Grace

God’s grace is the theme of the New Testament and yet with all this scriptural emphasis it seems we are still slow to rightly understand it. We either tend to think that it is some kind of extra credit that adds to our goodness, thus making us acceptable to God. Or we secretly tend to believe it is a “get out of jail free” card that allows us to dabble in sin without consequences. Both are obviously a perversion of what is presented to us in God’s word. Biblical grace is the immeasurable and completely unearned favor that God grants us because of Christ and in spite of ourselves. It is not an add on, but a complete replacement of our attempts at earning a place in God’s family. Once granted God’s grace is tenacious in instructing us to deny ungodliness and live holy lives – not to earn God’s favor, but in response to it (Tit.2:12). Let us always be grateful for grace, being careful to understand it as we should.

--Pastor Mike

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Biblical Tension

It has been rightly said that we should never use biblical truths in unbiblical ways. We make this costly error at times without knowing it. We may be hailing some aspect of God’s word with a resolute focus while unwittingly beginning to utilize that affirmation to deny some other forthright teaching of Scripture. Take for instance our confidence in the sovereignty of God, which is of course a thoroughly biblical and foundational truth. But, if my championing of that specific truth leads my zeal for evangelism to wane (contra 2 Corinthians 5) or my passion for prayer to be quenched (contra Luke 18), then I am using a biblical truth (God’s sovereignty in this case) in an unbiblical way. God wants us to hold to the biblical tension of asking for God to change some present circumstance and God’s indomitable plan, without denying either. This may be difficult as we mentally grapple with the various complexities of our transcendent God, but we must nevertheless. Always beware of how your deepening understanding of God’s truth may be inadvertently leading you to neglect or oppose some other undeniable aspect of God’s word. As you do, you will prove to be a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth (2Tim.2:15).
--Pastor Mike

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

Truth

Truth is not always popular. Depending on the environment, statements that reflect absolute truth can be downright offensive to many. That is one reason the Bible instructs us to make sure our hearts are centered on pleasing God even before we open our mouths. We need to keep in mind the ultimate goal of our conversation so we don’t get entangled in personal arguments or some defensive tirade. Peter exhorts us to “set Christ apart as Lord” in our hearts before considering our contribution to a dialog that requires God’s truth (1Pt.3:15). That verse also clarifies that we cannot always improvise in these kinds of encounters. Knowing the volatile nature of competing world views, we should “always be prepared to give an answer.” Before we find ourselves in these situations we would be wise to pray frequently and even mentally dialog with the prevailing philosophies of our day. Lastly, when we are in the middle of that conversation and we know we have to stand up for what is true, Peter adds that we must govern our emotions so that we can speak with a decorum of “gentleness and respect.” Truth may not always be popular, but when we speak it in love, God may just use our words to accomplish his transforming purpose in others.
--Pastor Mike 

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Beauty

If only we were as concerned with our spiritual beauty, as people in our culture are with their external attractiveness. Unfortunately, like the world, we often fail to value what God finds attractive. The kudos received for losing a few pounds or getting a hair cut are seemingly more gratifying than the benefits of a heart strengthened by grace or a character fortified with patience. But you can be sure that when the Scripture highlights the comparison between spiritual and physical attractiveness, our “inner beauty” is asserted to be of “great worth in God’s sight” (1Pt.3:4). While we may not be complimented by our coworkers for a beautiful heart, we can know that God treasures the attractive spirit. He is quick to defend, support and draw near to those who, through thoughtful preparation, take the time to draw near to him by starting each day with the question “How does my spirit look today?”

--Pastor Mike

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

Rejection

Rejection hurts. And unfortunately our Christianity increases the likelihood that we will encounter it more often. Part of the cost of “taking up our cross” and “following Jesus” is the harsh reality of “bearing the disgrace he bore” (Heb.13:13). As Jesus himself said: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (Jn.15:18). It is a vain hope to expect the favor of Christ and the accolades of everyone else at the same time. “Woe to you when all men speak well of you,” Jesus warned (Lk.6:26). Amid the pain of rejection, our challenge is to learn to value and cherish the approval of Christ more than the acceptance of those around us. But that, of course, is easier said than done – especially when the rejection comes from those we love. In the lyrics of his inspired song, David is resolute as he sings: “Though my father and mother forsake me, Yahweh will receive me” (Ps.27:10). While we can expect the pain, we can also anticipate the incomparable treasure of being embraced by the King of kings and Lord of lords!

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Historic Truth

Some chide us for “checking our brains in at the door” when we come to a place of trusting in Christ for forgiveness and new life. But that is not how Christianity is presented to us in Scripture. The New Testament evangelists never asked anyone to stop thinking, stop inquiring or stop analyzing the claims of Christ and the Apostles. No one was asked to just “pray about it” and “accept this message regardless of the facts.” Paul didn’t wink and ask the Roman King Agrippa and the Judean Procurator Festus to accept the amazing claims of Christ’s message and resurrection “by faith” – that is, without investigation. Instead, he challenged them with a cogent and logical presentation of the claims and closed with these words: “What I am saying is true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner” (Ac.26:25-26). Because the claims of Christ are true, they hold up to scrutiny and careful examination. So don’t check your brains in at the door when it comes to biblical Christianity, you’ll need them to keep researching the themes of redemption, forgiveness and new life in Christ which are rooted in the historic facts of the biblical record.

Self-Examination

The Bible often reminds us to not forget. It tells us to hang on to what we’ve learned and to build on the gains that we’ve made in the Christian life. The goal is not to be nostalgic, but to be sure to “live up to what we have already attained” (Phil.3:16) “remembering what we’ve received and heard” so that we can “obey it” (Rev.3:3). This requires purposeful times of reflection and self-examination, disciplines that are often pushed to the bottom of our busy schedules. Take some time this week to think of your progress as a follower of Christ. Think of where you were and where you are now. Thank God for the growth and memorialize the gains. Credit God with the maturity you are seeing in your life and resolve that with Spirit’s help you will not forfeit any advancements.  Remember it is only a matter of time until we see him face to face. So for now, “continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming” (1Jn.2:28).