Saturday, June 30, 2018

July 1, 2018

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2

Living in humble grateful awareness of God's mercy is the preferred way for God's people to live. 

Imagine how much better our world would be if all of God's people lived in view of His mercy! Can you even fathom that?

But there is one more important truth to remember about the mercies of God. They have an expiration date.

His mercies are freely given and fresh every day. But they are not to be refused or abused forever. No where is that more dramatically portrayed than in the Genesis account of Noah's ark:

"In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month—on that day all the springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened. And rain fell on the earth forty days and forty nights. On that very day Noah and his sons, Shem, Ham and Japheth, together with his wife and the wives of his three sons, entered the ark. They had with them every wild animal according to its kind, all livestock according to their kinds, every creature that moves along the ground according to its kind and every bird according to its kind,everything with wings. Pairs of all creatures that have the breath of life in them came to Noah and entered the ark. The animals going in were male and female of every living thing, as God had commanded Noah. Then the Lord shut him in. Genesis 7:11-16

For over a century Noah preached about the mercy of God and warned them of impending judgment. Noah urged them to turn from their sinful ways and seek God's mercy. But despite his pleadings his neighbors mocked him and ignored him until at last God shut the door of the ark. Once the door was closed the offer of mercy expired. Noah's family was shut in and the world was shut out. Judgment had fallen their fate was sealed.

As you live in view of God's mercy be aware that it has an expiration date. Live with urgency and warn others that today is the day of salvation.






Friday, June 29, 2018

June 30, 2018

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2

Paul would have you re-frame and old question. Rather than asking, "What would Jesus do?" Ask, "What has Jesus already done for me?" Or, to be even more specific, "In view of all the mercy Jesus has bestowed on me, what should I do toward others?"

This could be a game-changer! And in fact, that is precisely what it is intended to be. When you look at the remainder of Chapter 12 you get the rest of the story. 

God wants you to live in humble recognition of His mercies so you will be able to extend that mercy to others. With that in mind, mediate on the last half of this chapter:

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:9-21


Thursday, June 28, 2018

That One Act Of Mercy

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2




Looking back over the trajectory of my life I can recall several significant times I was the recipient of mercy. I will share a couple of those here and more on Sunday.

Several weeks after graduating from college I had an interview with the District Superintendent of my the Indiana North District. That was my home district. I was hoping he might recommend me to a church in that district.

I was nervous and uncertain of what I should expect. Never would I have expected what I received. To be kind to this man who has gone on to his reward, he was dismissive of me and rude to me. I was stunned by how I was treated. It was disillusioning. I was crushed.

A couple of days later I received a call from the late and great Forrest Gearhart. Rev. Gearhart was the District Superintendent from Northern Illinois and he asked if he could talk to me about a church opening in Princeton, IL. I was thrilled by his interest and I went for the interview. I was also nervous after the treatment I received from my own DS several days previously.

Fortunately for this 22 year-old I was warmly received and treated with respect. He actually wanted me as a pastor in his District and thought I would be a good fit for the Princeton Church. I agreed to candidate at the church in a few weeks.

All I wanted was a chance and Forrest graciously provided that for me. In view of that mercy I was determined and motivated to offer my best efforts to making sure I was worthy of the trust placed in me. You could say I offered myself fully and completely to the work of the ministry.

It was a good fit and over the next 10 years God blessed with a satisfying and fruitful ministry. 

That one act of mercy - giving a green young kid a chance - paid big dividends. It may have saved my ministry. I remain deeply grateful to God and to godly people who showed me mercy at a time I desperately needed it.

And most of all, I give God glory for His great mercy! 

June 28, 2018

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2

As one who greatly benefits from the mercies of God, how am I to respond to such mercy?

The "therefore" implies a response on your part. It serves the ball into your court and you must make a play.

How is it you are to respond?

"I urge you" - This is a word applied to a general preparing his troops for battle. Nowadays, it would be a pregame pep talk from the head coach. But this word has and urgency about it and an authority to it.

In "view of God's mercy" you are urged to respond appropriately to God's mercy.

"offer your bodies as a living sacrifice" - The word "offer" or "present" means willingly or gladly giving yourself to God. In the Old Testament when a bull or a ram was offered to the priest as a sacrifice it was given reluctantly out of obligation. It was given in an attempt to obtain mercy. But you and I have already received mercy! The Greek word used for "present" is later used for "presenting" ourselves before the judgment seat. So, we are to offer ourselves willingly and gladly because of God's great mercy!

When a sacrifice was made in the Old Testament its throat was cut and it bled out on the altar. Then it was burned on that altar. It's life ended. 

But a living sacrifice willingly comes to the altar and presents his body in worship and service to the Lord. This symbolic act of sacrifice is our "true and proper act of worship".

The word used here is "logikos". In view of God's great mercy offering ourselves to God is just a logical thing to do!

When God offers you mercy, take the offer by offering yourself to Him!




Tuesday, June 26, 2018

How You View God's Mercy

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2



How you view God's mercy is a major factor in what he is allowed to do in your life.

Is that not the gist of what Paul is saying in this text?

If you view mercy as something you deserve, you will probably not be able to receive it. If you think you deserve it you don't understand what mercy really is nor do you understand you spiritual need.

If you view mercy as something you have to earn you will not be able to receive it. Mercy must be given and received within the context of a relationship. Relationships are built they aren't earned.

If you view mercy as something you desperately need then you will be likely to ask God for mercy. When you cry out to God for mercy you will move Him to have mercy on you.

When you view mercy as something God provided for you in the past through the atoning death of Jesus and by His resurrection you are on the right track! You will view His mercy as something you need and want.

You will want to offer your body to God to be a living sacrifice and He will transform you by the renewing of your mind!

When you view mercy as something you have available to you in the present - right now as you read this article - you might want to pause and thank Him for His mercy!

When you view mercy as something you will always have in Christ then you can live in humble assurance and hope!

So, how you view God's mercy is a game-changer (or should I say a life-changer?) Allow me to bring more mercies into your view!

"But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,  and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus."  Romans 3:21-26

Monday, June 25, 2018

June 26, 2018

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." 

Living in Virginia we are abundantly blessed with amazing breath-taking views. A drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway will provide you with stunning views in every direction! But if you head just a couple of hours to the east you will find a view of the Atlantic Ocean or the Chesapeake Bay that will soothe your soul!

Growing up in Northern Indiana the view I had was of corn fields, soybean fields, hog farms, lakes, basketball hoops, blizzards and an occasional tornado. 

The point of view I was surrounded with as a youngest was a conservative Christian viewpoint.

As you shopped for your dream house you looked for a house with the best view you could afford!

What you view and your point of view significantly shapes your life! It will shape what you value. It will shape how you think. It will shape your priorities. It will bias your decisions. 

So, where do you fix your view?

What shapes your view?

No, wonder Paul writes, "In view of God's mercies." He is recognizing the importance of living in a constant awareness of how merciful your God was, how merciful He is and how merciful He will always be! 

After all, your best assurance of what God can do or what He will do is what He has done! So your view of God's mercy matters! It matters a lot!




Sunday, June 24, 2018

June 25, 2018

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2

Five words are the hinge between the first eleven chapters of Romans and chapter 12. Those words are "in view of God's mercy".

The first eleven chapters of Romans are a detailed teaching in the doctrines of salvation but Romans 12 changes from doctrine to DOctrine as it illustrates what it looks like to live out these doctrines in daily life. There is a marked change from theology to "walkology" from what a Christian must believe to how a Christian must live.

In verses 1 and 2 Paul tells us why a Christ-follower should live what he believes (in view of God's mercy) and then illustrated how that happens (be transformed by the renewing of your mind).

Offering anything that is yours to someone else is hard. It isn't natural. Face it, you are naturally a taker not a giver. So what would motivate you to not only give something but to give everything? That would need to be a powerful motivation, correct?

Can you think of a more powerful motivation than the mercies of God? In view of all that God has done for you through His Son, Jesus Christ how can you not want to give yourself to Him?

I think what Paul is urging here is that you focus your attention, your "view", steadfastly on all that God has done for you and provided for you through Christ! 

In case you need to be reminded of God's mercies go back and read the first eleven chapters of Romans! If you don't have time to do that just read Chapter 8! You will be powerfully reminded of God's mercies! And if you have to read that chapter every day in order to be reminded of His mercies then do it! If you can memorize much of that chapter then do it!

Why not turn over there right now and REview God's mercy?

Saturday, June 23, 2018

June 24, 2018

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God-this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2

God's mercy is a big deal! A really big deal! And Paul emphasizes that truth by crafting Romans 12 around this great attribute of God!

God's mercy is the often overshadowed other brother of His grace!

This morning I want to share some insightful and inspiring quotes from the great A.W. Tozer on worship:

"As mercy is God's goodness confronting human misery and guilt, so grace is his goodness directed toward human debt and demerit."

"Don't allow false modesty,doubts or unbelief prevent you from accepting God's favor. The door of mercy stands wide open."

"We get the odd notion that God is showing mercy because Jesus died. No. Jesus died because God is showing mercy."

"When Jesus died on the cross the mercy of God did not become any greater. It could not become any greater, for it was already infinite. We get the odd notion that God is showing mercy because Jesus died. No--Jesus died because God is showing mercy. It was the mercy of God that gave us Calvary, not Calvary that gave us mercy. If God had not been merciful there would have been no incarnation, no babe in the manger, no man on a cross and no open tomb."

Does that give you a better view of God's mercy?

Here is a prayer from A.W. Tozer in closing:

O God, I have tasted Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need for further grace. I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee; I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be made more thirsty still. Show me Thy glory, I pray Thee, so that I may know Thee indeed. Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Say to my soul, ‘Rise up my love, my fair one, and come away.’ Then give me grace to rise and follow Thee up from this misty lowland where I have wandered so long.

Amen!





Friday, June 22, 2018

June 23, 2018

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2

I am increasingly thankful I followed the prompting of the Holy Spirit to spend the Summer preaching from Romans 12!

This chapter has significantly shaped my life as a follower of Christ! Coming back to study it again this Summer reminds me there is SO much more from this transformational Scripture that God wants to teach me!

Recently I have been drawn to the mention of God's mercy. Paul says, "Therefore....." That conjunction ties what he is about to say with what he has already said. So, to fully appreciate what he is about to teach us we much review what he has already taught since pure doctrine is truth built upon truth! 

Here is a summary of some of the "therefores" that you are urged to keep in view:

Examples of God’s mercy:
·  God credits us righteousness apart from works (3:22; 4:6)
·  God offers us justification and redemption (3:24)
·  Jesus’ sacrifice provides atonement (3:25)
·  God takes judgment on himself (3:25; 4:25)
·  God is forbearing and patience with us (3:25)
·  Our transgressions are forgiven and sins covered (4:7)
·  Our sins are not counted against us (4:8)
·  God gives spiritual life to the spiritually dead (4:17)
·  God makes peace between us and him (5:1)
·  God poured his love into our hearts (5:5)
·  He has given us the Holy Spirit (5:5)
·  God demonstrated his love for us while we were still in open rebellion against him (5:8)
·  He saved us from his wrath (5:9)
·  He reconciled us to himself (5:11)
·  He gives us eternal life (5:21; 6:23; 8:11)
·  He provides an overflowing and abundant provision of grace (5:15,17)
·  God has allowed us to die to sin (6:2)
·  God gives us new life (6:4)
·  He allows us to bear fruit (7:4)
·  He frees us from condemnation (8:1)
·  He makes us his children, heirs of God, co-heirs with Christ (8:17-17)
·  God shares his glory with us (8:17)
·  The Holy Spirit intercedes for us (8:26-27)
·  God works for our good (8:28)
·  He conforms us to his likeness (8:29)
·  He is for us (8:31)
·  God doesn’t bring charges against us (8:33)
·  God provides his love from which we can never be separated (8:35-39)
·  God saves all who call on him (10:13)
·  He allows those who do not seek him to find him (10:20)
·  He offers us his kindness (11:22)
·  God gives us irrevocable calls and gifts (11:29)

Mercy is the often overlooked little brother of grace!

Grace is God giving us what we don't deserve!

Mercy is God sparing us from what we do deserve!

If you are thankful for grace be grateful for mercy!