It’s Friday, But Sunday’s Coming!

March 22, 2012

Bro Jerome Faith, God, Gospel, Grace, Life, Salvation Leave a comment

Years ago, a pastor named Tony Campolo penned and spoke the words that have become somewhat famous in the Christian preaching world around this time of year.  They are moving and express the incredible suffering of Jesus Christ.  But they are Hope-Filled because of the knowledge that although “Good” Friday happened in what could be seen as a dark day in history, it is filled and overcome with the light that Sunday came and the Jesus Christ is very much alive.  There is more than enough testimony and historical evidence that points to His resurrection than of Him being dead.

With that being said…Good Friday and Easter Sunday approach us.  I ask that you would read these lines with honesty and an open heart.  If you are skeptic, these words are to show you what Jesus did for the world including you and me.  If you are a believer that is struggling…know that dark days will come, but Jesus has the only hope, love, power, joy, peace, salvation, & life that overcomes.  There will be Friday’s…but Sunday’s coming.

“It’s Friday. Jesus is arrested in the garden where He was praying. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. The disciples are hiding and Peter’s denying that he knows the Lord. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. Jesus is standing before the high priest of Israel, silent as a lamb before the slaughter. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. Jesus is beaten, mocked, and spit upon. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. Those Roman soldiers are flogging our Lord with a leather scourge that has bits of bones and glass and metal, tearing at his flesh. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. The Son of man stands firm as they press the crown of thorns down into his brow. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. See Him walking to Calvary, the blood dripping from His body. See the cross crashing down on His back as He stumbles beneath the load. It’s Friday; but Sunday’s a coming.

It’s Friday. See those Roman soldiers driving the nails into the feet and hands of my Lord. Hear my Jesus cry, “Father, forgive them.” It’s Friday; but Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, bloody and dying. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. The sky grows dark, the earth begins to tremble, and He who knew no sin became sin for us. Holy God who will not abide with sin pours out His wrath on that perfect sacrificial lamb who cries out, “My God, My God. Why hast thou forsaken me?” What a horrible cry. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. And at the moment of Jesus’ death, the veil of the Temple that separates sinful man from Holy God was torn from the top to the bottom because Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, heaven is weeping and hell is partying. But that’s because it’s Friday, and they don’t know it, but Sunday’s a coming.”                                     -Tony Campolo

 

Mentors in My Life

February 29, 2012

Bro Jerome Faith, God, Grace, Life 2 Comments

“We make a living by what we get.  We make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

I have been extremely blessed by the mentors in my life.  From those that only said one encouraging word, to the pats on the the back, and the firm but loving correction when I needed it.  There is no doubt that I would not be where I am today except for the men and women that helped me find the person God was shaping me to be.  Looking into the past with my own eyes, I have seen those times that I often considered myself a lost cause.  I had no real grasp of what God could make of such a person as I.  But others, even though they may not have seen the whole picture, they saw the glimmer of hope and potential of the “not yet” and “the could be.”

Some of these men were pastors and professional ministers of sorts, but most were just God-loving folk that I called friends and respected.  They were older not just by age, but by a sense of spiritual maturity that only comes from following Jesus Christ.  I say that to say this.  Never discount the life of another and never discount what you can give to those lives.

Without mentors, our world would not be the same.  The world would not have looked the same had Jesus not poured into the lives of those around him.  The church would not have looked the same had Barnabas not given to the life of Saul (who was known later as Paul).  History would not look the same were it not for people making the choice to give to the lives of others.

Titus 2 speaks about this mentoring that is desired to happen between the generations of believers.  And it is a beautiful picture of how generations pass on to the next the treasures of life’s wisdom.  You don’t have to be a professional pastor, teacher, or minister…but you have to be willing to give to the life of another person.

If you are a person that seeks to be a mentor or are seeking a mentor… Here are some qualities that were passed on for me to learn.  These qualities help give to others so they can follow Jesus more as a disciple.

1)  A person that is a believer that is following the Spirit of God

2) A person who knows the realities and struggles of life and prayer.

3) A person who seeks the truth from the Scriptures.

4) A person that has discernment and vision for life.

5) A person that allows the Holy Spirit to have His way.

“Greater Love has no man than this, that he would lay down his life for his friends.” Jesus Christ (John 15:13)

Never discount the life of another and never discount what you can give to those lives.

Noble Life?

January 5, 2012

Bro Jerome Faith, God, Grace, Life 1 Comment

no·ble [noh-buhl] adjective, -bler, -blest,noun

1. distinguished by rank or title.
2. pertaining to persons so distinguished.
3. of, belonging to, or constituting a hereditary class that hasspecial social or political status in a country or state; of orpertaining to the aristocracy.
4. of an exalted moral or mental character or excellence; lofty: a noble thought.
5. admirable in dignity of conception, manner of expression, execution, or composition: a noble poem.
This is how the word “Noble” reads straight out of dictionary.com and as I was reading in the Scriptures from the Book of Isaiah, I found this in 32:8…
“But the noble man devises noble plans; And by noble plans he stands.”

I’ve thought about this identity of “being noble.”  I wanted to picture it (without the Baroque Period suit of metal armor).  In the way I live my life, am I able to stand on my plans and choices.  How do I achieve this noble title?

The Apostle Paul would write to the church of Philippi while we was surrounded by prison walls and in chains about his ability to stand with honor come what may.  In the same letter known as the Epistle to The Phillipians 1:21 we have his famous words “To Live Is Christ And To Die Is Gain.”  He would write to the believers about having joy in the midst of what would be seen as suffering.  He would describe finding contentment and the ability to endure no matter what by “Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13).  He would also challenge disciples of Christ to journey in their faith as he was, “forgetting what is behind…reaching for the prize.” (Philippians 3:12-16).

If there was just any one person that endured and earned the title of Noble Life as a disciple of Jesus Christ (and there were many more than one), it would have been the converted persecutor of Christians, Paul.  His life, with even all of it’s hiccups, show signs of choosing and striving to give Jesus all glory.  His writing is overflowing with his realization and embrace of God’s grace.

But like all of us…he had to make a choice in response to the grace of Jesus.  For salvation, for life, and for eternity…what will we do with this amazing grace of Jesus?

It should not be a choice made on a whim, but made through love.  Following Jesus is meant to be not a chore, but a desire.

Paul’s advice to the believers in Philippi as they knew of his imprisonment was this…

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received 

 

or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”  (Philippians 4:8-9 [NIV])

 

The same teaching has been kept in the Scriptures not as a secret to success, but as a command to live, follow, and stand with Nobility on the Truth of Jesus Christ.

#FollowJesus  #RockTruth  #LeadWell

 

Where Hope Is Found…

December 30, 2011

Bro Jerome Faith, God, Gospel, Grace, Life, Salvation Leave a comment

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.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

-Ephesians 2: 8-10

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

-2 Timothy 3:16-17

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

-Romans 12:1-2

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen…And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

-Hebrews 11:1,6

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.

-John 13:34-35

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

-Matthew 5:6

As we think about the new year and what hope God has in store for those that are His, I am reminded that it is not about the plans of man…but His.  In me is the desire to know and do the good that God desires, but I cannot do that without listening to the power and authority of His Word.  I want to be a person that accomplishes great things for God and these Scriptures are a reminder of His promises as well as my need for obedience.

My confession is this…I want many things as much as the next person…but does what I want, match up to what Jesus desires for me?  Does it match up to following Him? Does that way that I live show that I love Him, with all my heart, all my soul, all my mind, and all my strength?

This is not the cheerest of messages, but there is so much hope in the Scriptures…and that is what we all are seeking in the New Year…Hope.  Let us find it in Christ and His word…and follow.

Pastor Jerome

With Great Power…

December 9, 2011

Bro Jerome Life, Random 1 Comment

…comes great responsibility.  We all have heard the famous quote from Spiderman.  (No, I am not licensed to use the 2002 movie in my post.)  And of course we essentially believe if you are endowed with special powers, there comes a responsibility.  I know that if I had supernatural abilities (which I do…shhh, don’t tell my secret), I would need to use them for good.

We also see this in other areas.  If you are the first one at a red light…you must be responsible to watch for the light at the proper change or make that right turn when it is available.  If you have the special seats (with more leg room) on the planes at the emergency exit…you must know you have responsibility to handle those seats with the care they deserve.

Today, I recently discovered a new-found position of power and responsibility in the church.  There are many we could talk about…but this isn’t about the pastoral role of leadership and teaching the Word of God in a correct way (2 Timothy 2:15).  This isn’t about the Worship Leader making sure that the music chosen not only is relational but theological (and done with excellence).  This isn’t even about the nursery workers that care for our little ones.

No, my friends.  With great power comes great responsibility and there are holders of a power.  Here is it…the person with the Klennex tissue box under their seats.  This parishioners are not spying on you to see if you are nodding off during the sermon.  They are carefully inspecting the watery eyes to see if you need this extra help of two ply softness during an emotional encounter with God.  So do not look oddly at them.  Give them the honor of maintaining responsibility with their powerful seats.  Maybe…even a t-shirt or special name tag (lanyard?).

Thank you Mr. or Mrs. Tissue Box. 

Your contributions are not forgotten.

No parade or balloon animals…

December 2, 2011

Bro Jerome Faith, God, Gospel, Grace, Life, Salvation Leave a comment

“Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”  – Luke 2:10 [NASB]

Recently, Melinda and I celebrated our little girls’ birthdays.  We had lovely cakes (my wife is a baking genius), balloons, candy, nicely wrapped presents, those little noise makers with the paper rollout thingies (technical name, I’m sure), and a guy making balloon animals (that’s me).  There were lots of children there and it was a great time of celebration for our family and friends.  I would even venture to say that is wasn’t an “overdone” party…but, it does bring surprising humility to another familiar story.

There was no labor and delivery suite with a fancy bed or OB/GYN to make sure things go smoothly.  There were no special balloons (I know…a pre-balloon era) or flowers with cute blue rattles.  And yet, that night was no less a celebration of the Immanuel (“God with Us”).  Jesus, born in the poorest of conditions and bringing us the richest of gifts…Himself.  Who were the attendees?  They weren’t close friends, but strange neighbors…people that Joseph and Mary didn’t even know their names before.  The invitations to this amazing event were not with a parade, or singing telegram, or on fancy paper…

They were angels…holy, mighty beings that scared the lowly shepherds.  There invitation was the greatest news of joy for them and for all.  As we ponder this season…the surprising humility of it and the extraordinary display of God’s love… I leave you with the same message….

“Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace & goodwill toward men.”

Thankfulness More Than Once A Year

November 3, 2011

Bro Jerome Faith, God, Grace, Life Leave a comment

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

-Hebrews 4:14-16 [NASB]

 

Do you ever struggle with guilt and shame?  What about worry and stress?  How about lack of joy and hope?  Is there a lack of compassion and grace in your life?  I know that is not a way someone would usually start a post in the month of November when there should be talk of thanksgiving.

Recently, I’ve come to the conclusion that in my life, I only really start trying to be thankful one time a year?  Why is that a difficult virtue for me to apply throughout the year ?  Why do I find myself being disobedient to the command, “in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)?

I believe it comes from the really allowing the truth of Christ’s identity to sink in, as well as His desire for intimacy with us.  In the full context of Scripture, Jesus as God Himself, comprises 3 specific roles.

 

1) Prophet—the mouthpiece of God (John 1:1)

2) Priest—the mediator & atonement maker of God (John 19:30)

3) King —Sovereign authority of God (Revelation 19:16)

 

In all these we find hope, according to Hebrews 4, the hope we find is that Jesus knows us, understands us, and still chooses to accept us.  Imagine that!  Scratch that…Reality that!  Jesus offers the only path for true forgiveness, hope, restoration, grace, promise…LIFE!  That is what I find simply and powerfully amazing and worthy of a life that shows thankfulness.

 

Reckless Abandonment

October 15, 2011

Bro Jerome Faith, God, Gospel, Grace, Life, Salvation Leave a comment

“I am Yours, save me... “ Psalm 119:94a [NASB]

I find myself many days trying to swim against the currents.  I always am trying to get what I want,  where I want to be, & how I want to do it.  One thing I need to realize is… I don’t own me.

God made me.
I acted like God didn’t make me & like I was king of this castle.   I was rebellious.  I was a sinner.

God has His Standard… The Law.
I acted like my standards were good enough… I wager that I’m not the only one who has thought this.  I was a sinner.

God has His Price For Sin… Death & Wrath.
I acted as though these could be hidden,  manipulated, and avoidable in my own timing.  I was a sinner.

God has His Plan For Salvation… JESUS CHRIST.
When I finally realized in the midst of my struggling swimming that I was about to drown, the clarity of this rescue became much more breathtaking.  God on the cross to pay the penalty of my sins.  God rising from the dead to prove His victory over death. I was a sinner… in need of saving.

God allows me to Choose to accept His Grace through Faith.
I was a sinner… But now I am His… He saved me.

I am not worthy of this grace. I still struggle with sin and continue act as though I am my own… But reminders from the Scriptures powerfully make me face the fact that I am not.

Praise God for Your truth, grace, and love. Jesus, help me abandon myself to You.  It much look like reckless foolishness in the eyes of the world, but I want to look like a disciple in your eyes.

Admitting Your Own Idiocy

September 13, 2011

Bro Jerome Faith, God, Grace, Life Leave a comment

I admit it…sometimes I’m an idiot.

Scratch that…sometimes I do really idiotic things.  I really believe that when God created us, He saw that which was very good.  Just like someone is not “born this way,” I wasn’t a born idiot.  But I admit, that there are times I can choosing to be idiotic.

When I look at the words of Jesus in the Scripture  it makes my realize that I make idiotic choices more frequently than I would like to admit.  This particularly happens when I read Matthew 7:24-27 which says this…

     ”Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.  And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.  And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

Wow!  That smarts!

Here’s why I can admit that I make idiotic choices & why I need Jesus so desperately.

  • To be wise means to know the words of God and to act on them as prescribed.
  • To be unwise means to know the words of God and not act on them.
  • I like to think that I do the first and am wise.
  • In honesty I do unwise things which is the equivalent of foolish.
I also have another problem… I don’t forgive other people that I think make idiotic choices very well.  For example…the bad choices some drivers make.  I may have a slight problem with road rage.
Here’s the remedy I need…
  • I need to be reminded daily of God’s word so that I can have my view corrected (2 Timothy 3:16)
  • I need to be reminded daily in my prayers of what I need to live by God’s plans. (Example of this type of prayer Matthew 6:9-13)
  • I need to be reminded daily in accountability with other believers, thus one great gift from the church…encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25)
  • I need to be reminded my call is to live in love for God and for people (Matthew 22:36-40)
  • I need to be reminded my call is to share the same love and forgiveness that I have received from Christ.  (Ephesians 2:8-10 / Matthew 28:18-20)
By following some of these guidelines, I will not be able to idiot proof my life… but I will be much closer in following Jesus.  By following Jesus and His words my life has freedom and wisdom.
     ”Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ”If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
-John 8:31-32
Know The Truth.  Follow Jesus.  Live Free.  Grace For Idiots Like Me.

Grace Defined

September 13, 2011

Bro Jerome Faith, God, Gospel, Grace, Life, Salvation 1 Comment

Grace is a Gift and there is no denying it.  The greek word for grace  χαρις (charis) is also translated as gift.

There is something amazing about the word “Grace” because it is not just about being some churchy word.  It is because of the gift that Grace is.  A HUGE gift that is life changing and available to all.  I’ll explain a little later.  Without Grace, without this gift…we have no chance!  We are truly desperate without it.  I love grace and I’m absolutely dumbfounded by it.

Here’s why…

Grace shows us so much about the character of God and the state of man. It teaches us about the unprecedented, undeniable, unimaginable love of the Holy God to fallen man.  It is very specific because it is a specific gift.  How do we get it?  Why do we get it?  Why do we need it?  Why is this gift so amazing?

Let’s start it out like this.

God’s Character is Unique.

  • God existed long before anything else.  He is the Origin of all things.  Because He is the Origin of all things He has the authority on all things.  (Revelation 22:13)
  • God is the Creator of all things.  As Creator He expresses Himself in a very artistic manner.  Everything He has made displays His purposes, His attention to details, and His love for His creation.  God makes nothing without a plan. (Genesis 1:1; 1:26-27; 1:31)
  • God loves mankind with a unique relationship.  He created mankind in His image giving us not only authority, but choice.  God walked with mankind in the garden before there was sin. He gives man knowledge of His maker.  He gives man a mission to work at.  He gives man a mate to share life with.  God is a giver of love.  In His holiness, He has the supreme characteristic of love  (Genesis 2)
  • God’s love is for all persons He has created in His image.
  • He passionately desires that you (all) have an unbroken personal relationship with Him.
  • See also John 3:16; Ephesians 2:4-5
Our Sin Is A HUGE Problem…
  • Adam & Eve were created in innocence with the freedom of choice.  In their temptation, they chose to disobey the command of God and committed sin.  This sinful act brought the sinful nature into all mankind after them.  (Genesis 3)
  • All persons are now sinners in that they disobey God.  This Sin is choosing to go your own way and do your own thing as opposed to being obedient to God.
  • Now, sin forms a barrier that prevents you from entering into an unbroken personal relationship with God, who is holy.
  • Sin makes us an unholy person (people).  No unholy person can have a true connection with God.
  • In our broken relationship, people are on path to a Christ-less eternity that the Bible calls death and hell.
  • See Also Isaiah 53:6; 59:2; Romans 3:10; 23
The Illusion of the Good Enough
  • Adam & Eve tried to be good enough and disguise their nakedness.  They couldn’t hide their sin (Genesis 3)
  • Cain tried to please God, but still hated his brother Abel.  He chose to kill him.  He couldn’t hide his sin from God.  (Genesis 4)
  • Moving forward we see the problems of mankind.  We even see the flaws and sinfulness of heroes like Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, & Joseph.  They could not hide their sins from God or others.
  • Moses tried to hide his sinful act of murder from the eyes of man.  Even that attempt failed.  (Exodus 2)
  • David tried to hide his sinfulness from a kingdom.  It failed.  (2 Samuel)
  • The point is that all of our attempts to overcome our personal sin fail.  None of us wake up one day and just determine that we want to be sinful.  We make choices to act on temptations and slowly fade into deeper acts of depravity.
  • All sin is sin.  The little sins are sins as much as the big sins.
  • People often think that through their efforts they can overcome the sin barrier between themselves and God (or their worldview of good).  That isn’t true.
  • There’s nothing you can do to restore the broken relationship with God.
  • No matter how much we put our will to do good into great efforts, You can’t earn God’s salvation or heaven.
  • Our sins have a debt that we are enslaved to.  This debt is death.  We become bonded to this future ahead without hope.
  • See also Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; Romans 4:4-5
There Is No One Good But God
  • Jesus Himself, told the rich young ruler, there is no one good except God.  This gives us a good place to start from.
  • Remember, God is Holy.  He is unique.  Because of His holiness, anything unholy cannot survive in front of God.  This is His wrath upon sin.
  • Jesus, is God in the flesh (John 1:14) and is equivalent to God.  He is God. (John 10:30)
  • Jesus came to take the wrath for sin upon Himself so that we would not have to face this penalty if we choose to receive the gift of His grace. (Romans 3:23, 2 Corinthians 5:21)
  • Jesus took the punishment and death of the cross so that we would know the fullness of His love as God, and have the ability to accept His grace.  (Romans 5:8,  6:23, 10:9-13)
  • Jesus‘ death on the cross removed the sin barrier between God and man.
  • Jesus died for our sins, taking upon Himself the punishment that we deserved.
  • Jesus did for us what we couldn’t do for ourselves.
  • See also 1 Peter 2:23; John 3:16
The Gift Is HUGE Because It Is AVAIlABLE For EVERYONE
  • Sin was imputed to all mankind from the one sinful act of one man.
  • Grace was made available, because of the acts of Jesus (God) on the cross.  This is for all who would receive the grace of Christ through the choice of faith.  (Romans 5:12-21)
  • This choice of authentic faith is trusting in what Jesus has done for us on the cross rather than trusting our own efforts.  There is no other answer for the gift of grace, heaven, or eternal life other than this.
  • This choice of authentic faith is a relationship with God.  It involves making Jesus the permanent leader of your life.
  • This choice of authentic faith leads us to repentance or genuine sorrow for our personal sins and willingness to turn away from those sins by the guidance of Jesus Christ as our King.
  • See also John 14:6; Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9-10
Grace Is The Gift For Today & Forever
  • Jesus spoke that He came to give life to abundance or to the fullest. (John 10:10b)
  • The life of a follower of Christ does not start or become effective or become real just in the result of death and meeting heaven.
  • The life of a follower of Jesus is a life impacted by the gift of grace. (1 Corinthians 15:10)
  • This life is accomplished by:
  1. Living A Life Of Love & Worship (Matthew 22:36-37)
  2. Growth In Wisdom & Following of Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
  3. Intimacy In Your Relationship With God in Prayer (Philippians 4:4-7; John 15; John 17)
  4. Connection With The Body Of Christ In God’s Church (1 Corinthians 12-14)
  5. Sharing the gift of Grace with others who have not heard or received it (Romans 1:16, 10:12-15)
My prayer is that you would know and have this amazing gift of Grace for yourself.  My prayer is that as a follower of Christ, you will desire to share the gift of grace you have received.  The choice is left to us in God’s freedom that He gave us.
Grace is a Gift and there is no denying it.

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