Handful of beans

I had a handful of perfect beans in my hands.

For Thanksgiving I spent a week at my sister's home in Scottsdale, Arizona. There is this tree nearby that drops seed pods on the ground, and in the pods are these pretty little coffee-brown beans. I collected a handful to give to the three little nieces who came along. Immediately they went about divvying up the spoil, seeing who got how many, and gets the biggest, prettiest ones. After some time, each girl had the same number of beans, but many were discarded for being too small, not round enough or plump enough, and even one with a big hole in it. When they became bored with them, I was charged with holding the beans, each one lovely from the careful selection.

Seeing the beans in my hands I couldn't help feeling a bit sad -- last thing I expected from the innocent play of these little angels. It was a microcosm mirroring the world -- and my own heart.

It may seem natural, and even rightfully so, but with each opportunity to choose, we of any age instinctively go for the best: the best looking, the freshest, the highest quality; and only settling for the not so good when the choice is already taken away. The leftovers are picked up reluctantly and without joy, or even outright rejected like a bruised peach, its fate in a trash heap of the unwanted.

Sadly, it is the same with people; we are constantly judging and being judged based on innumerable criterion set up by the cultural, moral or even a deeper and unexplainable instinct that ebb and flow within to label and classify. And all in this mad system of establishing a hierarchy of worthiness or acceptance that non seems to be exempt from -- neither lone individuals nor organized entities. Whether factors affecting such "scoring" is pre-determined or can be enhanced, the truth remains that each of us at one level or another desperately want to be that perfect little bean, and fear to be rejected for flaws. How many suffer in silence from this constant judging and selecting process day after day? Like the scrawny little boy wanting to play sport but selected last only by default because neither team wanted him?

Anyone with empathy feels for such outcasts; and from time to time many are themselves victims of rejection, even if unintended. However, sympathetic as they are, few are willing to settle for the inferior and allow others to get the better part. There is an inner demand to get the best for ourselves, even over the needs of others. The more "worthy" (in self-image or accomplishment) one feels about him or herself, and deserving of the better things in life, the less this person is willing to compromise on such standard. And even those who feel "unworthy" share the same desire, but only live in life-long compromise and defeat. The want comes out instinctively -- even as little children.

This inner demand is voracious and insistent. It drives us toward higher grounds for two emotional factors: pride and shame. One either wants to gain glory, or to avoid shame, and it is reflected in what represents us in the material and inter-personal (relationships). Wanting that shiny, perfect little bean is motivated by the same emotion as driving an expensive car, having many friends, or marrying the successful and beautiful. And in wanting these things one fears not having these things as well for the consequence of shame.

Some may like to think of themselves as "above it all" and open-minded in not being "judgmental." But that is simply narcissistic self-delusion. Apart from God, we are naked (shame) and seek glory (pride) to cover ourselves. In one form or another, all our efforts in this world is driven by vanity. It is easy to deride those seeking material riches and status, but vanity is even more insidious in those trying to be a "better person" or to be more spiritual, obedient and even humble. It all boils down to a validation of self by an established standard of the day, or even just by an inner goal to cross one's own imaginary line of victory. Ultimately, it all boils down to fear, of failure and rejection that either motivates or paralyzes one's existence. This fear drives us every moment of our mortal life -- of not being picked to play the game, and not winning.

Wanting to be a winner, and fearing to be a loser seems an understandable and even admirable determination. However, when taken out of the "reality" context of this fleshly world, what lies underneath is the core problem of sin that separates us from the spirit -- God. What is "sin?" It is defined simply as "falling short of the mark" or not having the glory of God, the ultimate validation. Ever since the fall of Adam, the void inside is our unrealized desire to be filled again with God's glory. It motivates us, drives us, searching for fulfillment in all sorts of ways, desperately trying to avoid becoming a loser, or passively accepting such fate, having been weighted down by ridicule and shame. Many even resort to lying and cheating, and in any way that counters the intended purpose, but only magnifies the sins, which continue to fail us. Either way, we all sooner or later come to face the fact that there is only perpetual darkness or mere fading lights no matter how bright and hopeful at one time. And death claims all victories.

Such is the wage of sin, and the inescapable sentence of death. It is a sickness needing to be healed, a trespass waiting to be forgiven. All these are not only assignable to behavior, but much deeper. The conscience placed in our hearts to guide us also constantly condemns. Those who ignore it live in sin, and ones who listen live in the recognition and guilt of sin. The only and common solution to this separation/emptiness (sin) is to be made whole by the restoration of unconditional forgiveness.

This is what God wants of us: not to live in fear, but be made whole in His glory by our faith in His love. And when we fear no more by the grace of God, the whole world loses its grip on our soul.

Forgiveness is essentially a healing process. What was broken is mended, and the empty filled. Forgiveness is not just to let an injustice go without punishment, but the bringing together the hurting and the hurt. In our relationship with God, His forgiveness brings us back to him as one, and to be filled and covered with glory (God's good opinion). Everything God does is not temperate but extreme and absolute, for truth stands uncompromising. Therefore God's forgiveness is like His love -- absolutely unconditional. And only in unconditional forgiveness is there complete healing.

Yes, our sin is simply a sickness waiting to be forgiven -- and how He is wiling! As I danced with my little niece tonight to music (they love to dance), holding her little hands, I understood how God felt, and the love pouring out of His heart for His children. Of course they are not always little angels, but all is forgiven because I love them, and want so very much not to fear me, but to trust and hold on to my hands and enjoy my embrace. I remember how I felt the same way with my son and daughter when they were little, and continue to until eternity. How much more our God?

In being restored, there is no more want but to remain in His embrace. For in Him there is no lack, and every choice of beauty and perfection. No need for glory for we are His glory, no sense of shame for His love covers us. This is true rest, for no more is our heart restless, and no more does it envy.

When such forgiveness is received, we live from victory, not performance; from His holiness, not our obedience; and no more shame nor guilt over sin while we remain in the flesh. The choice then is not for the self (earned righteousness) but to give, and to lift up the least. The forgiveness received is our forgiveness given in offering up the best and turning the other cheek. How is it that so many believers can give up a lap of luxury and safety only choosing to accept poverty and danger -- all for the sake of picking up the discarded and forgotten? Why was Mother Teresa able to find her calling tending to the dying in the gutters of Calcutta? She didn't see them as trash nor opportunity for her own glory, but the grace of God in her saw each soul as Jesus Himself, and the returning of love received. By grace she did not judge anymore, but accepted all as one.

In the eyes of little angels, there is already judgment and greed. What hope is there for us with the world slowly choking the spirit away but for the unconditional love and complete forgiveness found in Jesus Christ? And it is in our believing we are eternally forgiven, and made whole by His grace, that we look not for the imperfection in things and people to reject, but out of a grateful and joyful heart, pour out the love so filled in us to forgive, and restore the least of us.

And in God's eyes, we are all perfect little beans, because His blood more than made up for our falling short. Amen.

James

What is Christianity?

What is Christianity? Jesus Christ. Nothing more, nothing less. He is grace. He is truth. What more can one add to grace and truth? Nothing; neither can one take away from it. If we are bodies of Christ, and our hearts are filled with Him, we also have grace and truth in us that is the source of our faith and good works, nothing more to add, and nothing to take away.

Law is fulfilled in Christ, and not possible in us. For it is the ministry of death, the sting of death is sin, and strength of sin is law (mentality). Adding law to grace is like dripping poison to new wine; and separating law unto us is drinking poison that kills faith.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, for He is the alpha and the omega, and He deserves 100% of our heart, soul, mind and strength in finding and beholding Him. Amen

James

Amazing Grace (beautiful voice)

Dear...

Thank you so much for forwarding this clip. I could never pass up an opportunity to enjoy a performance of "Amazing Grace." That it is sang by Il Divo in the Coliseum makes it just that much more grand and moving. The spirit of the LORD and love of Jesus Christ flows out of the music like living water quenching our thirsty souls, and the wayward hearts find deep rest in the grace of our savior...the amazing grace of love that lives in His open wounds and forgiveness purchased with His precious blood. Alleluia Adonai, to you our love never cease. Amen.

Glory of revelation

"It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter." Proverbs 25:2


"And are not like Moses, who put a veil on his face, so that the children of Israel might not see clearly to the end of the present order of things: But their minds were made hard: for to this very day at the reading of the old testament the same veil is still unlifted; though it is taken away in Christ. But to this day, at the reading of the law of Moses, a veil is over their heart. But when it is turned to the Lord, the veil will be taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there the heart is free. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord (Jesus), are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the LORD." 2 Corinthians 3:18


"And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself (Jesus)." Luke 24:27 


Why is it that gold and diamond are not found on the surface ground? Neither is deeper truth of the gospel and beauty of Christ revealed in the literal reading of the word. One must dig down to see His full glory and be touched by the reward of mystery God had hidden in and between His words. The Bible is filled with symbolism to teach, declare and prophesy. God can appear to us and erase all doubt, but chose to reveal Himself in the Bible only to those who look for Him by faith and grace.

But many only want to hang their faith on the strict gospel truth plain as day, and dismiss the rich subtlety of finding Jesus Christ and His heart throughout the scriptures in the form of personal revelation. If one bases his or her belief only in literal interpretation of verses, sadly the lovely manifestation of Christ become absent from the reading (especially in the Old Testament) where He needs to be the object of our spiritual desires and quest. In as much truth is written in the word, it more so lives in our hearts through seeing and experiencing Jesus personally by way of revelation. Often we say to search for the will and heart of God in our Bible studies, but forget that only the hidden needs to be searched out.

Proverbs 25:2 says, "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter." From the first words of God, "Let there be light!" Jesus was revealed; but the literalists scoff at such a liberal interpretation as frivolous and far-fetched individual interpretation, and not of the Truth (真理). To the contrary! when truth is preached to us or superficially read, it is only knowledge we received; but by the finding of grace and Jesus in each word, phrase, chapter and story does it live warmly in our hearts, and come alive in our faith! Only by the searching with the heart, and not just the mind, does the holy spirit reveal to us fully the truth like nuggets of gold and precious diamonds, through faith that Jesus lives in the good book as on the road to Emmaus, although we are blind to His physical presence, He burns in our hearts! All this is possible only if we believe in the utmost importance of such personal revelations, sought only in the spirit of grace, and shared in the spirit of love with one another.

The rest God so wants us to have is hidden in the "secret place of the most high," (Psalms 91:1). Why is a "secret place?" So that it is not easily found, but only the faithful is allowed to enter. Such faith must have a strong foundation or we waiver like weeds in the wind, and easily fall back to our own reliance such as the Israelite believing the report of giants in the land of milk and honey that kept them from entering the land of rest. When we have the faith in spite of circumstances, that is our rest in this world. And what is that secret to great faith? It is to see the grace in all that God has done, and not just the knowledge of it; for to see grace is believing that Jesus Christ is both the arm and heart of God who had already accomplished the redemption for our rest. To not see Jesus on the cross in every aspect of our spiritual nourishment is to fall back on our own will and ability as overcomers. The Israelite knew of that promise and came to the Jordan river, seeing Canaan, but still failed to cross. This is similar to many believers having received Christ as their savior but still not entering the rest He promised. Knowledge of God's will lead them to the cusp of rest, their belief in God's will instilled the desire, but the lack of grace revelation failed to inspire faith in God to overcome the giants (sin), already surrendering in their minds, and in thinking that they need to deal with such a challenge made them coward before the Devil's lie like so many tiny grasshoppers.

Under the leadership of Moses, the people see law and obedience as the way to God's blessing and to enter rest. Although they were blessed and provided for in the wilderness, it was never because of obedience but grace. Until the law was given on Mount Sinai, the entire journey from Egypt was pure grace. The fact that Moses could not enter Canaan but had to die in the wilderness should remind us that obedience to law can never lead us into spiritual rest. Only when Joshua (Jesus) becomes our leader (focus) can we enter Canaan. Therefore, the secret of entering God's rest in our Bible study is not with a mind to learn obedience, but to know Jesus Christ more and more, and see His grace and love spilled across the many pages that is God's love letter to us. It is not an easy thing to do, entering this rest, for it goes counter to our worldly understanding of fairness and responsibility. Instead, by simply beholding the glory of Jesus Christ, we are transformed from glory to glory (His glory to conceal and our glory to search), and effortlessly entering into the secret place of the most high. Paul said, "Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief." In this he is not telling us to be more obedient, but striving to turn from earned (through obedience) righteousness over to imputed (in faith) righteousness by the blood of the lamb.

Jesus himself said,"...He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" From Mathew 13:34-43, He tells the disciples of the hidden things in the parables, which was told not to clarify but to confound those with unbelief and pride. If one is not willing to search deep into the word -- not for knowledge, but the living heart of Jesus -- he will be confused like Nicodemus and those in Jesus' home country where he did little miracles because of their unbelief. In the same way, if we read the Bible without the perspective of grace, we become full of knowledge like the Pharisees and Scribes, but with little revelation. When we don't see Jesus in every scripture alone or linked, we are like them, blinded by pride, unbelieving by knowledge.

Unlike any book written by man, the Bible is not one for learning -- though it is full of wisdom and principle. First and foremost, the Bible is a living, breathing, document of God's spirit and grace. If we come to it to learn of ourselves and of God's way, we have a road map but no light, and continue to lose our ways as we have done since the Garden of Eden. Instead, the Bible contains the tree of life that is Jesus Christ, the fruits of which are for us to eat and digest (read and meditate), and the purpose to take us back to our father's bosom (return to Eden, His pleasure), and not to remain in knowledge of good and evil (learning of law and obedience righteousness). All has been accomplish on our behalf by Jesus Christ, and such is our part -- to enjoy Jesus Christ, and immerse in His glory found shining from deep revelation; we then become the precious gemstones on the breastplate of our high priest, reflecting His light and love for all the lost to see. Amen

James

Mom

She was a doctor's daughter. Had a privileged life, married a minister, raised four children, had a fairly tough life. Fragile physically and hurt emotionally.

Mom is beautiful, intelligent, spiritual, honest and dedicated. But she is also a little wounded, bitter, fragile and stubborn.

She taught piano. She painted. She did yoga and chi-gong. All she wants is peace.

Remember her cooking live eel, trying to steaming it by placing in a pot, but the eel escaped, fell to the floor and she chased it through the kitchen.

Remember my brother and I getting caught picking up leftover watermelon from the garbage can.

Remember thermometer incident. She was teaching piano.

Remember moving to new home, sister discover an old scrapbook filled with mom's exercise drawings from high school.


Her hands:

Remember her playing Chopin nocturne late at night.

Remember her painting chinese and water color. Practicing strokes faithfully.

Remember her washing washing board to wash clothes.

Remember cutting vegetables and cooking. the smell filling the house makes me feel loved and secure. (home)

Remember her making eggrolls at the restaurant.  Washing dishes. Cleaning. Hair pulled back. fatigue on her face. (restaurant)

Remember her hands massaging her shoulders, holding accupuncture magnets to ease her pain. Heating pad on her back, always taking a nap trying to recover.

Remember her complaining of pain of hand and wrist from her job as data processor, typing on the keyboard all day long.

Remember her gardening, planting and pruning. But now she has not even one plant.

The best way I can thank her is to be totally obedient, talk and visit her frequently and pray for her constantly.

I can never make up (no sons nor daughters can) make up for the huge chunk of life she sacrificed for me. Because of her I am who I am today good or bad, and I am eternally grateful, and will do anything for her.

Garden of Gethesmane

I would like to share something just learned that reveals more the love of Jesus Christ. The word "Gethesmane" in Hebrew means "olive press." In order to extract the precious oil from the olives, it needs to be crushed and pressed to release the essence.

According to Jewish custom, there are three pressings that produce oil for different purposes: The first press is for lighting, the second medicine and third for soap. Our Lord is like the virgin olive, perfect and blameless, harvested at the garden of olive, he being the first fruit of God's love, and first crushed to bring light to our dark world. He is then led to the scourging post where His back was lashed open to bring us healing. Finally, Jesus was nailed to the cross so that all our sins are washed clean.

Throughout the Bible, grain, wine and oil are often mentioned together, each need to be crushed and processed tortuously in order to produce benefit for us. They demonstrate God's great love for us that we are not forgiven temporarily by mere decree, but redeemed completely and made righteous forever by the giving of Himself, is pleased to crush His own arm, and paid every legal demand justice required.

On the cross, Jesus was crushed completely, pressed dry and abandoned by God. He took our every sin upon His bloodied frame and became the condemned serpent. The resurrected life that flowed out is like new oil out of Gethesmane, full of His love that lights our way, heals our body and spirit, and washes clean our soul. He is the tree of life, the fruit of love, given in grace...let us receive in faith and praise. Amen

James

Friday night testimony

Not sure what the ultimate purpose of a testimony is. Is it to glorify God for coming to our aid, healing us and manifest in near-miraculous interventions?

Is it a witness to His power and love when we experience it in our lives? If so, what about all those times when our prayer seems unanswered? Do we have testimonies in moments of unfulfilled expectations?

I suppose every moment, good or bad, can be a testimony of our heart and our faith. On how He is alive in us no matter the circumstances. That we are grateful in moments of favor, but also with praise when in trial.

Some of the most powerful testimonies of our faith (and His faith) is during the darkest hours, and how we cling to his faithfulness not to forsake us, but will lift us up. That in moments of great loss He will restore to us sevenfolds.

Tonight I don't want to talk about all the goodness God had bestowed upon my life, although there have been so much. The greatest personal miracle in my life has already been demonstrated in His forgiving love, lifting the lamp searching the distance for my return, and unconditionally accepting this great sinner back into his bosom as a righteous son.

And that is the subject of my testimony tonight -- sin.

Brothers and sisters in my fellowship all know that I don't like to talk about sin -- especially the verb form in thoughts and behavior because it had already been judged and punished on the cross and on the body of Jesus Christ. All I seem to talk about is God's infinite grace, and how it can transform a sinner completely from the inside, from the heart.

But without the reality of sin there is no need for grace.

Even before I came back to the Lord, sin (and the concepts of good and evil) has always been heavy on my mind. Unlike many new believers who testify that they previously thought of themselves as pretty decent people, I was fully aware of my sinful nature.

Even without God personally guiding my life, there was an instinctual struggle between my desire of the flesh and yearning for purity and holiness. I detested so much of my finding enjoyment in many worldly pleasures, and a voice haunts me whenever I resolve to be good and do right.

Truly as Paul said in Romans 7:19, "For the good that I will [to do], I do not do; but the evil I will not [to do], that I practice." That was me, a walking contradiction. And it was because this self-perceived weakness and sinfulness that I kept hiding from His bright light -- as Adam did when He did not obey God's words.

Thought I always felt the presence of God, I escaped to philosophy to find justification and meaning for my life, and the ever-present contradiction. I struggled through intellectual pursuit to make sense of my existence. As a few of the brothers are studying now on the "meaning of a Christian life" from the book, and trying to find purpose beyond just a rat race.

Looking back, I found that with all the fancy intellectual arguments and logic, no matter which branch of philosophy, whether on premise of man is good or evil, pragmatic or idealistic, altruistic or selfish, self-aggrandizing or denying..., they all fall short on account of two factors: the limitation of self and death.

What produces meaning is relationships or identity, and what validates meaning is continuity. There is purpose in our worldly relationships, but the ultimate meaning of our existence must come from a relationship with a greater being that is also intimate. What validates our existence as valuable and purposeful is an eternal life.

Without these two important gateways to break through, our search for meaning ultimately results in self-deception or the acceptance of total hopelessness.

On the cross, Jesus gave us both a relationship with Him and eternal life. In Him is our meaning for existing; for Him is the reason we live on this earth. There is now unshakable purpose to life when it is no longer about us, but about Christ; no longer about this life, but the one forever in heaven.

By His grace I am no longer a prisoner of sin, but of His righteousness. And my sinful nature no longer has power over me because the blood of Christ has washed me clean.

I want to share this quote by Jack Welch. Jack is the former CEO of GE, who made the company into a business giant with record profits. He wrote many books about how to be successful in both business and management. He helped a lot of people with both his wisdom and money. In his latest book, "Winning," there was a question asked of him, "Do you think you will go to heaven?" It was an unusual question, and he answered in the book this way, "As for heaven, who knows? I am sure not perfect. But if there are any points given out for caring about people and giving life all you've got, then I suppose I have a shot."

What do you think of this statement? How many feels what he says is nice, and makes sense?

Keep in mind, Jack Welch is a catholic.

By any measure, Mr. Wesch is someone who accomplished so much and worthy of admiration. But even he is not sure if will get into heaven. How many of you feel the same way about your place in heaven?

Ask anyone at a street corner, doens't matter if it is a believer or unbeliever, the answer to that question is most like similar -- to be a good person, do good things, and help others.

For a unbeliever, it is understandable; but for brothers and sisters in Christ, the true gospel of grace must be made crystal clear that our eternal life with Christ is already accomplished on the cross two thousand years ago by His death, burial and resurrection. All our sins have been washed away, and we will never be judged again for our behaviors but our faith in Him who is ever faithful. The only sin that truly matters now is the sin of unbelief. Our sinful nature has no chance when our hearts are filled with the grace of God and the holy spirit.

As for me, two years ago, we could be considered very successful in our investments. We bought many properties, and the cash flow was enough to support a very comfortable life. My outside seems very bright, but the soul inside was living in darkness.

Today, the financial storm has hit us very hard, and there seems to be no end in sight. We have to supplement a lot of the negatives in properties that dropped substantially in value and income. It is a very dark time, but my soul is joyful and sings of God's glory. Why? Because I have the greatest treasure one can have -- a relationship with Jesus Christ and an eternal life in heaven. I hope you feel the same way as a fellow believer, not matter your circumstance, your health or age.

This life is but an illusion, keep our eyes on the cross and know that our place in heaven is assured. 

 wisdom,

made whole

(response to) Why I abominate the prosperity gospel

Dear Cxxxx:

I really appreciate all the good work and spiritual pursuit you have obviously dedicated your life to. I thought long and hard whether to respond or not -- especially in light of today's worship message by Elder Kxxxx, but feel it should be addressed in a way that promotes mutual understanding and goodwill.

I agree, and believe above all that brothers and sisters in Christ must accentuate the unarguable fact of Jesus as our eternal savior, and should give the benefit of the doubt to all who profess such belief as deeply sincere. Any difference of opinion on Christian theology and practice must not rise above the blood-bond borne by our Messiah on the cross; otherwise we lose all purpose and meaning as a body in Christ from our disagreement, and relegate it to mere academic exercise. Even worse, an appearance of disunity only dims God's glory in the eyes of unbelievers and new believers.

Still, harmony should not subordinate our pursuit of truth, but work together in our mutual quest for God's heart. And in doing so, I feel the dialogue must remain respectful, and both sides careful about the use  -- intentional or inadvertent -- of hurtful expressions and accusatory tones. If one's attempt is to elevate God' children and to reveal His great love for us, it benefits no one by taking on an antagonistic posture, or using words like "abominate."

Just as laws are an empty shell or form that saves not one soul until the love of Christ fulfilled it and brought true life to the world, if we separate and segregate from one another on the basis of theology, but have not love enough for fellow believers flawed in any way, what is the point of claiming victory and being proven right? That is exercise of a more dangerous sort -- vanity. (I should take heed as well.)

Maybe this message was unintended as a response, but from recent email exchanges there is no denying two distinct interpretations of the new covenant have been presented and argued about. I have been told on more than one occasion that what I propose falls in line with the oft-maligned "Prosperity Gospel," exactly as John Piper accused of in the video. This may come as a surprise: neither do I have much sympathy for those TV preachers who promise the world and ask for money left and right! Their intent is superficial and the message bore me because the great love of Christ is not revealed through rigorous scriptural context.

The gospel I believe in deeply is not about prosperity nor healing (although how can one say with all seriousness that God has little interest in our present day welfare and health?) but is all about grace and its personification in Christ Jesus. And in Christ are all good things promised by God. Why is that so wrong? We all know that money is not the root of all evil but the love of it. Same can be said about anything we desire above Christ. If in our hearts we do not exalt Jesus above all else in this world it is idolatry. This includes self-righteousness and the seeking of it with intent to justify or retain salvation. If one elevates obedience above, equal or even just part of the finished work of Christ on the cross as necessary redemption for our sin, it takes away full glory of His death. This is the essence of grace gospel, advocating spiritual purity, not simplification.

But what concerns me most is the anger and venom many Christian detractors of full grace gospel level at fellow believers who they deem spiritually lazy, soft and world-loving. In defending God's holiness if one loses love for a brother or sisters even if deemed misguided, I am not certain such zealous defense of God's holiness pleases Him. I believe there can only be good in revealing more of Jesus Christ from the scriptures, for it is the single source of spiritual nourishment which equips a believer with armor of faith and righteousness to persevere in times of hardship and battle through temptations from Satan. I certainly don't believe that a Christian walk is easy, but fully expect that with ever deepening devotion to the Lord Satan throws more obstacles in our path to create doubt and self-loathing. That is why we fight the spiritual battle in our minds by filling it with the righteousness already inherited through grace (once given cannot be taken back) rather then the constant reminder to "justify or lose" our righteousness.

I hope that in everything I wrote about I have not tried to counter anyone's claim that a believer should be Christ-like, walk in holiness and be obedient to God's will; the question is how we can transform intrinsically from the heart and not only extrinsically in the command or will to do so. Yes, this world is but for only a moment, and we have eternity with God to look forward to. But we came to this world without choice, were convicted of sin without choice and apart from good deeds (by the act of one man, Adam); God is not unmerciful to our plight and weakness but loves us so much that he Himself took our sin, became sin and return to us our righteousness apart from work. He healed all who came to Him for he wants us well even in this temporary form; he fed us with much more leftover for He wants us not wanting, but satisfy our desires with good things (Psalm 103). Why is a good life contrary to the will of God I simply can't understand! As long as we lean on Him only and fully, why won't our all-powerful and all-loving Daddy in heaven not spoil us with His riches? Yes, there are famines and poverty in this world -- but is it Godly to be such and remain such? Or should we joyously bring blessing to all those suffering by the overflowing goodness He blessed us through our faith without doubt? Is He a God of abundance or a God of just getting by?

We should not seek prosperity, nor should we seek poverty; we only seek the kingdom of Christ! We should not ask if we are good, neither should we measure if we are bad; we only ask for and measure ourselves according to His goodness! And there is nothing wrong with prosperity, but everything wrong if without grace; and so it is right to be obedient, but not so right if not all for Jesus (from the heart). Amen

God's blessing be upon each and every soul who seek Him.


James

The limitation of many paths

In light of the recent trend in Jesus Christ as only one of many paths to enlightenment or reaching God, and what Txxx brought up in the meeting of the brothers about people of different faith seemingly receiving revelation from God, I have put in some thoughts on how such an approach actually excludes and distances people from their maker instead of making the way to the divine more reachable.

Txxx crystallized his skepticism about Christianity's exclusive claim of the narrow and straight path to heaven with the accounts of three people: One a Buddhist, another a Christian and the other not of any particular faith. The common denominator underpinning these individuals of different age, gender and faith is that they seem to know when they will die, and prepared for it in a similar way. The conclusion was that to have such revelation it must have been a communication with God (or at least the spiritual world); but such that they do not share the same faith it must be then that God is available to us in at least more than one way.

With such view, the key to salvation or enlightenment is not dependent on which faith one subscribes to, but on ourselves to choose one and walk it. The emphasis then is not on the path, but the diligent journey one makes in terms of all the familiar doctrines of doing good and refraining from evil, and faithfully following the guidance of the general spirit shared by all credible religions of today. How well one walks and how far one reaches in this spiritual journey determines how close he or she is to enlightenment and building up of spiritual credit for heavenly rewards. I am not an expert on this new age religion, but I don't think I am far off with this assessment.

Essentially, the focus is on our own self-effort with religion as a guiding principle or spiritual map. There is true wisdom in this belief and I am certain it is born out of truth as it was in the Old Testament covenant of the Ten Commandants. Just as the new covenant of grace does not abolish the law but to fulfill it, neither does it discredit anyone sincerely and humbly searching for God in pure faith. A familiar argument against Christ as the only way to salvation is to bring up a native growing up on an island never hearing the gospel. After all, the majority of people in the world and through out history never heard of Jesus Christ. Is God not their God, and are they forever condemned to live in hell?

I believe, just as in the days of Abraham, who was not always truthful, there are people of great and pure faith in the one true God, who walks in such close relationship with Him. Noah found favor (grace) with God, Enoch walked with God, and Jabez's prayer was answered by Him. I believe through out the ages until even today, there are people outside of the Christian circle who are close to God in faith -- for He has given each of us an inner voice, a general conscience to know Him. We don't need to hear of Him, He whispers to us...but often is drowned by the cacophony of the world and flesh. And it is true that many non-religious people are even more righteous than an average Christian.

However, of the fortunate few who walks close to God, billions are left in the wilderness. If only the virtuous and faithful can be with God, most of us are doomed. And that is not where God's heart lies. And even the virtuous can never be sure if they are good enough, or if tomorrow they will not be stricken by the serpent. If it is up to our self-effort to reach salvation we are left in a constant flux of pride, uncertainty or shame; arrogance, doubt or despair. The system of this world is Self-effort, where an endless process of disqualification weed out the unworthy, leaving only people with rare talent, prowess and beauty meriting of praise and reward; and it seems God judges us the same if by law and faith, that few is worthy.

(On the surface, it seems an open religion is inclusive by letting in all people; but it is in the journey that many are left behind through degrees of work, understanding and enlightenment. Christianity may first appear to be exclusive by presenting the one and only door; but to open it all one has to do is knock in faith, and no more is required for entry and stay. Hallelujah!)

But a loving God even loves the least lovable. The rejected, the sickly, the filthy, the hateful...thieves, cheaters and murderers. And that is our merciful Father in heaven. "He so loved the world that He sent His one and only son, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." What better news can we have but to know that God gave of Himself to save us, and by His shed blood, death and resurrection we are forgiven, healed and have life everlasting? Jesus Christ became the serpent on our behalf, and was hung on the tree of judgment to suffer the punishment we deserve. Just as important, it is now by His faith, not ours, we enter the inner sanctum of God, which veil was torn when he cried, "It is accomplished!' so we can be near Him. No longer do we need to ask, "Am I virtuous enough?" or "Do I have enough faith?" for all we need is to believe that Christ is faithful and pleasing to God, and so we are.

Trust in the Lord that he saves, heals and provides. In Christ we have the living proof of His grace and promise. Abraham had the same trust even without knowing Christ. The first mention of "love" and "worship" appeared in the account of God asking Abraham to sacrifice Issac. It referred to "...your son, your only son, whom you love...," foreshadowing His own sacrifice; but Abraham never expressed doubt in the plan of God, although I can only imaging the anguish he must have felt about to lose his son. He trusted the Lord and presented his son in worship, which is his heart given to the Lord, and the Lord was pleased. And Jesus spoke to him, "Abraham, Abraham, do not touch the lad, for I will offer myself in his place." Whenever a name is mentioned twice, it is Jesus calling in tender endearment. And now that we have Jesus, we don't have to wonder anymore if we need to have the faith of Abraham to enter the gates of heaven. Does He want to keep us out of His kingdom, or is it His deepest desire to bring us under His wings to protect and nurture us? Can there be any doubt left in one's heart when we behold his shattered body nailed on the cross the immensity of His love? He was spared not one ounce of pain, rejection nor deprivation for all his children upon the frail and very human form for He loves you so...and loves me so. Amen

Today, why do we still cling to the notion of earning our way to salvation when Christ Himself have already done the work more perfectly than we can ever hope to accomplish? When Christ said, "Just believe..." why do so many reject it as too simplistic and not fair to the ones "living right?" Isn't it rooted in self-glorification and wanting to earn one's way to the heavenly rewards? But to do so rejects the grace of God, for grace is unearned, unmerited favor from God, and not a bit of credit we can boast in. For those who believes that there are many paths to God, think of the fellow humanity who do not have the opportunity or will to walk those paths as well as the few, how they can be saved? If you are on the path to a merciful God, then it is not so hard to believe that this kindhearted heavenly father will offer Himself as the one and true redemption for every single person that ever walked on this earth -- no qualification required.

And if that is not so hard to believe, then look to Jesus Christ -- for all one can ask of and expect in a loving God, a caring creator, a doting father, can be found on His person and brief walk in human life. For if one thinks about it a little deeper, there is no other way for God to be both just and loving to save His rebellious children from the jaws of death. But since God is a spirit, it must be in spirit that we accept this gift of life, which is all it takes -- just believe.

In Christ,

James

Shadow in the mirror

Dear brothers and sisters:

These thoughts stem from tonight's study on John 13, and the need to keep on confessing sins even in the cleansing by the blood of Jesus on the cross.

There is no shortage of spirited discussions when the subject is about God's words and the Christian walk. Fortunately, one shared living principle is that Christ suffered and died to redeem us from the wages of sin; and the common goal we have is to know the heart of our Lord and to seek His perfect glory. This is important to keep in mind even as we do not agree on every point of the Christian belief.

It can be awkward, and even upsetting to argue over aspects of our faith, much of it I am certain are minor ceremonial, administrative or stylistic variations that do not require serious examination. However, when it comes to the doctrine of grace that is the central theme of the New Testament (and I argue, the entire Bible and the plan of God), and how it works in tandem with laws and commandments to bring us closer to our divine Father, I feel we should not spare time nor effort to reach absolute clarity.

Things would have been so much simpler if we were still living in the pre-Christ era. However we choose to live our lives, we get our just deserts in the end. The key to heaven or hell is held in our own grubby little hands, The law given is the bright mirror we cannot escape. It mercilessly seeks out our every imperfection. The rare ones who consider themselves sanctified through perfect obedience can breathe a sigh of relief, and be smug about their grand accomplishment, while those mired in sin and failure remain hopeless, defeated and angry. There is either a prize or punishment meted out for our every behavior -- choosing life or death at every turn and feeling proud or condemned with each round of self-judgment.

Simple but hopelessly impossible...for no rational and humble person can ever be sure if he has done enough good or keep far enough away from sin. But that is the demand of the just God according to His perfect standard. The law cannot save us, it only condemns. It was given to disqualify and the purpose to bring us to the ends of ourselves.

Thankfully our ever-merciful LORD intercedes on our behalf to redeem us from judgment. Only He can fulfill the law; on the cross, the perfect lamb took our rebellion and gave us His obedience. By His death the blood of the Jesus qualifies all, and His mercy embraces us. His ever gracious heart wants only our resting upon His breast like John on the Passover night, and gazing upon His glorious countenance Like Mary in the house of Martha. It is by the sacrificial offering of Jesus Christ that the just wrath of God towards our sins is exhausted upon His beaten and bloodied body. What remains is only our choosing to believe that Christ alone has done everything for us, and prepared a place of shalom peace and rest on earth and in heaven -- to be claimed when we seek His kingdom and speak of and in His name.

No more is our righteousness based on our thoughts and behavior, but His only. "In Christ" means if He is perfect, we are perfect; if He is glorious, we are glorious. God sees us righteous because the glory of Christ is in us and surrounds us. How can we be in water and not be wet? How can we touch grace and not be cleansed? Can we keep ourselves clean? No! But when we are baptized (having bathed), all we need is to have our feet washed by Christ (understanding of redemption through blood) we are clean once and for all times! In Hebrew, the term "money" is actually made up of the words "silver" and "blood." Silver symbolizes redemption, so our saviour literally paid for our redemption (forgiveness) with His blood. Christ dies once and it is sufficient to save every person in the past and in the future. Similarly, His blood continuously washes our sins away yesterday, today and tomorrow, for He is outside time. John in Revelation saw the freshly slain lamb...Christ is our ever suffering servant, faithfully washing us clean once and countless times.

Why then do we need to elevate our thoughts and behaviors to such importance that it is the most mentioned exhortation to self-examine and repent lest we fall short of the glory of God and forfeit our rewards in heaven? Our sins are endless and, if we are to confess each trespass great and small, we will be spending so much time doing just that and getting more dejected and powerless by the minute. For it is an already foregone conclusion (otherwise one is not a born again and repentant Christian) that we are full of sin and can't help from sinning. And we will not keep from sinning by acknowledging/confessing it, but only through the love of Christ we see and feel more and more that we are transformed from the heart that sin no more has dominion over us. For where sin abounds, grace abounds much more!

Instead of writing the laws on the stone tablets of our brains (left and right hemispheres), God wants to write it on our hearts through loving Christ, which means we don't have to think about it anymore, but it becomes a natural part of our being where we wouldn't even know how to sin for the holy spirit so fills our entire being. If we acknowledge that only Christ alone can cleanse us and transform us, why even go through the motion of self-examination? Shouldn't we have faith enough that once we invite Him into our hearts, and our eyes are fixed upon His glory, that he can and will do the work to turn us away from sin? Grace has shattered the cold and impersonal mirror that is the law, and replaced it with the warmth of God's smiling face. Don't pick up the pieces of shards of broken glass that only cuts and distorts and ultimately is only a shadow...for to dust we return, but behold the perfect, real and eternal glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, and never look away.

For an unbeliever, the stone (law) should not be rolled away, for it reveals only the stink of dead flesh; however, once reborn, we are alive and radiant, but trapped if the law is constantly on our minds. Before Lazarus can come forth, the stone must first be rolled away. Trust that Jesus has transformed us, and not be like Martha who is busy caring of this world, but does not see the power of Christ to work miracles although she confesses it. 

I agree that if one is not aware of and despise his dark nature, he will not turn to the light. But like redemption, repentance, if genuine, once is sufficient. After all, Christ meant it as a changing of mind (in Hebrew, turn to grace), and not to beat ourselves up every time we trip. "Justification by faith" as Martin Luther proclaimed in the Reformation age, is to release us from the dogmatic formality of Catholic confessions and the practice of "indulgence" or buying redemption with money. Today, isn't it our belief that Christ alone is our justification and propitiation? If there is anything to gain by confessing our sins, to earn (buy) forgiveness or future rewards, then Christ is not given full glory. Instead, our sensitivity to sin should only be a natural extension of the spiritual growth gained by hearing the words of God and experiencing the full measure of His love in everything about Him.

If a person loves cleanliness, she (mostly women because they were not made from dirt!) does not need to be constantly reminded to make sure to wipe dirt off her person for she naturally cannot stand it. Similarly, a Christian full of the love of Christ naturally disdains sin and even in sin has the faith and comfort that Christ has washed it clean, is the strength to fight it, and her standing in Christ will never be compromised. Isn't this where we can truly find peace and rest, and not having a yardstick to constantly measure ourselves -- but especially measuring others -- of living up to and/or falling short of a phantom standard. Jesus Christ is our gold standard, and we can never live up to it, so stop trying and expecting. Instead, let his spirit lead us completely. We are then perfect even imperfect, and the Lord is glorified in our falling short.

Let us be alive in Christ, and be dead to the bondage of law.

James