The Seal of Christ

     A common practice among all cultures is to mark possessions.  The purpose is to denote ownership.  For the thing marked, a seal provides security, identity and purpose.  It also warns a thief of legal consequences should he try to make off with the marked item.

     The Bible depicts God placing a seal on His people for the very same reasons.  His desire is to own us.  He wants to protect us and provide us with an identity and purpose.  He has also sent notice to Satan and all the ungodly to stay away from us.

     What is this seal that God has placed upon His people?  What is it that makes us His?  What has God given to us to protect us and provide us with identity and purpose?  What could be powerful enough to keep Satan at bay?

     Paul says in Ephesians 1:13-14 that the seal God uses for His people is His promised Holy Spirit (in essence, Himself).  Symbolically it is placed on our foreheads (Revelation 7:3; 14:1; 22:4) to be in plain sight so as to be the first thing others notice about us.  And by producing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) we show the world that we belong to God, for no human can live this way consistently without divine guidance.  Jesus also said that loving others as He loves them demonstrates this in a vivid, visible way (John 13:35).  The Holy Spirit within us motivates us and gives us the power to continually live holy lives as we were created to.  And Satan cannot stand against us when we surrender to the direction and leadership of God’s Spirit (see James 4:7).

     We are told in Acts 2:38 that we receive this special marking when we are immersed into Christ.  From this moment on, we are owned by God (Galatians 3:26-27), we are protected by Him, we are given an identity (child of God) and a purpose (to be holy as our Father is holy) with a blessed destination (heaven; God’s eternal presence).

     Show the world, as part of your daily attitude and practice, that you bear the seal of Christ on your forehead (in plain sight of everyone).  As Paul’s says:

   “Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.”                                                                          (Romans 6:13-14)

Doug

Famous Last Words

      The Bible contains many “farewell addresses” or famous last words that teach us a lot about their character and what is truly important in life: Moses (Deuteronomy) warned the Israelites to remain faithful to the LORD; Joshua (23 & 24) urged the people to commit themselves wholly to the LORD; Samuel (12) warned the people to repent and not to forsake the LORD; David had last minute advice and warnings for his son Solomon, Israel’s next king; And Paul passed on last-minute advice to his young protege Timothy to help boost his ministry.

      Yet, I think the most useful last words were spoken to us by Jesus – while dying for us.  They are known as the “7 sayings from the cross.”  These short statements embody everything Jesus stood for and was known by.  Thus they are timeless truths for His disciples to be mindful of:

      1. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”  (Luke 23:34) 

            We are to be loving, merciful, and gracious to all – even our persecutors.

      2. “I tell you the truth, Today you will be with me in Paradise”  (Luke 23:43)

            Our mission is to bring lost souls back to God.

      3. “Dear woman, here is your son; “Here is your mother.”   (John 19:26-27)

            True religion is taking care of / serving those in need.

      4. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34 from Psalm 22:1)

            Yearn for a close relationship with the Father.

      5. “I am thirsty”  (John 19:28 from Psalm 69:21)

            He was fully human; He faced suffering just like we all do.

      6. “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46 from Psalm 31:5)

            Saving faith puts full trust in God’s care.

      7. “It is Finished!” (John 19:30)

            One word in the Greek; “All things are complete.”  He fulfilled His mission.

      But these really weren’t His last words, were they?  Three days after saying all of these things, He rose from the grave.  His empty tomb speaks.  For thousands of years it has been telling of resurrection to new life for all who are in Him.  It has been telling of the importance of His people being dedicated to true holiness.  It has been saying that He will return someday to take us home to be with the Father.  

      So then, Jesus’ famous last words are being lived out in the daily lives of every Christian.  In this way He continues to speak.  Be very sure that what those around you see and hear from you is what Jesus would want them to know – about how to be saved; how to live right with God; how to prepare for His return.  Make sure that Jesus’ famous last words of the cross continue to be heard so that the message of the empty tomb will live on to many more generations.

Doug

Jesus’ Final Words

            Suppose for just a moment that you knew you only had a few hours to live.  What would you say to your loved ones who are nearby?  Would you discuss the weather?  Would you talk about sports, or recipes, or places to eat, or the latest issues on the political ballot?  No, I think most of us would be expressing our love and appreciation for those closest to us and giving them last minute tips on how to face the days ahead successfully.  Somehow, at our final moments, the stresses and cares of the world don’t hold as much meaning as they once did.

            During Jesus’ last evening with His disciples, we find Him providing them with last minute instructions on keeping their faith, on facing the tough times that lay ahead, and on the importance of their getting along with one another and on being united in the work that He prepared for them to accomplish.  John provides five chapters of detail on these last minute tips Jesus gave to His disciples.  We benefit from His instructions today by following these directives – even though they were intended for another group of people.

                        1. Don’t be afraid (keep trusting in me; you’ll never be alone) (14:1-26),

                        2. Stay close to me; get along and do as you’re told (15:1-11),

                        3. If you need anything, just ask (14:13-14; 15:16),

                        4. You will face many horrible trials, but don’t give up (15:18 – 16:4),

                        5. You will have a powerful ally to help you endure (chapter 16),

                        6. Stay together; Let’s pray (chapter 17).     

                        (This outline is from Jeff Walling’s book, Until I return)

            As you know Jesus continues to offer these same tips to all of His disciples.  His purpose is to encourage us to be prepared and working successfully until it’s time to return for us.  Take these words to heart and work diligently to apply them daily.

Doug

Lost and Found

                It’s a frightening thing to be lost.  Just the word itself (lost) sounds lonely, cold and dreadful.  Just thinking about the possibility of being lost creates feelings of fear and anxiety. 

            The Bible uses this word to refer symbolically to those outside of Christ.  It describes an existence totally void of God and His good graces.  Luke 15 records three parables of Jesus that portray 4 different ways people can become lost and God’s desire for them to be found. 

            1.  Some wander away (the sheep) - verses 1-7.  The sheep was lost because it became distracted and was enticed by something outside of the shepherd’s care.  People also become distracted and enticed by the things of this world and follow selfish desires that put them in danger of predators.  But God searches diligently and then celebrates the return of those who were lost.

            2.  Some are lead astray by the carelessness of others (the coin) - verses 8-10.  The coin was misplaced by someone who was distracted with other cares.  People also become lost when others hurt their feelings or get distracted tending to other things.  God expends are great deal of time and energy to find what was lost and, again, celebrates its return.

            3.  Some walk away (the younger son) - verses 11-24.  The younger son chose to leave the father thinking that life had better things to offer.  Many go through life thinking God’s way is too harsh or boring; that they can do better on their own.  However, they soon find that life cannot deliver on what it promises.  Fortunately, the loving father was waiting to restore him. 

            4.  Some are just plain mistaken/deceived (the older son) - verses 25-32.  Sadly the older son thought he was saved by working hard and making the father happy.  But he had no relationship with the father.  There are those today who think God is pleased with their performance, but do nothing to build a relationship with Him (see Matthew 7:21-23).  What they find in the end is that God is longing for their love in return, as well as their works of service.

Do any of these conditions describe your situation?  Have you wandered off, or feel you’ve been neglected?  Are you away from the Father by choice?  Or do you “think” you’re ok and placing your security in the practice of rituals and/or services?  Just remember one thing about our awesome God: it’s never too late to be “found” and restored to a loving relationship.  So put all of your attention on Him A.S.A.P.  He and His angels are longing to rejoice at your return.

Doug