Jews but the spirit of truth showed him that "in truth, God shows no partiality" (Acts 10:34) Often we project, even unwittingly, our preferences above principles. Many disagreements are about preferences. Marriages can split over preferences. He likes 'blue'; she likes 'pink'. Experiences can become our guide instead of truth. For example, an absent or negligent father figure can influence what a person may believe about the 'father heart' of God himself - that this God doesn't care and is aloof.
Only truth grows a person into maturity. Jesus called himself truth. He said "I am the way, the life and the truth." He is described as being "full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). This phrase is in apposition to "the law given through Moses". The law - that is the Ten Commandments - was the basis of the old covenant cut between Israel and God but the new covenant was built upon the work of Jesus done on behalf of all sinners. The law never grows people; it just measures them. The law however was designed to bring people to the end of themselves with the admission that 'we cannot keep the law'. It is the cry of humility that attracts the spirit of grace and when grace does its work, truth is also revealed.
Adapted from Ross Smith's book, It Is Finished. Go to www.thevine.org.au/resources.html. Ross Smith is the Senior Pastor of The Vine Church, Logan City, Queensland, Australia.
Tuesday, 10 June 2014
Heaven's PR Agent on Earth
Jesus told His followers "to wait for the Promise of the Father which he said, you have heard from Me for John truly baptised with water but you shall be baptised with the Holy Spirit..." (Acts 1:4-5).He told his disciples that "the Helper, the Holy Spirit...will teach you all things and bring to remembrance all things that I said to you." (John 14:26)
The Holy Spirit is heaven's PR agent on earth. He unwraps all that Jesus said and did. I love the fact that Jesus described Him as "the Helper". He isn't the agent of confusion, doubt and fear. He affirms the finished work of Jesus. He never detracts from it. Detraction or diversion can be ever so subtle. It can, for example, suggest that what you have done or not done will drive a wedge between yourself and the Father. In fact He doesn't come to highlight what you have failed to do but rather to highlight what Christ has done. He will bring conviction (not condemnation) and revelation (not just information) to hearts and minds. He will unwrap who you are in Christ. The law unwraps what you have done wrong and what you have failed to do but grace will unwrap what Christ has done for you.
He, the Holy Spirit will fill you. He empowers the believer to live for the cause of Christ. John's baptism with water was analogous to a person emptying themselves but the baptism of the Holy Spirit was and is designed to fill the believer. This is like being commissioned for service. A police officer when he is commissioned is empowered to have the backing of the state behind him. When the believer is commissioned he is empowered to have the backing of heaven behind him.
You can have absolute confidence in the Holy Spirit because He is the Father's ambassador on earth. He will only ever represent the Father to you and through you to others. He is always your encourager, guide and mentor. He will always point you to the finished work of Jesus and He will never give up on you!!
Adapted from Ross Smith's book, "It Is Finished". To purchase "It Is Finished" go to www.thevine.org.au/resources.html.
Ross Smith is Senior Pastor of The Vine Church, Logan, Queensland, Australia.
The Holy Spirit is heaven's PR agent on earth. He unwraps all that Jesus said and did. I love the fact that Jesus described Him as "the Helper". He isn't the agent of confusion, doubt and fear. He affirms the finished work of Jesus. He never detracts from it. Detraction or diversion can be ever so subtle. It can, for example, suggest that what you have done or not done will drive a wedge between yourself and the Father. In fact He doesn't come to highlight what you have failed to do but rather to highlight what Christ has done. He will bring conviction (not condemnation) and revelation (not just information) to hearts and minds. He will unwrap who you are in Christ. The law unwraps what you have done wrong and what you have failed to do but grace will unwrap what Christ has done for you.
He, the Holy Spirit will fill you. He empowers the believer to live for the cause of Christ. John's baptism with water was analogous to a person emptying themselves but the baptism of the Holy Spirit was and is designed to fill the believer. This is like being commissioned for service. A police officer when he is commissioned is empowered to have the backing of the state behind him. When the believer is commissioned he is empowered to have the backing of heaven behind him.
You can have absolute confidence in the Holy Spirit because He is the Father's ambassador on earth. He will only ever represent the Father to you and through you to others. He is always your encourager, guide and mentor. He will always point you to the finished work of Jesus and He will never give up on you!!
Adapted from Ross Smith's book, "It Is Finished". To purchase "It Is Finished" go to www.thevine.org.au/resources.html.
Ross Smith is Senior Pastor of The Vine Church, Logan, Queensland, Australia.
Wednesday, 21 May 2014
BE SEATED
A farmer can rest when he has stacked the hay in the barn. The hay is secure and not at risk of weather damage. This is analogous to what Jesus did for us. His death and resurrection secured eternal redemption for sinners because he alone secured atonement for the sin condition of humanity. The clear pathway for sinners to have fellowship with Father God was made secure because of this Man's work.
The Bible says that "...this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool." (Heb.10:13) Being seated speaks of a finished work. The nature of this finished work was this - He alone had offered one sacrifice for sins that would cancel out the need for any other sacrifices. John the Baptist prophesied when he saw Jesus at the river Jordan, "Behold! The Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world." (John 1:29)
Heaven is at rest as far as the sin issue is concerned because "The Lamb of God" has not only removed the impediment of sin that separated God from man and man from God but has also paid for the due penalty of sin thus satisfying a Holy God. The job of the removal of the sin barrier was done and is effective for all time.
The challenge for us is whether we will believe and receive what He has done. When a person believes on what He has done, he too is seated with Him. The Holy Spirit, God's ambassador on earth, is at work communicating this truth to us. When we believe on His death and resurrection we are also positioned to receive all of the benefits of salvation. When the 120 followers of Jesus waited in the Upper room for ten days they eventually reached a place where they were ready to receive the Holy Spirit. They didn't receive because they tried harder; they received because they trusted God to perform for them. Interestingly when they received the Holy Spirit, they were seated! (Acts 2:2)
When we trust God we will be seated in the sense that we readily acknowledge what He has done rather than what we have failed to do. Trusting in His work positions the believer to also be seated with Him in heavenly places. (Eph.2:6)
Adapted from Ross Smith's book, "It Is Finished". Go to www.thevine.org.au/resources.html Ross Smith is the Senior Pastor of The Vine Church, Logan, Queensland, Australia.
The Bible says that "...this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool." (Heb.10:13) Being seated speaks of a finished work. The nature of this finished work was this - He alone had offered one sacrifice for sins that would cancel out the need for any other sacrifices. John the Baptist prophesied when he saw Jesus at the river Jordan, "Behold! The Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world." (John 1:29)
Heaven is at rest as far as the sin issue is concerned because "The Lamb of God" has not only removed the impediment of sin that separated God from man and man from God but has also paid for the due penalty of sin thus satisfying a Holy God. The job of the removal of the sin barrier was done and is effective for all time.
The challenge for us is whether we will believe and receive what He has done. When a person believes on what He has done, he too is seated with Him. The Holy Spirit, God's ambassador on earth, is at work communicating this truth to us. When we believe on His death and resurrection we are also positioned to receive all of the benefits of salvation. When the 120 followers of Jesus waited in the Upper room for ten days they eventually reached a place where they were ready to receive the Holy Spirit. They didn't receive because they tried harder; they received because they trusted God to perform for them. Interestingly when they received the Holy Spirit, they were seated! (Acts 2:2)
When we trust God we will be seated in the sense that we readily acknowledge what He has done rather than what we have failed to do. Trusting in His work positions the believer to also be seated with Him in heavenly places. (Eph.2:6)
Adapted from Ross Smith's book, "It Is Finished". Go to www.thevine.org.au/resources.html Ross Smith is the Senior Pastor of The Vine Church, Logan, Queensland, Australia.
Sunday, 16 March 2014
The better covenant
In today's world, yesterday's model be it a phone or some other gadget, is quickly overtaken by better technology. Consumer demand is stimulated by marketing the better and improved model. The book of Hebrews in like fashion tells of the better covenant.
The Bible says that "he (God) takes away the first (covenant) that He may establish the second" (Heb.10:9) The second covenant surpassed the first covenant because it went beyond our trying to meet all of the requirements of the first covenant. It became obsolete.
The first covenant was based upon the performance of people to obey the Ten Commandments and if successful to then enjoy ongoing relationship with God without any sense of condemnation. The law however was always designed to measure human performance. Of itself it could do nothing to change human performance for the better.
The second covenant, by contrast, was based upon the performance of His own Son. Jesus alone kept the entirety of the law in terms of both the letter and the spirit. Therefore he alone was fit to represent law breakers as the perfect sacrifice to take away the sin of the world. His supreme act at Calvary absorbed every judgement required by a holy God. His sacrificial act nullified any further legal requirement for the atonement of sins thereby clearing the way for the better covenant. The better covenant was not based upon our performance but was based on His performance.
One benefit of the upgraded covenant for the believer is that instead of the law having power to accuse you when you do wrong, you now have an advocate who represents you in heavenly places. Under the terms of the old covenant you represented yourself but under the terms of the better covenant you have an Advocate to represent you! His representations are not based on what you have done (good, bad or ugly) but rather are based upon what the client (the believer) believes about what the Advocate himself has done (His death, burial and resurrection).
Every person needs this sort of Advocate in the heavenly places. His pleadings are always backed up by His performance. All that we have to do to have this representation is to believe on His finished work. Experiencing and knowing this sort of advocacy serves to motivate us to want to live for Him. Why wouldn't you want to live for Him? After all he gave Himself for you and I. This is the better covenant!
Adapted from Ross Smith's book, "It Is Finished". To purchase "It Is Finished" go to www. thevine.org.au/resources.html
Ross Smith is Senior Pastor of The Vine Church, Logan City, Queensland, Australia.
The Bible says that "he (God) takes away the first (covenant) that He may establish the second" (Heb.10:9) The second covenant surpassed the first covenant because it went beyond our trying to meet all of the requirements of the first covenant. It became obsolete.
The first covenant was based upon the performance of people to obey the Ten Commandments and if successful to then enjoy ongoing relationship with God without any sense of condemnation. The law however was always designed to measure human performance. Of itself it could do nothing to change human performance for the better.
The second covenant, by contrast, was based upon the performance of His own Son. Jesus alone kept the entirety of the law in terms of both the letter and the spirit. Therefore he alone was fit to represent law breakers as the perfect sacrifice to take away the sin of the world. His supreme act at Calvary absorbed every judgement required by a holy God. His sacrificial act nullified any further legal requirement for the atonement of sins thereby clearing the way for the better covenant. The better covenant was not based upon our performance but was based on His performance.
One benefit of the upgraded covenant for the believer is that instead of the law having power to accuse you when you do wrong, you now have an advocate who represents you in heavenly places. Under the terms of the old covenant you represented yourself but under the terms of the better covenant you have an Advocate to represent you! His representations are not based on what you have done (good, bad or ugly) but rather are based upon what the client (the believer) believes about what the Advocate himself has done (His death, burial and resurrection).
Every person needs this sort of Advocate in the heavenly places. His pleadings are always backed up by His performance. All that we have to do to have this representation is to believe on His finished work. Experiencing and knowing this sort of advocacy serves to motivate us to want to live for Him. Why wouldn't you want to live for Him? After all he gave Himself for you and I. This is the better covenant!
Adapted from Ross Smith's book, "It Is Finished". To purchase "It Is Finished" go to www. thevine.org.au/resources.html
Ross Smith is Senior Pastor of The Vine Church, Logan City, Queensland, Australia.
Saturday, 1 March 2014
The limitations of law keeping
The evidence of civilised behaviours is law abiding citizens. The problem with the goal of becoming law abiding is that no one keeps all of the laws all of the time. At best people don't get caught breaking laws and perhaps pride themselves because they have avoided detection. Extreme groups such as the Pharisees of Jesus' day tried to keep the laws in their totality but they too failed. The reason for failure is simple - "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom.3:23). It is embedded in the heart of humanity to break laws not to obey laws.
There was only ever one man who obeyed laws, that is the Ten Commandments. Jesus Christ was the perfect law keeper. He never deviated from truth because He was and is the embodiment of truth. The law however, always measures deviation from truth. Yet Jesus was able to measure even further than what the Ten Commandments measured. The Commandments measured outward behaviours but Jesus was able to measure deviations that were rooted in heart motivations. He lifted the high jump bar. For example, He said "...whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Matthew 5:28)
Keeping the law on its own would never make a way for sinners to become righteous because the law is only ever able to measure shortfall. The law was never designed to change people. That's why believing that people somehow will 'change their spots' because of law making and law enforcement, is at very least vain hope and at very worst entirely damaging.
Laws don't empower change. Only grace empowers change for the better. Grace is designed to change people from the inside out. "The law was given to Moses but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ". (John 1:17) The law was entrusted to an imperfect man but grace and truth were entrusted to the perfect man, Jesus Christ.
Adapted from Ross Smith's book, "It Is Finished". To purchase "It Is Finished" go to www.thevine.org.au/resources.html Ross Smith is Senior Pastor of The Vine Church, Logan City, Queensland, Australia.
There was only ever one man who obeyed laws, that is the Ten Commandments. Jesus Christ was the perfect law keeper. He never deviated from truth because He was and is the embodiment of truth. The law however, always measures deviation from truth. Yet Jesus was able to measure even further than what the Ten Commandments measured. The Commandments measured outward behaviours but Jesus was able to measure deviations that were rooted in heart motivations. He lifted the high jump bar. For example, He said "...whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Matthew 5:28)
Keeping the law on its own would never make a way for sinners to become righteous because the law is only ever able to measure shortfall. The law was never designed to change people. That's why believing that people somehow will 'change their spots' because of law making and law enforcement, is at very least vain hope and at very worst entirely damaging.
Laws don't empower change. Only grace empowers change for the better. Grace is designed to change people from the inside out. "The law was given to Moses but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ". (John 1:17) The law was entrusted to an imperfect man but grace and truth were entrusted to the perfect man, Jesus Christ.
Adapted from Ross Smith's book, "It Is Finished". To purchase "It Is Finished" go to www.thevine.org.au/resources.html Ross Smith is Senior Pastor of The Vine Church, Logan City, Queensland, Australia.
Thursday, 13 February 2014
He dared to risk
It's a curious thing about people, that what we can't have, we want. Adam and Eve were obsessed about wanting to taste of the fruit of the "forbidden tree' in the garden even though the rest of the garden as there to enjoy. Perhaps even more curious is the fact that God let them taste of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil knowing that they would put at risk their relationship with Himself.
The point of interest is perhaps not about what Adam and Eve did but is about a God who dares to risk His love for people whilst knowing in advance the poor choices that people make. He doesn't give up on us in spite of us. Instead He initiates a road to recovery that is centred not even on what we ought or should do but is centred upon what His Son will do.
Before Adam and Eve left the garden, God prepared coverings of animal skins for them to wear. This act was a clear statement of intent for us, their descendants, namely a plan to lead us home through and by the "perfect lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." (John 1:29)
Adapted from Ross Smith's book, "It Is Finished". To purchase "It Is Finished" go to www.thevine.org.au/resources.html.
Ross Smith is Senior Pastor of The Vine Church Logan, Queensland, Australia.
The point of interest is perhaps not about what Adam and Eve did but is about a God who dares to risk His love for people whilst knowing in advance the poor choices that people make. He doesn't give up on us in spite of us. Instead He initiates a road to recovery that is centred not even on what we ought or should do but is centred upon what His Son will do.
Before Adam and Eve left the garden, God prepared coverings of animal skins for them to wear. This act was a clear statement of intent for us, their descendants, namely a plan to lead us home through and by the "perfect lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." (John 1:29)
Adapted from Ross Smith's book, "It Is Finished". To purchase "It Is Finished" go to www.thevine.org.au/resources.html.
Ross Smith is Senior Pastor of The Vine Church Logan, Queensland, Australia.
Monday, 3 February 2014
Give up the struggle
It is difficult to save a drowning person who is thrashing about in the water. In fact that person makes their own rescue all the more difficult if not near impossible. His own effort is unhelpful. Similarly trying to do right in order to get right with God is like trying to rescue ourselves when in fact we are "thrashing about in the water".
God's rescue plan is not dependent upon human effort. The efforts of men could never put right what was put wrong in the garden. Israel could not keep the Ten Commandments in spite of their own self belief that they could somehow keep His laws. In fact the whole purpose of the law was to reveal to them that could not rescue themselves. They needed a Saviour outside of their own effort.
God goes to extraordinary lengths to rescue us. He even intended the Ten Commandments to "be our tutor to bring us to Christ that we might be justified (or made right) by faith." (Gal.3:24). Nothing we can do can put right what only God can do. God goes to amazing lengths to rescue people from themselves. Again it's not so much about even what we have done wrong as it is about the lengths to which God who loves, reaches and rescues us to put things right!
Adapted from Ross Smith's book, "It Is Finished". To purchase "It Is Finished" go to : www.thevine.org.au/resources.html
Ross Smith is Senior Pastor of The Vine Church Logan, Qld., Australia.
God's rescue plan is not dependent upon human effort. The efforts of men could never put right what was put wrong in the garden. Israel could not keep the Ten Commandments in spite of their own self belief that they could somehow keep His laws. In fact the whole purpose of the law was to reveal to them that could not rescue themselves. They needed a Saviour outside of their own effort.
God goes to extraordinary lengths to rescue us. He even intended the Ten Commandments to "be our tutor to bring us to Christ that we might be justified (or made right) by faith." (Gal.3:24). Nothing we can do can put right what only God can do. God goes to amazing lengths to rescue people from themselves. Again it's not so much about even what we have done wrong as it is about the lengths to which God who loves, reaches and rescues us to put things right!
Adapted from Ross Smith's book, "It Is Finished". To purchase "It Is Finished" go to : www.thevine.org.au/resources.html
Ross Smith is Senior Pastor of The Vine Church Logan, Qld., Australia.
Monday, 27 January 2014
Intimacy is in your DNA!
Unlike the animal kingdom, human beings are made to discover their being, that is, to discover who they are. We are often obsessed however with what we are doing rather than who we are. The "who we are" part of us is about realising the need for intimacy. The original plan of God was for people to enjoy intimacy with Himself. Intimacy lies at the heart of our being. But it is only realised when we discover the One who initiated intimacy in the first place.
Adam knew God before he sinned. Sin distorts intimacy. The plan of God however was and is to restore intimacy between us and Him. This search for intimacy is engrained in the human DNA. The search for intimacy can drive people in a myriad of directions including the search for approval and validation through our performance. These drivers appeal to human effort but ironically the more we strive, the more we miss the mark. Intimacy can never be realised through trying harder!
When we start searching for Him we begin to find ourselves. When we look for Him we begin to see in whose image we are really made. Interestingly many adopted children including adults want to know who their biological parents are. They want to know in whose image they have been formed. This is a natural desire to pursue. In the same way, there is a spiritual hunger that wants to know the Father's image in whom we have been made. This is in our spiritual DNA.
Adapted from Ross Smith's book, "It Is Finished". To purchase "It Is Finished" go to www.thevine.org.au/resources.html
Ross Smith is the Senior Pastor of The Vine Church Logan, Queensland, Australia.
Adam knew God before he sinned. Sin distorts intimacy. The plan of God however was and is to restore intimacy between us and Him. This search for intimacy is engrained in the human DNA. The search for intimacy can drive people in a myriad of directions including the search for approval and validation through our performance. These drivers appeal to human effort but ironically the more we strive, the more we miss the mark. Intimacy can never be realised through trying harder!
When we start searching for Him we begin to find ourselves. When we look for Him we begin to see in whose image we are really made. Interestingly many adopted children including adults want to know who their biological parents are. They want to know in whose image they have been formed. This is a natural desire to pursue. In the same way, there is a spiritual hunger that wants to know the Father's image in whom we have been made. This is in our spiritual DNA.
Adapted from Ross Smith's book, "It Is Finished". To purchase "It Is Finished" go to www.thevine.org.au/resources.html
Ross Smith is the Senior Pastor of The Vine Church Logan, Queensland, Australia.
Monday, 20 January 2014
Starting the Day Right...
Framing the day with the finished work of Jesus Christ is like getting the top button in the right button hole - everything that follows will turn out for good. However often we start the day with what we need to do or haven't done as the case may be. In other words we are kicking the day off with our unfinished work.
When Jesus cried out "It is finished" over 2000 years ago, the plan of God to rescue and restore people to Himself was ready to be realised on earth. The substance of His plan was and still is about restoring community with Himself. This finished work satisfied all of the requirements of a holy God to usher in reconciliation and wholeness between Himself and us. The initiative was His. He made the first move because He first loved us. His doing (His actions) through His death and resurrection, prepared the way for our being to be re-established with Him. Our being can never be established because of our doing. It was His doing that now realises our being.
That's why we need to get the top button in the right hole. Starting with what He has done every day is like engaging Him to make good of everything that happens during the day including the things that we may not deem good. When we acknowledge that He is in charge, He can get good, that is good for us, out of both the bad and even the downright ugly!
When we acknowledge that " we are products of His finished work", we begin to rest in Him because we are trusting Him to work both in us and through us.
Adapted from Ross Smiths book; "It is Finished".
To purchase "It is Finished" goto: www.thevine.org.au/resources.html
Ross Smith is the Senior Pastor of The Vine Church Logan, QLD Australia.
Friday, 17 January 2014
Hope Acceptance and Belonging in 2014
Welcome to The Vine for 2014! We have just re- branded our church logo with the intent of saying what we value and who we are. Hope, acceptance and belonging provide for our real security as individuals and as a community of people. These of themselves are sourced not through a program or an event but through the person of Jesus Christ.
Real security for 2014 and beyond comes through Him but is designed to be expressed through the local church to our wider community. During January we will be exploring how security that is grounded in hope, acceptance and belonging extends to everyday life and relationships.
The message of the gospel of grace is for all people. It is designed to “fit” every person. May 2014 be the best year in our lives as we continue to absorb His life.
Blessings
Ross & Di
Life is like a box of chocolates
There seems to be an element of truth in the saying "life is like a box of chocolates - you never know what you are going to get next!". It's true that we do not have a lot of influence outside of ourselves. For example, you cannot control what other people think about you or day about you. We can commentate about events but seldom have influence to necessarily change events.
However, we do have the absolute influence over what we think about situations and and life events including what we think about other people.
The Bible says that "as a man thinks so is he". We are empowered to process what happens in life. For example, we can react or we can respond. We can choose to allow God's grace to work good through life events or we can judge and react. It is often tempting and perhaps easier in the short term to react but the way of grace is to let God fill the apparent gaps including that which you and I are powerless to change.
God redeems. God restores. Let him work in the family, the work place and the local church.
Be blessed,
Ross and Diane.
However, we do have the absolute influence over what we think about situations and and life events including what we think about other people.
The Bible says that "as a man thinks so is he". We are empowered to process what happens in life. For example, we can react or we can respond. We can choose to allow God's grace to work good through life events or we can judge and react. It is often tempting and perhaps easier in the short term to react but the way of grace is to let God fill the apparent gaps including that which you and I are powerless to change.
God redeems. God restores. Let him work in the family, the work place and the local church.
Be blessed,
Ross and Diane.
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