Resting

Taking a break was God’s idea. It assumes we are diligent in our work. Even the statement he uses to institute a weekly break is couched in the reminder that we were never designed or commissioned for a life of luxury ­“six days do your work” but then we must “rest” (Ex.23:12).  While there was obviously a ceremonial aspect to the seventh day that was indicative of the Old Covenant, enough of the statements regarding the “day of rest” teach us that while the ceremonial requirement was fulfilled in Christ (Heb.4:1-11; Col.2:16-17), the idea of regularly taking a break was not. Weekly breaks are important, and so are periodic days and even weeks of feasting and festivals. Israel’s calendar was punctuated with divinely sanctioned times of reflection, refreshment and new starts. Jesus, the hardest working example we have (Jn.17:4), was still insistent that the disciples take the time needed to find refreshment: “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mk.6:31). If you don’t plan to take regular breaks, you will either justify taking more than you need by rationalizing that you “never get a break” or you will find yourself becoming increasingly unproductive and unthankful, to say the least!  So enjoy the respites that God allows and thank him for the work he plans to do through you, his refreshed servant!

-- Pastor Mike

For more devotionals sermons and resources go to http://www.focalpointministries.org/

Wisdom

The Bible repeatedly tells us that God’s wisdom is readily available to us and would enhance our lives in countless ways, including the expansion of our lot in eternity, but sadly we choose to leave much of it unclaimed. The diagnosis? We love our sin way too much. We’re told that we leave a majority of God’s life-giving wisdom on the table because “simple ones love their simple ways” and “mockers delight in their mockery” (Pr.1:20-22). As Jesus put it, “Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed” (Jn.3:20). We should consider what our sin is really costing us. We not only run from God when we sin, we run from the blessings of God’s wisdom. It is scary to step into the light, that is true. But that is part of the process. The truth is “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Pr.9:10; 1:7; 15:33, etc.) furthermore “the fear of the Lord is the fountain of life” (Pr.14:27; 19:23; 22:4, etc.). It may be difficult to “face the Lord” in moments of honest introspection, owning the ways we fall short, but don’t ever forget it is also the watershed of his enduring blessing.

-- Pastor Mike

For more devotionals sermons and resources go to http://www.focalpointministries.org/

Live by Faith

The Bible tells us that, for the time being, we have to function in the Christian life without the benefit of “seeing” the important and eternal things that we live for and live by (2Cor.4:18; 5:7; 1Pet.1:8; et al.). Our hope in God – his forgiveness, his blessing and his presence, just to name a few – are realities we claim without the aid of our physical senses. While God has provided historical, objective proof for our faith through predictive prophecies and the resurrection of Christ, today must be lived without the tangible confirmation of their benefits. But Scripture continually urges us to not lose heart or grow weary. One day our “faith will be sight,” we will “see him face to face” and the truth we live by will be as tangible as the morning newspaper in the New Jerusalem. So for now, “fix your eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2Cor.4:18). “Walk by faith, not by sight” (5:7) and keep praying the prayer Christ taught his disciples to pray: “Your kingdom come!” (Mt.6:10).  It will be here before you know it.

Pastor Mike

For more devotionals sermons and resources go to http://www.focalpointministries.org/

 

Baptism and Salvation

“Does baptism save you?” The best answer is actually a question: “Which one?” Unfortunately, the word “baptism” causes students of the Bible a lot of confusion because, like a few other select Greek words, it is not translated – it is simply transliterated. Were it translated it would naturally provoke our follow up question. The word “baptizo” is rightly translated by the phrase “placed into.” “Baptizo” is utilized in two primary and distinct ways in the New Testament (e.g.: Mk.1:8; Lk.3:16; Jn.1:33). If someone asked you, “Does being ‘placed into’ save you?” You’d likely ask, “Placed into what?” – which is precisely the clarification needed when responding to the use of the word “baptizo” in the Bible. If one means “placed into” Christ by God’s Spirit, then the answer is “yes!” (Rom.6:3).  When we are placed into Christ at the moment of repentance and faith, we are “clothed in Christ” and we become his “sons” (Gal.3:26-27). Instead, if one means “placed into water” as an expression of our repentance and faith, the answer is “no!” (Ac.8:36)  After saying that “baptism saves” us Peter clarifies, “not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God” (1Pet.3:21). Both “baptisms” in Scripture are commanded – one saves us, the second memorializes the first.

- Pastor Mike


For more devotionals sermons and resources go to http://www.focalpointministries.org/