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Jesus is Lord: MT e82

I have always been a watch type of guy. 

Through the years I have had some pretty nice ones come my way.

There was one time a very nice opportunity where a Mont Blac watch could be purchased for a very good price.  Black face, stainless bracelet with the Mont Blac logo on the 12 space.

I bought it but then after about six months the watch began to show wear.  The crown fell out.  This is NOT what excellent watches do.

At that moment I feared the worst – Had I been sold a Fugazi?  It became apparent why this “luxury” watch was being sold for such a good price.

It was not a real Mont Blanc.  It was counterfeit, a copy. 

Just because it has a logo and a name does not make it real.

Jesus proclaimed to be Lord.  How do we know he was really God?

John 5:37 Jesus said, “And the Father Himself, who sent me, has testified of me.”

What does this statement even mean? How did the Father testify about Jesus? 

What the statement meant was, unlike my Mont Blanc watch, Jesus was not fake.  The Father testified to the authenticity of Jesus.  He was the real deal. 

How did the Father testify about Jesus? Recall when Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist? “This is my son in whom I am well pleased.”

Jesus was the only thing with which the Father had been well please since Creation.

Further, John 14:10 those miracles Jesus performed were evidence that the Father testified the authenticity of Jesus.

There was nothing fake about Jesus.  He is the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through Jesus.

S.D.G.

What Does God Look Like?: MT e81

Today we have MANY options for listening entertainment – Streaming on pandora, Apple Music, Spotify are just a few. Those services are without an DJ.

Radio DJ’s at one time played a bigger role in culture.  These people could be heard on the radio and rarely seen.  One may go an entire lifetime and never see the actual person behind the voice.

BUT if they ever happen to see them, it was always shocking because the voice rarely matched the face.  All that time having never seen them, it was very easy to imagine how you thought they may appear.

Some, who have read the Bible, get confused because it appears that the God of the O.T. differs from the God of the N.T.

It is this God of the O.T. (to some) feels very harsh, judgmental, ready to fly off the handle and kill people and destroy things.

But the God of the N.T. seems gracious and loving and kind.

Then there is Jesus who said in John 14:9:

“If you have seen me, you have seen the Father.”

All of the sudden the voice of the O.T. can be seen. What was thought of as a harsh persona changes. 

Hearing Jesus describe the Father this way is like seeing on air voices for the first time. They always looked differently than imagined. 

This is reassuring. Why?

As the Lord set the standard for fallen creation, a standard we MUST keep, it is the Son who fulfilled that standard for those who believe. By this grace our Lord gives us His perfection.

You want to know what the Father looks like? Look at the Son. In all His glory, love, mercy, grace and kindness.  You can see the Father plainly in Jesus.

S.D.G.

Law & Gospel

Those in Christ ARE Saved By Works!

He will render to each one according to his works: 7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. 9 There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. 11 For God shows no partiality.

12 For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. 14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them 16 on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. Romans 2:6-16

Romans 2:6–16 can feel unsettling when we read it closely. Paul writes that God “will repay each person according to what they have done,” and that “the doers of the law will be justified.” For many, that raises an immediate tension. Isn’t Paul the great defender of justification by faith alone? How can statements like this fit with the gospel?

The key is not that Paul is shifting his message, softening the demands of the law, or quietly describing Spirit-produced obedience. The explanation is more straightforward—and more sobering: Paul is not presenting the gospel in this passage. He is laying out the demands of the law. Romans 2:6–16 belongs to the covenant of works, not the covenant of grace.

This becomes evident when we consider its place in the flow of Romans. Paul declares the gospel in Romans 1:16–17, but immediately turns to the revelation of God’s wrath in 1:18—a section that continues through 3:20. Only in 3:21 does he introduce the turning point with “But now.” Romans 2:6–16 sits squarely within this section of indictment. Paul is not yet explaining how sinners are saved; he is explaining how God judges with perfect justice.

So when Paul speaks of eternal life being granted to those who persevere in doing good, he is not describing Christian obedience or the life of the regenerate. He is describing the standard the law requires: complete, lifelong, unbroken righteousness. Not sincerity. Not gradual improvement. Not a mixture of obedience and failure. The law promises life only on the basis of perfection.

In this way, Paul is doing what Jesus does with the rich young ruler. When the man asks how to inherit eternal life, Jesus does not lower the bar or immediately point him to grace. Instead, he directs him to the commandments: Do this, and you will live. Jesus is not speaking hypothetically. He is stating the truth. Perfect obedience would indeed result in life. The issue is not with the law—it is with the person.

Jesus makes this clear when the disciples grasp the weight of that standard and ask, “Who then can be saved?” He does not backtrack. Instead, he replies, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” The covenant of works remains intact. The impossibility lies entirely with fallen humanity.

Paul’s argument in Romans 2 follows the same pattern. He does not suggest that the covenant of works was set aside after the fall. On the contrary, he assumes its continuing validity. God still judges according to works. Eternal life still belongs to perfect obedience. The doers of the law truly would be justified—if such people existed. The confusion only arises when we assume that every mention of life or justification must refer to the way of salvation.

But Paul will soon make clear that no one meets this standard. No one is righteous. No one does good. By works of the law, no one will be justified. Romans 2 is not an exception to that conclusion; it is part of the case that proves it.

Paul allows the law to stand in all its severity. Judgment really is according to works. The covenant of works truly requires flawless obedience. And that is exactly why the gospel is necessary.

When Paul finally turns to Christ in Romans 3, the situation changes—not because the standard is lowered, but because the representative is different. A righteousness apart from the law is revealed. Justification is given as a gift. Eternal life is received, not achieved. And the obedience the law demanded from us is found fully in Christ.

Judgment Day, then, is not a future justification based on our performance. It is the public confirmation of a verdict already given. Believers are openly declared righteous—not because they became doers of the law, but because they are united by faith to the one Man who perfectly fulfilled it.

Romans 2 lets the law speak with full force so that grace remains truly grace. It does not undermine justification by faith alone—it safeguards it. The covenant of works still stands. The law remains just. The standard has not been lowered.

What has changed is this: God has provided a Savior who fulfilled that covenant on our behalf.

WHAT BEAUTIFUL NEWS!

S.D.G.

Living Dead?:MT e80

There is a movie “Night of the Living Dead.”

It is a 1968 film about 7 people trapped in a PA farmhouse.  While there, the 7 had to battle zombies, dead bodies that came back to life. 

I can’t recommend the film because I have not seen it. I only know the story from doing a quick search.

I do however know the title and I like it.  The title (and the title alone) describes the work of Christ.  What do I mean by that?

At one point in Jesus’ life here there were a LOT of people attracted to what he was doing.  One guy said, “I want to follow you, but first let me go bury my father.”  Jesus said, “Follow me and let the dead bury their own dead.”

What an unusual line right?  Why would Jesus say this and keep the man from burying his father? 

Two things here:

  1. Jesus was emphasizing that following him should not be put off.  The guy was making excuses.  He most likely did have a father to bury. In this instance he was using it as an excuse and Jesus was calling him out. 
  2. He called him out by saying, “Let the dead, bury the dead.”  Let the living dead bury the physically dead.  Again, unusual statement right?

Those who are not in Christ are “dead in their trespasses and sins.” (Ephesians 2) They are living.  They have a body that in one sense is alive and is breathing. They have pores that will sweat.  They have hair and nails that grow.

BUT in another sense, they are dead.  They are spiritually dead. 

Jesus was saying, let the spiritually dead, bury the physically dead.

That phrase, “Living Dead” is accurate.  The only way to life is in Christ. Your only hope is to follow the one that will bring life to both your body and your spirit.

S.D.G.

Lessons from Top Gun: MT e79

Top Gun was a summer movie hit when I was much younger.  This movie recently had a reboot, possibly, like a part 2.

It is a movie where the best military pilots come to train for special missions.  These were the best of the best pilots.  Obviously, there was a lot of attitude, bragging and bravado.

These pilots were arrogant and looked down on anyone that wasn’t them. They were very exclusive.

The main character, whose name was Maverick, was pushing too hard.  He felt 10 foot tall and bullet proof, which is to say, no one could take him down.  He was doing very dangerous stuff.

There was a line in the film that stood out.  Another character, whose name was Iceman, said to Maverick:

“It is not your flying (that is dangerous), it is your attitude.  The enemy is dangerous, but right now you are worse.  Dangerous and foolish.”

Because of Mavericks arrogance he was not alert enough to understand how much a danger he was.   

The religious leaders of the day were the Mavericks.  They were arrogant, haughty and looked down on those who were not like them. 

They had such arrogance they felt like they needed no grace, mercy or forgiveness from God.  They were the top guns of the religious world.

In Luke 5 Jesus directs these words to the religious top guns of the day: “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but (only) those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.””

Was Jesus affirming that the religious leaders did not need a dr.?  Was he saying they are okay, and Jesus is only there for the little people?

Absolutely not.  The meaning here is that Jesus has come for those who KNOW THEY NEED A SAVIOR.  Those who know are ill.  Those who are humble enough to admit they need a dr, Jesus will cure.

The religious leaders absolutely needed Jesus, (Like Maverick) they were not alert enough to understand.  THEY WERE DANGEROUS & FOOLISH.

All of us, are ill and need the Great Physician, Jesus.

S.D.G.

Damaged: MT e78

While traveling I often see those trucks that are transporting cars.  You may have seen these trailers where the cars are stacked 2 high.

Sometimes the cars are brand new.  They still have some of the protective plastic on sides or top of the car.

There are moments where the cars are wrecked.  The truck will be transporting 5 or 8 wrecked vehicles.

What can be noticed about these cars is they still resemble a car.  Even though they are damaged in some fashion they have windows, doors, engines and seats.  One can still make out that this is a car.

One of the pieces of theology is how the sin of Adam affected humanity.  This unfolds in many directions in Scripture.

The first notable unfolding is comparing the creation of Adam, who was made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). This changes after the sin in the Garden and Adam and Eve are removed from the presence of God. 

When Adam and Eve had a child, this child was made in the image of Adam (Genesis 5:3).  This is a notable change.

Much like the cars which are wrecked still resemble, in various ways, the image of a vehicle, man, though fallen in Adam, resembles the image and likeness of God. Yet, we are damaged and wrecked.

In this state we are called unrighteous. It is in this state of unrighteousness that we can “suppress the truth.” Because, what can be known about God is plain.” However, fallen man suppresses this truth.

What Christ came to do is reverse the curse of sin through Adam.  From the presence of God, Jesus comes to make restoration possible.

This theme will return for our Monday edition. 

S.D.G.

References: Genesis 1:27; 5:3, Romans 5, 1 Corinthians 15

Light in the Darkness: MT e77

As a youth I can recall visiting some caves in Western Kentucky.  They were called Mammoth Caves and it was quite an experience. 

One of the things that stood out was on a couple hour guided tour, about half-way through the guide had stopped the group and, like the previous stops, was pointing here and there and giving facts about whatever the here and there was.

Then the guide prepared us.  He instructed us that in a few minutes the lights were going to be shut off for a few moments so we could experience how dark it was in the cave.  There was plenty warning so people did not freak out when the lights went off.

Then the lights went out.  It was the blackest of darkness I had ever experienced.  I raised my hand up to my face and I could not even see it. If it weren’t attached to my arm, I would not even known it was there.

2 Corinthians 4:6 says, “6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

Scripture also tells us, that God is light and there is absolutely no darkness in Him.  But not in our hearts.  The darkness in us surpasses the darkness in that cave.

For those who are in Christ, this is how you came to faith.  The darkness in your heart was overcome by the light of Jesus.  Literally like night and day.

It is a gift when God said, “Let there be light,” and sure enough the light of Christ filled us.

We understood our need of him.  We wanted him.  More than anything we wanted Christ because he was light and he is the light and the life of mankind.

For those outside of Christ it is my desire that these words cause the light to appear in your darkness.  There is absolutely nothing brighter, more life giving than the light of Jesus.

S.D.G.   

Light Shining in & on Darkness: MT e76

For those who have been to a Jewelry store, have you ever noticed the lighting.  These stores are fully and perfectly lit. 

Often every case of jewelry has its own light.  The area where the salesperson can walk, there are lights there too.

If you have bought any piece of jewelry, you can attest to what I am about to say.  When they bring out the piece that has caught your eye, they don’t just hand it to you.  They bring over a black fabric cloth or a small black board covered in black fabric.

Then they put that piece of jewelry on that black background and those lights will cause that thing to shine beautifully.  That black background and the lights make a stunning pieces of jewelry look even more radiant.

Jesus is described by the writer of Hebrews, as radiant.  “He is the radiance of the glory of God.” (Hebrews 1:3)

This Jesus, the radiance of God’s glory, came and as John said, he was the “light shining in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:4)

Jesus is life and that life is the light of mankind.  His life shines.  It shines through darkness.

I want you to see Jesus in this “light” (no pun intended there).  Just as the pieces of jewelry are placed on dark backgrounds to highlight their beauty, Jesus’ beauty and power radiates, sparkles and shines in this dark world.

His perfection, righteousness, love and essence radiates for us to see. It is amazing.

S.D.G.

Groundhog’s Day: MT e75

Happy Groundhog Day! 

There was a movie, titled “Groundhog’s Day” that was released in 1993.  The plot of the film involved a Pittsburg, PA weatherman and his crew that went to Punxsutawney,  PA to cover Punxsutawney Phil the Groundhog. 

I was one of those lighthearted news coverage pieces that went a bit wonky.  A snowstorm closed some highways out of the small town and the crew had to stay the night.

The weatherman was the main character. He woke would wake up the next morning and the next unnumbered mornings to the same day.  He kept reliving the same day.

It was a classic film in that it is funny and original in its writing.  And here we are, groundhog’s day. 

There were some theological themes in that film, and I wanted to pick just one and highlight it.  The one I have chosen is sanctification.

A progression towards perfection.

The weatherman, As the main character, at one point figures out that the cycle was not going to stop and eventually he begins an everyday effort of improvement. 

He picks up how to play piano.  He begins to save people from harm.  He spends everyday trying to improve himself.

Where he fails, the next day he tries to not fail.  It is a progression towards perfection.

This is a picture. life for the believer.  1 Peter 1:15 “Be Holy, as I am holy.”

The tense of that verb is saying two things: 1-Be holy now, 2 – But each new day is a continual action of renewing holiness.  From one degree of holiness to another.

This does not mean an attitude of “holier than thou” but rather an approach of“holy because God is holy.” It is about Jesus.

We work towards, just like weatherman Phil, perfection every day.  Because we are in Jesus,  we are HOLY.  Period.  But in our flesh, we work towards what we already are in Jesus.

As always it is SDG