I get weary of all the fuss at Christmas over the buying, the schedule, the frenzy. This year, I’ve tried to focus on what really happened 2000 years ago. Here’s how Paul described it to Christians at Colossi:
He is God.
“He is the image of the invisible God.”
He is creator of the visible and invisible universe
“For by Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible;
He controls earthly kingdoms.
“Whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities, all things were created by him and for him.”
He is sustainer of the universe
“He is before all things and in Him all tings hold together.
He’s head of the church
“And He is the head of the body, the church.”
He is eternal
“He is the beginning and the firstborn from the dead.”
He is pre-eminent
“So that in everything He might have supremacy.”
He is 100% God
“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in Him.”
He came to reconcile sinners to God.
“And through him to reconcile to himself all things by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.”
He is your Savior
“Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in His sight.”
This is why we celebrate His birth!
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Losers win.
We’re more half-way through the NFL season. You’re either putting hopes on your favorite team for post-season playoffs—maybe even the Super Bowl. Or you’ve long given up on your favorite team because of their dismal playing and depressing win-loss record.
My own favorite is doing quite well-maybe will even play in the Big One. However, their Win-loss record has been blemished twice by teams at the bottom of the conference heap. What was the Lombardi quote: “On any given Sunday any team can beat any other team.” Even unsuspecting top scoring teams can be beaten by a non-contender.
Winners lose. It can happen in any field: athletics, business, entertainment, or politics. A person once at the top of his game encounters a set of circumstances and finds success easily replaced by humiliation and obscurity. The rich and famous are easily displaced by an indiscretion, a bad decision, a fickle turn of public opinion, a faltering economy or a badly conceived project.
I was reminded of this while sitting in church Sunday and thinking about the humble birth of God’s Son. All around were powerful soldiers of the magnificent Roman Empire, who forced circumstances that sent Mary and Joseph traveling the rugged terrain to Bethlehem for the birth of Messiah.
King Herod was the builder, creating magnificent monuments to himself, but who was so paranoid about any potential contender to his throne that he killed wives, brothers, and sons who might be a threat. So threatened was he about the prophesy of the King being born in Bethlehem, he commanded the slaughter of innocent baby boys in that village.
How the mighty have fallen! King Herod died an ignominious death and is remembered as the most cruel King in Jewish history. The magnificent Temple in Jerusalem built by Herod was destroyed stone by stone less than a generation after Christ died.
The mighty Roman Empire, Pax Romanas, later collapsed in its own weight.
I’ve been reading the book of Revelation this month. It’s interesting to read history’s final chapter during the Christmas season. Jesus, who became a poor human, a humble servant, dying an ignominious death might be considered by some a loser. But when Jesus came to earth, a great cosmic battle was taking place in the heavenly realms. Satan was doing his best to foil God’s plan to bring salvation to mankind. But Herod’s threats, Satan’s temptations, the Roman executive, even the tomb could not hold back God’s plan.
This Jesus survived the attacks, the temptation of sin, the penalty of death. He rose victorious over death. God has given Him a name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue confess He is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
That’s what the Book of Revelation reveals. The next time God’s Son comes to earth, He comes not as a lamb, but as a lion. Not as a suffering servant, but as conquering King. The loser will be the winner. And previous winners will be the big losers. The persecuted and martyred will receive special awards.
Don’t be discouraged. Though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet. He’s got a game plan for this planet. He’s waiting for the fullness of time to be complete to make all God’s losers eternal winners.
That’s what Christmas is all about.
My own favorite is doing quite well-maybe will even play in the Big One. However, their Win-loss record has been blemished twice by teams at the bottom of the conference heap. What was the Lombardi quote: “On any given Sunday any team can beat any other team.” Even unsuspecting top scoring teams can be beaten by a non-contender.
Winners lose. It can happen in any field: athletics, business, entertainment, or politics. A person once at the top of his game encounters a set of circumstances and finds success easily replaced by humiliation and obscurity. The rich and famous are easily displaced by an indiscretion, a bad decision, a fickle turn of public opinion, a faltering economy or a badly conceived project.
I was reminded of this while sitting in church Sunday and thinking about the humble birth of God’s Son. All around were powerful soldiers of the magnificent Roman Empire, who forced circumstances that sent Mary and Joseph traveling the rugged terrain to Bethlehem for the birth of Messiah.
King Herod was the builder, creating magnificent monuments to himself, but who was so paranoid about any potential contender to his throne that he killed wives, brothers, and sons who might be a threat. So threatened was he about the prophesy of the King being born in Bethlehem, he commanded the slaughter of innocent baby boys in that village.
How the mighty have fallen! King Herod died an ignominious death and is remembered as the most cruel King in Jewish history. The magnificent Temple in Jerusalem built by Herod was destroyed stone by stone less than a generation after Christ died.
The mighty Roman Empire, Pax Romanas, later collapsed in its own weight.
I’ve been reading the book of Revelation this month. It’s interesting to read history’s final chapter during the Christmas season. Jesus, who became a poor human, a humble servant, dying an ignominious death might be considered by some a loser. But when Jesus came to earth, a great cosmic battle was taking place in the heavenly realms. Satan was doing his best to foil God’s plan to bring salvation to mankind. But Herod’s threats, Satan’s temptations, the Roman executive, even the tomb could not hold back God’s plan.
This Jesus survived the attacks, the temptation of sin, the penalty of death. He rose victorious over death. God has given Him a name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue confess He is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
That’s what the Book of Revelation reveals. The next time God’s Son comes to earth, He comes not as a lamb, but as a lion. Not as a suffering servant, but as conquering King. The loser will be the winner. And previous winners will be the big losers. The persecuted and martyred will receive special awards.
Don’t be discouraged. Though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet. He’s got a game plan for this planet. He’s waiting for the fullness of time to be complete to make all God’s losers eternal winners.
That’s what Christmas is all about.
Monday, November 20, 2006
A Thankful Nation
It’s appropriate this week to set aside our concerns and issues to think about what’s right in our lives. During this week of turkey, football, shopping frenzy, “beginning to look a lot like Christmas”, turkey day, Macy’s day, let’s think about all that we have to be thankful for.
I’m grateful for a nation where we’re still allowed to practice and share our faith in Jesus Christ in great freedom and openness.
I’m thankful of 100,000 military personnel in Iraq who are setting aside personal comfort to fight for the safety of all Americans.
I’m thankful for a President who begins each day reading Blackaby’s Experiencing God devotional.
I’m grateful that families are still at the core of American values and experience.
I’m grateful for stores that still say Merry Christmas.
I’m grateful to live in a country that enjoys abundance of food, shelter, clothing and conveniences that most of the world only dreams of.
I’m grateful for tens of thousands of churches where God’s word is taught with power and clarity.
I’m grateful for Christian radio stations like Moody Broadcasting which fill the airwaves with sound teaching, practical encouragement and uplifting music.
I’m thankful for films like “A Night with the King” and “The Nativity” that beautifully portray God’s truth.
I’m grateful for authors and composers and publishers whose work helps me in my walk with Christ.
I’m thankful for a heritage that allows a national expression of thanksgiving and also acknowledges a source of that blessing: our heavenly Father. I join with the words of one of our greatest American presidents, Abraham Lincoln, who in his Thanksgiving Declaration said this:
"The year that is drawing towards its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
I’m thankful to be an American by birth.
And a child of God by new birth.
I’m grateful for a nation where we’re still allowed to practice and share our faith in Jesus Christ in great freedom and openness.
I’m thankful of 100,000 military personnel in Iraq who are setting aside personal comfort to fight for the safety of all Americans.
I’m thankful for a President who begins each day reading Blackaby’s Experiencing God devotional.
I’m grateful that families are still at the core of American values and experience.
I’m grateful for stores that still say Merry Christmas.
I’m grateful to live in a country that enjoys abundance of food, shelter, clothing and conveniences that most of the world only dreams of.
I’m grateful for tens of thousands of churches where God’s word is taught with power and clarity.
I’m grateful for Christian radio stations like Moody Broadcasting which fill the airwaves with sound teaching, practical encouragement and uplifting music.
I’m thankful for films like “A Night with the King” and “The Nativity” that beautifully portray God’s truth.
I’m grateful for authors and composers and publishers whose work helps me in my walk with Christ.
I’m thankful for a heritage that allows a national expression of thanksgiving and also acknowledges a source of that blessing: our heavenly Father. I join with the words of one of our greatest American presidents, Abraham Lincoln, who in his Thanksgiving Declaration said this:
"The year that is drawing towards its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
I’m thankful to be an American by birth.
And a child of God by new birth.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Evangelicals are sinners too.
These past weeks brought news that frustrated and embarrassed those of us who follow Christ and call ourselves evangelicals. Ted Haggard, pastor of a mega-church and president of National Association of Evangelicals, was accused of sexual misconduct. He stepped aside as head of NAE and, after initial denials and subsequent investigation by leadership in his church, was dismissed from his pastorate.
This is especially bothersome to me because I know Mr. Haggard and worked with him on a number of ministry projects. He is one of the most gifted leaders I’ve known. He has a winsome personality and highly dedicated to serving God. It’s greivous to me that a man so gifted and dedicated could fall into what he now acknowledges as a lifelong addiction to immorality. How does such an outstanding personality who has risen to the pinnacle of success in his ministry field become enslaved to sin and become such an embarrassment to evangelicals, the church and the name of Christ?
This causes several problems
One, the word evangelical is a good word. It means one who spreads good news. But to the world, the word evangelical has come to be associated with narrow-minded, mean-spirited political posturing. Now evangelical will have further baggage attached to its name because of the inconsistent moral lifestyle of its prominent leader.
Second, many who are outside of the church use as their excuse that the church is full of hypocrites. Their perception is further confirmed by actions of a man who leads the evangelical cause, while also engaging in a secret life of sin.
Third, this situation will be used by political opponents as further evidence of the corruptness of religion and politics.
Amidst all the talk, we need the humility to realize several things:
There but for the grace of God go I. As a friend told me over the phone after learning of all this, none of us is exempt from temptation and seduction. Any one of us could through our own weakness or circumstances be susceptible to moral turpitude.
There is forgiveness. Other Christian leaders have had moral failure, but through a proper process of repentance, accountability and restoration have been redeemed from a horrible destructive situation.
Jesus said that lust of the heart is as destructive as the outward act. And for the individual that’s true. But a person who acts outwardly on inward lust hurts a lot more people: family, friends, reputation, the church, and on and on.
Whether in places of leadership or not, it is our responsibility to live a life that will bring honor to Christ. What can be learned from this?
We all are sinners. We all have a dark side. But if we’re having difficulty controlling our sin nature, we need to seek help from mature fellow-believers who can hold us accountable for our behavior. This is especially true if we’re in positions of spiritual leadership.
We need to keep our guard up in situations that breed temptation. That includes hotel rooms. That includes insulating ourselves from accountability. That means we, as the Bible says, “Make no provision for the flesh.”
And we must avoid the accusations of hypocrisy by living with integrity—that means being the same person on the inside as we portray on the outside.
We must not look to people as ultimate source of wisdom, spirituality and affirmation of faith. People fail. Only Jesus is worthy of that high degree of trust. Whenever we take our eyes off of Jesus, we run the risk of picking a model who is unworthy of the pedestal. And we run the risk of missing Heaven by rejecting the real thing because of a few fakes.
This is especially bothersome to me because I know Mr. Haggard and worked with him on a number of ministry projects. He is one of the most gifted leaders I’ve known. He has a winsome personality and highly dedicated to serving God. It’s greivous to me that a man so gifted and dedicated could fall into what he now acknowledges as a lifelong addiction to immorality. How does such an outstanding personality who has risen to the pinnacle of success in his ministry field become enslaved to sin and become such an embarrassment to evangelicals, the church and the name of Christ?
This causes several problems
One, the word evangelical is a good word. It means one who spreads good news. But to the world, the word evangelical has come to be associated with narrow-minded, mean-spirited political posturing. Now evangelical will have further baggage attached to its name because of the inconsistent moral lifestyle of its prominent leader.
Second, many who are outside of the church use as their excuse that the church is full of hypocrites. Their perception is further confirmed by actions of a man who leads the evangelical cause, while also engaging in a secret life of sin.
Third, this situation will be used by political opponents as further evidence of the corruptness of religion and politics.
Amidst all the talk, we need the humility to realize several things:
There but for the grace of God go I. As a friend told me over the phone after learning of all this, none of us is exempt from temptation and seduction. Any one of us could through our own weakness or circumstances be susceptible to moral turpitude.
There is forgiveness. Other Christian leaders have had moral failure, but through a proper process of repentance, accountability and restoration have been redeemed from a horrible destructive situation.
Jesus said that lust of the heart is as destructive as the outward act. And for the individual that’s true. But a person who acts outwardly on inward lust hurts a lot more people: family, friends, reputation, the church, and on and on.
Whether in places of leadership or not, it is our responsibility to live a life that will bring honor to Christ. What can be learned from this?
We all are sinners. We all have a dark side. But if we’re having difficulty controlling our sin nature, we need to seek help from mature fellow-believers who can hold us accountable for our behavior. This is especially true if we’re in positions of spiritual leadership.
We need to keep our guard up in situations that breed temptation. That includes hotel rooms. That includes insulating ourselves from accountability. That means we, as the Bible says, “Make no provision for the flesh.”
And we must avoid the accusations of hypocrisy by living with integrity—that means being the same person on the inside as we portray on the outside.
We must not look to people as ultimate source of wisdom, spirituality and affirmation of faith. People fail. Only Jesus is worthy of that high degree of trust. Whenever we take our eyes off of Jesus, we run the risk of picking a model who is unworthy of the pedestal. And we run the risk of missing Heaven by rejecting the real thing because of a few fakes.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Vox Pop
The voice of the people—Vox Pop—has spoken. The recent so-called off-year elections were anything but ho-hum. A remarkable shift has occurred in how Americans view their government and how the two major political parties function.
It’s not unusual for a sitting president to lose Congress in the last two years of his 2nd term. It happened to Truman. It happened to Eisenhower. Truman worked well with an opposing party congress. Eisenhower was severely restricted by opposing congress. President Clinton lost the House in 94 and the Senate in 98. The question will be whether George W. Bush will be able to work with the opposing majority in control of Congress. And whether Nancy Polosi, the new Speaker of the House will indeed seek partnership not partisanship, as she committed to do.
Clearly Americans expressed their disapproval over Iraq. And their dismay over the moral scandal within the Republican Party.
But there’s something deeper than just a divided executive and legislative branch. There’s a shift taking place within the democratic and Republican parties…and a shift in the way Americans think.
The Democrats appear to have moved more centrist. The candidates who won are either people of faith or faith-friendly. Many are pro-life. At the same time, evangelicals didn’t turn out for the Republican Party. 1/3 of evangelicals voted Democratic.
Democrats presented candidates more socially and religiously moderate in several Tennessee and Pennsylvania, conservative Republicans faced Democrats who spoke the language of faith. Senator Barack Obama has impressed many with his ability to speak affirmingly and fluently about the importance of morality and faith to democratic life
The evangelical movement may be more diverse than we thought. I hear it all the time from listeners to Moody Radio. Even Dr. James Dobson recently expressed his disillusionment with the current party in power.
A more centrist voice could help both parties. California Governor Schwarzenegger was obviously helped in his bid for reelection by moving to a more moderate stand on key issues. Democrats could help their cause by supporting parental notification on abortion, or programs promoting abstinence and marital fidelity. And evangelicals in the Democratic Party are still a minority. However, men and women of strong moral values and Biblical ethics should not abandon the Democratic Party. And as Christ’s followers we should love people in both political parties equally
George Hunter III, writing in Christianity Today stated:
Some evangelicals have been strangely mute on the social ethic of God's kingdom; the world might not even know, from us, what it would look like if the will of God were done "on earth, as in heaven."
Bottom line, we as Christians, as evangelicals must recover key Biblical ethics in our politics. That goes beyond the hot-button issues of abortion, gay marriage and prayer in schools to weightier matters of justice, poverty, peace, health, the environment. We also need to apply Biblical world views on war, violence, economics, health care, AIDS, Let the voice of the people, especially from the people of God in both parties speak the voice of our God to a needy society. And may God truly bless America.
It’s not unusual for a sitting president to lose Congress in the last two years of his 2nd term. It happened to Truman. It happened to Eisenhower. Truman worked well with an opposing party congress. Eisenhower was severely restricted by opposing congress. President Clinton lost the House in 94 and the Senate in 98. The question will be whether George W. Bush will be able to work with the opposing majority in control of Congress. And whether Nancy Polosi, the new Speaker of the House will indeed seek partnership not partisanship, as she committed to do.
Clearly Americans expressed their disapproval over Iraq. And their dismay over the moral scandal within the Republican Party.
But there’s something deeper than just a divided executive and legislative branch. There’s a shift taking place within the democratic and Republican parties…and a shift in the way Americans think.
The Democrats appear to have moved more centrist. The candidates who won are either people of faith or faith-friendly. Many are pro-life. At the same time, evangelicals didn’t turn out for the Republican Party. 1/3 of evangelicals voted Democratic.
Democrats presented candidates more socially and religiously moderate in several Tennessee and Pennsylvania, conservative Republicans faced Democrats who spoke the language of faith. Senator Barack Obama has impressed many with his ability to speak affirmingly and fluently about the importance of morality and faith to democratic life
The evangelical movement may be more diverse than we thought. I hear it all the time from listeners to Moody Radio. Even Dr. James Dobson recently expressed his disillusionment with the current party in power.
A more centrist voice could help both parties. California Governor Schwarzenegger was obviously helped in his bid for reelection by moving to a more moderate stand on key issues. Democrats could help their cause by supporting parental notification on abortion, or programs promoting abstinence and marital fidelity. And evangelicals in the Democratic Party are still a minority. However, men and women of strong moral values and Biblical ethics should not abandon the Democratic Party. And as Christ’s followers we should love people in both political parties equally
George Hunter III, writing in Christianity Today stated:
Some evangelicals have been strangely mute on the social ethic of God's kingdom; the world might not even know, from us, what it would look like if the will of God were done "on earth, as in heaven."
Bottom line, we as Christians, as evangelicals must recover key Biblical ethics in our politics. That goes beyond the hot-button issues of abortion, gay marriage and prayer in schools to weightier matters of justice, poverty, peace, health, the environment. We also need to apply Biblical world views on war, violence, economics, health care, AIDS, Let the voice of the people, especially from the people of God in both parties speak the voice of our God to a needy society. And may God truly bless America.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Advice from James
Norma is at the other end of the country in Puget Sound with her cousins. I usually use these time for spiritual retreat. I'm in the book of James in the New Testament and finding some real practical stuff.
1. To be wise God's way, Live a life of steady goodness and don't brag about it.
Avoid jealousy and selfishness. That produces disorder and evil.
God's wisdom is pure, peaceful, gentle, yielding, merciful and full of good deeds.
2. If your goal is enjoyment, you'll miss God. So humble yourself, resist the enemy.
Draw near to God and He'll draw near to you.
Admit our dependence on Him and He will lift you up.
3. Don't speak evil of others. It's like criticizing God. God judges, so who are we to criticize?
4. Live day to day. Learn to say: "If God wills!"
5. Learn Job's patience. He endured and the Lord's plan finally ended in good.
1. To be wise God's way, Live a life of steady goodness and don't brag about it.
Avoid jealousy and selfishness. That produces disorder and evil.
God's wisdom is pure, peaceful, gentle, yielding, merciful and full of good deeds.
2. If your goal is enjoyment, you'll miss God. So humble yourself, resist the enemy.
Draw near to God and He'll draw near to you.
Admit our dependence on Him and He will lift you up.
3. Don't speak evil of others. It's like criticizing God. God judges, so who are we to criticize?
4. Live day to day. Learn to say: "If God wills!"
5. Learn Job's patience. He endured and the Lord's plan finally ended in good.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Up at 3 a.m.
I'm wide awake at 3 a.m. I hate it. But I find it's during these times I get my best ideas. So I'm writing in my journal preparing for some challenging meetings in the days ahead. "Lord, give me wisdom. Let me hear from you."
Monday, September 04, 2006
The Cross-Centered Life
Over summer vacation, I picked up a little 88 page book by C.J. Mahaney entitled The Cross-centered Life: Keeping the Gospel the Main Thing. It’s so easy for those of us who have been followers of Jesus for a long time to think we must move beyond the basics of sin and redemption. BUT, the cross was absolutely central to the teaching of Paul. His life message was that Jesus died so sinners could be reconciled to God. He told Christians at Corinth: “I desire to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.”
Sometimes the most important truths are the easiest to forget. George Orwell stated: “The first duty of intelligent men is restatement of the obvious.” I believe we as followers of Christ must go back to the starting point of the Christian life—the cross of Christ. Jesus' work on our behalf must be the central motivation for our life and faith. That message is the main thing.
I’m concerned about creeping legalism that seeks God’s favor through obedience. Noah believed God and it was counted as righteousness. Paul said unequivocally, “There is now therefore NO CONDEMNATION to those who are in Christ Jesus.”Jerry Bridges of The Navigators said: “Preach the Gospel to yourself. Continually face up to your sinfulness and flee to Jesus through faith.” Memorize the Gospel. Review how the Gospel has changed your life. Study the Gospel (Romans, Galatians). And never lay it aside. Never move on.
On Moody Radio, let’s not think we can move beyond the central message of Calvary. Let’s always look for ways we can present the central message of God’s word that Christ Jesus came to earth to save sinners. If George Barna’s estimates are correct, 1 out of 3 listeners to our stations do not have a personal relationship to Jesus Christ. Many are church people who have never come to the foot of the cross in repentance of sin, believing God’s provision and appropriating God’s gift of forgiveness and eternal life.
So what are you focused on? Every airshift, 5 a.m-9 a.m., 9 a.m.-2 p.m., 2 p.m.-7 p.m., 7 p.m.-Midnight and Midnight -5 a.m., there should be a clear presentation of salvation and the call to come to Jesus in confession and faith. Share your testimony, use a Need Him spot, play a “song of the cross.”
We do want to take our listeners deeper into the things of God. But let me say this: There’s no more compelling reason to obey God than gratitude for what Jesus did on Calvary. There is no greater stirring of passion for Christ than to experience the foot of the cross in repentance and faith. There’s nothing that stirs greater love for Christ than the realization of what Christ did for us--dying on the cross in our behalf.
A seminary professor told our class: “As I grow in Christ, the closer I get to a holy God, the greater the realization of my sinful condition.” If you’re lacking in passion for Christ, if there’s a lack of joy in your Christian life, let me suggest--get back to the cross.
So what will be the center of your life? I pray it might be the cross. What will be our central message of Moody Radio? I pray it might be the cross-centered message of Jesus dying so that we might be reconciled with God and live with Him forever. I’ll be holding us to this…and I’ll be listening for the core message of Calvary.
By the way, I’ve asked that “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” be sung at my funeral.
“When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died;
My riches gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.
Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a tribute far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine demands my soul, my life, my all.”
Sometimes the most important truths are the easiest to forget. George Orwell stated: “The first duty of intelligent men is restatement of the obvious.” I believe we as followers of Christ must go back to the starting point of the Christian life—the cross of Christ. Jesus' work on our behalf must be the central motivation for our life and faith. That message is the main thing.
I’m concerned about creeping legalism that seeks God’s favor through obedience. Noah believed God and it was counted as righteousness. Paul said unequivocally, “There is now therefore NO CONDEMNATION to those who are in Christ Jesus.”Jerry Bridges of The Navigators said: “Preach the Gospel to yourself. Continually face up to your sinfulness and flee to Jesus through faith.” Memorize the Gospel. Review how the Gospel has changed your life. Study the Gospel (Romans, Galatians). And never lay it aside. Never move on.
On Moody Radio, let’s not think we can move beyond the central message of Calvary. Let’s always look for ways we can present the central message of God’s word that Christ Jesus came to earth to save sinners. If George Barna’s estimates are correct, 1 out of 3 listeners to our stations do not have a personal relationship to Jesus Christ. Many are church people who have never come to the foot of the cross in repentance of sin, believing God’s provision and appropriating God’s gift of forgiveness and eternal life.
So what are you focused on? Every airshift, 5 a.m-9 a.m., 9 a.m.-2 p.m., 2 p.m.-7 p.m., 7 p.m.-Midnight and Midnight -5 a.m., there should be a clear presentation of salvation and the call to come to Jesus in confession and faith. Share your testimony, use a Need Him spot, play a “song of the cross.”
We do want to take our listeners deeper into the things of God. But let me say this: There’s no more compelling reason to obey God than gratitude for what Jesus did on Calvary. There is no greater stirring of passion for Christ than to experience the foot of the cross in repentance and faith. There’s nothing that stirs greater love for Christ than the realization of what Christ did for us--dying on the cross in our behalf.
A seminary professor told our class: “As I grow in Christ, the closer I get to a holy God, the greater the realization of my sinful condition.” If you’re lacking in passion for Christ, if there’s a lack of joy in your Christian life, let me suggest--get back to the cross.
So what will be the center of your life? I pray it might be the cross. What will be our central message of Moody Radio? I pray it might be the cross-centered message of Jesus dying so that we might be reconciled with God and live with Him forever. I’ll be holding us to this…and I’ll be listening for the core message of Calvary.
By the way, I’ve asked that “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” be sung at my funeral.
“When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died;
My riches gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.
Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a tribute far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine demands my soul, my life, my all.”
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