Jesus

“God Wants Me to Be Happy”

Posted on by Bob Mathews

There is something within the human heart that longs for personal happiness. Our American forefathers were searching for “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” We want to smile, laugh, and have a good time. When others ask us how we are doing, we want to honestly say, “I’m doing great!”

Personal happiness is not wrong when placed in the proper context. As the wise man Solomon searched for the meaning of life, he did not rule out the importance of happiness: “Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work – this is a gift of God” (Eccles. 5:19).

God is the Giver of all good gifts which bring us joy (James 1:17). The apostle Paul proclaimed God’s goodness to the people of Lystra: “Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy” (Acts14:17). Our trust and praise should be directed toward God, “who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (1 Tim. 6:17).

“God wants me to be happy” is a common statement made today by people who are wanting to excuse themselves from obeying the commands of God. However, is personal happiness our chief objective in life? The answer to this question is an emphatic “No!” If we seek only to make ourselves happy in the here and now, we will miss out on eternal joy. Self-centeredness makes us enemies of the cross of Christ (Phil. 3:17-21). Christ challenges us to lose our lives so that we can find true life. Personal happiness should never displace personal holiness, for “without holiness no one will see the Lord” (Heb. 12:14).

Jesus is the ultimate example of one who put aside self to please the Father and serve others. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:2). Jesus did not excuse himself form obeying the will of God. He sacrificed temporary happiness for holiness. His choices were made with eternal joy in mind. Let us have the attitude of Christ!

God does want you to be happy, but He also wants you to know exactly what true happiness is and where it comes from. It is not found in the things of this world that will disappear, but in God through Christ who are eternal. Don’t cast aside God or His opinions (teachings). Take them to heart if you want true happiness.

What do you rely on?

Posted on by Bob Mathews

This is a question that popped into my head yesterday. With all the cold weather around the country, it should be no surprise that we got our share. The snow was nice to see and it was exciting for our young son to experience it for the first time. However, troubles come with snow most of the time. It is always a possibility that power may go out when the weather gets bad enough. Sure enough, we lost power sometime in the middle of the night. This is not something we haven’t dealt with before though. My wife and I have lost power before but this time seemed very different. It was the first time that we went without power with a baby in the house. It made me realize just how much we needed that electricity. If it was just us, we could have managed the cold. Our son has needs that only the electricity could supply. He doesn’t understand how to keep himself bundled up for warmth when the temperatures are freezing. Luckily, he will drink cold milk but it is definitely not his preference. All that to say, we rely on the ability to flip a switch and have power at our fingertips more than we ever realized.

It made me think though, do I rely on God and Jesus this much? Are they so important to our everyday lives that without them our days grow difficult or even unbearable? The truth is, we must rely on God and Jesus that much. Without them there would be nothing, no life, no you or me. “In the beginning God (Elohim) created the heavens and the earth” (Gen. 1:1). You can continue reading on from there and see God go on to create all aspects of life including people. If you look at John 1:1 and following you would see that Jesus was there at the beginning with God as the Word that helped to create all things and continues to hold all things together. Unfortunately, after we were created, like bad weather causing problems, sin was brought into the world by going against what God commanded. This continues today whenever we choose to go against God. Because of our sin we are separated from the one who we need the most. Luckily for us, this is not the end of the story.

Insert God’s love here. If we look further into the gospel of John, we get to the famous passage John 3:16. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” This is not the only passage we should know, but it does give us an idea about why we need to rely on God and Jesus so much. God loves us enough to show us grace and mercy. Mercy because we deserve punishment that He is willing to forego. Grace because He is willing to also bless us with a gift that we don’t deserve and could never earn in spite of our sin. But the only way we could be blessed in either of these ways is because He was willing to allow His Son (Jesus) to die for our sins and it is our belief, trust, and obedience to Him that affords us the blessings of His sacrifice.

So, what do you rely on? Is it the amount of money in the bank? Is it the job that pays the money? Is it the car that gets you to the job? Is it your family that takes care of you? Is it the government that provides what you need? The truth, however sad it may seem to be, is that all of those thing like electricity could be gone. And they may never come back. Nothing on this earth will last forever or ultimately be reliable. God and His Son are the only truly reliable sources that you will ever find. They were here at the beginning and the will continue after the earth is no more. Don’t take them for granted like electricity. A day is coming when the light switch of life will no longer work. When that day comes it will be too late to start believing and relying on them. If you have a desire not to perish and have eternal life, than choose to rely on Jesus today. It is those that believe and follow Him that have blessings from God that are necessary for eternal life.

Taking Offense

Posted on by Bob Mathews

It seems many are searching today for an unoffensive religion. One that is all inclusive, non-confrontational, and non-judgmental. Jesus is recast into a mold of complete gentleness and acceptance. Preaching is simply “feel good,” designed to satisfy what people want to hear. Paul warned Timothy of this even back when the church wasn’t far from inception;

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths” (2 Tim. 4:3-4).

However, the Author of true Christianity was one who offended many people. Jesus offended the residents of his hometown Nazareth by his wisdom and miracles. “And they took offense at him” (Matt. 13:57). Jesus’ exposure of false religious traditions certainly did not please people. The disciples, apparently concerned about Jesus’ popularity, came to him and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?” (Matt. 15:12). And even Jesus’ answer to the disciples’ question would have many calling Him insensitive or intolerant. He says, “Every plant which My heavenly Father did not plant shall be uprooted. Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” (Matt. 15:13-14)

Again, in Luke 11 Jesus doesn’t hold back to save the feelings of the Pharisees (Read Luke 11:37-44). After Jesus had denounced the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, an expert in the Law answered him, “Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us also” (Luke 11:45). And when we continue reading we see that Jesus does not try to save their feelings either. Jesus, knowing the hearts of men, boldly accused the Jewish leaders of being “sons of hell,” “whitewashed tombs,” and a “brood of vipers” (Matt. 23:15, 27, 33).

Don’t mistake forgiveness for tolerance. Jesus is one who will forgive our sins and trespasses but He will not tolerate them.

The Christian life will not be void of confrontation and judgment calls. Being faithful to the Lord may bring you difficulty in the classroom, at work, at home, and maybe even in the church (see Matt. 10:17-39)! Instead of looking to win popularity contests or being people pleasers, let us set our sights on pleasing the Father. Because if there is any offense we should really concern ourselves with it should be that of offending our heavenly Father, the only one who can destroy both body and soul.

Don’t let tolerance for evil cast you away from what is truly good. Don’t let worrying about being offensive to some stop you from standing up to confess Christ. Christ is here for you not for sin.

FACT of the Gospel

Posted on by Bob Mathews

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John present the one true gospel (see Gal. 1-6-9) from four different perspectives. Each writer has a particular audience in mind as he portrays the life of Jesus. Major themes within each account compose the acrostic “FACT.”

Fulfillment. It is believed that the Gospel of Matthew was sent primarily to Jewish Christians. Matthew uses the genealogy of Jesus to prove he is the fulfillment of prophesy the Messiah. Matthew includes the greatest number of quotations from the Old Testament in any New Testament book. Matthew also discusses divine intervention in the world of men and establishes Jesus’ sinless nature and position as master teacher. He does this to prove that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah), the fulfillment of the Old Testament because that is the goal of the book.

Action. It is believed that the Gospel of Mark was sent primarily to Gentile Christians, possibly in Rome. Mark’s account is the most concise as he portrays Jesus as a “man of action,” a powerful miracle worker. The episodes of Jesus’ life are woven together by the Greek word eutheos which is translated “straightway,” “immediately,” “at once,” and “without delay.” It is used 42 times throughout the short 16-chapter book.

Compassion. The Gospel of Luke was addressed to “most excellent Theophilus” (Luke 1:3), but it was certainly intended for a wider audience among the Gentiles. This book was the first of two volumes, the second being Acts. Luke demonstrates the compassion of Jesus for the disenfranchised of Jewish society: women, the poor, Samaritans, tax collectors, and sinners. Luke also helps comfort all those who read his writing of the gospel by providing a sense of assurance in the accuracy of the message. He lays out facts in an orderly fashion, but not merely just trying to present history. He presents historical facts that point to something greater/significant – the fact that God has entered into human history offering His Son as the payment for the sin of mankind. No greater compassion can be shown.

Truth. It is believed that the Gospel of John was written for Christians and non-Christians alike, possibly in Ephesus. John emphasizes the evidence or testimony for faith in Jesus. “Truth” is a key word, occurring over 50 times in the account. Jesus’ miracles are signs that testify to the truth: Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. (John 20:30-31 – “Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.”)

The FACT of the matter is that Jesus is the Fulfillment of everything that was told and promised, the perfect man of Action to carry out God’s will, Compassionate in a way that proved God’s love was shown for all mankind, and the Truth that we need to believe in and bear witness of in our own lives.

Prayer in the Life of our Savior

Posted on by Bob Mathews

Jesus demonstrated great dependence on the Father which helped him fulfill his mission on earth. Prayer gave him strength to teach and heal, aided him in difficult decisions, and sustained him through the dark hours of temptation. Great things often happened when Jesus prayed. After Jesus was immersed, he prayed. At that time “heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased‘” (Luke 3:21, 22).

After the wilderness temptations, Jesus began to preach and teach. His message was accompanied by the casting out of demons and healing of all sicknesses. This ministry was surely draining for Jesus since people continually came to him with their physical and spiritual problems. After a healing episode, Jesus tried to get away: “At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them” (4:42). The Savior retreated for both physical rest and spiritual revitalization: “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (5:16; see 9:10, 11).

Major decisions in the life of Christ were met with prayer. Jesus had already attracted a following of disciples. But it was time for him to designate leaders among them who would be his closest associates. “One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles” (6:12, 13).

Later, while he was praying with his disciples, Jesus asked them about his identity.  The disciples had heard Jesus teach and they had seen him perform miracles – but they had also heard his fervent prayers. “And He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ And Peter answered and said, ‘The Christ of God’” (9:20). After a few days, Jesus took the inner circle – Peter, James, and John – up on a mountain for the purpose of praying. Jesus was transformed before his sleepy disciples: “As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning” (9:29).

After hearing the Savior pray one day, the disciples asked Jesus to instruct them (11:1). Jesus also told them a parable about a persistent widow to encourage their prayer life and endurance (18:1-8). He upheld the sanctity of the temple based on the premise that it was to be a “house of prayer” (19:46). Jesus called his disciples to greater heights of prayer: “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man” (21:36).

It was also in the darkest of moments that Jesus fervently prayed. He prayed for Simon’s final outcome – that after he had fallen he would be restored to usefulness among the disciples (22:31, 32). Jesus prayed for himself – for the cup of suffering to be taken from him: “Father, if you are willing take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (22:42). In his submission, Jesus was strengthened by an angel and was empowered to endure the suffering of crucifixion. The Savior even prayed from the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (23:34).

It’s not hard to look at the life of Jesus and see how important prayer is. It helps to connect you with the Father. It can bring strength and renewal. It can even be a way to convey your concerns or cares to God. Prayer will hopefully be as important to us as it is to Jesus. Hopefully we will have a continual practice of communication with our Lord each and every day.

Why Jesus Came to Earth

Posted on by Bob Mathews

We’re at the time of year when many are thinking about the birth of Christ. However, I hope that you will consider with me, for a least a moment, why? Why did Jesus who is divine come to Earth and take on the form of flesh and blood?

The Apostle Paul says: “for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealously and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men? (I Cor. 3:3)” Paul also says, ” I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh . . .Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? (Rom. 7:14-24)”

It seems then, that “flesh” is not a very good thing. It refers to that quality within us that inclines us to sin against God. In contrast to us, Jesus was not fleshly. Or was he? One of the most profound passages of the New Testament is John 1:14. “And the word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” With all the negative connotations behind the word “flesh”, it is interesting that we are told that Jesus, who was God, became flesh!

The first reaction would be to say that this is merely talking about his physical flesh, not all the weaknesses inherent with flesh. However, Jesus was indeed human. He was born a human, dependent child, just like every other child. He had diapers, he cried, he was vulnerable. He lived in subjection to his parents. When Lazarus died, he wept. We he was nailed to the cross, he bled! He was most definitely human.

This passage says, “Since the children share in flesh and blood, He himself likewise also partook of the same, He had to be made like his brethren in all things, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest” (Heb. 2:14-17).

Jesus was made like us in ALL things. That’s why it says, “Although he was a son, he learned obedience through the things which he suffered. And having been made perfect, he became to all those who obey him the source of eternal salvation (Heb. 5:8-9).” Wait a minute! Jesus had to “learn” obedience? Jesus had to be “made” perfect? Wasn’t he already perfect? This is what I mean when I say this is profound. Something very significant happened when the word became flesh. Jesus had to “become” perfect as a human by overcoming temptation.

What does a Jesus as a perfect “man” do for us? “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest taken from among men is appointed on behalf of men in things pertaining to God, he can deal gently with the ignorant and the misguided, since he himself also is beset with weaknesses (Heb. 4:14-5:2).” His humanity allowed him not to be just a High Priest, but a “merciful and faithful” High Priest. In other words, he walked in our shoes in a most marvelous and mysterious way, and can sympathize with us! The major difference, which the book discusses in later chapters, is that Jesus, although tempted, did not succumb to temptation.

Jesus came to this Earth as flesh and blood for the purpose to save our souls and show us the way to the Heavenly Father. Jesus endured all and became perfect for us. Hopefully, He is more than just some baby born in a manger to you. He should be our everything!

Peer Pressure (Daniel 3)

Posted on by Bob Mathews

The probability is that in all of our lives at some point we have been pressured into deciding to do something. This is a common occurrence that can happen at any point in life. The question is what choice did you make? Now not all peer pressure is bad, at times it can simply be neutral or even good. Sometimes it can help us to grow as a person. The example I am thinking of is when your friends talk you into eating something you have never tried or going to a type of restaurant that you have never been to. No matter the decision you make on these kinds of peer pressures you are still in good standing. There is no tarnished reputation or worry about someone knowing what you have done.

However, it is true that when we think of peer pressure we generally think of it in a negative light. And in most cases, this is an unfortunate fact. So when these times of peer pressure arise do you make a decision based on what is easier for you now or what is better for you later?

Interestingly enough this is something dealt with throughout history and the Bible mentions such occasions and can help us reach a good decision. In the book of Daniel, Daniel has three specific men mentioned as being taken with him into Babylonian captivity Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. These men in their work in Babylon came to a time of extreme pressure. They had the choice to bow down and worship something other than God or be killed. These men chose what was better than what was easy at the time because they knew God was with them no matter the outcome. When you are a child of God you have the knowledge that God will always be on our side no matter what as long as we make our decisions based on what God would want us to do. If we chose what is better for later, rather than what is easy now we can be assured that God will stand by our side.                                                                                                                                          Jacob Saarloos