Christ

24
Dec
2019

Christian Life

Originally published on The Electric Gospel on June 19, 2014.

In the history of the Christian church, theological writers often have titled their works in this straightforward fashion:

  • On the Incarnation (Athanasius of Alexandria)
  • On the Trinity  (Hilary of Poitiers)
  • On the Freedom of the Christian (Martin Luther)

This blog post takes up an assignment such as that from a New Testament course, in which students were asked to write “on the life of a Christian.”

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On the Life of a Christian

by Danica Scharlemann

There are two kinds of people in the world: those who recognize and accept Christ as their Savior from sin and those who reject Christ and his works of grace.  While members of the later grouping have no permanent hope on which to drive their lives, Christians have every reason to hope and live in joy, for they are compelled by the undying love of Christ.

The life of Christians begins as the lives of the whole world—drowning in a pool of original sin. “There is no one righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10).  It was for this reason, moved by his love, that our heavenly Father gave up his only Son as a lamb without blemish to be sacrificed on our behalf.  And so Christ Jesus made in the flesh, yet being in the same nature God, made his dwelling among us and lived a life of perfection under the law of God and of man.  His perfect life only led to his suffering and crucifixion.  On the cross, Christ bore the punishment of hell for the sins of the entire world.  In doing so, our lives were redeemed and salvation was won. This is how the lives of the world were restored from their damning state.

Now we are precious children of our heavenly Father, and the Holy Spirit works in our hearts to create fruits of faith. It is this faith that determines our salvation.  We are members of God’s elect–those to whom he has graciously promised eternal life to through the works of the Father, Son, and Spirit.  It is not by our works, but by his works that we are granted life everlasting. This is the hope by which we live.

This hope is what defines the underlying confidence behind the life of a Christian. We walk through life, not as if our actions are meaningless and forgiveness is futile, but bearing the sign of Christ. “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, therefore all died” (2 Corinthians 5:14). It is not the old self of sin that thrives in us, but the new self in Christ, which strives to live in love and joy in every circumstance. We do not simply accept our salvation and become contented in our every action, for it is written, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:17).  Christians do not act in attempt to win their own salvation, for it is not their works that assure them of heaven.  Instead it is God and God alone who is capable of bringing us to heaven.  As Paul stated, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).  Our good works are surely not to be attributed to our own powers, but instead to God we give all glory.  Yet our sinful deeds are still of our own doing, and we still do sinful deeds in our lives now.  It is not until we reach our heavenly home that we will live in the totality of righteousness and holiness that only Christ attains.

Although Christians live with the confidence of salvation, they strive to live in the way of Christ, taking on the nature of a servant. We spend our days being models of Christ, showing through our own actions the wonders of our God.  Again, it is only through the Spirit that faith is found, but we work as instruments of the Spirit to spread the love of Christ to the world.  For who, with such wonderful knowledge of love and joy, would be able to keep from telling the world?  This is the joy, the confidence, and the love behind the life of a Christian: Jesus Christ and him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2).

Posted by Electric Gospel
24
Dec
2019

Women and Men in Relationship under Christ

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Originally published on the Electric Gospel on May 24, 2014.

When I originally began the Electric Gospel blog, it was to give voice to what I considered an important thought from a young woman who struggled through a relationship.  She had dated a man who didn’t understand what God wants of men as they relate to women.  This message returned to that theme, this time with a letter from another young woman, writing to her sister about what to seek in a relationship with a man.

A Letter to My Sister

Author’s name withheld by request

I need to tell you that I am sorry. You have endured countless trials over the last few years, and I have seen how hard each one has been for you. But I will be the first to admit that I have not always been there for you during the rough times. Even when I was present, I didn’t provide the support and comfort that you needed at the time. I wasn’t always willing or able to share your burdens, because I didn’t understand how you ended up in many of those situations.  I thought I knew what was best for you. I just couldn’t comprehend why you couldn’t see things the way I did. I wanted you to stop being so depressed. Instead of listening to you, understanding what you felt and discovering your needs, I tried to cheer you up. I tried to distract you and show you where to go next. When it comes down to it, I made it all about me.

It never should have been that way. I am sorry that I failed to sit with you, let you cry and listen to you. I’m sorry that I tried to fix you instead of help you.

Lately I have been working very hard to listen to you. I mean really listen to what you say and what you truly mean–rather than what I think you should mean. What I want to tell you now speaks to what is truly on your heart and mind. I am not telling you this because I just want the crying to stop or because I somehow need to say this for myself. I am telling you these things because I truly care about you and your future relationships.

I know you have trouble believing what the Bible has to say about women submitting to their husbands.  Christ’s apostle said, “Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord” (Colossians 3:18).  You say that it shouldn’t be that way, because women should be equal to men. Women shouldn’t be held back or forced to go down the wrong road because of bum husbands. You think that a woman should be strong and independent.

I can understand where you are coming from. You have dated men who don’t respect you the way they should, who don’t understand your needs as a woman and who fail to value your unique gifts and perspectives. On top of that, all around us we see men who simply don’t live up to God’s expectations for their lives. In turn, we see women who pay for it.

I think there is a lot we are forgetting about here. Remember that the Bible has something to say to men, too. Paul also wrote in one of his letters, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25).

Just as Christ loved the church.

Wow. Christ loved the church a LOT. Christ left heaven to live among sinful human beings. He was eventually tortured and killed by the very humans he came to redeem. He suffered hell on the cross when God left him completely alone with the sins of the entire world on his shoulders.

Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church.

When the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write these words, the intention wasn’t that women would go out and marry men that would control and oppress them. The intention was that God’s children would model their lives, attitudes and relationships around the model of Jesus Christ and his beloved, the church. Christ is the head of the church. He leads his sheep. He listens to them. He does what is best for them. He gave his life for them.

Of course, we don’t find this in our imperfect world. Far too often we encounter men who abuse their wives. We see men who push their wives around and take advantage of them. Many husbands simply fail to provide their wives with the attention, leadership, respect and sensitivity that they should.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. I want you to look for someone who models his life after Christ. This man will lead you in the way that is best for you. He will respect you and listen to you. He will strive to understand you and your needs. In turn, you will respect him and support him. You will encourage him and help him be the man God has designed him to be. 

He still won’t be perfect. You still won’t be perfect. But I urge you to look to Christ. Ask the Spirit for strength during the good times and the bad. Use God’s Word as a model for your lives together. God will be with you as you live together the way he intended, and you will be greatly blessed!

I want you to know that you can talk to me about anything. I promise to listen to you. I promise to help when you want it, not when I think you need it. I promise to do what I can to be a better sister and a better friend.

Posted by Electric Gospel
24
Dec
2019

God Puts an End to our Pride

Friday, May 16, 2014

Originally published on the Electric Gospel on May 16, 2014.

God brought Deyi Shi from atheism to Christian faith. This message was something he wrote as a chapel devotion at a Christian college. 

Served by Jesus, we are servants

by Deyi Shi

Five years ago, I was baptized. I never thought myself to be the religious kind until God reached out to me. Prior to my rebirth, my whole life revolved around myself. The sole motivation of my life was my pride and the desire to be better than everyone else. It was a miracle that God grabbed me with his hands and plucked me away from the devil I had inside. When I was lost, hopeless and afflicted by the spiritual emptiness, God showed me the way through his word. He chose me, a guy who once thought he was his own god, to be his servant.

To this day, pride is still a big problem for me. Just a few weeks ago, when studying the 1st Commandment in a Bible class, I was asked, “What are some things that you worship other than God?” My immediately thought was myself. When I look into a mirror, I see myself as the center of the world. Although I am no longer the completely godless person I once was, I am still a sinner. I still put myself before others and even before God. I still often forget what the word “humble” means when I say and do things. I still think my way is better than other people’s ways.

How many times have you thought to yourself that you are way better than that guy? It is a great temptation for us, Christians, to feel superior to those who don’t believe what we believe. We are proud of ourselves because God has declared us his saints. We pat ourselves on our back for going to church and doing such and such in God’s name. We treat God’s gift to us as our trophy, as something that makes us better than others.

However, as we immerse ourselves in our pride, we overlook what Jesus’ taught us. We read (John 13:1-17) that Jesus, as the almighty Son of God, washed the feet of his servants. At the time, people wore sandals without socks. The road was dirty and rough, and probably with animal feces lying around. The job of washing others’ feet was done by the servant of the lowest level. Yet, Jesus, the King of kings, humbled himself and became a lowly servant of all. If there is anyone who can be boastful and full of pride, it is Jesus. As the Son of God, he deserves all the glory in this universe. Yet, he chose to serve not to be served. His servitude reflects his infinite love for all – his love for Judas who betrayed him, for the disciples who abandoned him, and for Peter who denied him.  Peter did not understand why Jesus, the Son of God, had to do something this lowly. He tried to refuse Jesus’ offer. But he did not know that Jesus would do something a hundred times more humiliating the next day, to die on the cross as a criminal. Peter wanted Jesus to be glorious and majestic. He thought he knew better than Jesus. Jesus replied to him, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” Instead of condemning Peter, Jesus invited him to be part of him. He showed him his great love for all not only by words but deeds. He loved all and was willing to be the servant of all and to die in their place on the cross.

Jesus’ life, death and resurrection supplied us the righteousness we lack. He answers our pride with his humility and love. And we, in faith, respond in love and humility. When we boast and take pride in ourselves, we think about Jesus taking off his garment, humbling himself, and washing his disciples’ feet with gentleness and respect. Now I’m not telling you to go wash other people’s feet like Jesus did, but have the servant attitude of Jesus. Next time when you think that you are better than that guy, you remember that Jesus loves him as much as he loves you. Do not despise others for who they are, but show them that Jesus’ love is in you, so that they may know how much Jesus loves them. This is what it means to be part of God’s great love. It is his love that motivates us. It is his love that he covers our sin with his own blood.

Posted by Electric Gospel
24
Dec
2019

Want a Perfect Life? Trust Jesus

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Originally published on The Electric Gospel on May 10, 2014.  Many of us need the reminder to stop stressing over how perfectly we can plan and carry out our lives, when we have a gracious God who has given us so many promises.

Are You a Perfectionist?

by Kathy Kolell

Are you a perfectionist like I am?  I like to set the bar high and either move it higher or refuse to jump over it.  I’m usually sure that I can’t do it…whatever “it” is.  How does this happen to a Christian and how does a Christian respond?

Perfectionism presents itself in many different ways.   Often, you’d never know such thoughts are lurking in a person because we are classic overachievers who study hard until every “i” is dotted and every “t” crossed.  We are people who read the fine printed on the accept/decline notices on computer updates.  However, other times we procrastinate.  If we do manage to start a project, we have a hard time finishing it.

The fear of failing is the like a bogeyman that haunts everything.  One person might say, “Oh well, I’ll try something else.”  But we perfectionists are sure our lives are over if we fail.  If we succeed, however, then we will be responsible to keep up the success and build on it.

As a Christian I got caught in the trap of thinking about God’s Plan for My Life.   It is capitalized because obviously there is a plan for me and all I have to do is find it and act.  Then the pieces will come together.   But this thinking makes perfectionism worse. How would I know if what I attempted was God-pleasing or plan was the right one?

What does Scripture say?

Ecclesiastes 11:1 – “Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.”  The note in my Concordia Self-Study Bible (NIV) was captivating.  It reads, “Be adventurous, like those who accept the risks and reap the benefits.  Do not always play it safe.”  There is a verse about risk-taking in the Bible?  That seems to say it’s ok to at least try even if the outcome is unknown.

The second interesting verse was 2 Corinthians 4:7 – “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” The Self-Study Bible note reads that man is absolutely insufficient; God is totally sufficient.  This verse speaks about our salvation in Christ and everything else connected with being human.  Everything in our lives—our salvation, our work, our projects comes from God alone.  We are clay; vessels in God’s hands.  This is interesting.  Is there one, detailed, specific plan or do we do the work for each day and let God work out the rest?

In Matthew it is written, “Do not worry about your life … your heavenly Father knows” … everything (Matthew 6:25,26).  Every hope, dream, fear and concern.  A favorite verse in Romans assures us that God will use the failure and the success of our lives for our good:  “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

The same God that tells us to be adventurous, also tells us that everything…EVERYTHING will be used to bring his children into the likeness of his Son. That includes challenges, fear, failure, success and fickle feelings.

There are many things about which the Bible is very clear in regard to how we live. We know the Ten Commandments.  We know that we are to “get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice” and instead “be kind and compassionate to one another” (Ephesians 4:31,32).  But after that, God doesn’t care what city we live in, if we open a shop, go back to school, or buy a house because “in their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD determines their steps” (Proverbs 16:9).   God promises to use events in our lives to make his children more like Jesus. God will help us through any difficulty because when he looks at us, he sees his Son.  When we belong to Christ, our salvation is finished in him and our sanctification aims at drawing us ever closer to him. Excessive fear and worry is not from God, but God also uses the broken and the weak for his purposes.   We can live with weakness and fear because we say with Saint Paul, “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).

Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for loving us when we are afraid and fearful.  Thank you for your promises that assure us everything will be made to serve your purpose and make us like your Son.  Thank you for giving us our unique personalities and loving us just as we are.  In your holy name we pray.  Amen.

Posted by Electric Gospel