Trap 4 Christians Fall Into: Playing "Holy Spirit Junior"

(This is the fourth in a series entitled: "8 Traps Christians Fall Into.")

TRAP 4 CHRISTIANS FALL INTO: PLAYING "HOLY SPIRIT JUNIOR"

"'And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin.'" (John 16:8a)

Part of the Holy Spirit's work on this planet ~ in people's lives ~ is to convict them of sin. It's in His job description to do this. And how many of you know the Spirit of God is the best at what He does!

And to the point of playing what I refer to as "Holy Spirit junior" ~ what I'm talking about when I say that is simply this. The believer (Christian) who takes over the convicting aspect of the Holy Spirit's work is doing just that ~ He's playing "Holy Spirit junior."

When you see something wrong in somebody else's life and you take it upon yourself to call them on the carpet for it ~ to "get in their face concerning it" ~ without God's direction ~ when you do this you're playing "Holy Spirit junior." You're doing His job.

CHRISTIANS ARE CALLED TO LOVE EACH OTHER

Christians aren't called to do the Spirit's job. Christians are called to love each other. They're called to forgive (Matthew 18:21-22) and pray for each other. (James 5:16) And certainly Christians are also called to confront each other at times. (Matthew 18:15-18). But I'd daresay that if that's all a particular believer does ~ if all he (or she) does is confront people on their sin, then he's (she's) likely doing most of it on his (her) own and not at God's urging.

The fact of the matter is the Holy Spirit simply doesn't need our help when it comes to this area ~ when it comes to making people the feel the godly sorrow that leads to repentance. (2 Corinthians 7:10) He really doesn't.

Let me give you a Biblical case in point.

THE EXAMPLE OF SIMON PETER

It was early in our Lord's ministry that He was out preaching and the people were crowding Him, as was typical. And because He was being crowded in upon, the Scripture says (in Luke 5:3) that Christ got into a boat.

Now this boat just happened to be Simon Peter's. And Jesus asked him to put out a little way from land so He could continue preaching. The Bible tells us what happened next...

[W]hen [Jesus] had finished speaking, He said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch." (Luke 5:4)

Now the problem here was that Peter had been doing just that. He's been fishing the whole night before without any luck. But how many of you know that it's good to do what God says anyway ~ Amen? And this is exactly what Peter did. And in doing so ~ in obeying Jesus ~ you'll notice that v. 6 states...

[They therefore] enclosed a great quantity of fish; and their nets began to break. (Luke 5:6b)

So Peter and the fishermen with him enjoyed a great haul to the point that their boat began to sink, Luke 5:7 goes on to say, along with another boat they'd called over to help because there were so many fish.

HOW DOES PETER REALIZE HE WAS A SINFUL MAN?

But this isn't the part of the story I want to focus on with you. It's further down in the passage. It's Peter's response that I want you to notice. Luke 5:8 says...

But when Simon Peter saw that (when he saw the mighty catch and the boats sinking) ~ when ... Peter saw that, he fell down at Jesus' feet, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man." (Luke 5:8)

Now how did Peter come to this conclusion? All he had seen was a miracle. And it wasn't like Jesus had pointed it out to him ~ his (Peter's) sins (at least directly ~ remember Peter had been in our Lord's presence when He was preaching). So how did Peter come to the conclusion that he was a sinner? Well, I'll tell you how I believe he did. It was because the Spirit of God convicted him. This is what made Peter realize he was a sinful man. It was the Holy Spirit at work on him that did it.

Again, God's Spirit is well able to deal with others when it comes to their sinfulness. Let us be careful to avoid the trap of thinking He needs us to help Him with it.

You might also be interested in:

• Trap 3 Christians Fall Into: Majoring on the Minors
• Trap 2 Christians Fall Into: Having a False View of Oneself

Trap 1 Christians Fall Into: Thinking God is Angry with Them

(This is the first in a series entitled: "8 Traps Christians Fall Into.")

TRAP 1 CHRISTIANS FALL INTO: THINKING GOD IS ANGRY

As a believer in Jesus Christ, have you ever thought God was angry with you? It's not so hard to see why many of us fall into this trap. I mean, in many places in the Body of Christ (if we were really honest), this is the emphasis concerning our Lord. I'm talking about the emphasis that God is mad at His people ~ that they mostly rub Him the wrong way ~ that He's hard to please (if He's even able to be pleased at all). This really is the emphasis in a lot of church settings. And it's truly unfortunate.

Because the fact is God isn't angry with us. "He's not angry with you, ________ (fill in the blank with your own name and say it)." He's not!

In a moment I'll be offering you a single verse to prove it. But before that, I want to give you two reasons why I believe some Christians think God is angry with them.

1ST REASON WHY CHRISTIANS THINK GOD IS ANGRY

The first reason is this: Some believers equate wrong attitudes of "father figures" with God's attitude ~ whether it be an earthly father, a pastor, a boss, etc (even a friend). This is the first reason why some Christians think God is mad ~ because their dad always was or their pastor comes off that way or because their boss is edgy or because any other "father figure" they might know or have known is like that. It's because those who were stationed by God in their lives to be examples of His holy attitude and character have failed to portray Him in a right way. How important it is that "father figures" fulfill their role as God intended.

2ND REASON WHY CHRISTIANS THINK GOD IS ANGRY

The second reason that I believe some Christians think God is angry with them is this: It's because they don't truly understand grace. Grace is unmerited favor (to not merit something means you can't earn it by doing something or not doing something). God's unmerited favor (grace) is bestowed upon sinful men and women by a God who loves without condition. This is what grace is. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

The story of the woman caught in adultery in John 8:1-11 is a story about grace. The religious leaders are requiring that the woman be stoned for her sin. (John 8:5) They call on Jesus to get angry / upset, to blow His top and throw a tantrum ~ to do away with the immoral, wretched gal. But what does Jesus do? (You know the story.) He says, "'He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.'" (John 8:7)

Does that sound like a God who's angry?

Jesus turns to the woman as all her condemners are leaving and says, "'Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?'" (John 8:10b) She responds, "'No one, Lord.'" (John 8:11a) Jesus closes, "'Neither do I condemn you; go your way. From now on sin no more.'" (John 8:11b)

This is grace talking here. Did you need to hear it?

GOD HAS EXPENDED ALL OF HIS WRATH

I'd now like to offer you a verse to prove our Lord truly isn't angry (as if the last story in John 8 wasn't enough!) Isaiah 53:5 states in the King James Version...

But He (Jesus Christ) was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)

What this verse in Isaiah tells us ~ what this verse declares! ~ is that God has expended all His wrath ~ God has expended all His anger towards sin ~ He's exhausted it all ~ every last ounce! ~ against and upon His Son. He did it at the cross! Can you say, "Praise the Lord"?

And so there's none left. It's all gone. God's fury has subsided. He's no longer angry.

He's no longer angry with you. (Romans 5:1)

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• God Rejoices Over Us
• Has God Forgotten Us (Me)?

Evil People, Dying to Self and 7 Responses When You're Wronged

"'But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.'" (Matthew 5:39)

A professor in Bible college once told my class (of future pastors), "Don't go into the ministry unless you're ready to die." (It's funny what you remember from two decades ago.)

Of course, we really didn't know what that meant ~ because, until you're truly in the middle of something, experiencing it up close and personal (versus reading it in a book), that's the real classroom (the "school of hard knocks").

And it never feels good when you're mistreated, wronged, tricked, lied to, manipulated, taken advantage of, stolen from, your name is smeared, etc. (Been there? Done that?)

And when it really, really, really does hurt (like a slap in the face, punch in the gut, kick in the shins) is when the ill will comes from another "believer."

And yet it's part of the death process that my professor talked about for ministers (isn't it?) ~ and Christians, too ~ where we die to self (our fleshly responses to abuse) and embrace the life of Christ (the way He would respond to abuse).

And every single one of us is guilty of abusing Him (Jesus). We are. (Romans 3:23) And He's turned the cheek time and time and time again with us. He has. (Luke 23:34a)

And we're so good at sticking our chests out and parading about what spiritual stars we are.

But then we're wronged (and sometimes it's very, very deeply) and what's our response?

Here are seven choices...

7 Responses When You're Wronged:

1. Pray for the wrongdoer.
2. Wash their feet. (Jesus did with Judas.)
3. Truly forgive. (The prisoner forgiveness really frees is you.)
4. Break off the relationship. (Many times you just have to.)
5. Consider areas of wrongdoing towards others in your own life. (Matthew 7:3)
6. Avoid being suspicious of others.
7. Steer clear of bitterness.

(To listen to Matthew West's song: Forgiveness, click here.)

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• 7 Thoughts on Christian Relationships (tweetcast)
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Contemptible Christianity

It's one thing for an unbeliever to hold someone in contempt even when it's a Christian. It's a completely different thing when a believer, a follower of Jesus does it (holds a fellow believer in contempt).

It happens all the time. You see, certain "followers of Christ" view other Christians and they (the "followers of Christ") have made a judgment about them (mostly from afar).

Here's the judgment: They aren't giving to the poor (like the "followers of Christ" do). They aren't helping out the needy (like the "followers of Christ" do). They aren't visiting the prisoner, feeding the hungry (like the "followers of Christ" do). They aren't sharing the Gospel with the lost (like the "followers of Christ" do). They aren't loving the unlovely, taking up the cause of the outcast (like the "followers of Christ" do). Quite frankly, they can't do anything right (like the "followers of Christ" do).

The parable of the Publican and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14) was about a man who thought he was "really something" because he did all this religious stuff. The way we know he thought he was "really something" is he looked down on another person who was trying to follow God, too, and he held him in contempt because he wasn't doing the religious stuff that he did.

The parable of the Unmerciful Slave (Matthew 18:23-35) was about a man with a selfish and bitter heart. He owed the king, what amounts to in our day, 4 billion dollars. But the king forgave him the debt. (What a merciful king!) The problem was the slave went out after having his debt forgiven and held a fellow slave in contempt over a debt owed him ~ a measly $7,000 in comparison.

And let's just say other Christian people "followers of Christ" are holding in contempt ARE guilty of the judgment being made against them. Shouldn't they (the "followers of Christ") lay aside their contemptible Christianity lest they be guilty of a greater sin?

He who has hears to hear, let him hear.

"Then Peter came and said to Him, 'Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.'" (Matthew 18:21-22)

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On a Dragon, a Boy, Sinners and Forgiveness

"Sleeping on a dragon's hoard with greedy, dragonish thoughts in his heart, he had become a dragon himself."

In the Narnia series book, The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis, the boy Eustace is confronted with "himself."

Having become alone on an island, he's cornered by a hideous creature. It has awful claws for hands, scales for skin, breathes fire ... you name it. Never did a young man face something so terrifying.

If you've read the book you know this creature is a dragon. The problem for Eustace is: It's him. He's the dragon. Eustace has become on the outside what he is on the inside.

It's God's hand of mercy to see ourselves as we really are. We like to believe we're such good people, and the world around us reinforces our not needing God, but the Bible says something quite different. "There is none righteous, not even one" (Romans 3:10) and "'No one is good except God alone" (Mark 10:18) are just a couple of places where we're confronted with ourselves.

The truth is we're all sinners (including me) on the road to hell. (Matthew 7:13; Proverbs 14:12) To say anything less is a lie. (1 John 1:10) Some of us would rather hide in our own supposed "righteousness," but others of us want to know reality ~ and will be rescued to eternal life because of it. (1 John 1:9)

And Eustace is rescued in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. It happens when the great Lion, Aslan, appears and, with his claws, strips away his dragon scales and Eustace becomes a boy again. It's a picture of the salvation experience the Bible talks about. (John 3:16)

Only Jesus can rescue us from ourselves. (Ephesians 2:8-9) And He will do it ~ if we let Him.

"'Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden (with guilt and sin), and I will give you rest (forgiveness).'" (Matthew 11:28)

"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." (2 Corinthians 5:17)

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The Sin That Can Not Be Forgiven - Part 2

(To view Part 1, click here.)

The Sin That Can Not Be Forgiven - Part 1

(To view Part 2, click here.)

"Squeeze"

"'But I will harden Pharoah's heart that I may multiply My signs and My wonders in the land of Egypt.'" (Exodus 7:3)

"'But I will harden Pharoah's heart.'" In other passages of the Escape from Egypt story it reads: "Pharoah's heart was hardened" (Exodus 7:13) or "Pharoah hardened his heart." (Exodus 8:32a) And so the "hardening" process according to these passages includes: 1. an act of God, 2. a response of the individual (in this case, Pharoah) and 3. an individual (Pharoah's) choice. And this is true. (Other translations of harden: make obstinate; make stubborn; make stubborn and hard.)

The saying goes: "The same sun that melts wax hardens clay." Some believe Pharoah had no choice, that God made him "hard" (which I think they mean God had already determined to destroy Pharoah so he didn't have a chance to repent), but that's simply a false view of what "to harden" means. Look at that sentence about the sun, wax and clay again. It's all about the substance. Do you see that? The fact is God didn't make Pharoah stubborn by "hardening" him as "hardening" is more of a squeezing out of what's already inside.

Pharoah was not really God's. Neither would he submit to God. And so God put the "squeeze" on (God's act) / hardened Pharoah's heart. That's what came out (in response) ~ what was already there (by choice).

God would have had Pharoah repent. (2 Peter 3:9) God would have had Pharoah saved. Can you just imagine what that would have meant for him (his firstborn wouldn't have had to die) and Egypt (it wouldn't have had to be crushed ~ so it has remained in an impoverished state even to this day)?

God's purpose was for Pharoah to see the wickedness and rebellion in his own heart, turn from it (by letting the people of God, Israel, go) and receive the Lord's forgiveness and blessing in return. But Pharoah would have none of it (after nine months and ten plagues). So he was drowned in the Red Sea. (God gave Pharoah what he really wanted.)

What would come out if God put the "squeeze" on you?

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The Only Hope for a Tiger is (Still) a Lion

It has been a year since I wrote about Tiger Woods' apology for his adulteries and his commitment to "change." (Click here to read: "The Only Hope for a Tiger is a Lion.") I am moved to write again as this poor young man is in a "trap" (pun intended) and downward spiral. (I don't refer to Tiger as "poor young man" to excuse him. He is solely responsible for his actions and situation.) Tiger's golf game is in shambles. He is now making a fool of himself on the golf course. It's gotten to the point where he's spitting (literally) on the putting green. (Click here to watch video.) This is embarrassing.

I said it last year. I say it again. His family's Buddhism will not save him. Only Christ can. Is there not one person near Tiger that can get through to him about this? (Of course, I know people are trying.) "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23) "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

Clean

I was applying for a job that required a print out of my driving record. That's when I got nervous. You see, I hadn't been enjoying the best of driving careers (to put it mildly). Yes, I'd been pulled over for speeding. Yes, I'd gotten in a few accidents (well, maybe more than a few). And yes, (I'm embarrassed to say it) I was even arrested for drunk driving at the bright young age of 18. (I was a wretch before Jesus rescued me.) With this type of background you can see why I was a little bit nervous going to the DMV. I thought it was a forgone conclusion that my record was a mess.

So there I was as the woman behind the counter started to hand me my print out. "It's clean, Mr. Campagna," I can remember her saying. I thought I was hearing things. I thought I was dreaming. "Are you sure?" I was saying as I scanned it over with my own eyes. "There must be a glitch," I was thinking in my mind. But, indeed, it was clean. It really was. (Selah ~ pause to reflect)

And so is our "record" before God if we've received Christ into our heart and life and pledged to live for Him with everything within us. (Oh, how I wish this might sink down deep in some of you!) No matter what our past, no matter what we've done ~ every last piece of bad ~ there's nothing there. It's all gone. It's been wiped/washed away. (That ought to put a skip in your step and remove a load off your back.)

"'For I will be merciful to their iniquities and I will remember their sins no more.'" (Hebrews 8:12)

"As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us." (Psalm 103:12)

"[T]he blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin." (1 John 1:7b)

Paid in Full

"It is finished!" (John 19:30) It was with those three words that Jesus Christ declared mankind's redemption accomplished. There's nothing more that can be added. There's nothing more that need be done. Our sins are forgiven (if we believe). Our eternal destiny is secure (we are headed to heaven when this life is through). And our time on earth has extraordinary meaning and purpose. (Ephesians 2:10; Romans 8:28) And so why is it that I sometimes run around like I'm having to earn God's favor (as if I could)? The fact is I already have it! (Jesus said so.) And what if we began to live like that? I mean, what if we really took to heart that God is our friend and we are His, that "It is finished!" means paid in full and "If God be for us, who can be against us?"? (Romans 8:31; KJV) (That's when the devil starts shaking in his boots.)

A Prayer for Restoring Honor

There's a rally on the Washington Mall this weekend. (Watch live: HERE) It's centering around a return to values, a return to morality and goodness, a return to God. We've gotten off track in America. It's evident to everyone. And it's also evident that it's beyond our own human ability to recover. We need help. We need help from Heaven. With this in mind my thoughts were turned to another time in history where a country had gotten off track. They were sent into exile for it (like us). But then the moment came for a return. It was at that time that one man was moved to pray. He confessed the sins of his people. He asked for God's intervention and deliverance. And the restoration process began. That prayer is below in a condensed version and as I posted it in seven tweets this past Thursday evening on Twitter (@aheartforgod). I believe it is a prayer for the "Restoring Honor" event on Saturday. I believe it is a prayer for our nation...

Daniel's Prayer (for America):
(Twitter version~tweet if you like)

(1) So I gave my attention 2 the Lord God 2 seek Him by prayer & supplications, w/fasting, sackcloth & ashes. Dan 9:3

(2) I prayed 2 the Lord my God & confessed & said, "Alas, O Lord, the great & awesome God… Dan 9:4a

(3) …[O Christ] who keeps His covenant & lovingkindness 4 those who love Him & keep His commandments… Dan 9:4b

(4) We have sinned,committed iniquity,acted wickedly&rebelled,even turning aside from Your commandments&ordinances. Dan 9:5

(5) Open shame belongs 2 us, O Lord, 2 r kings, r princes & r fathers, because we have sinned against You. Dan 9:8

(6) To the Lord r God belong compassion & forgiveness, 4 we have rebelled against Him; Dan 9:9

(7) So now, r God, listen 2 [our] prayer…& 4 Your sake…let Your face shine on Your desolate sanctuary. Dan 9:17

Just One Sin

It won't matter. It won't hurt. I mean, in the grand scheme of things, it's just a drop in the bucket. Sure it is. No one's gonna know. How could they? Who's gonna tell them? If I look at that magazine. If I watch that show. If I buy that item. If I see that woman (or man). I promise. I'll only do it one time. Just this once. Then I'll never do it again. I promise I won't. I have self control. I have will power. It's mind over matter. I can stop any time I want to. You'll see. I'm not like everybody else. I'm different from other people. It can't happen to me. I can cut off this relationship. I can beat this drug. I can quit lighting up. Any time I want to I can. You'll see. I'm not addicted. "Jesus answered them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. (John 8:34) "'Come to Me (Christ), all who are weary and heavy-laden (with sin), and I will give you rest (I will forgive and release you).'" (Matthew 11:28)

Friendly Fire (What's a Shot Gun Blast Among Friends?)

According to wikipedia, "friendly fire" is the "inadvertent (unintentional) firing towards one's own or otherwise friendly forces while attempting to engage enemy forces, particularly where this results in injury or death." It goes on to attribute many "friendly fire" incidents to a so-called "fog of war." It adds: "Fog of war incidents fall roughly into two classes: Errors of position ... [and] Errors of identification." And I wonder if we don't have some incidents of "friendly fire" taking place in the church from time to time. It can come from any of the following three directions: (1) brother (in Christ) to brother (same as sister to sister; brother to sister; sister to brother); (2) brother to preacher; and lastly (3) preacher to brother. (Yeah, it happens from the pulpit, too.) Jesus referred to His disciples, James and John, as the "Sons of Thunder." It was not without cause. At the drop of a hat it seemed the pair was ready to blow up a village and ask questions later. (Luke 9:51-56) In another episode, they saw someone who was doing similar miracles to the ones they were doing, but since he wasn't in the "in" crowd (following them), they sought to stop him. (They were jealous?) The "Sons of Thunder" would shoot him down, too, except for Christ's intervention. (Mark 9:38-40)) I think it's significant to note that James and John were in a "fog" in both incidents. (See Bible passages.) They had an error of position and an error of identification and Jesus pointed it out. "'You do not know what kind of spirit you are of.'" (Luke 9:55) And we can get all hot and bothered and our underwear in a bundle over the actions of others, especially of believers. It happens. But even if they're sinning, sure we ought to confront them, but not with a shot gun blast. "Then Peter came and said to Him, 'Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.'" (Matthew 18:21-22)

Virus (Heart) Scan

When was the last time you ran a virus scan on your computer?

I don't know about you, but I get lazy. Here's what I mean. I've got so much going on that I keep putting off scanning my computer for viruses for another day. "Well, with Twitter and Facebook and blogging and video blogging and reading others' posts and keeping up with the latest politics and news headlines as well as adding value to the online (and offline) community, I'll just do that tomorrow." Do you ever talk to yourself like that or think it?

And I was considering this same type of scenario as it has to do with our hearts and how we deal with the sin that so easily entangles us. (Hebrews 12:1) You do know that you still sin from time to time as a Christian. Right? You're simply not better than me in that department. No one is. (Romans 3:10)

But we put that off, too. We put off "scanning for viruses / dealing with sin" for another day. We put it off. And we put it off. And we put it off some more. And then what happens is we got all this crud and junk and temporary cache files bogging us down and maybe a malware virus or trojan horse or two. (Those are the real bad ones.) And we're literally hijacked.

Do you ever find yourself less than patient/short with your spouse or kids or burdened with worry more than you ought to be or in bondage to ugly thoughts (why do I keep thinking like that?) or it could be anything else where you're just not living the abundant life Jesus talked about, quite frankly? (John 10:10) I suggest it's because you need a "virus / heart scan."

You'll be surprised how your "system" runs so much better after it. (I think the analogy works.) Who needed to hear this?

"If we confess our sins, He (Christ) is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed." (James 5:16)

7 Lies About Abortion

I used to work in a deli/cafe as a sandwich maker. A friend and coworker of mine was in a bad relationship at the time, got pregnant and decided to get an abortion. I tried to talk her out of it, but her situation was just too overwhelming. She got the abortion. As I look back, I can't help but think of the position of my friend. It wasn't an easy thing to find yourself with child by a guy who didn't love you. It wasn't an easy thing to find yourself unsupported and having to decide whether or not to end a pregnancy. It wasn't an easy thing to find yourself dealing with feelings of loneliness, despair, turmoil, fear ~ and anger, too. The conclusion: It's real people who grapple over the abortion issue. It's real people who need to be loved and cared for, talked to and pointed to a better way. I hope the following list is a tiny step in that direction...

7 Lies About Abortion:

#1: The 6th commandment does not prohibit abortion. (Exodus 20:13)
#2: You can be a Christian and be "pro-choice."
#3: That thing in the womb is not a human being.
#4: Abortion is not murder.
#5: A woman is not traumatized by the experience.
#6: There is not a tremendous sense of guilt that follows.
#7: God can not forgive you if you've had one.

"If we confess our sins, He (Christ) is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

"'Come to Me (Jesus), all who are weary and heavy-laden (with guilt and sin), and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you (walk in obedience to my life-enriching instructions) and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.'" (Matthew 11:28-29)

The Only Hope for a Tiger is a Lion

I listened to Tiger Woods' apology for his adulteries (as some of you might have). He said he was sorry for hurting his wife. He said he was sorry for hurting his mother. He said he was sorry for hurting his fans. He said he was in rehab. He said he would never do it again. He said he was returning to Buddhism for help. He said a lot of things that people say when they get caught in a sin. However, the fact remains: Left to ourselves, "Pharoah" can not be broken. There are some things that we can't handle/conquer on our own. To overcome the world, the flesh and the devil, one must turn to Christ. Brit Hume of Fox News said it (HERE) and was excoriated. Some reading this post won't like that I'm saying it either. The only hope for a Tiger is a Lion (of the tribe of Judah). He (Jesus) is your only hope, too. "He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21) "'Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden (with sin), and I will give you rest (forgiveness).'" (Matthew 11:28) "You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness." (Psalm 30:11)

7 Men, 4 Women, 10 Sins

Some people believe humankind is ultimately good at its core. The problem is that's not what the Bible says. Romans 3:10 can't be more clear: "There is none righteous, not even one." Jeremiah goes on: "The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9) Isaiah continues: "All our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment." (Isaiah 64:6b) Jesus adds: "No one is good except God alone." (Mark 10:18b) If that isn't enough, reflect upon the senselessness of our Lord's death on the cross (since there was no need for salvation?). And finally consider some of the so-called "saints" of Scripture (see list below). The truth is every last one of them was utterly flawed. It offers us hope. Each attained eternal salvation (there are good indications they did), but it wasn't because of their own goodness. Thus, you and I as sinners can, too. "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

7 Men, 4 Women, 10 Sins...

Saul approves of Stephen's stoning. (Acts 7:59-8:1)

Peter denies Christ. (Matthew 26:69-70)

Unnamed woman caught in adultery. (John 8:3)

David numbers the people. (1 Chronicles 21:1)

Elijah becomes depressed, suicidal. (1 Kings 19:1-4)

Bathsheba sleeps with the king. (2 Samuel 11:4)

Moses strikes wilderness rock. (Numbers 20:11-12)

Sarah laughs at God's promise. (Genesis 18:9-12)

Abraham lies about wife. (Genesis 12:11-13)

Eve, Adam eat forbidden fruit. (Genesis 3:6)

(Picture in public domain: HERE)

Easter Song by Keith Green