Amazing Love

AMAZING LOVE

“I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” - John 17:23

The word, “love,” may be the most misused word in our vocabulary. Secular music has often abused the word. Television and movies use this word in shallow ways. “Love,” is a word that some wrongly use as a synonym for lust. Others use the word in hyperbole. We say things like, “I love chocolate ice cream.” Sadly, even in religious circles, the word, “love,” has lost its impact.

Thankfully, genuine love still exists. A good mother loves her children. An honorable man loves his wife. Christians should love each other. In spite of this, we need to be aware that counterfeits do exist, causing a great deal of pain and heartache. Some are weary of “love,” because they have been mistreated by those who've selfishly used the word without having the true commitment that genuine love produces.

Yet we must admit that there are different types of love. The love a man has for his wife differs from the love he has for his children. Yet in both cases, love exists.

In light of all this, we must consider “love” in its deepest form. The Bible says that God is love. Note that the Bible doesn't say that God has love. It says He IS love. Certainly, the Lord has love, but love is the true essence of His being. Our experience of love is due to the fact that our Lord graciously provided such love for humans. He created man to have the capacity to give and receive love.

In John 17, Jesus prays to His Father. During this time of prayer, Jesus intercedes on our behalf. In verse 23, Jesus said, “I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” In this verse, Jesus again prays for His followers to dwell in harmony, just as He and the Father enjoyed such unity. He also knew that such unity would get the attention of the world.

I want us to focus on the last part of John 17:23. Jesus said, “... thou … hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” We tend to think that the Father loves His Son with the highest degree of love and that His love for us is less than this. That is not what this verse teaches. Jesus specifies that the Father loves us with the same degree of love that He loves His Son.

This seems rather scandalous, or even blasphemous, doesn't it? For God to love us just as He loves His Son, seems rather outrageous. How can this be?

First of all, His love is a divine love. Since He is God, His love cannot be fully grasped by our finite minds. Since He is love, He has bestowed enormous love on us. He freely gives such love because it is nature to do so.

Secondly, He loves us because of Christ. We have the righteousness of Christ. We are accepted because of His Son. We have been lovingly adopted into His family. He has received us as His own children. He has set His love on us. The blood of His Son merits His attention. We've been purchased by the Lord Jesus. In salvation, we came to the Father through the Son.

The Bible says, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” The cross of Calvary is vivid demonstration of God's radical love for us. He gave His Son to purchase our salvation. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

God has lavishly poured out His love on us. We did not deserve such love. We still don't. Our salvation is due to His grace and magnificent love. He has invested heavily in our lives. He continues to love us.

How should we respond to such incredible love? By loving Him in return. John put it this way, “We love him because he first loved us.” It is easy to love someone who loves you. This is certainly the case with our love for the Lord. He has set His love upon us. We are His treasured possession. We are greatly loved and we love Him right back. We enjoy fellowship with Him with great affection.

The Lord knows our flaws, failures, sins and mistakes. He knows the worst about us … and yet still loves us greatly. He is on the throne --- and yet in our hearts. He has the entire universe to govern and yet He makes time for you and me simply because He loves us.

That kind of love is truly amazing.

Glory!

 GLORY

“And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one.” - John 17:22

As Christians, we use the word, “glory,” to indicate many things. On one hand, we refer to heaven as “glory.” Many of our songs and hymns use this description of heaven. The word, “glory,” is also used to refer to praise. We should have a desire to give God glory, that is, our praise. Finally, the word, “glory,” is used to describe the divine perfections of God. That is what Moses wanted to see when we prayed, “Show me your glory.” Psalm 19:1 speaks of this glory when it says, “The heavens declare the glory of God...”

In John 17, Jesus is praying to the Father on our behalf. In verse 22, Jesus said, “And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them ...” What “glory” is Jesus referring to? Obviously, He is not referring to His deity. Jesus has always been divine. This glory was not given by the Father, but eternally enjoyed along with the Father. We have not been made divine ourselves. Although we have been made children of God, the trinity has not been expanded to include us. We are still mortals. We are sinners saved by grace. Thus, the glory that Jesus has given to us is not His eternal, intrinsic perfection.

Certainly, one day you and I will have a home in heaven. Because of the saving grace of God, we have a better place waiting for us. We refer to heaven as “glory,” but this is not what Jesus was referring to either. Heaven was not given to Jesus. It has been, and continues to be, His home. It is the abode of God. While this “glory” awaits us beyond the grave, that is not the “glory” Jesus is referring to John 17:22.

2 Peter 1:3-4 says, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” Notice that the promises of God were given, “that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature.”

God has made us partakers of the divine nature --- His glory. No, we are not divine. We still dwell in temporal bodies. We struggle with sinful flesh. Yet because of the saving grace of our Lord Jesus, we've been given a position in His family. We are His children. Hebrews 2:6 says that He “... hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” What a position we enjoy!

Furthermore, the Spirit has imparted to us fruit that mirrors the character of our Lord. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance.” (Galatians 5:22-23).

Additionally, we are being molded to be more and more like Jesus. Romans 8:29 states, “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” You see, our salvation was more than a deliverance from hell. It is a transformation of our lives by the power of God.

This glory was described by Paul in Colossians 1:27: “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Notice that the Bible refers to “the riches of the glory of this mystery.” Too bad that most believers are satisfied to enjoy only part of their salvation without entering in the massive storehouse of God's provision and bask in the riches of His glory.

When the King takes residence in our hearts, He brings His glory with Him. It is one thing to be pardoned by the King, it is even greater for Him to move within and abide there. Christ in us, the hope of glory. That is true glory. The ramifications of our salvation are so massive that it overwhelms the minds of those who focus on it. Too bad that we tend to be too busy to meditate on our great salvation and the God who provided it.

The Lord of glory dwells within the heart of every believer. His glory is made manifest within us so that we may dwell in harmony together, just as He and the Father dwell in harmony. We experience such glory here on earth. Yet how sweet it will be to finally see Him face to face and behold Him in all His glory and splendor. What a day that will be!

Glory!

Holy Harmony

HOLY HARMONY

“That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” - John 17:21

Music is a precious gift from our Creator. Music tends to soothe us when we are troubled. It can comfort us when we are grieving. Music can motivate us when we get discouraged. Although I am not a good singer, I appreciate those who are gifted in this area.

I am a fan of Southern Gospel Music. I love to hear voices in harmony. I even like some classical music, especially when a string ensemble brings a song to life. I thoroughly enjoy hearing musical harmony.

Here's a mistake many make about musical harmony. While they understand the main tune, they think that the others simply sing the notes they want to and somehow it blends. That is not the case. Providing harmony in a song requires that you sing the exact notes that blend with other singers each step of the way.

When it comes to the church, believers should be serving together in harmony. Each person has a specific role, yet his work blends with the differing effort of others. Harmony does not exist in a congregation if everyone is doing what they want to do. Instead, we are called to do God's will. When we follow the notes the Great Conductor has penned for us, true harmony will exist among believers.

That is what Jesus prayed for in John 17. As He neared the end of His prayer, He spoke of us when He prayed, “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” Jesus wants His followers to be as one. Not one in unison, but one in harmony. There are times in choral music that the singers will sing in unison, but most of the time, they sing in harmony. Together as one unit, they sing different notes, but the resulting harmony provides one glorious sound.

That is the way Christians should be. Each believer serves uniquely based on gifts, talents and abilities, yet serving together as one army.

A family may consist of people with diverse personalities and abilities. Yet they come together as one, each providing for the family. One may cook, another may clean, a third may take out the trash, others may contribute financially. Yet they are one family, working together in harmony.

We are part of a spiritual family. Certainly we should work together in a church family, but overall, we are part of the family of God. We are one family, serving one God.

The problem we are facing is that the devil has believers feuding from within. Rather than concentrating on areas of agreement, we prefer to debate about our disagreements. Often our disagreements are in minor areas, but we tend to amplify them into major issues.

The devil enjoys seeing believers bicker about differences. He loves to incite people into jealousy or anger. He wants every church to split, every family to separate and every marriage to dissolve. You see, the devil fears a united army of saints, but he also knows that a divided army is a powerless foe.

Yes, we can have denominational beliefs, but our primary concentration should be on the message of the Gospel. The Gospel changes lives. The devil doesn't mind us talking about minor preferences, but he will fight against a group of believers who are armed with the Word and seek to penetrate their community with the Gospel.

Together we stand. Divided we fall. It is a simple as that. The American church is weak today because we refuse to work together to win souls. We should be pursuing the advancement of the Lord's kingdom rather than our own. Our goal should be total obedience to His will rather than accomplishing our selfish dreams and ambitions.

Jesus prayed for us to be as one. He prayed for us to live and work in harmony. Our harmony should be as unified and strong as the unity between Jesus and the Father. Jesus wants us to be one, “... as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us.” As followers of Jesus, we should seek to live in harmony with each other, emulating the harmony of the Father and Son. Jesus prayed that this would be accomplished, “that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” In a world of turmoil, anger and resentment, Christian harmony exalts the Lord.

Yes, I love the sound of musical harmony. Yet the proper harmony of believers is something that is pleasing to the Lord. It only takes the sour notes of one person to ruin the harmonious sound of a quartet, choir or orchestra.

Don't be a sour-note Christian!

When Jesus Prayed For Us

WHEN JESUS PRAYED FOR US

“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.” - John 17:20

John chapter 17 is the longest recorded prayer of our Lord. In this precious chapter of God's Word, we find our Lord personally addressing His Father about matters that weighed heavily on our Savior's heart. Most of His intercession was for His disciples. Yet in verse 20, His focus widens to include us. In John 17:20, Jesus said, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.”

I am glad that our Lord saw beyond the immediate needs of His disciples. He realized that many would believe in Him through their testimony. Our Lord had invested greatly in the lives of His disciples. Now that Jesus was facing the cross, He knew that it would soon be time for them to minister on their own. The Holy Spirit would be sent to assist them in their ministry.

Yet the message of the Gospel went forth by these men. It spread throughout the local region and impacted many lives across a vast area. Over time, this message would be passed from generation to generation, nationality to nationality, person to person --- until now. Those of us who have experienced new life in Christ are expected to share this message with those around us so that generations to come with be transformed by the same Gospel.

Jesus didn't end His prayer by focusing only on His disciples. Instead, He said, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.” He prayed for those who would believe on Him through their word. That included the people who got saved in the first century church. It also includes those of us who have been saved in the twenty-first century church.

Just think about it. Before He even went to the cross, Jesus thought of us. Knowing that the Gospel would change lives for decades, even centuries later, He had every believer on His heart. He still does today.

There are certain people I pray for on a consistent basis. These individuals are on my mind. Some of them are family members. Others are members of my church. A few are old classmates from school. I intercede for some of my Facebook friends. When I pray, I take the needs of these individuals to the throne of grace. God hears and answers my feeble prayers.

I am glad when someone says that they are praying for me. I am not sure how many people pray for me. The Lord knows. Yet it is comforting to know that somewhere a precious saint is mentioning my name to the Father.

It is reassuring to know that Jesus prayed for me in John chapter 17. Yet it is even more thrilling to know that Jesus is praying for me right now. Romans 8:34 teaches us, “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” Right now, Jesus is at the right hand of God. He is talking with His Father on our behalf.

If you want a job with a company, it helps to know someone in the management of that company, who can put in a good word for you in the hiring process. Right now, we have Someone up on high who is putting in a word for us. While the world brags about “friends in low places,” we have a Friend in the highest of places. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, speaks on our behalf to the Father.

I was on His heart as He prayed in John chapter 17. I am still on His heart all these years later. I am thankful for the fact that Jesus prayed for me.

I am grateful that He is praying for me right now!

Transformed By Truth

TRANSFORMED BY TRUTH

“And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” - John 17:19

How does lasting change really occur? Many books have been written on this subject. There are people who tour the country, giving lectures about this topic. There are men and women who declare themselves experts about life-change. I've read some of these books and heard some of these lectures. Much of it falls in the realm of self-help or self-improvement. Occasionally, someone will say something worthwhile, but much of it is redressing of old stale ideas.

I am not expert on any subject, including this one. Yet I have found that there is a way for a person to undergo profound, lasting change. Eternal change occurs when a person is transformed by the Truth.

In John 8:32, Jesus said, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Many quote this verse without even knowing that they are quoting Jesus. Yet this verse is factual. When a person knows the truth, the truth makes them free. They are transformed by the Truth. Through faith in Christ, a person experiences internal change that reshapes his life and leads him on a different path.

Conversion is just the beginning of this change. When a person is born again, a new life begins. After regeneration, the work of sanctification begins. God continues to work in a man's life, making him more and more like Jesus.

When Jesus prayed to His Father in John 17, He said, "And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” Jesus was set apart to complete a mission for His Father. Jesus expected His disciples to be sanctified. Notice that this sanctification occurs, "... through the truth."

I began by asking the question, how does lasting change occur? The answer is plain. We are transformed by the truth. We are not embracing a fantasy or fiction. Instead, we experience life-change through the power of God's Word. In a previous verse in John 17, Jesus made this statement, "... thy word is truth."

Lives are impacted by the power of the Gospel. As a preacher takes God's Word and boldly proclaims the truth, that word pierces hearts, shatters strongholds of falsehood and brings light to areas of darkness.

We are living in a time when the truth is under assault. Spiritual forces have targeted the truth, trying to remove it from society. The devil has duped many into believing that there is no such thing as truth. Yet as God's Word is proclaimed, either publicly or personally, the truth still goes forth and changes lives.

I don't have the power to change lives. You don't either. While many try to use manipulation to get a response, God-called preachers still use the Bible to call men and women to repentance.

It seems old fashioned to use only one Book, week after week, to reach people. Yet that is our mandate. By the way, it still works, too. Yes, people can commit to something because of emotionalism or manipulation, but only God can radically change a person's heart. He has chosen His Word to do this. He still transforms lives by the Truth.

As believers, we know that we've been changed by the truth. Yet we are still being changed by the truth. That's why Bible reading, Bible study, sound Bible teaching and good preaching is important in our sanctification process.

If I am blessed to see the end of this year, I want to be a Christian at that point than I was back in January. I would want the year to come to be a growing process, also.

That's what the Lord desires for each of His children. He wants us to live holy lives. He expects us to be loving, compassionate and honest.

As I get older, I tend to resemble my parents, not just in appearance, but in my actions, too. Over time, shouldn't my character evolve to be more like my heavenly Father? That process is called sanctification. That is accomplished by the truth of God's Word.

We are being transformed by the truth.

Mission: Impossible

 MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE

“As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” - John 17:18

I am not a fan of modern television programs. I prefer the classic TV shows. Do you remember the TV series, “Mission: Impossible”? Young people know about the movie franchise, but some of us older folks recall the original TV series, starring Peter Graves.

Each episode of the old TV series, “Mission: Impossible,” began with the main character getting a tape recording. The recording gave a brief outline of a vital assignment. The episode proceeded with the cast trying to accomplish the mission they were given. In addition to the action-packed episodes, the theme music was among the most memorable TV theme songs of that era.

I'm glad I don't have a job in the field of espionage. Every day life is challenging enough at times. If you're like me, much of life seems to be rather mundane. Daily activities have become a ritual. For us, life does not consist of dangerous adventures. Paying the bills and meeting responsibilities can be enough for us to tackle.

Yet we have been given a mission. Although most of us are not called to go overseas and serve as foreign missionaries, we are called to fulfill a mission. We are missionaries to a fallen world. The world we once enjoyed and loved has become a place that seems very foreign to us. We are citizens of another country, assigned here on earth for a brief period. Although the specific task each believer is assigned may differ, we share common goals.

When Jesus prayed to His Father in John 17, He said, “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” Jesus came to earth on a mission to redeem lost men. He was sent by His Father on a mission of love. Now, His followers are being sent, “I have sent them into the world.”

Our mission is a formidable task. We are called to represent our Lord in this wicked world. Paul put it this way: “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20). This verse reveals two things: our mission and our message.

OUR MISSION

We are saved from this world and sent back into the world as ambassadors for Christ. An ambassador is a representative of his home country, sent to a foreign place. He is there to represent his homeland, offer assistance to other citizens who are in that foreign land, and convey messages from his homeland to that foreign country. That is our task as well. We are ambassadors for Jesus Christ. We have been saved for this task. We have been divinely appointed to this position. We are specifically sent to represent heaven and convey God's message. That is our mission.

OUR MESSAGE

Secondly, we learn about our message: “... as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.” We have a powerful message to convey daily. Because of sin, mankind has been separated from God. We do not possess the ability to get to God on our own. Our best efforts are sinfully tainted. It is impossible for a sinner to get right with God based on his own merits. Mankind is doomed for destruction because of sin.

Yet we have good news to bring to fallen mankind. Jesus Christ did for us what we could never do for ourselves. He was sent to earth on a rescue mission. He died on the cross, suffering the wrath that we deserved, so that we could be saved. His death purchased life for every person who believes. Mankind can be reconciled to God, but only through Jesus Christ.

As Ambassadors for Christ, we are on a mission. We have a message. Just as Jesus was sent on a rescue mission to save us, we are being sent to spread His message to dying souls. The very message they need the most is the message we should share.

Let me be very clear about something. We have a daunting task. Our mission is impossible. On our own, we will fail miserably. Although we are sent back into the world, it takes a miracle for our message to change lives. We need the Lord's help in all we do. Our work is impossible without the power of the Holy Spirit. We are dependent on the Lord to accomplish our mission. Our mission is impossible on our own. It is only possible as God works through our lives.

Time is fleeting. Souls are perishing. Workers are few.

Will you heed God's call to live on mission today?

Set Apart

SET APART

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” - John 17:17

Life can seem rather mundane at times. It doesn't matter how long you live or successful you become, we are responsible to accomplish certain routine tasks. These chores are continual duties that never seem to end. These regular chores include washing dishes, doing laundry and paying bills. These jobs never seem to end.

Another task that we must undertake on a regular basis is grocery shopping. It doesn't matter how tired you are the end of the day, you still need to go to the grocery store on occasions. Yet there is a lesson to be learned when you shop for groceries.

If you're like most people, you enter the store and get a shopping cart or basket to get your groceries. Then you go through the process of finding what you need. For instance, if you need tomatoes, you go to the produce department and look for the tomatoes you want. You look through the bin and choose the tomatoes that look best. Then you set aside the ones you want. You store them in a little plastic bag and put them in your shopping cart. Later, when you check out, you pay for the tomatoes. They are yours to use as you wish.

We often set aside items when we shop. Whether you are purchasing fruit or vegetables, you choose the items you want and set them aside to purchase them.

We have been set aside by the Lord. We belong to Him. We are set apart from unbelievers. Being set aside or set apart has a theological term called sanctification.

When Jesus prayed to the Father in John 17, He said, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” Jesus was referring to His disciples and us when He spoke these words. He prayed that His followers would be sanctified.

There are three types of sanctification for a believer. First of all, there is positional sanctification. I've already referred to it. The Lord has set us apart for Himself. We've been made children of God by His grace. We are set apart for the Lord. That is positional sanctification.

Secondly, there is practical sanctification. This is His ongoing work in our lives to make us more and more like Himself. We are being sanctified in holiness. He is the Potter and we are the clay. We are being molded into vessels of honor, trophies of His grace. Our sinful blemishes and broken pieces are among the issues He is addressing in this ongoing process.

Finally, there will be permanent sanctification. Ultimately, we will be set apart eternally. The Psalmist refers to this in the first psalm: “Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.”

So how does God accomplish this work of sanctification? In His prayer, Jesus gives us the answer: “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” The truth sets us apart. We are sanctified through the truth. It is no surprise the devil has targeted this area. In our world, “relative truth,” is the norm. “Relative truth,” teaches that what is true for me may not necessarily be true for you. According to the world, truth is highly subjective and probably doesn't even exist. This is a twisted lie of the devil. The devil has successfully deceived most people into doubting the Word of God. Just as he did with Eve in the Garden of Eden, the devil has people questioning God and His Word.

Yet there is truth. Jesus prayed, “thy word is truth.” While it is obvious that the Bible contains truth, it is more than that. The Word IS truth!

God uses His word to set people apart. It was His Word that convicted us and brought us to a saving faith in Christ. Our positional sanctification is due to His Word. His ongoing work to conform us to Christ is being accomplished as we read, study and apply His Word to our lives. Practical sanctification is being accomplished through His Word. Ultimately, our permanent sanctification will be due to His Word. He will return, as predicted by His Word. The Lord Jesus will come with a shout (1 Thessalonians 4:16). His Word has the power to raise the dead!

We have been set apart for the Lord. We belong to Him. He changed us by His Word at conversion. He is working in our lives, molding us into the people He wants us to be. He is changing us day by day by His Word. One day, He will come again and our bodies will be changed in an instant.

We are set apart by the Lord. We are set apart for the Lord!