pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: salvation


by Leave a comment

Intimately Acquainted

Reading: Psalm 1

Psalm 1:6 – “The Lord is intimately acquainted with the way of the righteous.”

Photo credit: Felipe Correia

Psalm 1 continues the ideas of Jeremiah 18, Luke 14, Psalm 139, Deuteronomy 30, and Philemon: there are two ways to live in this world. One can choose to deny self, to pick up one’s cross, to follow God’s commands, living a holy and righteous life. Or one can choose to live for self, to walk in the way of the world, living an inwardly focused, sinful life. Psalm 1 mostly paints the same black and white choice that we find in most of these other Old Testament passages.

For the psalmist, those who choose to love God’s instruction are “like a tree replanted by steams of water.” There is a hint of the potter recasting the clay here. To be replanted implies new or second life, redemption and restoration. A life of faith, a life dedicated to the Lord, it “bears fruit at just the right time.” David wrote of God’s plans for us in Psalm 139. To follow and live into God’s ways will be fruitful and will connect us to the one in whom we were fearfully and wonderfully made. To be holy is to walk closely with God. In verse 6 the psalmist describes the outcome of this choice this way: “The Lord is intimately acquainted with the way of the righteous.” For the writer and for us, true happiness and joy are found in a close, personal relationship with God.

This close, personal, intimate relationship is fostered and developed and grows when we “recite God’s instruction day and night.” For the psalmist, this was living with God’s will and way ever before him or her. This remains true today. In our lives, temptation is always there, always seeking to draw us away from God. So may we, like the psalmist, daily and regularly study and meditate on God’s word, becoming intimately acquainted with the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord God, we ask that you would walk with us closely, guiding us and leading us as we seek to walk the path of life. Replant us when necessary, shaping and reshaping us as we wander and return. Each time, draw us deeper into relationship with you, our hope and our salvation. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Reconciled Together

Reading: Ephesians 2:11-16

Ephesians 2:13 – “But now, thanks to Christ Jesus, you who were once so far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”

Chapter 2 opens with Paul reminding the believers in Ephesus that they were all once “people of this world,” living for self, doing whatever felt good. Living this way, they were “children headed for punishment.” But because of God’s great love and grace, they were saved. The believers were offered and accepted the gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

Beginning in verse 11, Paul reminds the Gentile Christians that they were once without Christ. Non-Jews by birth, they were “aliens rather than citizens… strangers to the covenants.” Because they were on the outside looking in, they were without hope. Continuing from this place of lostness, Paul writes, “But now, thanks to Christ Jesus, you who were once so far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” The Gentile Christians now know the love and grace of God. They now are citizens of God’s family, heirs to the promises.

Shifting gears, now addressing the Jewish Christians yet wanting the Gentile Christians to still hear, Paul writes, “Christ is our peace.” Jesus is what unites Jew and Gentile into one group. Through his sacrifice, Jesus “broke down the barrier” that had separated them. The law of love detailed in Christ’s life and teachings has now replaced the “detailed rules” found in the Law of Moses. “By the cross,” Jesus reconciled both Jews and Gentiles to God, making them one, ending their hostility to God and to one another.

As Christ continued to break down barriers, the division between Jew and Gentile became less and less. Yes, there were still parts of each that remained, but it no longer divided them. Today, what divides Methodist from Catholic from Baptist from… is much less important than what unites us as the body of Christ. May this truth increasingly become a reality for all believers today, just as it did in Ephesus.

Prayer: Lord God, continue to open hearts to unity in the body of Christ. Help us to see our great commonalities rather than our small differences. Lead the church today to be united as the family of God. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Ingredients for Transformation

Reading: Acts 26:15-18

Acts 26;17-18 – “I am sending you to open their eyes. Then they can turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

In today’s reading Paul is telling his conversion and call story before King Agrippa. This is his last stop before being sent to Rome to stand trial before Caesar. As Paul is presenting his case, he starts at the beginning, on the day that he was traveling to Damascus to pursue and arrest more Christians. Blinded by a light from heaven, Paul encounters the risen Jesus. Gathering his bearings, Saul asks, “Who are you, Lord?”

Jesus identifies himself as “the one whom you are harassing.” The degree of connection that Jesus claims here is interesting. These words echo his words about “whenever you do this to one of the least of these…” (Matthew 25:40.) Jesus calls Saul, stating the he is here now “to appoint you as my servant and witness.” All the power and emotion of rage and hatred will be redirected as compassion and love. Further describing his new role, Jesus tells him, “I am sending you to open their eyes. Then they can turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God.” Through Paul many will receive salvation, forgiveness of sin, and inclusion in the family of God.

Through this experience and others that will follow, Paul is made fully Jesus’. His whole life and being will focus on making Jesus known, on bringing others to a saving faith in Christ. In neither this account or the original telling (Acts 9) do we hear Paul apologizing to Jesus or repenting of his sinful actions against Jesus and his church. But the evidence bears witness to a complete 180, to a total change of heart. Making amends, admitting fault, seeking forgiveness are all necessary ingredients for transformation. Often these happen first in the heart, opening the way to bring made new.

Prayer: Lord God, speak into our hearts, open our eyes, reveal to us the ways that we are less than you call us to be in our witness to you and to our faith. Call us forward into the plans that you have for us, strengthening and encouraging us for the journey. Amen.


by Leave a comment

The Gospel of Reconciliation

Reading: 2nd Corinthians 5:14-20

2nd Corinthians 5:18 – “God… reconciled us to himself through Christ and… gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”

Our passage today sums up the heart of Paul’s gospel of reconciliation. Through his life on earth, experiencing our sinfulness and his own death, Jesus can identify with us and with our struggles. And through his death and resurrection, Jesus transformed our reality. Through Jesus Christ we are made part of the “new creation.” In this new reality we live no longer for self but for Christ.

Paul recalls a time when Jesus was known by “human standards.” He was a good teacher, maybe even a prophet of God. He could do some amazing things – but so could Moses, Elijah, Elisha… But because of Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection, believers know Jesus as God in the flesh. Through this understanding and through belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, that person is part of the “new creation.” Being made new, the old self dies, along with its sins. In this way we are made new and are reconciled to God.

For Paul though, and really for all true followers, there is a recognition that one is not “done” once one professes faith in Christ. Instead, our salvation leads to this understanding: “God… reconciled us to himself through Christ and… gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” We, like Paul, become “ambassadors” who represent Christ, sharing our faith so that others can also experience salvation and new life. God continues building the kingdom here on earth, “negotiating” through us for the salvation of lost souls. May we ever be ministers of the gospel of reconciliation and salvation!

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you for the gift given by the one who bled and died for our sins, opening the way for mercy and grace and love to reconcile us back to you. May our gratitude for this gift be expressed in how we share it with others. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Lights to the World

Reading: Acts 13:48-52

Acts 13:50 – “However, the Jews provoked the prominent women among the Gentile worshippers… to harass Paul and Barnabas.”

Paul and Barnabas are in Antioch as our passage begins. They’ve been sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with Jews in the local synagogue. Some have come to faith in Jesus but most have not. In verse 44 the circle expands. Here we see that “almost everyone in the city” gathers to hear Paul speak. The Jews are jealous so they try to slander Paul. Filled with Holy Spirit courage, Paul quotes Isaiah 49:6 to them. The prophet speaks of being “a light to the nations” and about salvation going out “to the ends of the earth.” Talk about expanding the circle of God’s love!

In verse 48 we hear the Gentile’s reaction: “they rejoiced and honored God’s word.” Many heard Paul speak and came to believe in Jesus. The word was soon spoken throughout that region. Instead of rejoicing alongside Paul and Barnabas, “the Jews provoked the prominent women among the Gentile worshippers… to harass Paul and Barnabas.” They stirred up trouble. Their envy burned hot within them. Paul and Barnabas were forced to move on. But because of the powerful presence and work of the Holy Spirit, they left filled with happiness.

Envy and jealousy remain driving forces in our world and in our churches. They lead us to at least want to tear others down who find success when we do not. They urge us to cut corners and to skirt the rules to get what we want. They can instill hatred and contempt in our hearts when we cannot level up. And sometimes these sins will be directed at us, as they were at Paul and Barnabas. Like them, may we shake it off, rejoice in what God is doing, and continue in the work that God has placed before us.

Prayer: Lord God, all who follow Jesus are called to be lights to the world, to proclaim salvation for all people. Sometimes others find more success. Sometimes we are harassed for our efforts. In all cases, Lord, keep us focused on the charge to make disciples of all peoples. May it all be for your glory and praise! Amen.


by Leave a comment

A Choice to Make

Reading: Ephesians 1:3-10

Ephesians 1:7 – “We have been ransomed through his Son’s blood, and we have forgiveness for our failures based on his overflowing grace.”

Paul opens his letter to the Ephesians with a beautiful and clear declaration of salvation by grace through faith. These are wonderful words to turn to as we are living in unsettling and uneasy times, giving us an actor to God’s unchanging and unmoving character and promises.

Today’s reading begins with a double blessing. Paul offers a blessing to God for the blessing that believers have received from Christ. Jesus set the example for holy and blameless living. Because God loves us all, we are all chosen to be adopted as God’s children, opening the door to living holy and blameless lives. This is God’s plan for all people. Whether or not people step into this destiny – that is a choice we each must make for ourselves.

From God’s perspective, there are no barriers. Grace is freely and generously given through Jesus Christ to one and all. In verse 7 we read of this: “We have been ransomed through his Son’s blood, and we have forgiveness for our failures based on his overflowing grace.” Christ died for us all, “while we were still yet sinners.” His grace is poured out upon us while we are imperfect so that we can be made perfect. We experience this state of perfection momentarily in our lives. We are holy and blameless and then we stumble and fail again. But no matter how many times we repeat this cycle, God is always there offering love and grace.

In verse 10 Paul reveals the end game. At the climax of all time, God will bring all things together in Christ. Heaven and earth will be made new again. Holy and blameless in his presence, we will forever worship the Lord, our Savior. What a glorious day that will be!

Prayer: Lord God, your plan of salvation is intended for us all. You created each of us to live in relationship with you. You would choose us all if it were up to you. But because we are free to choose, some don’t choose to surrender to your plan, to your love and grace. Use us, O God, as living examples of your love and grace, of your mercy and forgiveness, drawing others towards a saving relationship with you. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Freed to Live

Reading: Romans 8:12-17

Romans 8:14 – “All who are led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons and daughters.”

Romans 8 begins with Paul reminding us that we are set free by the Spirit. As Paul develops his argument, he tells us that we have been set free from the law of sin and death. Living by and under the law of Christ’s Spirit, we receive life and righteousness. As we lean into today’s reading Paul reminds us that because we are living under Jesus Christ, we have an obligation. It is not an obligation to selfish or sinful living. That life leads to death.

Our obligation is to live by the Spirit, putting “to death the actions of the body.” Doing so we become part of verse 14: All who are led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons and daughters.” The Spirit of Christ adopts us as children of God. Therefore we don’t have to live in fear under the old spirit of slavery, under the ways of the world. We can remember the fears we felt back when we were children of the world: Am I good enough? Do I have enough? Amen I popular? Am I powerful?…

Living under Christ, our identity is rooted in our place in the family of God. Paul reminds us that because “we are children, we are also heirs.” Although we may suffer at times with Christ, we will also one day be glorified with him. This is the outcome of our faith: the salvation of our souls. Trusting in this we are freed to live as Jesus lived in this world, loving God and loving neighbor every day. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, what a blessing it is to live as your child, led and guided by your Spirit within us. Attune all that we are to your will and way, reflecting who and what you are to the world. Use our words and actions to glorify you. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Protected and Safe

Reading: Psalm 27:1-5

Psalm 27:1b – “The Lord is a fortress protecting my life. Should I be frightened of anything?”

In Psalm 27:1-5 we find a song of confidence in the Lord. As a whole, though, the Psalm is a hopeful prayer offered in the midst of a time of suffering in David’s life. It is optimism and trust in the midst of a storm. These words speak of a security found in the protection of the Lord. The hope, trust, and assurance are not found simply in the moment of need but are built in the daily walk of faith, a walk taken regularly and steadfastly on the good days, on the hard days, and on all the days in between.

In verse 1 David declares that God is his light and salvation, his fortress of protection. Because of this belief David can ask, ‘Who or what should I wear?’ The answers are ‘no one’ and ‘nothing.’ Those evil doers? They will be the ones who stumble and fall. That ‘army’ that comes against me? I will trust in the Lord. My friend, God is our light and salvation, our fortress. We can trust in our God.

David expresses the one thing he asks God for, the one thing that he seeks in verse 4. It is “to live in the Lord’s house all the days of my life.” David us not talking about actually living in the temple. He is talking about walking and talking daily with the Lord, about being in a constant relationship and, therefore, always in God’s presence. In this ‘place,’ God will shelter David and will shelter us. In the presence of God, David is kept safe. So too will we be kept safe. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, give us the dedication and the stamina to walk with you each and every day. When it’s easier to skip time with you, whisper words of love into our hearts. Bless each time that we give to you so that we are drawn more and more to enter that space once again. Thank you for your unfailing and sure love. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Rejoice in Hope

Reading: 1st Peter 1:3-7

1st Peter 1:3c – “You have been born anew into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

1st Peter was written to several house churches scattered across the Roman empire. The faith of these early Christians brought them into conflict with the social norms of the empire. This conflict often led to persecution and suffering. Peter writes to encourage these faithful followers and to call them to holy living, especially during trial and hardship.

After the greeting, Peter writes, “May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be blessed!” The ‘how’ will be unpacked in the next verses. He begins with a reminder that they have been born again. This spiritual birth connects them to God and makes them part of the family. In the last part of verse 3 Peter writes, “You have been born anew into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” This hope is present and real. It carries them through trials and hardships. It offers us the same reality.

Their new birth also leads to an “enduring inheritance.” This inheritance is “pure” and therefore “cannot perish.” It is “kept safe” by God in heaven. This protection also extends to this life. Peter tells these early believers that they are “guarded by God’s power” so that they can one day receive their salvation. This builds their living hope.

In verse 6 Peter shifts to their present reality. He acknowledges the “various trials” that they are suffering. This is what Jesus faced and endured too. These trials will result in a more “genuine faith.” And, one day, this will bring them (and us) praise, glory, and honor when Jesus returns again. Yes, we too rejoice in this hope! Thanks be to God for our living hope, Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for these now and then promises and truths. In you we find hope and joy in this present life. Although we would never invite hardship, we do know that the testing and refining matures our faith. In the trials, Lord, draw us into your presence, reminding us of the glorious day when all things will be made new. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Diligent and Intentional

Reading: 1st Timothy 4:7b-12

1st Timothy 4:10 – “We work and struggle for this: our hope is set on the living God, who is the savior of all people.”

Today’s reading comes from a section where Paul is instructing Timothy about spiritual leadership. In today’s verses and throughout this section Paul consistently connects the message and the messenger. For Paul, this life of faith was 24/7. The character of the message and of the messenger were integrally connected. This is why Paul exhorted Timothy to “Train yourself for a holy life.” To ‘train’ is to give focus and attention, to be diligent and Intentional about the condition of one’s soul.

Paul then focuses in on the mission: “We work and struggle for this: our hope is set on the living God, who is the savior of all people.” The work, the mission, the example Paul and Timothy set – it is to reveal their own hope and faith AND it is to help others to come to know Jesus Christ, the Savior, the source of our living hope. Paul encourages Timothy to “Command these things. Teach them.” This happens two ways. First, in his role as church leader. Second, in his daily living of a holy life. Again, these two sides of Timothy are inseparable. It is the same for you and me.

The apostle then addresses Timothy’s age. Paul reminds him and is that it is not about how old or how young you are. It is not about how much or how little religious education you have. It is not about your wealth or your poverty, you family history or lack thereof… To witness to our living hope, it is simply about your faith and living a holy life. For each of us, we know that God has chosen us and equipped us to share Jesus, our hope and our salvation. Knowing this, may we be diligent and intentional about sharing our faith with others.

Prayer: Lord God, please lead and guide us, strengthen and encourage us today to live a holy life, bearing witness always to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In all we do and in all we say, may our lives draw others towards the hope and saving grace that we find in you, our living God. Amen.